Maize remains have been scarce in the archaeological deposits from central Chile. We will discuss the archaeobotanical data and the results of stable isotope analyses of a set of human samples spreading from the initial ceramic (300 B.C.-A.D. 200) up to the Inca contact moments (A.D. 1450-1550) in order to stud), the introduction and adoption of maize in this region. Stable carbon isotopes can be used to determine the presence and estimate the abundance of C4 plants such as Zea mays, in past diets. The results show that i) the adoption of this plant in the region was later than A.D. 200, ii) it became a regular dietary resource for Llolleo groups, iii) its use was more important for the Aconcagua groups with a differential gender consumption and, finally iv) that Zea mays dietary importance diminished during Inca times. During the Early Ceramic period maize horticulturalists were contemporaneous and shared the landscape with hunter-gatherers and quinoa horticulturalists; therefore the dietary habits were peculiar to specific groups. This evidence provides new insights into social systems but also left unanswered questions, especially concerning the earliest moments of maize development in this region.