Valdivia
River city, craft beer and Germanic heritage
About this destination
Valdivia sits at the confluence of three rivers in the heart of Chilean lake country, surrounded by some of the wettest and most lush terrain in the country. Founded by Spanish conquistadors and rebuilt by German settlers after a devastating earthquake, the city blends colonial and European architecture with a modern university energy. The rivers are lined with floating fish markets where sea lions jostle with pelicans for scraps. The surrounding Valdivian temperate rainforest — one of only five such ecosystems in the world — offers exceptional hiking and wildlife.
Highlights
- Mercado Fluvial sea lions
- Craft brewery trail
- Torreón del Barro fort
- Valdivian rainforest hikes
Must-see stops
Mercado Fluvial
The riverside market where local fishermen sell the catch of the day — and sea lions wait patiently (and noisily) for scraps. One of Chile's most entertaining street scenes.
Cervecería Kunstmann
A German-style brewery and restaurant on the river, founded by descendants of German settlers. The Torobayo lager and smoked sausage platter are essential.
Fuerte Corral
A complex of 18th-century Spanish colonial forts at the mouth of the Valdivia River, accessible by boat. The sunset views over the bay are extraordinary.
Oncol Park
A privately owned patch of old-growth Valdivian rainforest with excellent walking trails, suspension bridges and abundant birdlife including the rare Magellanic woodpecker.
Combine with
These destinations pair well with Valdivia.
