Villarrica

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Villarrica is a city in southern Chile located on the western shore of Villarrica Lake in the Province of Cautín, Araucanía Region 746 km south of Santiago and close to the Villarrica Volcano ski center to the south east. Residents of Villarrica are known as Villarriquences.

According to the 2017 census of the National Statistics Institute, Villarrica spans an area of 1,291.1 km2 (498 sq mi) and has 55,478 inhabitants.

Tourism, grain and dairy farming, and forestry are the main economic activities of the community. The climate is mild and humid with the greatest rainfall experienced between May and July (autumn and winter). The dry season is between December and February (Summer).

Other lakes found nearby include Calafquén, Caburgua, Huilipilún and Colico. In the summer water sports and sunbathing are popular activities in the warm temperatures experienced at the low altitudes ranging from 200 to 500m above sea level.

Fishing and rafting are popular activities in the various rivers in the area, which include the Toltén, Voipir, Trancura, Llancahue and Lincura. Popular waterfalls include León, La China, Palguín, Ojos del Caburga. Thanks to the numerous volcanos, hot springs with temperatures ranging from 48°C to 90°C, are found nearby. Included are Coñaripe (48°C), San Luis (43°C), Huife (49°C), Palguín (57°C) and Liquiñe (87°C).

Villarrica National Park is 36 km away, and was created to preserve the natural beauty of the volcano. The area is noted for using wood as its principal building material.

History
Villarrica was founded as Santa María Magdalena de Villa Rica in 1552 by Jerónimo de Alderete. Abandoned after his death in 1554, it was refounded five years later by García Hurtado de Mendoza, Marquis of Cañete. It grew into a small city, dispite suffering distruction by a great earthquake in December 16, 1575. It had opened communications with Buenos Aires in its last years. Following the Battle of Curalaba in the Arauco War the city was destroyed after a three year long siege in 1602. It was refounded on the site of the old city in the 1880s during the occupation of the Araucanía.