At junction of three major rivers, Valdivia shows itself as world's older southern city. Founded in 1552 as a Spanish fort, was invaded by dutch pirates and inhabited by german settlers. This city, which withstood 1960 earthquake and tsunami, the largest recorded in history, still stands today, to walk, taste and enjoy it, especially at night. Valdivia is one of most important Chile cities and is a must-see destination for those who travel along the 5 sur route.

A little over 840 kilometers from Santiago, Valdivia geography harmonize daily lives of its inhabitants with rainforest and cultivated fields crossed by streams and rivers that provide moisture to this unique region.

Valdivia is delimited by Calle Calle river curves, which were used by german settlers to build this beautiful city. This is seen through its particular architecture and some local customs.

Many activities, among which include industry, commerce and tourism, Valdivia has diverse natural and cultural attractions to engage visitors throughout the year.

For all these features, you have to make a stop in Valdivia and know it thoroughly, can be wonderful.

Its streets and avenues, favorite corners of locals and some typical squares, including Saval and Borderio Ecological parks which together with landscapes that make up its rivers are part of Valdivia attractions, a city that is a tourism classic in Chile.

How to get there

By plane. From Santiago are daily flights to Pichoy Airport(1 hour and 25 min), which is just over 30 km from Valdivia.

By Bus. There are daily departures from Santiago and other cities to Valdivia, where you can connect with surrounding cities.

By Car. From Santiago on Route 5 South (841 km).

Attractions and Activities

It rains almost all year, although in sunny days is ideal to navigate Calle Calle river on a cruise, visit waterway market, a colorful meeting place for tourists with local characters that provide freshest marine products, fruits and vegetables, and enjoy the spectacle of sea lions on Prat waterfront.

In Oncol park, Valdivia National Reserve and Alerce Costero National Monument can be seen rainforest  known as "Valdivian forest."

In Valdivia you can visit Calle Calle River shipyard, Teja Island, Austral University, botanical garden and Carlos Anwandter house, one of first german settlers to arrive  and old Anwandter brewery founder.

If you are looking for good food, do not stop to taste beers, wild boar, crudos (Tatars) and chocolates.

All valdinian museums are on Teja island. First one is Van de Maele Historical Museum, located on Carlos Anwanter house by Calle Calle river, with exhibits that recall original peoples  and colonization process of this area.

On the former Anwandter brewery rises Contemporary Art Museum, MAC, with modern architecture. Impress its excellent presentations and their location on Calle Calle river, with a nice view at sunset.

Following on Teja island, Philippi Museum is dedicated to German explorer Rudolph Amandus Philippi. Shows watercolors, drawings, photographs, studies and correspondence, as well as botanical samples, furniture and scientific objects of nineteenth century.

Austral University Botanical Garden is the largest of Chile. In its 25 acres include a thousand species of plants and trees (native and exotic). It is ideal for evening walks, picnic and learn about local flora.

After leaving Teja island, you can see Corral and Mancera Island where you can take castles and forts route, spectacular both for its architecture as for its rivers and the rainforest views. These buildings formed the largest system of defense against the pirates who threatened to raze Pacific coast in 17 and 18 centuries. Also served to Spanish conquerors as a refuge in case of Mapuche attacks.

Corral fort is the largest and best preserved, includes San Sebastian de la Cruz bastion and several cannons. Amargos fort, half hour away, stands on a small fishing village.

On north bank are Niebla fort and Pura y Limpia Conception de Monfort de Lemus castle, which are the oldest ruins of Valdivia forts. On Mancera island, San Pedro de Alcantara castle was military governor's residence.

Valdivia International Film Festival, the southernmost in the world, takes place every year in October. You can enjoy best movies, short and documentary films of independent film industry.

Valdivian week. In February, Valdivia celebrates its founding anniversary with allegorical boats that navigate Calle Calle River between fireworks. A not to be missed show.