Niebla

The road west from Valdivia cuts across Isla Teja, then the Puente Cruces bridge, back to the mainland. It passes Cervecería Kunstmann (Km 8) and along marshes. Nearing Niebla, cabañas and camping bloom in summer. Just before town is the dock for boats to Corral and Isla Mancera, as well as to various islands. Avenida Lord Cochrane climbs the hill towards the center of Niebla. Below the bluff is Playa Chico.

After one kilometer (0.6 miles, 30 minutes walking) is the Plaza de Armas and the village’s most important attraction, Castillo de la Pura y Limpia Comcepción de Monfort de Lemus de Niebla, or simply known as Castillo de Niebla (April-October: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., November-March: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Entry: adults $1.20, university students with ID and seniors $0.60; free on Wednesday). Built in 1671, this fortress was the most powerful in the network of Spanish fortifications guarding Valdivia. Its 18 canyons protected the mouth of Bahía de Corral. In the former Casa del Castellano is a museum detailing the Spanish fortification strategy and the conquest of Lord Cochrane during the Wars of Independence. The ramparts are closed. In the summer, historical reenactments are done at the Castillo. Also during the summer is Niebla’s largest celebration, Fiesta de La Candelaria, which takes place on February 2. During the second week of February is the Muestra Costumbrista de la Costa and in March and September there are cultural fairs in Niebla and the coastal villages nearby.

From the Plaza de Armas, Avenida Cochrane continues past more hostels in Niebla, to Playa Grande, a broad beach with many restaurants, and Playa de los Enamorados. The road then follows along the coast northward to lesser visited pueblitos, like Los Molinos 3.5 kilometers / 2.1 miles) and Curiñanco (25 kilometers / 15 miles), both of which have lodging, camping and restaurants.

More information about Niebla can be obtained from the Sernatur office in Valdivia, or at www.niebla.co.cl. Services in town are very limited. There is no bank. Niebla has many lodging options, especially on the road between the ferry dock and town, as well as on the road to Los Molinos beach. In Niebla itself are several hostels. Don Agustín is open all year. It has eight campsites with potable water, hot showers, electricity and grills (camino Valdivia-Niebla Km 13, Tel.: 21-0608; $12 per site). Hotel El Castillo (Duce 750, Tel.: 28-2061, E-mail: hotelelcastillo@hotmail.com; single $44-70, double $58-70).

(Altitude: 3 meters / 10 feet, Population: 2736, Phone Code: 063)

Location:
Near Valdivia, Valdivia, Chile

Other Activity

Getting There
Niebla is 17 kilometers (10.2 miles) from Valdivia on Ruta T-350. There is a service station in Niebla.

From Valdivia: On Avenida Anwandter in front of the bus terminal or along Carampangue, catch buseta number 20 (daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m., $0.70) or colectiv

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 10 Jun 2009

Updated: 24 Jun 2009

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