The TVN program "Chile Conectado" aired a special episode titled "Los encantos de Combarbalá" to showcase the traditions of a small Chilean town [1].
This broadcast serves as a promotional effort to boost regional tourism and preserve the cultural identity of the Coquimbo region. By highlighting hidden corners of the town, the program aims to attract visitors to the local economy and celebrate indigenous heritage.
Hosts María Luisa Godoy and Simón Oliveros led the exploration of Combarbalá, focusing on the secrets and traditions that define the community [2]. The episode detailed the town's unique natural landscape and its specific local gastronomy, which is often rooted in the produce of the region's orchards [3].
The production emphasized the role of artisanal work in the area. Viewers were introduced to the local craftsmen and the specific techniques used in the town's traditional stone and craft industries [3]. These elements are central to the town's identity and provide a primary draw for cultural tourism in the Región de Coquimbo [2].
The episode was broadcast on Sunday, March 8, 2026 [1]. The program began at 15:30 local time [1]. The timing of the broadcast aligned with the launch of the new season of "Chile Conectado," which seeks to connect urban viewers with the diverse rural landscapes of the country [1].
Throughout the episode, the hosts interacted with residents to reveal the hidden corners of the town. This approach intended to provide a more authentic view of Combarbalá than standard travel brochures, focusing on the lived experience of the people, and the authenticity of their culinary traditions [2, 3].
“The program aims to boost regional tourism and preserve the cultural identity of the Coquimbo region.”
The use of national television to spotlight remote municipalities like Combarbalá reflects a broader trend in Chile to decentralize tourism. By shifting focus from major hubs to the Región de Coquimbo's interior, the government and media outlets can stimulate economic growth in rural areas through cultural preservation and the promotion of artisanal industries.
