Rio Bueno, Town and Commune in Chile

Image: Radio Sago

 

    Rio Bueno is a commune of the Ranco Province, in the southeastern part of the Los Rios Region. It has an area of 2,212 km2 and a population of just over 32,000 inhabitants. The commune extends along the valley of River Bueno, which rises as a discharge of the Ranco Lake and after a slow but mighty 200 km route it empties into the Pacific Ocean. The town itself was founded in 1778 as Fort San Jose de Alcudia.

 

The place has a humid climate in Winter and temperate in Summer (20º C to 25º C), with an average annual temperature of app. 12º C. The total annual precipitation ranges from 1200 to 1600 mm. Its especially fertile soil, has allowed the development of an agriculture of cereals, fruits, vegetables and legumes, cattle ranching and leather industry, sausage factories, beers, liquors, flour,  dairy products and derivatives. In addition, its location, about 80 km from Valdivia and 38 km from Osorno on Ruta 5 Sur (Pan-American Highway), has favoured its development. As is characteristic of this part of southern Chile, German colonization, very strong from the second half of the 19th century, has exerted great influence in all areas.

 

Tourist Attractions in Rio Bueno

 

 

 

 

 

Arturo Möller Sandrock Historical and Archaeological Museum

Opened in 1971, the gallery receives its name in homage to its creator and the main donor of the pieces exhibited in the museum. Its mission is to rescue, preserve and promote the historical heritage of the municipality of Rio Bueno and its surroundings. 

 

Arturo Möller Sandrock, a native of this land, gathered during his life a set of collections which his family later donated to the Rio Bueno city council. The museum also includes numerous donations from individuals, left by Spanish settlers and later by descendants of Germans and Austrians.

Address: 650 Pedro Lagos St., Rio Bueno
Land line: 56 64 2340433 

 

Fuerte San Jose de Alcudia

  Southern Chile was the last stronghold of Spanish domination. The crown fortifications built between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in the current Los Rios Region constitute a unique architectural heritage in Chile.

 

The Fuerte San Jose de Alcudia Historic Monument is built on top of a cliff and overlooks the Bueno River from a height of 50 meters. The  stronghold was part of the defense infrastructure built in that area in order to counter the attack of the natives after an uprising in 1792 and in order to establish Spanish control between the cities of Valdivia and Castro. Its construction date dates back to the period between 1793 and 1795, and was in charge of the engineer Manuel Olaguer Feliu.

Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion 

Located on Arturo Prat Ave., in front of the main square of the city, the town's parish church is one of the places included in the local city tours. Very well maintained, it was created in 1907 as Parroquia Arcangel San Rafael. It is an important meeting point for parishioners and families who attend Masses and religious events.

 

Culinary Tradition

 

  The influence of the German colonization in this part of Chile is reflected in many fields of daily life. It is common to find various small businesses offering delicacies based on traditional German recipes, highlighting those related to pastry, chocolate, beers, liquors, sausages, dairy products.

 

Parque Alfonso Brandt

This park is an ideal destination for those who like to enjoy nature and observe native tree species, located on Cerro Piedra Mesa, on the shores of Lago Ranco.

 

There are a series of routes where tourists can go hiking or biking, enjoying a privileged view of the lake, its islands and the entire environment. Lago Ranco has 13 islands being the third largest in Chile after Llanquihue and General Carrera. One of the recommended activities is to trek to the Piedra Mesa viewpoint, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, and is also the entry point to the Park.

 

Puente Chirre (Chirre Bridge)

 A remarkable architectural work, especially considering the date of its construction, 1925, with the purpose of connecting the cities of Río Bueno and Entre Lagos in the railway network. It was declared a National Monument in June 2017, currently it changed its railway use to road use.

 

Surrounded by the scenic beauty and a thick vegetation typical of the region, the bridge, one of the highest in South America (108 m. above the valley floor), is used for rappelling in a descent of almost 100 meters over the Chirre river, whose waters also favor the practice of kayaking and rafting.

 

Rafting on Rio Bueno 

Image: Aventurasport.cl, Adventure Tourism in Chile

 

  This water course, natural drainage of Lago Ranco, the third largest in Chile, offers great conditions for practicing water sports. There are several specialized agencies that offer the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience in these idyllic landscapes of southern Chile.

 

It is not necessary to have a lot of previous experience because the rapids are class II and III, the guides are very prepared and the agencies provide all the prior instruction and necessary equipment except for footwear. Some of the agencies that offer tours are Rio Bueno Expediciones, Aventura Sport, Turismo Rutas Verdes.

 

Location and Distances

The commune is located in southern Chile, Ranco Province, Los Rios Region, Rio Bueno valley, the river is the natural drain of the beautiful Ranco Lake.

 

The main access is by Route 5 South (Pan-American Highway), a short distance from the town, reaching the "Cruce Los Tambores" take the T-71 fork that connects with the town. The distance to other cities:

Santiago de Chile: 900 km.

Valdivia (regional capital): 80 km.

Osorno: 38 km.

Puerto Montt: 139 km.

Rio Bueno on Google Map HERE.