Come see the wonders of the beautiful Rivers Region!

Chile, the long and narrow country located in the extreme southwest of South America, is among the majestic Andes Mountain and the Pacific Ocean. Approximately 4300 km in length and 177 km wide in average make this country contain the most beautiful and varied landscapes, with a variety of flora, fauna and climate, that goes from arid desert to deep woods and glaciers.

Millions of tourists visit Chile to enjoy the beauty of its territories, fascinating culture, exquisite gastronomy and attractive tourist activities offered by the country. From Europe, Asia, North America and South America; even Chilean tourists became enchanted by the natural charms of their own country. One of the most visited regions is the XIV Región de los Ríos, its name given for the abundant and acclaimed rivers in the region.

Its native forests, lakes, national parks and abundant nature in general are one of the icons that make this area one of the most visited by tourists. One of the most fascinating places and frequented by tourists is Valdivia, the capital of the this region, is characterized as a university city, full of life and cultural activity, crossed by the Calle Calle River and very rich in natural resources such as the Valdivian Forest.

Huilo Huilo fall - XIV Región de los Ríos 

Copihues, Valdivian Forest - XIV Región de los Ríos 

Los Ríos is the last region maintaining the same topography as the preceding ones: Andes Mountain, middle depression, Coast Mountain and littoral; then it is followed by irregular and insular areas.

The chain of mountains of Los Andes tend to decrease in height from north to south, and the higher summits in this region coincide with Moncho and Puyehue volcanoes (2422 and 2240 AMSL).

The middle depression’s valleys are interrupted by the range derived from Villarrica Volcano, which is denominated Mahuidanche, Mapudungun for “people who live in the mountains” and after Valdivia River is called Pelada range, and only reaches 600 AMSL. The fertile valleys are favorable for cattle industry and agriculture, and the several water courses that characterize the region provide not only irrigation but also hydroelectric potential and navigability, due to the low gradient of the rivers and the lakes influence on the flow. The main rivers in this region are Valdivia, Bueno, San Pedro, Pahue, Calle Calle and Cumleufú; and the most prominent lakes are Calafquén, Panguipulli, Riñihue, Ranco, Maihue and Puyehue, most of them are part of the famous group of lakes called Siete Lagos, or Seven Lakes in English.

Villarica Volcano - XIV Región de los Ríos

 Calle Calle River, Valdivia - XIV Región de los Ríos

Since this area has such a natural beauty, it is a very interesting place to visit. There are different kinds of tourism in the diverse places of the region. It is possible to spend the night in beaches, lakes, or mountains. In terms of comfort, you can choose to camp, rent a little shack or to stay in expensive hotels.

Valdivia, the capital city of this region, is a great place to visit. It is a small city built in the place where three rivers, Calle Calle, Valdivia and Cau Cau meet. During its construction, it was inhabited by many Germans, which left a still present heritage. This city is a cultural center, influenced by the presence of the Austral University. There are many activities during the year, such as the Beer fest, the Valdivian Night, and a film festival. You can also enjoy tours on the river where you can see all the important places of the city and its surroundings. If you get hungry, you can visit the Kuntsmann beer factory, where they serve big German-style meals.

About half an hour from Valdivia, to the coast, there is the little town of Niebla. This town is placed right at the Calle Calle estuary, the place where the river meets the sea. Besides the long, beautiful beaches on this place, the principal attraction is the fort. This is a remain of the colonization period, when the Spanish needed to avoid the attack from the seaward of other European countries like England or The Netherlands, which wanted to take Valdivia, so they built a strong fort system, formed by this and two others forts placed in the islands of Corral and Mancera, in front of Niebla.

If you want to enjoy more natural surroundings, there’s Siete Lagos. This is a beautiful area full of rivers, lakes, and native woods, where you can enjoy contact with nature, going on trekking or doing canopy. If you prefer water activities, there are different options including rafting, and tours on kayak or boats. At the moment of relaxing, there are the hot springs. Many different kinds of hot springs exist along the region. One of the most beautiful are the Termas Geométricas, close to a small town called Coñaripe, and placed in the middle of a ravine, built in wood and stones around plants and a little stream, it is the perfect place to spend a calm day. 

Hotel Magic Mountain in the Huilo Huilo fall - XIV Región de los Ríos 

 

Hotel Baobab in the Huilo Huilo fall - XIV Región de los Ríos

Fort of Mancera Island, Valdivia - XIV Región de los Ríos

Termas Geométricas - XIV Región de los Ríos 

By Dayna Albiña

Carolina Foz

Antonia Soto

Group 2