Temuco, city in southern Chile, capital of Cautín Province, on the Cautín River. Temuco lies between the coastal mountains flanking the Pacific Ocean and the snowcapped Andean summit of Volcán Llaima, a 3,125-m (10,253-ft) peak with a popular ski resort on its slopes. The city is the gateway to the Chilean Lake District, a picturesque region of deep blue glacial lakes and dramatic volcanoes stretching south to Puerto Montt. A bustling center of commerce, Temuco is also the capital of Araucanía, one of the 13 administrative divisions of Chile. Commercial activities revolve around agricultural products, which include oats, wheat, barley, timber, and apples. The city’s street markets display fine crafts and woolen textiles made by the Mapuche, an indigenous group of Native Americans who make up a substantial proportion of the area’s population.

Nearby national parks Parque Nacional Conguillío and Nahuelbuta protect some of the country’s remaining forests of ancient araucaria pine trees. These Chilean pines grow to heights of 45 m (148 ft), with diameters of up to 2 m (up to 6.6 ft). The trees produce wood prized for its beautifully grained, yellowish-white texture. The araucaria is popularly known as the monkey puzzle tree because it is difficult for monkeys to climb the tall, naked trunk to the crown of branches above.

The Mapuche fiercely repulsed Spanish settlement in the Araucanía region for centuries, maintaining their autonomy until they signed a peace treaty with the Spaniards in 1881. The Chilean-Araucanian agreement ending the Indian wars—which was followed by the founding of Temuco—is commemorated at a national park on Cerro Ñielol, a hill overlooking the city center from the north. Artifacts revealing the history and culture of the Mapuche are preserved in the Museo de la Araucanía of downtown Temuco. The city’s social fabric is a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and German cultures. Much of the local architecture and cuisine reflects the influence of the German immigrants that settled here in the 19th century and figured prominently in the early growth of Temuco. Population 282,279 (2006 estimate).