A stay in Nueva Imperial can bring together a variety of discoveries: railway history on the Chol Chol River, green spaces with sports and leisure facilities, and a municipal cultural center. A historic highlight is the Puente Ferroviario RĂo Chol Chol. Parque Thiers and the Cendyr Náutico offer different experiences—from landscaped green spaces to canoeing.
Railway and City History
The Puente Ferroviario RĂo Chol Chol was built over the Cholchol River in 1909. It formed part of the Nueva Imperial–Carahue railway line and was built by the French company Schneider et Creusot. Its riveted metal truss structure is a National Monument of historical significance. For the people of Nueva Imperial, the bridge is considered an element of local identity and a living testament to the city’s economic heyday. Its construction, railway history and local memories come together here.
Another chapter of local history is told by the former Cancha de Carrera Thiers, also known as Cancha de Carrera Coilaco. From the late 19th century until the mid-1990s, it was an important social and recreational gathering place in Nueva Imperial. While the Puente Ferroviario represents railway infrastructure and economic development, the former racetrack is associated above all with community life.
The architecture also reveals a variety of facets. Casa Francesa is a two-story brick building with a continuous façade and neoclassical influences. Molino Nieves, also known as Molino Farandato, was founded in 1908, features a local neoclassical style, and continues to operate today under the name “La Espiga.”
Parks, the River and Water Sports
Parque Thiers covers about 45,000 square meters. Its facilities include a paved cycling path, parking, sports courts, a soccer field, children’s play areas and landscaped green spaces. This brings together different kinds of leisure activities, including cycling, sports and spending time outdoors. These amenities give the park a character distinct from the historic buildings in the city.
Parque Borde RĂo, also known as Parque de Las Esculturas, is at the end of Calle Pinto, next to the Gimnasio OlĂmpico. From there, visitors can see the Puente Ferroviario and the Chol Chol River. The park brings two aspects together in one place: exploring the city’s history and enjoying views of the river.
The Cendyr Náutico focuses on water sports. The facility has a small floating dock that provides access to the waters of the Chol Chol River. It is the municipality of Nueva Imperial’s main facility for canoeing, where canoeists and kayakers are trained and prepared. The Noche Imperialina is also held at the Cendyr Náutico every year. It features a floating stage and a boat parade on the Chol Chol River. The format may vary from one edition to another.
Arts and Culture
The Centro Cultural Municipal is housed in a centrally located building at 309 Arturo Prat Street. It is a public space for people interested in artistic activities. Cultural offerings thus add another focus to Nueva Imperial’s historical and natural attractions. Visitors can choose a destination to suit a wide range of interests: railway construction and city history, parks and sports, water sports or art.
Discover more destinations: Melipeuco, VilcĂşn, Refugio Llaima, Villarrica, Temuco, Curarrehue, PucĂłn, Cunco.
For the broader travel overview: Provincia CautĂn.
