The official travel guide to Chile

Touring Southern Chile's Forts

Valdivia's historic architecture, rivers and forests will enchant you. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the area was home to forts that served as the main system for defense against the pirate raids that were a constant on the Pacific coast. They also were used by the Spanish conquistadors to stave off attacks by indigenous groups.

The largest and best preserved is Corral Fort, where you can see the bastion of San Sebastián de la Cruz and a number of cannons. Amargos Fort, which is about half an hour away, overlooks a small fishing village.

Across the river, Niebla Fort made it possible to train crossfire on attackers and the crumbling walls of the castle of the Pura y Limpia Concepción de Monfort de Lemus are the oldest remains in the area. Finally, San Pedro de Alcántara Castle on Mancera Island was converted into the residence of the military governor.

 

Featured Destinations of Valdivia and Osorno

Osorno		Valdivia

 

Tours you can do

Southern Forts		Huilo Huilo
Lake Panguipulli - Lake Riñihue		Boating on the Calle Calle River
Puyehue National Park		Health Route
Río Bueno and Lake Ranco		Osorno Volcano

 

Getting there By Bus You can also take a bus or shared taxi from Valdivia. By Boat You can visit the forts aboard a river cruiser that leaves from Valdivia and makes generous stopovers at Niebla and Mancera Island.