The Carlos Anwandter nature sanctuary is located in the wetlands of the river crossings that were formed after the earthquake of 1960, is an aquatic reserve that protects more than 4,900 has.
Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary, located in Cruces River, is an aquatic reserve with approximately 4.877 hectares belonging to the lower part of Cruces River, in the province of Valdivia.
This Nature Sanctuary formed as a consequence of the earthquake and tsunami of 1960, which flooded the agricultural lands along the bank of the rivers Cruces and Chorocamallo and caused the ground to sink. A variety of aquatic plants then rose, surrounded by small evergreen forests where a number of native and exotic birds started to nest. Among these birds you can find the black necked swan, African herons, White-necked Herons, Terns, White-Faced Ibis, and Coots, as well as mammals such as the coypu and the river otter.
In 1981 this place was declared a 'nature sanctuary', and was consequently added to list of Internationally Important Wetlands (Ramsar Convention), which protects wetlands, especially those which are home to aquatic fauna species. It was the the first piece land in Chile to be included in this plan.
Since then, the sanctuary has become a source of pride and a symbol of natural beauty for the habitants of Valdivia.
Basic Information
Location : The sanctuary is placed at the end of the Cruces river, in the province of Valdivia
When to go : All year round.
Weather : A warm climate with less than four dry months affecting the area north of the wetlands. In most of the southern area near the city of Valdivia a warm and rainy mediterranean influence can be found. Here the effects of the ocean are evident, registering more than 2000mm of rain annually in Valdivia. There is a pluviometric (rain gage) regimen that shows the concentrations of rain both in the rainy winter seasons and in the dry seasons.
Services : Excursions.
Gastronomy
This area has a gastronomic identity marked mainly by Mapuche cuisine and the complement of Spanish cuisine. This land is characterized as a place of cultivation, where there are different outbreaks of fruits, legumes, vegetables and spices that are fundamental in the condiment of the food as the Merquén.
Meat and fish are also important food, which are usually seasoned with the spices of Mapuche cuisine. Within the typical dishes are the Charquicán, empanadas with pebre, roast lamb, tortillas embers among others. You cannot visit this area without eating chestnuts or pine nuts.
A traditional drink of the area is apple chicha or wine. Desserts usually have blueberries or raspberries or nuts and chestnuts as well.
Tour: From Valdivia to Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary.
Recommendations
The weather on this place is oceanic and rainy, with a bit of Mediterranean influence, there’s abundant and constant rainfall, even in summer. The annual average temperature is 11° C.
We advise you to wear clothes that are suitable for rain, because the weather is constantly changes at any time of the year.
Stores in rural areas are open all day, but they close between 13.00 and 15.00. We advise you to carry local currency (Chilean pesos), since it isn’t possible to pay with debit or credit cards in kiosks and rural stores.
Do not litter on parks or streets. Taking care of our environment is everyone's responsibility. Avoid fines by following the rules.
Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary map
Come and discover Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary