rio negro

Gazing at the churning waters of the Rio Negro, have you ever wondered about its name? Here in Puerto Varas, the Rio Negro isn’t named for the color of its water. Its name is a legacy of the Mapuche people, the original inhabitants of this land. They called it Curuleufu. “Curu” meaning black and “leufu” meaning river. The name, however, doesn’t refer to black water. Instead, it speaks to the river’s murky, almost cloudy appearance, which likely comes from sediment and glacial runoff. This makes the Rio Negro stand out from other clear waterways in the region. Rio Negro in Puerto Varas wasn’t always a bustling community. Back in the 19th century, this area was part of a vast estate, sandwiched between the towns of Chahuilco and Purranque. The Mapuche name, Curuleufu, stuck. It reflected the distinct character of this river. Later, the Spanish adopted a direct translation, calling it Rio Negro. The river played a key role in shaping the history of this region. The fertile lands surrounding the Rio Negro have long been valued. One notable figure associated with this area is José Miguel de Alderete. In 1884, he purchased a large portion of the Rio Negro estate, totaling 188 hectares. Another prominent landowner was José Ambrosio O’Higgins, who possessed land east of the Forrahue River. The area blossomed into a comuna in 1903, with Pedro González becoming its first mayor. From a large estate to a vibrant comuna, the Rio Negro has seen a remarkable transformation. It has influenced the growth of the towns that surround it, offering life, sustenance and transportation. Its clouded waters remain a testament to the rich history of this area.