Fans throughout the world can select their favourite of five finalists.

The winner will represent more than 7,000 athletes and Para-athletes who are set to compete at the Pan American Games from October 20 to November 5, and the Parapan American Games, due to follow from November 17 to 25.

The group are all based on species native to Chile - Fiu the seven-coloured tanager, Chitama the running lizard, Pewü the pine seed, Juanchi the penguin and Santi, a mythical winged mountain puma.

"The Pan American and Parapan American Games are already a reality and we want Chileans to be part of this historic sports festival," said Santiago 2023 President and Chilean Sports Minister, Cecilia Perez.

"We hope that everyone can vote for the official mascot and that with their vote we choose together the mascot that will represent us before the world."

The five finalists were chosen by the Organising Committee after receiving an influx of submissions from professional design agencies in Chile.

"We received many very attractive proposals," said Santiago 2023 executive director Felipe De Pablo.

"Each of the five finalists have a great story behind them to help the public make the best decision and decide the official mascot of the Games.

"We invite everyone to be part of this beautiful process."

The public have a couple of weeks to make their decision before the voting process closes on August 25.

After the votes are counted, the official mascot of Santiago 2023 will be revealed based on the results of the public vote.

"We are happy to launch this voting process," said Chilean Olympic Committee President Miguel Angel Mujica.

"There are 41 countries that will participate in the Games and millions of people who will set their eyes on our country from this moment on.

"Everyone can visit our website and vote easily and quickly for their favourite mascot.

"We hope that everyone participates and now we wait to see who is the favourite of the public."

The Chilean capital was unanimously selected as the host city at the Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly in 2017.

2023 will mark the first time that Chile is host country.

It was awarded the rights to host for the 1975 and 1987 editions but withdrew both times due to financial and political problems.

Fans can cast their vote here.