Tours and Activities:

Window to the Pacific

We explored Port Saavedra and Lake Budi, getting closer to the ocean and discovering the cultural roots and daily life of the Mapuche communities in the region.

The Imperial River follows its course, shaped by the surrounding terrain, until it finally reaches the Pacific Ocean, emptying into Port Saavedra. In this picturesque town, the coastal landscape becomes rugged and fascinating; moreover, it reflects much of the region´s history and culture.

Since its earliest days, the Port Saavedra area was inhabited by the Mapuche people, but in 1885, Don Cornelio Saavedra officially founded it as a town, now the capital of the commune. After the 1960 tsunami, Saavedra ceased to be a river port and established itself as a tourist and cultural center, standing out for its landscapes, river, and the richness of Mapuche culture.

Walking through its main streets, visitors can explore the Ruka Witral,House of the Loom, where handicrafts made from plant fibers and Mapuche textiles are produced and sold. The site also provides tourist information about the entire region.

A stroll along the waterfront allows you to watch the artisanal fishermen who, the ancient Lafkenche people (a Mapuche community living in the coastal area of southern Chile, known as Lafken Mapu), are located along the wide banks of the river and the sea.

The town´s main beach is Maule, stretching over four kilometers and inviting visitors to feel the sea breeze and soft sand under their feet. During the season, visitors can sample local dishes prepared by local families, including traditional coal-baked tortillas and other regional specialties. Another notable spot is Los Pinos, a more sheltered beach with camping and recreational areas ideal for family outings.

However, the most beautiful place in Port Saavedra is Lake Budi, located about 10 kilometers southeast of the town. In the area known as Boca Budi, this lagoonsaltwater lake meets the Pacific Ocean, creating spectacular beaches where black-necked swans and other birds can be observed.

On the shores of the lake, the picturesque village of Port Domínguez is known as "The Garden of Budi". The town offers shops, services, and visitor facilities, and is the departure point for the Carlos Schalchli ferry to Huapi Island, providing a safe and scenic journey across the lake. Here, the Ruka Lafken Leufu recreates Mapuche customs and traditions in a setting of unique scenic beauty.

Around the entire Lake Budi, numerous Mapuche communities still preserve their customs and traditions, developing a subsistence economy that uses the land and sea´s resources sustainably. This care for culture and the natural environment reflects the richness and dignity of these people, who have managed to keep their heritage alive over time. As poet Pablo Neruda admired the Araucanian people: "Few races on earth are as dignified as the Araucanian race. One day we will see Araucarian universities, books printed in Araucarian, and we will realize all that we have lost in clarity, purity, and volcanic energy."

See also: Hotels in Temuco and other accommodation venues