Valdivia earned its unofficial title as the craft beer capital of southern Chile for good reason: the area's first beer was brewed there more than 100 years ago, and today the Los Ríos region has, according to Sernatur data, more than 40 registered beer brands.
Why Valdivia is the south's beer capital
Valdivia's brewing tradition is tied to the strong German colonization of southern Chile in the 19th century, which brought European brewing techniques that over time adapted to the water and ingredients of the area. That historical foundation explains why the city today has a much higher density of craft breweries than the rest of the country.
Kunstmann: the best-known brewery on the route
Kunstmann is Valdivia's best-positioned brewery, although today it's an industrialized brand owned by CCU. Its site on the outskirts of the city combines a factory, restaurant and shop, and is usually the starting point for anyone just beginning to explore Valdivia's beer route.
| Brewery | What sets it apart |
|---|---|
| Kunstmann | The most established and well-known, with tours, a restaurant and a shop |
| Cervecería Bundor | A natural setting designed to pair beer with landscape |
| Bar El Growler | Lets you try several different local craft beers in one place |
| Gulden Draak Bierhaus | Combines food and beer in a cozy space |
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See advertising formatsBeyond Kunstmann: boutique and experimental options
Valdivia's beer route doesn't end at the biggest brewery: it ranges from more traditional spots to more experimental proposals, each with a different atmosphere -striking patios, tasting experiences, guided tours and their own restaurants- allowing for a full day itinerary without repeating the experience from one stop to the next.
Bierfest Kunstmann and other beer events
Valdivia also hosts events that draw beer-specific tourism, like Bierfest Kunstmann, which attracts more than 15,000 visitors, and it was chosen for the third time to host the 2025 Copa Cervezas de América, an international competition that reaffirms the city's weight within the region's beer culture.
Visiting these breweries is one of the favorite activities for those staying in Valdivia, Pucón, Villarrica or Puerto Varas -the latter one of the essential destinations of the south, with Lake Llanquihue as the backdrop to close out the day after the beer route.
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See advertising formatsFAQ
How many craft breweries are there in the Valdivia region?
More than 40 registered beer brands in the Los Ríos region, according to Sernatur data, though not all of them have a location open to the public for visits.
Can you do the Valdivia beer route in one day?
Yes, most of the main stops -Kunstmann, Bundor, El Growler and Gulden Draak Bierhaus- can be covered in a single day, though it's best to arrange transport that doesn't require driving between stops.
Is Kunstmann still an independent craft brewery?
No, today it's an industrialized brand owned by CCU, although it keeps its original site in Valdivia as a tourist attraction with a factory, restaurant and shop.
