Making the most of Valdivia Puerto Corral
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
After anchoring at Coral, take a Ferry across the harbor for about 20-30 minute ride. From the ferry drop off, a bus to town takes another 15-20 minute ride.
Take along a printable map.
German immigrants account for much of Valdivia's charm. The city lies centrally in the Lake District, on Chile's coast north of Puerto Montt, with its port at Corral. Tree-lined streets and shady plazas characterise its city center, while an impressive riverfront mansion houses an archaeology museum with a large collection of Marpuche Indian artifacts. Isla Teja has botanic gardens and an arboretum. Woods, beaches, lakes and rivers surround the town, and the Santuario de la Naturaleza Rio Cruces has good bird life.
Food and shopping
Fishmongers sell the day's catch at the delightful market, where pelicans, cormorants and fat sea lions wait for scraps.
Money
Small towns and communities have considerably reduced Credit Card acceptance, so visitors are advised to carry cash in the local Chilean peso. 1 USD = 712 CLP. This avoids unpleasant surprises.
Staying connected
Chile's official language is Spanish.
Internet access is offered by Chile's so-called cyber-cafes. Prices for access to the world info network vary between towns: an hour online costs 4 dollars in Santiago and approximately 6 dollars in Calama. Main hotels and lodging places often give guests Internet access, frequently at no extra charge.
131 is for Ambulance service; 132 for Fire Brigade; 133 for Carabineros (Chilean police); 135 for Drug Enforcement; 136 for Andean Mountain Rescue Squad; and 137 for Sea Rescue.
Opening Hours and
In Chile, business and trade establishments generally open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a 60 minute lunch break at 1 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; mall schedules run Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Valdivia's grand annual Verano en Valdivia brings several weeks of festivities from January, ending with Noche Valdiviana on the third Saturday in February. That evening sees hundreds of floating candles and festively decorated boats fill the Río Valdivia, and the city presents a fireworks display.