My toddler is fascinated by the town of Corral.  We visited once, a few months ago, and ever since one of her favorite “books” has become the tourist brochure for the town of Corral and its surrounding areas.  So it should come as no surprise that last week, when asked where she wanted to go, she responded, “Corral!”  While I unfortunately couldn’t partake in the fun as my three week vacation to California became a two month visit (I’m still in the US), my husband and daughter are back in Chile enjoying a Patagonian summer.  They headed to Corral last week for a relaxing day full of empanadas, sunshine, and pirates.

Fishing Boats in Coastal Valdivia

Getting to Corral is a two step process, or a three step process if beer is needed/desired along the way.  First, drive, or take a bus or collectivo to Niebla.  We like bus #20, which heads from downtown Valdivia through Isla Teja to Niebla.  It’s a beautiful drive, and one of the best deals around for $1 US.  If you get thirsty along the way, hop off at either the Kuntsmann or Salzburg breweries.  While there, enjoy a schop (draft beer) and crudo (local specialty of raw beef on white bread) and then re-board the bus once satiated.

Upon reaching Niebla, grab a boat to Corral.  To clarify, don’t hop on a fishing boat, as the preferred options are either a large ferry or smaller jetty!  The jetties are convenient, comfortable (though not luxurious) and equipped with life vests.  One of these days we’ll try the ferry as we’ve been told by Mr. L that they are the safer, better way to go.  The boat ride lasts about an hour, and affords views of fishermen in colorful boats, big blue skies, and breaking waves.

Although the journey is half of the fun, the real reason to go is to explore the ruins of a former fortress which offers panoramic bay views.  Corral itself is a very, very small town, with friendly tourism office staff, rustic public restrooms, and a bus terminal which serves as a starting point for exploring nearby parks and towns.  As previously mentioned, my toddler is quite the foodie, so we’re always on the lookout for mostly-healthy snacks and dining options.  One place to grab a quick bite before your uphill climb to the fortress is the convenience store located on the town’s main street.  They have a couple of benches out front, and sell some tasty toddler-approved apple empanadas, the Chilean version of apple turnovers.  If I remember correctly, they are baked and not fried, though I may need to return to verify this…

Continue on through town, up a small hill, then after making a left at a walkway, you’ll reach the fortress.  I’ve been told they do some great battle reenactments during the summer afternoons.  The rest of the time it’s a quiet, tranquil place to sit and enjoy the views from the ancient fortress.

Pirate-Soldier Preparing for Battle in Corral

After breaking the law by having a picnic (some rules are meant to be broken, right?), trying in vain to escape a bug which seemed particularly drawn to my daughter, and relaxing in the sun, my toddler headed off to socialize.  My husband and daughter had arrived while the actors were still getting into character, and of course, my daughter decided to befriend the long-haired pirate-looking soldier.  He was friendlier than he appeared, and even stopped for some posed shots while helping my little girl climb up on a cannon, which, for my peace of mind, I’ll assume was unloaded.

My husband and daughter decided to take the boat back before the real firing of the cannons began, and embarked on the return trip to our little home in Valdivia.  A nice, relaxing time was had by all, and a big nap followed shortly thereafter.  What more could a father ask for?