Cáhuil is a Chilean village located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of Pichilemu, in the outfall of Nilahue Lake, in the O'Higgins Region. Cáhuil means "seagull's place" in Mapudungun language. The economy is based on the production of coastal salt, oysters, and choros. Cáhuil Lagoon is a place suitable for fishing, swimming, and boat travel.
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The production of salt is a very old practise in the area. It is known that the indigenous people extracted salt in a very rudimentary way. Production has increased using modern methods. As of 1978, more than a 60% of the population of Cáhuil lives on the proceeds of salt production, in production not related to industrial enterprises.
To promote tourism in Cáhuil, the Municipality of Pichilemu created the "Salt Route", that takes the tourists to places where salt is produced. This tour starts in Pichilemu and includes Cáhuil, Barrancas, La Villa, El Bronce, La Palmilla, and La Plaza. Along the route are two rural ranches, "Oro Blanco" and "El Bronce".
At least 46 birds species are found in the Cáhuil zone, many of them in danger of extinction. Some of them are the Coscoroba Swan, Brown-hooded Gull, and White-necked Heron. The area hosts at least seven silvester duck species.
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