Itinerary in Niebla: history and Valdivian rainforest
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
Two days among Spanish forts, rivers and coastal parks
2 DAYS
Discover the charms of Valdivia and its coast, a wetland city where the history of navigators and settlers merges with the exuberance of the Valdivian rainforest, a unique ecosystem in the world. This itinerary will take you from the walls of a 17th century Spanish fort to the tops of ancient trees, sailing along rivers that are the soul of the city and walking along the wild Pacific coast.
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Niebla Fort
After breakfast, take a bus in the center of Valdivia to reach the historic Niebla Fort in 25 minutes, an imposing Spanish fortification from the 17th century. Walk its walls, observe its cannons, and enjoy the panoramic view of Corral Bay. Inside, visit the Site Museum to understand the strategic importance of this place.
At noon, the plan is to relax on Niebla Beach before having lunch at the Mercado Costumbrista. This is the ideal place to try the local cuisine, and we especially recommend dishes based on fresh seafood. Enjoy the atmosphere and crafts of the area in a rustic and welcoming environment.
In the afternoon, return to Valdivia for the river experience: a boat trip on the Valdivia River. From the boat you will see the shipyards, the drawbridge and the famous sea lions on the waterfront. Finally, end your day in one of the city’s restaurants, trying some of the craft beers that have made the region famous.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Niebla Fort
After breakfast, take a bus in the center of Valdivia to reach the historic Niebla Fort in 25 minutes, an imposing Spanish fortification from the 17th century. Walk its walls, observe its cannons, and enjoy the panoramic view of Corral Bay. Inside, visit the Site Museum to understand the strategic importance of this place.
At noon, the plan is to relax on Niebla Beach before having lunch at the Mercado Costumbrista. This is the ideal place to try the local cuisine, and we especially recommend dishes based on fresh seafood. Enjoy the atmosphere and crafts of the area in a rustic and welcoming environment.
In the afternoon, return to Valdivia for the river experience: a boat trip on the Valdivia River. From the boat you will see the shipyards, the drawbridge and the famous sea lions on the waterfront. Finally, end your day in one of the city’s restaurants, trying some of the craft beers that have made the region famous.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Oncol Park and the wild coast of Curiñanco
This second day will be for observing nature. Start with a scenic trip to Oncol Park, a private reserve that protects the coastal Valdivian rainforest. To get there, you must hire a tour or drive in a private vehicle for about an hour.
The objective of the walk is to reach the top of Cerro Oncol. There, two 30-meter-high viewpoints elevate you above the treetops, offering a 360° panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see both the Andes Mountains and its volcanoes, as well as the Pacific Ocean, an image that remains for a lifetime.
After lunch or a picnic in the park, end your day with a short trip to Curiñanco Beach. This place of dark sand and strong waves is perfect for a final walk, feeling the sea breeze and admiring the untamed beauty of the Valdivian coast, before starting the return to your accommodation.
Photo: @chilespots_travel
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Oncol Park and the wild coast of Curiñanco
This second day will be for observing nature. Start with a scenic trip to Oncol Park, a private reserve that protects the coastal Valdivian rainforest. To get there, you must hire a tour or drive in a private vehicle for about an hour.
The objective of the walk is to reach the top of Cerro Oncol. There, two 30-meter-high viewpoints elevate you above the treetops, offering a 360° panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see both the Andes Mountains and its volcanoes, as well as the Pacific Ocean, an image that remains for a lifetime.
After lunch or a picnic in the park, end your day with a short trip to Curiñanco Beach. This place of dark sand and strong waves is perfect for a final walk, feeling the sea breeze and admiring the untamed beauty of the Valdivian coast, before starting the return to your accommodation.
Photo: @chilespots_travel
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 is connected to the rest of the country by Route 5 South. To carry out the itinerary, especially the second day, it is highly recommended to have a private vehicle to have the flexibility to move around the coastal roads.
Climate and clothing
The climate in Valdivia is famous for being rainy and changeable, even in summer. It is essential to wear a waterproof jacket, dress in layers and wear sturdy and comfortable trekking shoes, especially for the second day.
Must-Know Tips
For the second day, check the condition of the road to Oncol, especially if it is not summer. Book the boat trip on the first day in advance, as it is a very popular activity. If you are going to drive, we recommend a high vehicle, as there are sections of the road that are dirt.
