Valdivia

Valdivia is a city in southern Chile, South America. It is the capital of Los Ríos Region and also the capital of Valdivia Province.

The tree-lined town centre, with both Spanish and German influences, is surrounded by woods, beaches and lakes, with a varied amount of fauna and flora.

Take a tour of the Museo Naval Submarino O'Brien, located on the waterfront or feed the sea lions and pelicans by the river, near the small fish market.

The Museo Histórico y Antropológico is located in a fine riverfront mansion on Isla Teja and features a large collection from pre-Columbian times to the present, including displays of Mapuche Indian artefacts and household items from early German settlements.

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo and the science and nature-oriented RA Philippi Museo de la Exploración can both be found very close by.

For beer lovers, head to Cervecería Kunstmann and sample the many beers on offer, along with hearty German fayre such as pork chops, spaetzle, sauerkraut and apple sauce.

See ruined 17th Century Spanish forts on a boat tour or explore the surrounding forests.

Further afield, Parque Nacional Alerce Costero park has several viewpoints and places to enjoy the flora and fauna, especially the ancient Fitzroya trees, some of which are thousands of years old.

Taste some marzipan or German desserts or head to the small indoor market for souvenirs of clothing, wood and glassware.

A popular Chilean dish is Curanto, which consists of shellfish, meat, potatoes, milcao (potato pancake), chapaleles (potato dumpling), vegetables and sometimes fish. Fresh local fish and seafood, empanadas (stuffed baked pastry) and Valdiviano, a soup made with minced meat and onions can also be found on local menus along with international options such as German, Italian and Mexican.

The small town of Corral sits at the mouth of the Valdivia River, and is the port for the city of Valdivia.

From Corral, a short boat journey is needed to Niebla, then it's another 20 minutes or so drive into Valdivia (contact your cruise lines for more information about transfers available).