Boasting a grand central square dotted with swaying palm trees, Temuco is the former home of Pablo Neruda, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. The lively university town is proud of its Mapuche heritage and is a great place to explore local markets, history museums and a natural monument.

Things to do

Start your exploration of Temuco at the Regional Museum of Araucania, home to traditional Mapuche costumes, photos and decorative objects. Don’t miss seeing the archaeological artefacts, such as funerary urns, textiles and jewellery.

A must-see for train enthusiasts, the Pablo Neruda National Railway Museum pays tribute to a wide range of historic locomotives, from steam to electric. Browse the Coal Bunker, where coal is stored, and the Workshop where locomotives are repaired, then visit the on-site art gallery and Locomotive Yard.

Need a bit of peace and quiet? Viit the Cerro Nielol Natural Monument, which is surrounded by olive and laurel trees. You can spot Chile’s national flower, copihue, in the 89-hectare park in addition to migrating birds. The park’s lookout also offers beautiful views over Temuco.

For a day of hiking, head to Conguillio National Park, located 80 kilometres away. Its beautiful landscapes are dotted with lakes, lagoons and volcanic formations, which can be seen from trails winding through ancient araucaria forests.

Getting around

You can fly into Temuco Maquehue Airport, located three kilometres south of Temuco, while long-distance buses travel from nearby cities. Temuco is small is enough to explore on foot, while buses and taxis are also available.