5 days of parks and hot springs from Valdivia
Updated on 25 de May, 2026
Feel the magic of Los Ríos
5 DAYS
Check out this five-day itinerary where you’ll discover the best hot springs and explore the most beautiful forests of the Los Ríos Region. With Valdivia as your starting point, you’ll visit Choshuenco, Neltume, Liquiñe, and Coñaripe, combining nature, local gastronomy, and wellness in the heart of the Valdivian jungle.
DISTANCE
425km
DAYS
5 DAYS
DESTINATIONS
LANDSCAPES
SEASON
ACTIVITIES
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Welcome to Valdivia and the Valdivian jungle
Our adventure begins in Valdivia, Latin America’s first wetland city. Visit some of the city’s most iconic spots, such as the Feria Fluvial (Riverside Market), the Mercado Municipal, the waterfront promenade, and Isla Teja, home to the famous Austral University Botanical Garden.
At the viewpoints overlooking the Valdivia River, it’s common to see the famous sea lions that inhabit the area. If you see them, remember to keep a safe distance and do not feed them.
And you have to try the area’s exquisite gastronomy, characterized by its fresh fish and craft beers.
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Welcome to Valdivia and the Valdivian jungle
Our adventure begins in Valdivia, Latin America’s first wetland city. Visit some of the city’s most iconic spots, such as the Feria Fluvial (Riverside Market), the Mercado Municipal, the waterfront promenade, and Isla Teja, home to the famous Austral University Botanical Garden.
At the viewpoints overlooking the Valdivia River, it’s common to see the famous sea lions that inhabit the area. If you see them, remember to keep a safe distance and do not feed them.
And you have to try the area’s exquisite gastronomy, characterized by its fresh fish and craft beers.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Nature and kayaking among wetlands and rivers
Today we are going to connect with the ecosystems of the Valdivian jungle. First, we’ll head to El Bosque Urban Park, where you’ll walk through native forest and wetlands along wooden walkways.
After lunch, we’ll continue our adventure at the Cutipay Wetland Nature Sanctuary, about 10 kilometers from Valdivia. Here you can go kayaking while observing native birds and flora typical of the area.
At the end of the activity, we’ll return to Valdivia to rest.
Photography: Ministry of the Environment
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Nature and kayaking among wetlands and rivers
Today we are going to connect with the ecosystems of the Valdivian jungle. First, we’ll head to El Bosque Urban Park, where you’ll walk through native forest and wetlands along wooden walkways.
After lunch, we’ll continue our adventure at the Cutipay Wetland Nature Sanctuary, about 10 kilometers from Valdivia. Here you can go kayaking while observing native birds and flora typical of the area.
At the end of the activity, we’ll return to Valdivia to rest.
Photography: Ministry of the Environment
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
Route to Choshuenco and adventure in Neltume
We leave Valdivia behind to head toward the mountains. The first stop will be Pirinel Park, located in an area of great biodiversity that protects species like the pudu and Darwin’s frog, as well as extensive temperate rainforests.
For lunch, we’ll head to Neltume, where you can enjoy unique dishes based on venison and wild boar, as well as local trout.
In the afternoon, we’ll go to Neltume Park for a canopy experience among centuries-old coihue forests. The circuit includes 6 cables of different heights and lengths, allowing you to explore the forest from above accompanied by guides and safety equipment.
At the end of the day, we’ll head to Choshuenco to sleep and continue our adventure.
Photography: Luksic Foundation
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
Route to Choshuenco and adventure in Neltume
We leave Valdivia behind to head toward the mountains. The first stop will be Pirinel Park, located in an area of great biodiversity that protects species like the pudu and Darwin’s frog, as well as extensive temperate rainforests.
For lunch, we’ll head to Neltume, where you can enjoy unique dishes based on venison and wild boar, as well as local trout.
In the afternoon, we’ll go to Neltume Park for a canopy experience among centuries-old coihue forests. The circuit includes 6 cables of different heights and lengths, allowing you to explore the forest from above accompanied by guides and safety equipment.
At the end of the day, we’ll head to Choshuenco to sleep and continue our adventure.
Photography: Luksic Foundation
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
Hot springs and relaxation in the mountains
The time has come to relax and discover why the hot springs of southern Chile are out of this world. After breakfast, we’ll head to the Liquiñe hot springs. Located on the banks of the Rañintulelfu River, they are renowned for their native forest surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
After resting and having lunch, we’ll travel 30 km to reach Coñaripe, a town also famous for its thermal waters and its proximity to Lake Calafquén. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring this small town, walking along the lakeshore, and enjoying typical dishes from southern Chile, featuring river fish, meats, and traditional local recipes.
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
Hot springs and relaxation in the mountains
The time has come to relax and discover why the hot springs of southern Chile are out of this world. After breakfast, we’ll head to the Liquiñe hot springs. Located on the banks of the Rañintulelfu River, they are renowned for their native forest surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
After resting and having lunch, we’ll travel 30 km to reach Coñaripe, a town also famous for its thermal waters and its proximity to Lake Calafquén. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring this small town, walking along the lakeshore, and enjoying typical dishes from southern Chile, featuring river fish, meats, and traditional local recipes.
Day 5
Wellness and farewell to Los Ríos
On our last day, we’ll go to San José de la Mariquina. Here we’ll visit the Santa Elisa Sanatorium, recognized as a pioneer in hydrotherapy and wellness experiences in the region.
Built in 1932, it’s a place that preserves traditional architecture, with wooden floors, wide spaces, and beautiful gardens. Here you can enjoy massages, medicinal herb baths, and a swimming pool.
Our trip ends here! You can head to Pichoy Airfield to travel to another destination or continue exploring the magical places in this area.
Day 5
Wellness and farewell to Los Ríos
On our last day, we’ll go to San José de la Mariquina. Here we’ll visit the Santa Elisa Sanatorium, recognized as a pioneer in hydrotherapy and wellness experiences in the region.
Built in 1932, it’s a place that preserves traditional architecture, with wooden floors, wide spaces, and beautiful gardens. Here you can enjoy massages, medicinal herb baths, and a swimming pool.
Our trip ends here! You can head to Pichoy Airfield to travel to another destination or continue exploring the magical places in this area.
What you should know
How to get there by air
Fly from Santiago to Valdivia (Pichoy Airfield) in a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From the airport, located about 32 kilometers from the city, you can reach downtown Valdivia in about 40 minutes via transfers, buses, taxis, or a rental car. From there, you can continue to destinations like Neltume, Liquiñe, and Coñaripe.
How to get there by land
From Santiago, you must drive along Route 5 South for a journey of approximately 850 kilometers (9 hours). Keep in mind that the route includes tolls and it’s recommended to plan stops along the way. You can also take intercity buses from Santiago to Valdivia, with trips lasting about 11 hours.
Climate and clothing
During autumn and winter, temperatures in the Los Ríos Region usually range between 3°C and 12°C, with frequent rain and high humidity, especially in mountain areas. It’s recommended to bring waterproof clothing and dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes during the day.
Essentials include UV-protection sunglasses, sunscreen, high-top trekking shoes, leggings or comfortable sportswear, a swimsuit for the hot springs, and appropriate clothing for both outdoor activities and indoor spaces and dining.
Must-Know Tips
Book activities like hot springs, canopy, or kayaking in advance, especially during weekends and holidays. It’s also recommended to carry cash for small shops in rural areas and consider a portable battery or external charger for long excursions in nature areas.
