Entierro ghosts

A white mule or horse one of the most common ghosts related to los entierros.

For context; In Chilean folklore, entierros (literally “burials” or “buried things”) are legendary hidden treasures said to be buried in remote or secret locations, often tied to dramatic or mysterious historical events. These treasures were allegedly hidden for various reasons—protection during conflict, secret wealth preservation, or religious persecution. The identity of those who buried them varies: some legends speak of Mapuche or other indigenous groups hiding sacred objects; others involve pirates and privateers, like the infamous Francis Drake; and many tales point to the Jesuits, who are often rumored to have hidden gold and relics before being expelled from Spanish colonies in the 18th century.

A large portion of these stories is linked to the Spanish colonization of Chile in the 16th century, though some claim even earlier origins. Over time, a wide body of rituals and supernatural beliefs has developed around how one might unearth an entierro—and the dangers involved in doing so. Certain elements in nature and folklore are believed to either lead seekers to an entierro or protect it from being found:

• The Alicanto: This is a mythical nocturnal bird with metallic feathers that glow in the dark. It’s said to feed on gold and silver, and sometimes inadvertently reveals the location of buried treasure by flying toward it. However, if the Alicanto becomes aware it’s being followed, it may vanish or lead the seeker to danger.
• Patagua Trees: These trees are believed by some to mark or indicate the presence of an entierro. They may either grow near treasure or act as spiritual beacons connected to it.

The spirits guarding an entierro are often described as familiares—ghosts or spectral entities bound to the treasure. These are usually animal-shaped spirits, which are not random but thought to reflect the original owner’s soul or intent:

• Dogs, especially large white or black ones, are a common form. They're sometimes silent and still, watching from a distance, or aggressively protective.
• Horses and mules often appear near old colonial roads or ruins, particularly if the treasure was said to have been transported by such animals.
• Cats, tordos (thrushes), jotes (black vultures), and even parrots appear in various tales.
• Snakes are also said to coil around treasure sites as protectors.
• Mysterious lights, known as "Am", flicker in the darkness—often taken as a sign of a buried entierro. These lights might be floating orbs, burning without smoke, or strange glows in unlikely places.

In rare and especially feared cases, entierros are protected by human ghosts—not just any ghost, but the restless, sometimes malevolent spirit of the person who hid the treasure. These are said to be the most dangerous protectors, capable of causing illness, madness, or death to those who try to claim what isn’t theirs.

El Tesoro de la Laguna de los Pincheira

This treasure is believed to be hidden in a remote lagoon associated with the infamous Pincheira brothers, a group of royalist outlaws active during Chile’s wars of independence. According to legend, the treasure is protected by a white mule—a ghostly animal that appears suddenly near the lagoon and vanishes without trace. The mule is said to have no shadow and glowing eyes, a clear sign of its supernatural nature. Those who try to approach the lagoon at night are often scared away by the sound of hooves or eerie braying.

La Cueva de Tocopalma

Located in northern Chile, this cave is said to house a treasure guarded by a Piuchén—a mythical flying snake wekufe (an evil spirit from Mapuche tradition). The creature slithers through the air, giving off a foul odor and making unsettling sounds. The Piuchén is said to kill intruders by sucking their blood or inducing illness, and it is almost impossible to trick or bypass.

El Cerro de los Petacas

Another tale involving a ghost mule, this time at a hill known as “Cerro de los Petacas.” Local lore says that the mule appears near a hidden cave at certain times of year, especially during foggy or moonlit nights. Some claim it walks in circles near the entrance to the treasure site. Like many ghostly protectors, the mule serves both as a warning and a barrier: if seen, one should leave immediately or face misfortune.

El Tesoro de San Bruno

In this disturbing tale, the treasure is protected by the ghost of a child. Witnesses report hearing laughter, crying, or even seeing a small figure playing with a toy near a suspected burial site. According to some versions, the child died during the treasure's burial and was spiritually bound to it. The ghost is not violent, but its presence generates an overwhelming sense of sadness and unease—enough to keep seekers away.

El Entierro de Pomaire

In the town of Pomaire, a legendary treasure is said to be guarded by a giant ghost snake often said to be a culebron, an enormous serpent that coils underground and emerges if the soil is disturbed. This treasure’s story is deeply tied to the local belief in omens and animal symbolism.

Examples of multiple "Chanchitos de pomaire" notice the three legs.

A related legend tells of a three-legged pig born on a farm near Pomaire. Instead of being killed or sold, the unusual pig was kept as a pet. One day, it dug up part of the land and uncovered a hidden treasure—an entierro. Because the pig was not human, the spirit guardian did not attack it, allowing the treasure to be revealed. This story gave rise to the “Chanchito de Pomaire”, the small clay figurines of a three-legged pig common throughout Chile. These figures are traditionally given as gifts of good luck, and are often used as decorations or piggy banks.

References:

1. Montecino Aguirre, Sonia (2015). Mitos de Chile: Enciclopedia de seres, apariciones y encantos (in Spanish). Catalonia. ISBN 978-956-324-375-8.
2. https://www.memoriachilena.gob.cl/archivos2/pdfs/MC0031710.pdf
3. https://www.memoriachilena.gob.cl/602/w3-article-8171.html