The Battle of Tucapel is the name given to a battle fought between Spanish conquistador forces led by Pedro de Valdivia and Mapuche (Araucanian) Indians under Lautaro that takes place at Tucapel, Chile on December 25, 1553.
This battle happens in the context of the first stage of the Arauco War, named the "offensive war" within a larger uprising by Araucanians against the Spanish conquest of Chile. It is a defeat for the Spaniards, resulting in the capture and eventual death of Valdivia.