History
By 1880, after the period known in Chile as Pacification of Araucanía, foreign families gradually settled down on the plains that used to be dwelled by the Mapuches on the eastern margin of Lake Calafquén. Ever since, the native people and the newcomers had to co-exist. There were harsh periods, even between them.
Though it was not planned, the timber industry was in chg all these families. That is how the area started to make progress. The timber traded for the thriving railway layout came from native trees such as coihue, raulí, oak, tepa and other species featuring hard wood. They were perfect for the sleepers.
The small town continued growing. As a result of the intense timber activity, a barge called Anchimallín was brought to carry the wood across the lake up to a wharf located farther south, today known as Calafquén Beach.
One cold winter day, the barge sank and ever since, timber exploitation has declined as a direct result of excessive logging. On March 2, 1964, the Villarrica Volcano erupted and destroyed a large portion of Coñaripe. Therefore, the town gradually spread towards the southwest of Lake Calafquén.
At present, the town has come back to life thanks to tourism and there are plenty of paradisiacal nooks to enjoy year round.