Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary (Rio Cruces)

This sanctuary is an aquatic reserve with approximately 4.877 hectares at the end of the "Rio Cruces" (Crosses River), in the province of Valdivia.

In 1981 this sanctuary was put under the category of a `nature sanctuary´, and in the same year was put on the roster of the Internationally Important Wetlands (Ramsar Convention), making it the first piece of land in Chile to be included in this plan to protect wetland areas, especially aquatic habitats.

The "Carlos Anwandter" Nature Sanctuary at Rio Cruces was begun as a consequence of the earthquake and seaquake in 1960 when the land sunk in and the agricultural lands were flooded along the banks of the río Cruces and Chorocamallo River. Here there appeared leafy aquatic plants surrounded by small evergreen forests where an infinite number of both native and exotic birds nest. Among these birds we can find the Black necked Swans, African Herons, White-necked Herons, Terns, White-Faced Ibis, and Coots, and also the mammals such as the Coypou and the Nutria in the river.

The sanctuary has transformed into a source of pride and a symbol of natural beauty for the habitants of Valdivia.

Location

The sanctuary is placed at the end of the "Rio Cruces" (Crosses River), in the province of Valdivia, Tenth Region. Location

How to get there

Boats leave from the Schuster Pier in Valdivia for different tours through the wetlands of Rio Cruces.

When to go

All year round.

Other nearby attractions

Punacapa, Collico Route, Valdivia, Corral.

Activities

Wildlife observations, kayak. Activities

Weather

A warm climate with less than four dry months affecting the area north of the wetlands. In most of the southern area near the city of Valdivia a warm and rainy mediterranean influence can be found. Here the effects of the ocean are evident, registering more than 2000mm of rain annually in Valdivia. There is a pluviometric (rain gage) regimen that shows the concentrations of rain both in the rainy winter seasons and in the dry seasons.

Services

Excursions.