Purén, Administrative commune in Malleco Province, Chile
Purén is a commune in Malleco Province in the Araucanía Region of southern Chile, located at about 152 meters elevation. The area spans around 465 square kilometers and combines rural structures with forest cover.
The Spanish colonial fort of San Juan Bautista de Purén was established in the mid-16th century under orders from Governor Pedro de Valdivia. This early settlement laid the foundation for the later municipal structures in the region.
The name Purén comes from Mapudungun, the language of the Mapuche people, and refers to the marshland character of the terrain. This linguistic connection reflects the deep ties between the place and its indigenous inhabitants.
Visitors find activity centered on agriculture and forestry, with a special focus on cultivating white strawberries. The best time to explore is during growing and harvest seasons, when rural activity is most visible.
Archaeological investigations near Purén have uncovered remains of pre-Hispanic proto-pyramids in the area. These findings point to complex early settlement patterns that existed before European arrival in the region.
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