Puerto Saavedra

About

The little seaside town of Puerto Saavedra may be small, but it’s big on native heritage and natural beauty. Up until the 1960s, it was a river port, but a tsunami reshaped the entire area, putting Puerto Saavedra on the coast. Today, it’s known for having the highest density of native Mapuche residents, and walking the humble streets, you’ll find their heritage on full display. Step into the Ruka Witral, also known as the Casa del Telar or House of the Loom, to shop for locally made handicrafts woven from plant fiber and Mapuche textiles. It also serves as a tourist center providing information on the entire region. While Puerto Saavedra has a great view of the coast, if natural beauty is more your thing, head to Lake Budi, 10 kilometers southeast of town. Dotted with islands, the saltwater lake is a great place to admire the scenery and watch seabirds intermingle with black-necked swans.