Chile · Los Lagos Region
Chiloé
An island of wooden churches, stilt houses, myths and curanto. It is a place to visit without rushing, with rain gear.
16churches are World Heritage sites (out of more than 150)
~30 minferry crossing, Pargua – Chacao
Nov – Marbest time to go
Wooden churches
- The island has more than 150 wooden churches and 16 are UNESCO World Heritage sites. They are built with local wood and wooden pegs, without metal nails.
- San Francisco, in Castro: yellow and violet facade.
- Nuestra Señora de Gracia, in Nercón: in a rural setting.
- Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, in Dalcahue: the ferries to Quinchao Island leave from there.
- Achao: described as the oldest, from the mid-18th century.
Castro and nature
- The stilt houses of the Gamboa and Pedro Montt neighborhoods, and the Municipal Market with local products and seafood.
- Chiloé National Park, in Cucao, and the Muelle de las Almas (Dock of Souls).
- The Puñihuil islets, near Ancud, where Magellanic and Humboldt penguins live together.
Myths and food
- Characters such as the Trauco, the Pincoya and the ghost ship Caleuche, and the myth of Tenten Vilu and Caicai Vilu.
- Curanto en hoyo, milcao and chapalele (potato dishes) and the Licor de Oro of Chonchi.
Getting there
- The traditional way is the Pargua to Chacao ferry, about 30 minutes.
- Mocopulli airport, near Castro, receives flights.
- Route 5 South links Ancud, Castro and Quellón.
Tips
- It is worth renting a car to reach remote places.
- Fuel is scarce in rural areas: fill up in the larger towns.
- Bring waterproof clothing, because it rains often.
- In February there are many folk festivals.
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