Temuco is the capital of the Araucanía region in Chile. The name comes from "temu" which, in the Mapudungun language, means "water", and is also a tree used by Mapuches for medicinal purposes. The city is located 670km south of Santiago. Because it is near lake-based resort centres, it constitutes a hub for tourist excursions.

Tourist Offices
There is a Sernatur office at the Claro Solar & Bulnes centre, a Conaf office at Bilbao 931, the second floor and a tourist information kiosk at the Mercado Municipal.

Sightseeing
Temuco's main square is the only one in Chile that was not built with a water fountain in its centre. An art gallery was built in 1981 as part of a total renewal. Compared to other main squares of southern Chile, Temuco's main square is modern. It is a tradition, in all creole cities in Chile, that some specific buildings must be in front of the main square, in Temuco this tradition was broken. Main squares are supposed to be surrounded by a cathedral, the municipality, a theatre, a fire station, a school, and a bank. Temuco only has the cathedral, the banks and a theatre (although that's relatively new). The Ñielol Hill represents the original forest of the whole southern Chile area as it was before the Spanish people colonize it. It also has a special meaning for the Mapuche population, as it has a religious centre at the top. We can find a restaurant at the top and a viewpoint of the east side of the city and Padre Las Casas, across the river. It is a must for visitors.

Getting there
The railroad connects Temuco with Santiago to the north and Puerto Montt in the south and all the points in between. The airport is 6km west, off the Panamericana, just south of town. There are daily flights to Santiago, Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas. It is also possible to get buses to Victoria, Cunco, Lonquimay,Lican Ray and Coñripe.

Getting around
The Terminal Rodaviario has buses to Santiago, Antofagasta and Chiloé. The Terminal de Bus Rurales serves local destinations including Chol Chol and Melipeuco. Buses and colectivos are the most popular transport. Regular taxis are also available.