A town of German influence: Valdivia, Chile

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Overview

Another Harbor Shot Photo - Valdivia, Chile

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If you are looking for an exciting adventure town, then Valdivia is not your place. That is not to say that this little German town is not worth visiting, because it was one of my favorite stops. Valdivia can be used as an excellent relaxing segue stop to/from some of the more adventure-focused towns such as Pucon, Villarica, or Puerto Varas. This historical fortified Spanish town has many characteristics that make for unique and local flavor setting it apart from other Chilean cities that seamlessly become one-in-the-same. Being a port city and playing host to European ships of all kinds has aided Valdivia's melting pot of cultures, but making it primarily a German-influenced town. In Valdivia, you w...Read More

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Hostal Prat

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Hotel

Local fisherman market Photo - Hostal Prat, Valdivia, Chile

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For any backpacker, this is like a five-star resort. By this time, we had gotten used to staying in rundown hostels and had actually begun to enjoy it, but this was far from rundown. Hostal Prat only cost us about $15 (it might be around $20 during the peak season). It is located on the waterfront a couple blocks from the downtown area, but it is a nice walk along the waterfront to get there. For $15 we got a heck of a deal. We had a private room with two single beds. The room was not something you would expect from a hostel. It was clean and respectable, like a hotel room but with the unique feel of a local hostel. The sheets and pillows were hotel quality, not the hostel quality where you are wonder...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 31, 2005

Hostal Prat
575 Prat
Valdivia, Chile
222-020

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Chocolateria Entre Lagos

Restaurant

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Chocolateria Entre Lagos is an excellent chocolate shop in the heart of Valdivia. They have any and every type of chocolate imaginable, and you can watch them make it right there, before your eyes. While you watch them making it, you can make small talk with them and get free samples. The chocolate is high quality and not expensive. I bought what I thought was a nice little stash of truffles for my stay in Valdivia, but little did I know how good they were, and they were already gone by the time I got back to the hostel. This place is great for any type of tourist, from backpacker to five-star hotel people. Anyone will come crawling back to this chocolateria once you have tried it. There is a restaura...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 31, 2005

Chocolateria Entre Lagos
Vicente Perez Rosales
Valdivia, Chile
622-640

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Kuntsmann Cerveceria

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Restaurant | "Kunstmann Brewery"

They have whatever you like Photo - Kuntsmann Cerveceria, Valdivia, Chile

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If you are thinking that Chile has good beer just because they have good wine, then you are wrong. I'll just go ahead and say they aren't known for their beer. There are always exceptions for every rule though! So no need to fear beer lovers because Valdivia has what you will have waiting for. Being that Valdivia does have many close ties to German heritage it is without a doubt that the only good micro-brewery is located in Valdivia. This authentic brewery called Kunstmann is not representative of Chile but gives you some interesting insight into a unique culture that is part of the bigger picture. Kuntsmann does not sell it on a mass-production level, but you can find it in the major cities. It...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 1, 2005

Kuntsmann Cerveceria

Valdivia, Chile
292-969

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Fish Market

Attraction | "Adventures in the Local Fish Market"

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You would think the highlight of the fish market would be seeing all of the enormous salmon brought in for the day, or the numerous different kinds of fish, or the assortment of odd-looking seafood items and trying to pronounce their weird Spanish names, but no, the highlight of this fish market is the gigantic sea lions that stroll in to the market everyday to feed on any leftovers. These sea lions are performers through and through and will steal the show no doubt, when you visit the market. We could have watched these sea lions all day, as they were incredible. They were the biggest, bulkiest creatures I had ever seen up close, and personal, and believe me, you could get really close to them. They ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 31, 2005

Fish Market
South of Valdivia bridge
Temuco, Chile

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Historical Spanish Forts

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Attraction

Spanish forts Photo - Historical Spanish Forts, Valdivia, Chile

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Valdivia was once an important strategic port and is therefore surrounded by historical forts which were once used to protect against the numerous invaders. These forts are now historical landmarks that have been taken advantage of by many cheesy tourist companies. Do not be disheartened when I say cheesy tourist companies, because I'm saying it with the glass half-full. There is still much to be desired from these short boat excursions and they will surely make for a relaxing and entertaining outing.The forts are located a ways from Valdivia, and there are two ways to get there. The best way hands down, is to hop on one of the many mini-cruise boats and allow them to pamper you with a decent ...Read More

Valdivia was once an important strategic port and is therefore surrounded by historical forts which were once used to protect against the numerous invaders. These forts are now historical landmarks that have been taken advantage of by many cheesy tourist companies. Do not be disheartened when I say cheesy tourist companies, because I'm saying it with the glass half-full. There is still much to be desired from these short boat excursions and they will surely make for a relaxing and entertaining outing.

The forts are located a ways from Valdivia, and there are two ways to get there. The best way hands down, is to hop on one of the many mini-cruise boats and allow them to pamper you with a decent 4 course meal, cheesy electronic music, and helpful insight into the historical area you are exploring. The boat cruises depart from Puerto Fluvial, which is only a short walk from downtown or the market. There are many companies, none of which will be necessarily much better than the other. If you don't mind bartering and are an attractive female, then I'm sure they would have no problem lowering the price .We took the Neptuno boat and it cost around $10 U.S per person. For $10 U.S. it was a bargain, considering we received a full-course salmon lunch and coffee and a snack later on.

When you have arrive at the forts, do not be expecting the the Eighth Wonder of the World. The tour is more about relaxing, enjoying the weather, scenery and an interesting historical sight as a whole. They provide some interesting information, specifically about the massively devastating earthquake of 1960. Apparently the largest earthquake of all time. If you are looking for the Eighth Wonder of the World then I suggest you spend your time elsewhere.

The tour lasts about 5-6 hours total. On the return leg, the electronic elevator music will eventually drive you mad, so it wouldn't hurt to bring a book or something to keep you occupied. The scenery is wonderful, but the terrible bass beats will eat at away at the back of your mind. It can get really chilly on the islands where the forts are, so bring a jacket. The second way to reach the forts would be by taxi, and this is definitely not the preferable option. They obviously do not offer lunch, snacks, the views, or even crappy music for that matter. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 1, 2005

Historical Spanish Forts

Valdivia, Chile

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