Los Ríos Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Los Ríos with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, things to do, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs, safety, transportation, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Los Ríos

Los Ríos is a region located in Southern Chile, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east. The region is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, and delicious cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Los Ríos

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Valdivia Museum
  • Catedral de Santa María la Menor (Valdivia)
  • Niebla Fort
  • Los Molinos de Rosmarinus

Natural Attractions of Los Ríos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Oncol Park
  • Isla Teja
  • Villarrica National Reserve
  • Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve

Hiking/Biking Routes of Los Ríos

  • Ruta de las Capillas
  • Ruta de los Valles
  • Sendero la Chinquihue
  • Sendero Los Ulmos

Best Things to Do in Los Ríos: Activities and Tours

  • Rafting and kayaking on the Futaleufú River
  • Horseback riding through the Andes Mountains
  • Canopy and zipline tours in Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve
  • Whale watching in Corral Bay

Week-Long Itinerary for Los Ríos

Day Activities
1 Explore Valdivia, visit Valdivia Museum and Catedral de Santa María la Menor
2 Hike in Villarrica National Reserve, visit volcanic caves
3 Rafting on the Futaleufú River
4 Horseback riding in Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve
5 Canopy and zipline tours in Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve
6 Whale watching in Corral Bay
7 Relax at Oncol Park, walk around the Isla Teja

Food and Drink Scene of Los Ríos

Must-Try Dishes

  • Curanto: a traditional seafood dish cooked in a hole in the ground with hot rocks
  • Pastel de Jaiba: a crab casserole with cheese and breadcrumbs
  • Sopaipillas: fried dough served with pebre, a sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro
  • Kuchen: a German-style cake made with local fruits

Local Beverages

  • Pisco Sour: a cocktail made with Pisco, a local grape brandy, lime juice, sugar, and egg whites
  • Mote con Huesillos: a refreshing drink made with cooked wheat and dried peaches
  • Kunstmann Beer: a local craft beer brewed in Valdivia

Where to Stay in Los Ríos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Naguilán
  • Hotel Dreams Pedro de Valdivia
  • Hostal Entre Ríos
  • Hostal Konce

What to Buy in Los Ríos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade jewelry made from local stones and shells
  • Wooden handicrafts made by indigenous Mapuche artisans
  • Artisanal cheeses from the region’s dairy farms
  • Local wines and spirits, including Pisco and Kunstmann beer

Local Culture and Customs of Los Ríos

The Mapuche people have lived in the region for centuries and have had a significant impact on the region’s culture and customs. Visitors should be respectful of their traditions and customs, such as their spiritual connection to the land and their practice of using medicinal plants for healing.

Best Time to Visit Los Ríos

The best time to visit Los Ríos is during the summer months of December to February, when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing year-round, as the region has a mild climate.

Do’s and Don’ts of Los Ríos

Do:

  • Participate in local cultural events and customs
  • Respect the natural landscape and wildlife
  • Try local cuisine and beverages
  • Learn about the region’s history and culture

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the Mapuche people and their traditions
  • Litter and damage the environment
  • Engage in illegal activities

Safety and Health

Safety in Los Ríos

Los Ríos is a safe region for travelers, but visitors should take the usual precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings and not carrying valuable items in crowded areas.

Health in Los Ríos

Visitors to Los Ríos should be up to date on routine vaccinations and consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and typhoid. It is also recommended to avoid tap water and eat only cooked foods in order to avoid the risk of waterborne illnesses.

Getting to Los Ríos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Los Ríos

  • Canal Bajo Carlos Hott Siebert Airport (ZAL)
  • El Tepual International Airport (PMC)

Bus Stations Near Los Ríos

  • Terminal de Buses de Valdivia
  • Terminal de Buses de Osorno

Other Options

Visitors can travel to Los Ríos by car, ferry, or train.

How to Get Around in Los Ríos

Public transportation is available in urban areas of Los Ríos, but visitors may prefer to rent a car or bicycle for more flexibility and convenience.

Where to Go Next from Los Ríos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Chiloé Island
  • Lake Puyehue
  • Osorno Volcano
  • Pucón

Conclusion

Los Ríos is a fascinating region with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and exciting outdoor adventures. A visit to this area of Chile is sure to be a memorable experience.