Valdivia at the Confluence

Valdivia lies at the confluence of the Calle-Calle and Cau-Cau rivers. You can explore the city through different themes: life along the waterfront, plant collections, museums and cultural events. Which of these will shape your stay depends on whether you are more interested in nature, history or the annual festival.

Rivers, Market and Boat Trip

At the Mercado Fluvial, local people sell fresh produce from their boats. The market brings everyday life on the water together with shopping for local produce. A large sea lion colony can also be seen beside the Mercado Fluvial on the riverbank. Keep a safe distance from the animals.

The Mercado Fluvial and Muelle Schuster are right next to each other: a traditional boat trip departs from Muelle Schuster, beside the market. This brings different experiences together on the waterfront: market activity, watching the sea lions and a trip on the water. If you plan to take the boat trip, check its availability with the operator before your trip.

Garden and Walk

The Botanical Garden of the Universidad Austral de Chile is home to around 950 plant species. Its collections include the Valdivian rainforest, the Magellanic forest, Chilean conifers, and native and exotic vegetation. The collection showcases different groups of plants and offers a different way to experience the landscape than a walk along the river.

For a morning walk, consider Parque Prochelle on Isla Teja. The garden and the park appeal to different interests: the focus here is on plant collections and vegetation, while there it is on a morning stroll. You can choose according to what interests you most about spending time in green surroundings.

Museums and City History

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo is housed in the former premises of Cervecería Anwandter. It presents exhibitions of contemporary art featuring local, national and international perspectives, with participation by emerging and established artists and curators. Restoration work may lead to changes in the exhibition program, so take this into account when planning your visit.

The Museo Histórico y Antropológico Mauricio Van de Maele is housed in Casa Anwandter. The building was constructed in 1861 and declared a National Historic Monument in 1981. The museum offers insights into regional history and highlights the region’s ethnic diversity through cultural education. The two museums have different focuses: one is devoted to contemporary art, the other to the history and diversity of the region.

Valdivia’s cultural identity also draws on a variety of influences: Indigenous and external elements, including German, Spanish and Mapuche influences. These are expressed in customs, dances, cuisine and local artistic activity. This breadth connects everyday life and culture without being limited to a single museum or event.

Semana Valdiviana and Getting There

Semana Valdiviana takes place every year during the last week of February and celebrates the city’s anniversary with civil-military, sporting and cultural activities. It concludes with a procession of decorated boats, followed by fireworks. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

For travel to and from Valdivia, the city’s bus terminal offers direct connections to Santiago and the main cities in southern Chile. Since no schedules are provided here, check the connections and departure times that suit your trip before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Panguipulli, Paillaco, Mariquina, Corral.

Return to the main travel overview: Provincia Valdivia.