Osorno

Town in the southern region of Los Lagos, Chile, 100 km/62 mi south of Valdivia; population (1996) 140,370. Situated at the centre of an agricultural and cattle-raising area, it has also developed some local industries. Osorno is a popular tourist centre for visiting lakes Puyehue and Rupanco, and the national park of Puyehue.

Osorno was originally founded in 1558, but destroyed shortly thereafter. The present city dates from 1796, and many of its streets still preserve their colonial character. The city was a favoured destination for German immigrants to Chile in the 19th century, whose influence can be seen in some of the city's architecture. There is a small airfield serving the city, 3 km/2 mi away at Pampa Alegre.