Temuco (220.000 inhabitants), one of Chile's fastest-growing cities, is the capital of the Araucania Region and gateway to the country's Lake District. This is one of Chile's foremost tourist areas, with some of the most frequented national parks, renowned lake resorts, volcanoes, ski resorts and Mapuche settlements where traditions are still kept alive.
In summer, highs of 26°C/79°F (occasionally higher) and lows of 12°C/54°F. In winter, 12°C and 1°C (54 and 34°F, respectively). It rains in all seasons, but more frequently and copiously in winter, with a yearly total of ca. 1,400mm (55in). Seasons are well marked. Humidity is comfortable and summers have a large proportion of clear, sunny days.
One of the best places for Mapuche handicrafts and products is the Mercado Municipal (at the corner of Aldunate and Diego Portales), which not only includes the stalls selling meat, poultry and vegetables, but also a couple of good restaurants. Another place of interest is the Feria Libre, located close to the railway station, where you may see Mapuche women wearing their traditional attire. Best buys are their silver ornaments, woodcarvings and textiles. At the Casa de la Mujer Mapuche you can find further Mapuche products.
For an insight into Mapuche culture and traditions, try the Museo Regional de la Araucanía (Av. Alemania 084), which also covers the colonial and settlement period. Downtown centers on the shady Plaza Aníbal Pinto, which sports some rather unexpected (for this latitude) palm trees. The shopping areas are on or around Calle Bulnes, and in the new mall on the outskirts of town, which rapidly became a favorite spot for the temucanos. At the end of Hochstetter street are the municipal swimming pools, surrounded by gardens.
Climb to the summit of Monumento Natural Cerro Ñielol (head north on Arturo Prat) for a sweeping view of the city and the environs. The hill is covered by native forests; you may see some copihues, the Chilean national flower. Here you'll also find the patagua tree under which the final peace treaty with the Mapuche was signed.
This article is copyrighted by Lanchile S.A.
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