Navigable Toltén Route: the newest tourist gem in southern Chile

In the coastal area of the region of La Araucanía in south-central Chile, two tourist attractions are known for their beauty coupled with a range of services for visitors to the Imperial, Monkul, Toltén, Boroa and Queule rivers. These are the Carahue and Toltén Navigable routes. The governance body of the latter was assembled this week, which includes the participation of the municipality, the Social Action Department of the Temuco Bishopric, local entrepreneurs along the route as well as CMPC.

With several operating seasons open to the public, the Carahue Navigable Route has been positioned as an emblematic tourist destination in La Araucanía thanks to the work of the entrepreneurs who support this effort along the Imperial and Monkul rivers. But there is another newer route in the same region that has grown stronger as of late, now serving as an option for special interest tourism, with a rich cultural heritage and unparalleled scenic beauty. It’s called the Navigable Toltén.

The governance body of the Navigable Toltén Route was recently set up to define and prioritize the stages of infrastructural provision and implementation for this coastal tourist destination. The four stakeholders behind this initiative will participate in its governance, namely the entrepreneurs, the Municipality of Toltén, the Social Action Department of the Temuco Bishopric (DAS) and CMPC, all focused on promoting local development through the vehicle of tourism.

In total, there are about 26 entrepreneurs along this route whose first pier was installed in 2017. Since then, local entrepreneurs have built up an attractive tourism destination that includes various accommodations, walks, local cuisine, sports and enjoyment of nature.

The president of this route, Juan Sandoval, highlights the significance for local entrepreneurs to have a tangible project that promotes local attractions and businesses. “Having set up this body is key, since that’s how we’ll be able to promote this route and publicize the area of Toltén, which has a lot to offer. We have the right conditions to draw in tourists. Everything is available here, which is essential for the local economy.”

Similarly, Guillermo Martínez, mayor of the Toltén district, recognizes the importance of the initiative, which he views as a mechanism to consolidate the entrepreneurial mindset of the people in this area who make the effort to provide tourism services. “The act of assembling a governance body to serve as a management model for all of the local entrepreneurs helps us to look to the future with great optimism,” he said.

CMPC Public Relations Deputy Manager for the Southern Territories Juan Pablo Fuentes has stressed that tourism is an activity that contributes greatly to community and territorial development. “Promoting this route brings many benefits for the 26 entrepreneurs who have built their businesses around the rivers, thus enriching this travel alternative for visitors via their own efforts. The goal of this route is to make visible all the local ventures connected to tourism, ultimately contributing to local growth.”

The bishop of the Catholic Church in Temuco, Jorge Concha, also participated in setting up the governance body for the Navigable Toltén Route. Concha praised the occasion, stating that it is good “to participate in the sum of wills and purposes in order to promote the development of many families from different parts of La Araucanía. This route is just as valuable as that of Carahue. They both highlight the natural beauty of the region, of this area. Coupled with respect for the environment, it can also benefit families from an economic standpoint. This is an opportunity to improve living standards and development.”

Toltén all year round

At 123 kilometers in length, the Toltén River is a must-see for fishing enthusiasts and bird watchers. From its start at the western end of Lake Villarrica to its mouth in the Pacific Ocean at Caleta La Barra in the La Araucanía Region of south-central Chile, there is a wide variety of dining spots that are representative of the area. Other offers includes accommodations, boat rides, kayaking trips, surfing and kitesurfing, sport fishing and hiking, among other activities.
You can also take advantage of other attractions that surround the river such as bird watching in the Boroa Wetland, in Caleta La Barra or on the banks of the Queule River. Also, the route offers the possibility of hiking along different trails, such as the one that leads to Playa Ronca, or visiting the beaches of Aguas de las Niñas and North and South Nigue.

To learn more about the Navigable Toltén Route check out the website: https://toltennavegable.cl