Discover the must-sees of Valdivia in 2 days
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
Two days on foot through Isla Teja and the Valdivian waterfront
2 DAYS
Valdivia is a city with a unique character, defined by the network of rivers that embraces and gives it life. This two-day itinerary focuses on its pedestrian heart, inviting you to explore at a leisurely pace the cultural center of Isla Teja and the vibrant activity of the Mercado Fluvial. Get ready to discover museums, botanical gardens, sea lions and the unmistakable German heritage that is breathed in every corner.
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
ATRACTIVOS
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
A walk through the cultural and green Isla Teja
From your accommodation in Valdivia, you will begin your day crossing the Pedro de Valdivia bridge to enter Isla Teja. Your first stop is Parque Prochelle, perfect for a morning walk. From there, the cultural epicenter awaits you on the campus of the Universidad Austral, where you will visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), located in the ruins of the old Anwandter Brewery.
Just steps away you will find the university’s Botanical Garden, a true oasis of native and exotic flora on the banks of the Valdivia River. It is the ideal place to continue the walk and enjoy a picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, the cultural immersion continues on the same island with a visit to the Maurice van de Maele Historical and Anthropological Museum. Located in the historic Casa Anwandter, this museum offers a deep insight into Mapuche history and German colonization. It is the perfect ending to a full day of exploration on Isla Teja.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
A walk through the cultural and green Isla Teja
From your accommodation in Valdivia, you will begin your day crossing the Pedro de Valdivia bridge to enter Isla Teja. Your first stop is Parque Prochelle, perfect for a morning walk. From there, the cultural epicenter awaits you on the campus of the Universidad Austral, where you will visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), located in the ruins of the old Anwandter Brewery.
Just steps away you will find the university’s Botanical Garden, a true oasis of native and exotic flora on the banks of the Valdivia River. It is the ideal place to continue the walk and enjoy a picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, the cultural immersion continues on the same island with a visit to the Maurice van de Maele Historical and Anthropological Museum. Located in the historic Casa Anwandter, this museum offers a deep insight into Mapuche history and German colonization. It is the perfect ending to a full day of exploration on Isla Teja.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Mercado Fluvial (Riverside Market)
Dedicate your second day to visiting the soul of Valdivia: its Mercado Fluvial. In the morning, immerse yourself in this vibrant spectacle where locals sell fresh products from their boats. Right next door, on the waterfront, you will see the city’s most famous residents: a large colony of sea lions. Remember to keep a safe distance from these animals; it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the local fauna.
From the Muelle Schuster (Schuster Dock), next to the market, embark on a traditional boat trip. Sailing through the river system will give you a completely new perspective of the city, as well as its bridges and surroundings. Upon returning, take the opportunity to have lunch at the market stalls themselves.
To close your trip, you will head to the Kunstmann Brewery, the emblem of Valdivia’s brewing tradition. After a short trip by car or taxi, you can join a tour to learn about its history and brewing process. The visit culminates in its restaurant, where you can taste its varieties of beer and enjoy a German-inspired dinner.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Mercado Fluvial (Riverside Market)
Dedicate your second day to visiting the soul of Valdivia: its Mercado Fluvial. In the morning, immerse yourself in this vibrant spectacle where locals sell fresh products from their boats. Right next door, on the waterfront, you will see the city’s most famous residents: a large colony of sea lions. Remember to keep a safe distance from these animals; it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the local fauna.
From the Muelle Schuster (Schuster Dock), next to the market, embark on a traditional boat trip. Sailing through the river system will give you a completely new perspective of the city, as well as its bridges and surroundings. Upon returning, take the opportunity to have lunch at the market stalls themselves.
To close your trip, you will head to the Kunstmann Brewery, the emblem of Valdivia’s brewing tradition. After a short trip by car or taxi, you can join a tour to learn about its history and brewing process. The visit culminates in its restaurant, where you can taste its varieties of beer and enjoy a German-inspired dinner.
What you should know
How to get there by air
If you are coming from abroad, you must land in Santiago and then take a local flight to Pichoy Aerodrome in Mariquina, located 32 kilometers north of Valdivia. From there, you can take a transfer or taxi to the city. If there are no flights, you can land at the Cañal Bajo Aerodrome in Osorno, located 105 kilometers away.
How to get there by land
Valdivia has a large bus terminal with direct connections to Santiago and the main cities of southern Chile. If you are traveling by car, access is via Ruta 5 Sur (Route 5 South). For this itinerary, you will not need the car within the city.
Climate and clothing
Valdivia’s climate is famous for being rainy and changeable. It is essential to always carry a waterproof jacket or an umbrella. For this itinerary, the most important thing is to wear very comfortable shoes for walking.
Must-Know Tips
This is an ideal itinerary to do on foot or by bicycle. If you see sea lions, do not feed them and always keep a safe distance. Remember that in Chile it is forbidden to drive under the influence of alcohol.
