Zona Sur

The Southern Zone borders the Pacific Ocean to the west, and to the east lies the Andean mountains and Argentina.

The snow-covered Andes form a backdrop to clear blue or even turquoise waters, as at Lago Todos los Santos.

The rivers that descend from the Andes rush over volcanic rocks, forming numerous white-water sections and waterfalls.

Some sections still consist of old-growth forests, and in all seasons, but especially in the spring and summer, there are plenty of wildflowers and flowering trees.

The pastures in the northernmost section, around Osorno, are well suited for raising cattle; milk, cheese, and butter are important products of that area.

All kinds of berries grow in the area, some of which are exported, and freshwater farming of various species of trout and salmon has developed, with cultivators taking advantage of the abundant supply of clear running water.

In terms of tectonics at Zona Sur the South American Plate is experiencing a long-term ENE-WSW shortening.

[7] A number of small mammals inhabit Southern Chile including the pudú, coypu and Darwin's fox.

Until the Battle of Curalaba and the following Destruction of Seven Cities around 1600 the southern zone was part of the General Captaincy of Chile and Spanish Empire.

The zone between Valdivia and Chiloé was gradually incorporated into Chile by a series of agreements with local Huilliches and founding of settlements.