Attractions around Valdivia
Reserva Nacional Valdivia
The area of the reserve is 9,727 hectares.
Lanco
Lying 69 km north of Valdivia, Lanco is a service town for the area where there used to be a branch off the main railway line. Parallel to the branch line there is a paved road, which leads to Panguipulli and the area of the seven lakes: Pirihueico, Panguipulli, Calafquén, Riñihue, Pellaifa, Neltume and Pullinque.
San José de la Mariquina
This small town lies 42 km north of Valdivia on the northern access route to the city. It provides basic services.
Paillaco
Paillaco is located 46 km west of Valdivia, at the junction of the southern access linking Valdivia to Ruta 5 Sur. The main economic activity is agriculture.
Máfil
This village lies 30 km north west of Valdivia, and its importance is based on the fact that it is the main entrance point to the coastal region. It is a very small village providing basic services.
Los Lagos
This old city is located 61 km from Valdivia, and is the center of intense timber and dairy industries. From here visitors can go up to the area of the seven lakes: Pirihueico, Panguipulli, Calafquén, Riñihue, Pellaifa, Neltume and Pullinque.
La Unión
This town, population 23,265 inhabitants, is located beside the Llollelhue river, 10 km towards the coast from the Pan-American Highway. In former years it was very well known for the prosperous industry developed by the German settlers. Its brewery, linen factory and mill were famous.
On a visit you can see the Iglesia Parroquial San José, built facing the square in 1904. The installations of the Augusto Grob mill, the Colun dairy and the Linos La Unión linen factory are also there. ‘Unión Week’ takes place in February.
Mehuin
This is a small town, located 70 km from Valdivia and 27 km from San José de la Mariquina. It stands at the mouth of the Lingue river, which loops round the town on its way to the sea. It is also the port of the traditional fishermen, who live at the southern end of the town. Here you can buy fresh fish and seafood at very reasonable prices.
The town is reached by a paved road, which branches off towards the coast from San José de la Mariquina.
Mehuin has shops, hotels, huts, camp-sites, and numerous restaurants offering typical food, seafood and fish.
In the Mehuin area you can visit Playa Pichicuyin, Manquillahue, Mehuin Bajo, Chan-Chan (where Mapuche archaeological remains have been found), Queule, Playa Ronca, Cheuque, Mississipi, and the sea-lion colonies.
Panguipulli
Located 115 km from Valdivia towards the mountains, this city is an important tourist center which still retains a charming port atmosphere.
Its thousands of rose bushes, planted during the 1980s, are well worth seeing during the summer, when they are in full bloom. There is a promenade passing by the pier, with a boat launching point; and the municipal resort, a pleasant beach by Panguipulli Lake.
On the promenade you will find the memorial to the Pioneers and Founders of Panguipulli, created by the sculptor Osvaldo Peña. An important attraction is the Parish Church, which was built in 1947 by the Capuchin Father Bernabé de Lucerna, inspired by Swiss models.
This city is the administrative center for other towns around Panguipulli Lake, which means that it is also an important commercial hub. The population is 8,326.
Most of the activities take place during January and February, and include country fairs, shows, the Photographic Tour of the Seven Lakes and the Rose Week.
On a visit you can walk along the promenade which runs by the shore of Panguipulli Lake, and see the Parish Church built in 1947 and the hospital run by the nuns of the congregation of the Holy Cross.
Coñaripe
This little town is located on the shore of Calafquén Lake, with beaches suitable for bathing and water sports. There is a paved road connecting it to the resort of Lican Ray, which belongs to the Pucon and Villarrica area. Access is also possible from Panguipulli via a gravel road; the drive takes about 30 minutes. The Coñaripe hot springs are located towards the mountains, and further on, on the way to the international road, you will find the natural hot springs of Liquiñe.
Coñaripe is a busy services center for the Mapuche communities who live in the neighboring areas. It has 1,253 inhabitants and is a popular resort during the summer. There are thriving businesses, beautiful holiday homes, a tourist office in the square, restaurants and a camp-site.
From Coñaripe you can visit Pullinque, which is a small lake full of tiny islands, and Panguipulli Lake.
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