塔尔卡是智利马乌莱大区的首府，位于圣地亚哥以南250公里，经济活动以农业、制造业和酿酒业为主，2002年人口193,755。塔尔卡受地中海气候影响，有干燥的夏天和潮湿的冬天，每年平均降雨量749毫米，平均温度摄氏13度。

Talca is a city and commune in Chile located about 255 km (158 mi) south of Santiago, and is the capital of both Talca Province and Maule Region (7th Region of Chile). As of the 2012 census, the city had a population of 201,142.

The city is an important economic center, with agricultural (wheat) and manufacturing activities, as well as wine production. It is also the location of the Universidad de Talca and the Catholic University of Maule, among others. The Catholic Church of Talca has held a prominent role in the history of Chile.