TRAVEL IDEAS Fascinating Lake Region: PUCON - VALDIVIA - PUERTO VARAS

Valdivia is located about
15 km (approx. 9,3 miles) inland on the Rio Valdivia (pronounced val-dee-vee-ah). It is very picturesque and there are many sailing boats and river excursions. Valdivia played an important role in the Spanish Colonial period. There are a ring of remains of historic fortifications surrounding the town. The fortifications on Isla Mancera, Niebla and Corral can also be seen. Valdivia was the center for the German colonization of the Lake District, but unfortunately very little of the original architectural heritage survived a seaquake in the 1960’s. However one clearly notes the German presence in the various restaurants, cafe’s, street names and local brewery. From town there are terrific walks out on the estuary and to the historic fortresses. In town there is a university, interesting museums and every year in February the „Noche Valdiviana“ with chilean folklore and fireworks takes place.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1
Pucón
Reception at airport in Temuco. Scenic drive along the shore of Lago Villarrica to Pucón. On route we shall visit the town of Villarrica, located on the western end of the lake. Transfer to your preferred hotel in Pucón. Afternoon city tour of Pucon. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 2 B
Pucón
Leisure day, time to relax or enjoy an excursion in the surrounding area. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 3 B
Pucón – Valdivia
Private transfer with guide in the morning to the city of Valdivia. Enjoy a tour of the city of Valdivia including the Plaza de la Libertad and the modern cathedral. From city center we shall set out for the nearby coast following many bends in the river and stopping at Isla Teja, where the Austral University and Botanical Garden are located. From here we continue on towards Niebla and one of the historic forts of the region. Part of this fort was restored in 1992 and offers a very interesting museum of Chilean naval history. Further on in the middle of the Valdivia River on the Island of Mancera, the Castle of San Pedro de Alcantara can be seen. Overnight at Hotel Villa del Río (or similar).

Day 4 B
Valdivia – Puerto Varas
Early transfer with guide from Valdivia to Puerto Varas. On the way enjoy the scenic sites of volcanoes and lakes. Afternoon at leisure or perhaps enoy a tour (optional not included in rate). Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 5 B
Puerto Varas
Leisure day, time to relax or enjoy an excursion in the surrounding area. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 6 B
Puerto Varas – Puerto Montt
Transfer from hotel in Puerto Varas to the airport in Puerto Montt.

B = Breakfast
BL = Box-lunch or picnic
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

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