Osorno, one of the oldest cities in the country, holds significant importance in southern Chile. It serves as the capital of the homonymous province within the Los Lagos Region, boasting a foundation dating back to 1558.
Since the early decades of the nineteenth century, immigrants of various nationalities began settling in Osorno, contributing significantly to different areas of society. Among them were people from the Syrian Arab Republic, France, Spain, Austro-Hungary, and other countries, all of whom played pivotal roles in this wave of immigration.
In 1845, the enactment of the Selective Immigration Law facilitated the organized arrival of a large number of German settlers, who swiftly became the largest colony in the region. To this day, the influence of the German community resonates throughout the area.
How to Get There
- Ruta 5 Sur (former Carretera Panamericana), is the main access road to the city, for those traveling either from Northern or Southern Chile.
- Those who travel from the neighboring Argentine city of San Carlos de Bariloche have to take Ruta Nacional 231, entering Chilean territory through Cardenal Samore Border Pass. The access to Osorno is through Ruta 215.
- Cañal Bajo Carlos Hott Siebert Airport is located 7 km. Southeast of the city. There are regular flights to and from the city of Santiago, with LATAM and Sky Airline.
Places to visit in Osorno and Surroundings
Osorno, like much of southern Chile, is a typical tourist destination. It offers countless stunning landscapes, tours, and activities to enjoy in its surroundings. Here are some of the must-see attractions while you're here.Plaza de Armas (Main Square)
Osorno's beautiful Plaza de Armas offers visitors a unique combination of history, culture, gastronomy and entertainment, making it a must-see tourist attraction in the city. Surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, the square is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. It is also the scene of cultural events, festivals and recreational activities throughout the year, making it a vibrant and dynamic place.
Catedral de San Mateo
Image: Ruta RallyMobil
The Catedral de San Mateo (Saint Matthew's Cathedral), one of the iconic landmarks of the city, is located on the perimeter of the main square, Plaza de Armas. Due to its Gothic-style architecture, it is considered an architectural gem and is the work of the Chilean architect Leon Prieto Casanova.
Mercado Municipal
Osorno's Municipal Market is a must-visit spot to immerse yourself in the city's daily life and rich local culture. Located at Errazuriz 1300, in the heart of Osorno, this bustling marketplace offers a diverse selection of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, fish, and seafood. Visitors can also find authentic handicrafts and traditional gastronomic products from southern Chile.
Beyond shopping, the market's food stalls and restaurants serve delicious local cuisine, making it an ideal place to savor regional flavors. Whether you're a traveler or a food enthusiast, the Osorno Municipal Market is a top destination to experience the authentic flavors and lively ambiance of this southern Chilean city.
Parque Cuarto Centenario
Cuarto Centenario Park, located along the scenic banks of the Damas River, just three blocks from the main square, offers lush greenery and a welcoming atmosphere for sports, family activities, and relaxation.
Established in 1958 to celebrate the city's 400th anniversary, the park underwent a major renovation, completed in late 2016. Enhancements included the addition of native trees, modern playgrounds, upgraded restrooms, ample parking, basketball and tennis courts, a decorative fountain, and over a thousand energy-efficient LED lights, making it a vibrant destination for visitors and locals alike.
Museo Interactivo de Osorno
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Museo Histórico Municipal de Osorno
The Municipal Museum of Osorno is located at 809 Manuel Antonio Matta St. Founded in 1946, it has operated in various locations before settling in its current site in 1964. The museum is housed in a Neoclassical building originally constructed in 1929 as the residence of the Schilling Buschmann family. Its collections feature archaeological and paleontological discoveries, artifacts from the Huilliche and Mapuche ethnic groups, items from the German colonization period in Chile, and a room displaying taxidermied animals native to southern Chile.
🕙Visiting Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Museo Pleistocénico de Osorno
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| Image: Javier Cardenas on YouTube |
The Pleistocene Museum of Osorno, inaugurated in September 2017, is located in Parque Chuyaca, on the banks of the Damas River. Operated by the Municipality of Osorno, this museum showcases dioramas, replicas, interactive exhibits, and fossils uncovered through paleoarchaeological research at the Pilauco Bajo site. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, workshops, lectures on the Pleistocene, art exhibits, and hands-on activities.
This museum is part of a broader effort to promote and preserve the region’s paleontological heritage, making it a must-visit destination for history and paleontology enthusiasts. Additionally, the open-air theme park provides a unique experience with life-sized replicas of the megafauna that roamed the area over 12,000 years ago.
Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Museo de Autos Moncopulli
Studebaker-Moncopulli Car Museum is a classic and antique car exhibition gallery founded in 1995 as a non-profit family business to house the first 22 vehicles and showcase them to the public. The collection reflects the passion of its founder, Mr. Bernardo Eggers, for American cars from the 1950s. While the museum is primarily dedicated to the Studebaker brand, it also features vehicles from other manufacturers.
Fuerte Reina Luisa
A reconstruction of an old fort located on the banks of the Rahue River, named in honor of María Luisa de Borbón, wife of Carlos IV, King of Spain.
The original structure was built between 1793 and 1794 but was destroyed by a major earthquake in 1835. The current reconstruction began in 1955 and was completed in 1977. However, due to the absence of original plans, the fort does not precisely replicate its original form, except for the base of the wall overlooking the Rahue River.
In 2007, a second reconstruction effort began to enhance the site as a tourist attraction. This project also included the creation of the Sala de Exposiciones Fuerte Reina Luisa, an exhibition hall that now hosts events related to the city's history, along with temporary exhibitions, lectures, seminars, and other cultural activities. The hall has a capacity of 120 people.
More places to visit near Osorno
Antillanca Mountain ResortParque Nacional Puyehue
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