Autódromo Internacional de Codegua
Location
Codegua, O'Higgins Region, Chile
Current Local Time
Track Info
Autódromo Internacional de Codegua - Codegua, O'Higgins Region, Chile
Modern permanent circuit south of Santiago - anti-clockwise - technical, versatile and surrounded by dramatic views of the Andes
When was the track built?
The idea behind Codegua emerged in the late 2000s when four Chilean motorsport enthusiasts set out to create a modern permanent circuit within easy reach of Santiago. Construction of the full complex accelerated from 2012.
The project was ambitious for Chile. It included a wide racing surface, large pit and paddock areas, grandstands, a multi-storey control tower and numerous connecting roads that allow the venue to create different circuit configurations.
When was its first race?
Competitive activity began during 2014 as the first completed sections of the circuit became available. The full international layout was officially inaugurated on 9 November 2014 with one of the biggest race meetings held in Chile for many years.
Argentina's Súper TC2000 headlined the weekend. Agustín Canapino won the main race in a Peugeot 408, while Manuel Mallo dominated the supporting Formula Renault 2.0 races.
What's the circuit like?
- Technical: Codegua contains several linked corners where positioning matters. A poor entry into one bend can compromise the next corner as well.
- Wide racing surface: Much of the track is around 13 metres wide, giving drivers room to choose different lines and attempt overtakes.
- Many configurations: Connecting roads allow organisers to create numerous shorter layouts, meaning lap times from different Codegua events can vary dramatically.
The full circuit also has a long main straight and around 20 metres of elevation change. The surrounding mountains make the venue visually distinctive even though the changes in height on the track itself are relatively modest.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Formula Renault 2.0 qualifying: 1:50.962 - Manuel Mallo, 2014 - international opening weekend.
- Súper TC2000 qualifying: 1:53.891 - Leonel Pernía, Renault Fluence, 2014.
- Súper TC2000 race benchmark: 1:54.403 - Esteban Guerrieri, Toyota Corolla, 2014.
- Carrera Cup qualifying: 1:52.473 - Carlos Ruiz, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 2023 - longest C5 configuration.
- Fórmula CODASUR qualifying: 0:58.843 - Martín Scuncio, 2019 - shorter circuit configuration.
Codegua has many possible layouts. The very short Fórmula CODASUR time was recorded on a shorter configuration and cannot be compared with laps of the full circuit. Period sources also described the 2014 international layout as 4.600 km, while current FIM documentation measures the circuit at 4.388 km.
Why was Codegua built to an international standard?
The aim was to give Chile a circuit capable of attracting major international championships. Motorcycle racing influenced the design from an early stage, and FIM safety representatives advised on several parts of the proposed layout.
Plans were later announced for World Superbike and potentially MotoGP to visit Chile, but neither championship ultimately raced at Codegua. The 2014 Súper TC2000 meeting therefore remains one of the circuit's most important international events.
What's the circuit used for today?
Codegua remains an active motorsport venue. Carrera Cup Chile regularly races there with Porsche GT3 and GT4 machinery, while motorcycle championships, Time Attack events, national racing categories and track days also use the complex.
Its flexibility is particularly useful for club racing because shorter sections can be used without requiring competitors to run the complete international circuit.
Why go?
Codegua combines modern facilities with one of the most impressive settings in Chilean motorsport. The Andes dominate the background, while the variety of layouts means visitors can see everything from lightweight formula cars and motorcycles to Porsche racing cars.
It is also relatively close to Santiago, sitting around 70 km south of the capital and just north of Rancagua.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight: Best for starts, finishes, pit activity and watching cars accelerate before the opening braking zone.
- Turn 1 area: Where spectator access allows, this gives a good view of cars arriving quickly from the wide main straight.
- Technical middle section: A useful place to see differences in braking, racing lines and how quickly drivers can change direction through linked corners.
Codegua frequently uses different circuit configurations, so the best spectator position can change significantly between events. Check the event map and circuit signage on the day.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Autódromo Internacional de Codegua (Chile)
Codegua is around 70 km south of Santiago and about 20 km northeast of Rancagua. Driving is the easiest option, but visitors without a car can travel towards San Francisco de Mostazal or Rancagua and complete the journey by taxi.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Autódromo Internacional de Codegua. The circuit is close to Chile's main north-south motorway, so the journey from Santiago is straightforward once you leave the city.
If you do not want to hire a car, travelling towards San Francisco de Mostazal and completing the final journey by taxi is usually the simplest public-transport combination.
Tip: Save “Autódromo Internacional de Codegua” in your navigation app before leaving. The venue is outside Codegua's main built-up area.
Driving & parking
- From Santiago: travel south on Ruta 5 towards Rancagua.
- Codegua exit: event organisers commonly direct visitors to the Codegua exit around km 69.
- Final approach: continue towards La Estancilla and follow signs for the circuit.
- From Rancagua: travel north towards Codegua and follow navigation to La Estancilla.
- Parking: parking arrangements depend on the event, so check whether your ticket includes parking or whether it must be purchased separately.
For large events, follow temporary signs and staff directions rather than relying only on the route shown by your navigation app.
Bus & train
There is no direct train or regular city bus to the circuit entrance, but public transport can cover most of the journey from Santiago.
- Bus from Santiago: travel from Terminal Sur towards San Francisco de Mostazal and continue to the circuit by taxi.
