Valdivia Things to See and Do

Valdivia has a cornucopia of worlds to explore. Museums and parks spread through downtown and across Río Valdivia to Isla Teja. Boat tours go to natural reserves, isolated villages and historical sites. The coast and many islands are dotted with colonial fortresses. The coastal boulevard Avenida Prat is pleasant to stroll along. Calle Yungay and General Lagos are lined with mansions built by the immigrant German community. Ruins from the 1960 earthquake are seen along the northeast bank of Isla Teja and north of the old train station. Most museums, parks and fortresses are closed on Monday in the off-season but have extended hours in summer.

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: 09 Jun 2009

Updated: 18 Jun 2009

Top Things to Do in Valdivia

Filter By:

Activity Type

Neighborhoods

Other Activity

Museum

Boating

Market
City Park

Order By :

Please Wait...

Museums of Valdivia

Valdivia has many museums covering the full spectrum of topics. Some are located in the city itself, and others on Isla Teja across the river. Most are closed on Monday. Museo de la Catedral (Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Independencia 514, Tel.: 23-2040) – In the crypts of Valdivia's 14th...

Types: Museum
Location: Valdivia, Chile

Feria Fluvial

The Río Valdivia captures pieces of the dawn. Already stands have gone up. Carts of today's catch gutted and neatly lined up. Mussels and clams clack as they are poured into tubs. Crabs claw at the morning air. Down on the leggings of this Feria Fluvial, the sea lions with their short, gold-hued...

Types: Market
Location: Valdivia, Chile

Boat Tours of Valdivia's Rivers

Cruising Valdivia’s waterways is another way to explore the area. Bahía, Aramo and Santa María la Blanca boats do one-hour city tours along the Valdivia and Calle-Calle Rivers pointing out the history of the metropolis and vestiges of the 1960 earthquake. They also navigate around Isla Teja....

Types: Boating
Location: Valdivia, Chile

Museo Histórico y Arqueológico Mauricio van de Maele

On the banks of Río Calle Calle, the former home of the Anwandter brewing family houses the Museo Histórico y Arqueológico Mauricio van de Maele. Named for the museum's founder, the first-floor rooms showcase the furnishings of different periods of Valdivian history from the Spanish criollo...

Types: Museum
Location: Isla Teja, Valdivia, Chile

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo

Photos in the reception area of the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo show this building's fate – formerly the Anwandter Brewery – before and after the 1960 mega quake. In a wing that was left standing, the brewery found a new life as a contemporary art museum, hosting temporary exhibits on...

Types: Museum
Location: Isla Teja, Valdivia, Chile