BAVARIA IN CHILE

The Lake District in Southern Chile is fascinating. One might be forgiven for temporarily thinking one has been transported to Austria instead of Southern Chile. This region, complete with snow capped volcanoes and glistening lakes in vibrant blue, is the historical homeland of Chile's indigenous Mapuche people who revolted and drove the Spanish conquistadors out in 1598. It was not until 1881, almost three centuries later, when a treaty was finally signed to end the Mapuche War. Soon afterwards Government policy was to recruit waves of German, Austrian and Swiss immigrants to settle in what was then called 'the empty territory' principally to offset indigenous domination. The typical Bavarian sheen around the Lake District is evident, even now, especially in townships around Lake Llanquihue like Puerto Montt, Frutillar and Puerto Varas. Our excursion was an eye opener, a worthwhile visit where we could witness first hand the consequences of immigration policies established 133 years ago.