- Train option: trains from Santiago's Estación Central serve San Francisco, where you can change to a taxi.
- Via Rancagua: travelling to Rancagua first is another option, particularly if you are staying there overnight.
- Final transfer: pre-arranging a taxi is recommended because the circuit is outside the main public transport network.
Check your return connection before entering the circuit, especially if your event finishes late in the afternoon.
Taxi & private transfers
- From San Francisco de Mostazal: a taxi provides a convenient final connection after arriving by bus or train.
- From Rancagua: the relatively short distance makes a taxi or private transfer practical.
- From Santiago: a direct private transfer can be useful for groups who do not want to hire a car.
- Going home: arrange your return pickup beforehand rather than expecting taxis to be waiting outside the circuit.
Santiago airport
- Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL): the main airport for international visitors.
- Airport → circuit: hiring a car or arranging a private transfer is the simplest direct option.
- Via Santiago: alternatively, travel into Santiago and continue south by bus or train.
- Allow extra time: airport and Santiago traffic can make the journey significantly longer during busy periods.
Where to stay
- Rancagua: the most practical nearby city, with a good choice of hotels, restaurants and shops.
- Santiago: offers far more accommodation but requires around an hour of travel each way in clear conditions.
- Codegua and Mostazal: useful if you want to stay closer to the circuit, although accommodation choices are more limited.
Event-day tips
- Check the event details: Codegua hosts track days, drift, drag and other events with different admission and parking arrangements.
- Leave early: most spectators arrive by road, so queues can build close to the entrance.
- Bring sun protection: much of the venue is outdoors and exposed during daytime events.
- Bring water: it is worth arriving prepared rather than depending entirely on event food and drink facilities.
- Plan your return: this is particularly important if you are relying on a taxi or public transport.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at Autódromo Internacional de Codegua, contact the event organiser before travelling. Entrances, parking areas and spectator access can differ depending on the event.
Bus and train times, parking arrangements, entrances and event access can change. Check the official Autódromo Internacional de Codegua and your event organiser's information shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Autódromo Internacional de Codegua (O’Higgins, Chile)
Autódromo Internacional de Codegua sits in Chile’s Cachapoal Valley, between Santiago and Rancagua with the Andes rising behind the circuit. Whether you’re visiting for Carrera Cup, time attack, track days or another motorsport event, nearby museums, wineries, mountain reserves and Chilean history make it easy to build a longer trip around the racing.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Chile Safari Park: Near Rancagua, this large animal park has drive-through and walking areas with wildlife and family attractions. Check current activities before travelling.
- Plaza de los Héroes: Rancagua’s central square is surrounded by the cathedral, pedestrian streets and historic buildings, making it an easy first stop for visitors new to the city.
- Museo Regional de Rancagua: Explore restored colonial-era houses and displays explaining everyday life and regional history in a manageable museum that does not require an entire day.
Culture & history stops
- Battle of Rancagua route: Follow historic sites around the centre connected with the important 1814 battle during Chile’s struggle for independence.
- Iglesia de La Merced: This historic church beside central Rancagua played a memorable role during the battle and forms part of the city’s heritage route.
- Doñihue: Visit a traditional town known for handwoven chamantos - elaborate garments closely connected with Chile’s huaso or countryside culture.
Eat & drink like a local
- Empanadas de pino: These baked pastries filled with seasoned beef, onion, egg and olives are an easy introduction to traditional Chilean food.
- Pastel de choclo: A hearty baked dish of sweet corn covering a savoury meat filling - ideal after a long day at the circuit.
- Cachapoal wine: Vineyards surround Codegua and the wider valley. Adults can book tastings and cellar tours rather than driving between wineries without a plan.
Get outdoors around the Andes
- Río de los Cipreses National Reserve: Head into the Andes near Machalí for mountain scenery, native wildlife and walking trails ranging from short easy routes to longer hikes.
- Machalí foothills: The roads east of Rancagua climb towards increasingly rugged Andean landscapes and make a scenic contrast to the agricultural valley around Codegua.
- Cachapoal Valley: Vineyards, orchards and mountain views make the countryside itself worth exploring if you only have a few hours away from the racetrack.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Sewell Mining Town: Take a guided excursion into the Andes to this UNESCO-listed former copper-mining settlement, known as the “City of Stairs”. Access is controlled, so book an authorised tour.
- Cachapoal Wine Route: Spend half a day visiting wineries around Codegua, Rancagua, Requínoa and surrounding communities. Reservations are recommended for tastings.
- Santiago: Chile’s capital is close enough to add before or after a race weekend, with museums, markets, neighbourhoods and mountain viewpoints deserving their own sightseeing day.
Good to know on event weekends
- The circuit is active in 2026: Carrera Cup Chile has several Codegua dates on the current calendar, while time-attack and track-day events also use the venue.
- Check which layout is running: Codegua can be divided into different configurations, so spectator areas and the part of the circuit in use can vary.
- Confirm access before arriving: A championship weekend, private booking and public track day can have very different ticketing and spectator arrangements.
- Prepare for strong sun: The valley can become hot and exposed during warmer months, while winter brings cooler and wetter weather. Water, sunscreen and an extra layer are useful.
Race schedules, circuit configurations, spectator access, winery tours and mountain-reserve conditions can change - check current information before you travel.