---

One of the places most appreciated for its biodiversity is the Carlos Andwandter Nature Sanctuary, located on the Cruces River. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1981 and is part of the list of "wetlands of international importance".

The Cruces river wetland was born in 1960 as a result of the earthquake that shook the region. Before this, the Cruces River was a narrow navigable river surrounded by arable fields, until the catastrophe caused the permanent subsidence of much of these lands.



The place has around 4,870 hectares and currently houses more than a hundred species of birds and about a thousand plant species and wild flowers that constitute the virgin native forest. It is one of the most important reproduction, nesting and recreation sites for hundreds of protected species, among which the beautiful black-necked swan, the coscoroba, the piquerito tern, the cuca heron, the bandurrias, the marsh crow, the mares, taguas, ibis, ducks and some divers. In addition, it is home to some mammals such as the river otter, the nutria, the mink and the scarce concón, a species of owl typical of southern Chile.



The sanctuary is easily accessible thanks to the boats and tourist steamers that sail daily from the Calle Calle river to this destination. The tour can last from half a day to a full day and it is possible to take guided tours by expert ornithologists and even visit the Cruces river fort, built by the Spanish around 1770 for the defense of southern Chile against indigenous and pirate threats. .



The Cruces River is a river in Chile that is born on the slopes of the Villarrica volcano.



The city of Valdivia is located 839 km from Santiago de Chile. There are several access routes:



By plane

On flights from Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez airport to Valdivia. The flight lasts two hours. The Pichoy aerodrome, located 32 km north of Valdivia, allows access through international flights.



By car

From the north and south, Valdivia is reached by Route 5 South or the Pan-American Highway. The city is linked to the rest of the country by Route 5 with access from the north by San José de la Mariquina and Máfil, from the south from Paillaco where the highway forks to the northeast, the trip is 48 km to Valdivia.



By bus

From Santiago on buses that leave from Terminal Sur Santiago. The trip lasts 12 hours.





With 280 kilometers of navigable rivers, it is one of the main attractions of Valdivia. Located in an environment surrounded by forests and landscapes suitable for observing fauna and birds typical of the area, this city offers its visitors various alternatives to enjoy the charms of nature.

---