Pitrufquén

Pitrufquén is a city in southern Chile, and is located in the Región de la Araucanía. It has about 20,000 inhabitants ( 2004) and surrounding area.

The name of the city comes from the Mapuche language, Mapudungun, and the means as much as ash dust.

Geography and climate

The city lies about 30 km south of Temuco, by the river Toltén. It is located on the Panamerican Highway and is a transportation hub for travelers to Villarrica and Pucon.

The climate is Mediterranean.

History

The settlement began in 1836, when the cacique Felipe Paillalef awarded land to 290 settlers. From 1898, the extensive development of agriculture began. On May 3, 1903 Pitrufquén was officially established.

Attractions

At Río Toltén the camping area Balneario Isla Municipal lies. A great area for exploring the river, as well as for fishing.

Economy

Tourism is the most important economic role, and there are sheep farming, forestry, industry and agriculture.