CHILE: Valdivia Waterfront, Sea Lions and Arm Wrestlers

Valdivia is a historic river city in southern Chile, located where several rivers meet near the Pacific Ocean.

It was founded in 1552 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia.

It’s known for its lush and rainy climate.

We stopped for the night and apparently were very lucky because we had awesome sunny weather.

Valdivia is also known for their sea lions.

And wrestlers.

We got to see both.

The sea lions are mostly South American sea lions. They gather in Valdivia for the same reason we gather in places – a good food supply.

Rivers are usually calmer than the open ocean, with fewer strong waves and storms. This makes it easier for sea lions to rest, swim and hunt fish without using as much energy.

At the Mercado Fluvial de Valdivia, fish vendors clean and prepare seafood. Scraps often end up in the water adding to the ease of finding meals.

They are very calm and confident and the people seem to be pretty calm and confident around them.

I don’t know if they bite people, but, these are impressive sets of chompers and I am happy to give them their berth.

Many of the sea lions in Valdivia are adult male bachelors that are not currently part of breeding colonies.

Speaking of bachelor males hanging out, a popular activity on the river front walk is arm wrestling. 

It is a university city, so I am sure the beer-fueled university students like to take on other students, local fishermen and gym rats. 

Apparently, it is usually friendly and spontaneous rather than an official competition.

Fuel for the fire…..