Angol

By Chris Hughes

Angol is the last key stop off before onward travel to Temuco, which is referred to as the gateway to the Lake District. The town has a bustling and attractive Plaza de Armas where locals and travelers entertain themselves. On the southern edge of the plaza is the red-brick cathedral with a tower. Five blocks northwest of the plaza, on the corner of Covadonga and Vergara is the region’s oldest church, the Iglesia de San Buenaventura. It is  and worth the walk to see the cream and pink building with a yellow tower constructed of wood.

Angol hosts one of Chile’s largest festivals with a folk song theme and extravagant prizes during the second week of January. The town is also the most logical place to use as a base before a visit to Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta.

Accommodation can be found at Residencial Olimpia (Caupolicán 625, Tel: 45-711162) where the rooms are a bit small but a single cost approximately $10 which is one of the best deals in the city. Hotel Millaray located at Prat 420 (45-711-570) is more costly at around $25 per night but it is a convenient two-minute walk to the Plaza de Armas. After you settle into a room, head to Sparlotto Pizza at Lautaro 418 for a filling slice of pizza or Josánhaecha at Caupolicán 579 for snacks and meals at a table in its garden area.

Terminal Rodoviario located on José Luis Osorio is where long-distance buses run to and from Angol. Buses Angol tours Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta during the summer season. Jota Be has daily buses to Los Angeles and Concepción. And Tur Bus runs to Santiago, as well as to all larger destinations along the Panamericana.

Upon arrival to Angol, you can find the tourism office at the fork of Bonilla and O’Higgins.

TEL: 42, POP: 50,000

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