Llico, Fishing village in Arauco, Chile

Llico is a fishing caleta on the Gulf of Arauco, 32 km from the city of Arauco, with about 600 inhabitants. It sits among other coastal settlements of the commune such as Tubul and Punta Lavapie. Its shoreline holds simple houses, fishing installations and several restaurants serving fish and shellfish.

Founded in the 18th century as San Blas de Llico, the settlement grew from a Mapuche village with ties to farming and artisanal fishing. The May 1960 tsunami destroyed almost the entire town; the 27 February 2010 earthquake and tsunami damaged about half of it. In both events residents fled to nearby hills, and in 2010 only one elderly person died.

The name comes from the Mapuche language and means water exit, reflecting the indigenous roots of this fishing community in central-southern Chile. Local residents continue to practice traditional fishing methods passed down through generations.

Los Alces buses connect the village regularly to Arauco and Concepción, making it accessible to visitors. The best time to visit is during fishing season when activity is highest and you can experience daily life most vividly.

The marine processing room at the Liceo Técnico Marino Filidor Gaete was equipped with funds from the Club de Chilenos in Dallas, with a commercial container lent by Banco BCI through Fundación Desafío Levantemos Chile. The school also restored its marine cultures after the 2010 tsunami with help from Desafío Levantemos Chile, the Municipality of Arauco and the Rotary Club Concepción.