Pause for a moment and feel the gentle breeze coming off the lake. We are standing at the Muelle de Llanquihue. This pier is more than just a structure it is a testament to the town’s history and a vibrant hub of activity.
The Muelle de Llanquihue offers stunning views of Lake Llanquihue and the surrounding mountains. You will find locals and tourists alike enjoying leisurely walks and soaking in the picturesque landscape. The pier opened in January 2019. It quickly became a must-visit destination.
But Llanquihue itself has a longer history. The city was founded on June 19 1852. It was the first town in the area. Puerto Montt Frutillar and Puerto Octay followed later. Llanquihue was initially known as El Desagüe. This name came from its location at the source of the Maullín River. The river drains Lake Llanquihue into the Pacific Ocean.
In its early days El Desagüe was a small settlement. Colonists would camp here before crossing the Maullín River. This river crossing connected Fresia Loncotoro and Totoral with Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt.
The arrival of the railroad in 1907 was a turning point. The train station was named Llanquihue. This led to the town being called Llanquihue instead of El Desagüe. Before that Llanquihue was part of the Puerto Varas commune. It became its own commune on June 19 1968.
German colonists greatly influenced Llanquihue’s development. They established businesses and industries. In the 1950s Llanquihue was known as the city of chimneys. This was due to the many manufacturing companies here.
Today Llanquihue is also known for its wetlands. There is a movement to protect these ecosystems. The Muelle de Llanquihue is a modern addition to this historic town. It has spaces for an embarkation point a multi-court an esplanade and an amphitheater.
Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new. The Muelle de Llanquihue stands as a symbol of progress. It honors the past while embracing the future. Don’t forget to capture the stunning views. They are perfect for lasting memories. Enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafes. You can soak in the beautiful lake views. The gentle sound of the waves and the backdrop of the Andes create an unforgettable experience here at Muelle de Llanquihue.