Joaquín Prieto Vial (Latin American Spanish: [xoˈse xo.aˈkim ˈpɾjeto]; August 20, 1786 – November 22, 1854) was a Chilean military and political figure.

After the defeat in the Battle of Rancagua, which he wasn't a part of, Prieto fled to Mendoza, Argentina to build up the Liberation Army of the Andes.

After the victory of the Chileans in the battle of Chacabuco in 1817, in which he also wasn't involved, he was appointed Commanding General of Santiago, where he dealt with defense strategies and military matters.

His military accomplishments - especially in the south of the country - earned the respect of conservative-centralist circles, which encouraged him to start a political career.

On December 14, 1829, he and his troops met the liberal army under Francisco de la Lastra and defeated them at the Battle of Ochagavía.

His main focus on first taking power was to restore law and order; for that he relied on Diego Portales, who continue to be the almost universal minister and provided the necessary political stability for the country to recover from the decade of anarchy.

He also instructed Manuel Bulnes to seize the bandits commanded by the brothers Pablo and José Antonio Pincheira who made the area around Concepción unsafe.