Located 45 km (28 miles) from Angol and Temuco, the Mapuche culture constitutes the most appreciated bastion in the commune, since it is precisely in the Malleco area where the presence of this people can be strongly noticed.
The Ruta 5 Sur or Panamericana highway goes through its western edge, a positive factor to attract tourists from different parts of the country. Those who transit this path, near Ercilla, will find agricultural products such as honey, cheese, tortillas, milk, fruit, etc., which stand out for being natural and organic. Its economy has historically been based on the agricultural industry, cattle farming and, currently; timber production.