Capitan Pastene

About

While many towns in Chile are known for their German heritage, Capitán Pastene is a bit different. Here, despite the less than ideal environment, a group of Italian immigrants created their own “New Italy” and a hybrid culture that perseveres to this day. From the Mediterranean-style architecture to the broad dirt streets with names like Dante, Garibaldi, Lautaro and Caupolicán, Capitán Pastene’s Italian heritage is plain to see. But the best example of the town's intercultural fusion (and the best reason to visit) is its cuisine. Fill up on ravioli in merkén (a Chilean smoked chili) pasta and hazelnut sauce, or prosciutto smoked over wood from local fruit trees.