Experiences and local guides in Victoria

Nature

Victoria grew up around the railway, and it still shows: its symbol is the Malleco viaduct, an 1890 iron bridge crossing the valley at 102 metres, one of the tallest in South America at the time. Nearby, the Malleco National Reserve protects lightly visited araucaria and araucaria-coihue forests at the edge of the Andes.

Activities

• Malleco viaduct viewpoint, with views of the bridge and the Malleco river valley from both sides
• Trekking in the Malleco National Reserve, with short trails among centuries-old araucarias and almost no other visitors
• A tour of the city's railway heritage, including the old station and southern-branch workshops
• Sport fishing on the Malleco and Traiguén rivers, in the transition zone between the central valley and the Andes

When to go

December to March for trekking and fishing, with long dry days; autumn (April-May) turns the araucaria-coihue forests very photogenic colours.