Hotel Puerta del Sur

Valdivia is a city and commune in southern Chile, administered by the Municipality of Valdivia. The city is named after its founder, Pedro de Valdivia, and is located at the confluence of the Calle-Calle, Valdivia, and Cau-Cau Rivers, approximately 15 km (9 mi) east of the coastal towns of Corral and Niebla. Since October 2007, Valdivia has been the capital of Los Ríos Region and is also the capital of Valdivia Province. The 2024 Chilean census recorded 170,043 inhabitants (Valdivianos) in the commune of Valdivia. The main economic activities of Valdivia include tourism, wood pulp manufacturing, forestry, metallurgy, and beer production. The city is also the home of the Austral University of Chile, founded in 1954, the Centro de Estudios Científicos and one of Chile's three environmental courts.

One of the main draws of Valdivia is its stunning natural beauty. The city is located at the confluence of three rivers, the Calle-Calle, Valdivia, and Cau-Cau, which makes for a picturesque setting. The surrounding forests, mountains, and beaches provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, surfing, and kayaking.

Valdivia is also steeped in history, with a fascinating past that dates back to the 16th century. The city was founded by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1552 and quickly became an important center for trade and commerce. Over the centuries, Valdivia has been shaped by various cultures and influences, including the indigenous Mapuche people, German immigrants, and Spanish colonizers.