Toltén River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Toltén River
The source of the river is visible in the lower left corner.
Tolten River in a 1903 map
Location of mouth
Country	Chile
Physical characteristics
Main source	Villarrica Lake 230 m (750 ft)
River mouth	Pacific Ocean 0 m (0 ft) 39°15′04″S 73°13′24″W / 39.25118808647522°S 73.22333427026518°W / -39.25118808647522; -73.22333427026518
Length	123 km (76 mi)
Basin features
Basin size	8,398 km2 (3,242 sq mi)

The Toltén River is an important river in the La Araucanía Region of Chile. It starts its journey from Villarrica Lake, which is near the city of Villarrica. The river flows for about 123 kilometers (about 76 miles) before it reaches the Pacific Ocean.

River's Journey

The Toltén River begins high up at Villarrica Lake. This lake is about 230 meters (755 feet) above sea level. From there, the river flows west towards the ocean.

Meeting Other Rivers

As the Toltén River travels, it meets other smaller rivers that join it. Its biggest helper is the Allipén River. When the Allipén River joins the Toltén, the Toltén River changes how it flows. It becomes what is called a braided river. This means it splits into many smaller channels that weave in and out, like braids in hair. These channels often separate and then come back together.

Reaching the Ocean

After its long journey, the Toltén River finally reaches the Pacific Ocean. This happens near a place called Punta Nilhue. At its mouth, where it meets the sea, the river is very wide, about 500 meters (1,640 feet) across. Here, its elevation is 0 meters, meaning it is at sea level.

Cities Along the River

Many towns and cities are located along the banks of the Toltén River. These communities often use the river for different activities.

Some of the main places you can find along the Toltén River include:

• Villarrica
• Pitrufquén
• Teodoro Schmidt
• Nueva Toltén

These towns benefit from the river for things like water supply, transportation, and sometimes even fishing or other water sports.