Search hotels in Valdivia

Beautiful place to visit in a long weekend with family or a romantic stay. The riverside walk at noon is beautiful and if you have a car, open sea with big beaches are very close. The fish market is amazing. For people ho enjoy architecture, are amassing building all around.

Many international travelers may think: "what's the big deal?" but this is a real university town with an incredibly rich history and a little bit of everything to offer-- that is, if you know how, and where, to look. The pub scene, between Calle Esmerelda and Isla Teja, is undoubtedly one of the best in the country, there is a strong and storied literary and cultured circle that haunts the many cafes and bookstores during the day, and there are plenty of places to shop and pass time, inside or outside. Many Chileans adore the city for the relatively high quality urban experience it offers. If you're looking for a pampered luxury experience or world-class historic or cultural sites, you may be better off going to an all-exlusive resort near one of the many lakes in Chile's southern regions, or getting to some archealogical sites outside of the city itself. But overall Valdivians are community people, and rightly proud of their city. Most locals will be happy to tell you anything about their home; its relics from 16th century Spanish conquista, the 19th century German colonists, its near total destruction in largest earthquake in recorded history (1960), the Pinochet dictatorship, or more recent events. Many historical buildings and sites are better looked after in Valdivia than other cities in Chile (looking at you, Puerto Montt). So, go to Valdivia if you're willing to put in a little bit of effort; get out of your hotel (though I would recommend staying in one of the smaller, locally owned bed and breakfasts), interact with people, ask questions, and find things to do. But if you are looking for a traveleing experience where it's easy to find things to do, and you expect things to be polished, clean, and orderly, this probably isn't the place for you.

Valdivia is a quaint Chilean seaside city with plenty of activity, We fortunately happened to visit during a festival on the riverside promenade so crowds were enjoying the nightly street performers, food, and artisan markets. The city has made its great waterfront a happening place with strollers, river boats constantly taking many around to surrounding sites, and excellent restaurants. We spent two days of fun activiites with the best boat 4 hour very economical tour of the historic river and an island village. Definiitely recommended for a two or three day summertime visit but book early since it is popular with Chilean families and foreign visitors. I(MO, the lower cost accomodations are suitable only for the backpacker class of traveller so be wary.