Valdivia

Valdivia, Chile Living Guide

Valdivia is one of the most historic cities in all southern Chile. Valdivia was founded as the frontier with Mapuche Native Land in 1552 by Pedro de Valdivia. Valdivia has also been on the frontier of culture in Chile for hundreds of years with a colorful mix of Mapuche, Spanish, and German history that has created one of the most spectacular cities in southern Chile. It makes Valdivia stands out not only among the other cities of southern Chile, but among the all the cities of Latin and South America as a truly important piece of world heritage.

Valdivia Southern Chile tourism information

Valdivia is one of the largest cities in Southern Chile

Valdivia History

Much of Valdivia's charm is directly related to its history and geography. Valdivia is set on the Calle Calle river, and is about 15 km from the Ocean. This has made it appear to be a appealing and safe harbor for hundreds of years by everyone from Mapuche Natives and Pirates to the Spanish fleets that established a fortress to fight the Mapuche wars. It turned out not to be completely safe, and the entire City was destroyed in the 1960's by a title wave or tsunami followed by a series of earth quakes that hit the southern regions of Chile. Today, the city has been rebuilt with all the historical and cultural glory it was once was known for.

German influence on Valdivia

One of the strong influences to be found in every part of Valdivia is from Germany. It is everywhere from the architecture to the beers that are starting to find their way on to the international markets and back to Germany. Crossing the Calle Calle River you can see how German settlers would feel so at home as the Calle Calle River looks much like any number of bends along the Rine river of Germany.

You may also want to have a look at our Valdiva Photo Essays and our Valdivia Real Estate

Austral University Fire: Darwin and Steven Hawkins

The Austral University in Valdivia, Chile is quickly becoming one of the top Universities in Chile. It is one of the few Universities in Southern Chile that regularly lures away top students from Santaigo's Universities. One of the reasons for the reputation of the Austral University is that it is conducting cutting edge science. Recently however a fire in the Science building resulted in the almost total destruction of priceless research of professors and students, including a one of kind collection of Charles Darwin's specimens that where recently repatriated to Chile for a new Natural History museum. There where no injuries in the Fire. The University is however getting some international help in recovering in the form of an upcoming lecture by Steven Hawkins.

Valdivia Chile River Cruz

The Valdivia is a relatively small and fast growing city in Southern Chile. The city obviously puts a great deal of effort in to building a tourism industry, and it also has a well established agricultural industry that works well with strong environmental awareness of the community. Just a few minutes up river on a tour boat, the city of Valdivia melts in to a marsh land nature reserve built out of the confluence of several rivers as they flow from the South American Andes mountain range. Among other things you will find small Mapuche village, a Chicha brewer, and of course lots of animals that call the nature reserve home. We took a ride on one of the many tour boats in Valdivia, and it did not disappoint.

Sea lions Invade Valdivia, and become a big tourist attraction

A big problem in the city of Valdivia southern Chile, becomes a big tourist attraction. Sea lions weighing up to 2,000+ pounds recently discovered that the fish market along the river was a great place for a free lunch. That is not really the problem however. The problem is when they decide to take walking tours of downtown Valdivia. The city of Valdivia had a good solution to this big problem.
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Los Rios Region XIV, Southern Chile's Newest Region

The Los Rios region (The rivers region) was recently split from Los Lagos region (region X), and will be numbered officially as region XIV. The new region will have Valdivia as the capital. The Los Rios region was not the only new region created. In Northern Chile, the Arica-Parinacota Region was also created and will be numbered as region XV.
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Brewing Something new in Southern Chile: Valbier from Valdivia

Chile is a wine drinkers paradise and a beer lovers dessert. However, it would seem that a country that can brew such great wine would also have the ability to brew a great Chilean Beer. Thanks to the German influence in Southern Chile, especially around Valdivia, there is some relief from the standard Cristal and Escudo beer. The new micro brewery Valbier from Valdivia in Chile's lakes region ( los lagos ) has finally given hope to beer lovers with a great Amber Ale they call Red Ale.

Valdivia train, bus, and other transportation information

Valdivia, Chile travel and transportation information including buses, trains, and boats that service Valdivia and near by towns in Southern Chile.

Valdivia Chile transportation information

Valdivia Chile Restaurants and Places to Eat

Valdivia Southern Chile food is a unique mix of the Spanish, German, and other European influences spun together with influences that can only be found in Southern Chile. Valdivia is located just a few miles from Chile's coast, thus the ocean is the main provider for much of Valdivia's restaurants with some of the best seafood in not just Southern Chile but all of Chile.