Lophosoria

There is much more to Niebla than just its golden-sand beach. The town occupies a spur of land jutting out into the Valdivia River estuary, and Spanish-built fortifications include the clifftop Castillo de Niebla, with viewpoints, cannons and a museum. Encuentro Costumbrista is a popular spot for dining and traditional dance shows. Two museums sit across from each other in Valdivia, separated by the Calle-Calle River: one is the Museo Naval Submarino O’ Brien, where you can get a glimpse into the claustrophobic life of a submarine crew, and the other is the Museo Histórico y Antropológico Maurice van de Maele, with displays related to the Indigenous Mapuche peoples. Take a selfie next to the ‘Valdivia’ sign at the Mirador Letras ‘Valdivia’ Acceso Norte (half an hour), then take in views of the Río Cayumapu river. From there it’s another 35 minutes’ drive to the Nature Sanctuary Carlos Andwandter, an area of wetlands and forests inhabited by herons and otters.