Chiloé Island, also known as the Greater Island of Chiloé (Isla Grande de Chiloé) in Spanish, is the largest island in the Chiloé Archipelago on the west coast of Chile, situated in the Pacific Ocean.
Chiloé Island is renowned not only for its natural landscapes but also for its unique cultural heritage. On this island, surrounded by the sea, you can discover many breathtaking wooden churches and traditional buildings. These churches are typically constructed by local carpenters using traditional woodworking techniques, blending elements of Spanish colonial and indigenous American styles, showcasing a unique level of artistry and craftsmanship.
Stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in this magical land, you'll find yourself deeply captivated, unable to forget its charm.
Chiloé Island Location
| Name | Chiloé Island (Spanish: Isla de Chiloé) |
| Country | Chile |
| Province | Chiloé Province |
| Coordinates | 42°40′36″S 73°59′36″W |
| Area | 8,394 km2 (3,241 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−4 (CLT) |
| Population | 154,775 (2002) |
| Airport | Aeropuerto Mocopulli Chiloe |
The Geography Of Chiloé Island
Chiloé Island, positioned eastward, boasts undulating green hills and azure waters, while its western shorelines are characterized by rugged coastlines battered by using the tumultuous Pacific Ocean. Spanning 3,241 square miles (eight,394 square kilometers), Chiloé Island comprises winding rivers, lakes, marshes, bays, and inlets, creating a diverse aquatic panorama.
This unique scenery defines the livelihoods of the Chilote human beings and nurtures a fascinating array of flora and fauna. As South America's second-largest island, it's miles separated from the mainland by means of the Chacao Channel. Scattered smaller islands emerge from the Chiloé Sea between the island and the continent, forming the enchanting Northern Patagonian Archipelago.
Best Things to Do on Chiloé Island
Visit the Penguin Habitat at Puñihuil
One of the most popular visitor attractions on Chiloé Island is the Penguin Colony on Puñihuil Island.
Located close to Puñihuil Beach, you may study penguins right here. These islets are about a 45-minute drive from Ancud and are unique as a National Monument and protected natural world reserve. Notably, that is the only acknowledged place in the world wherein Humboldt and Magellanic penguins coexist.
Embark on a boat excursion around the island from the seashore to have a look at the penguin colonies. Please note that disembarking and wandering around is not authorized, so commentary has to be conducted from a slight distance. If you are lucky, you could also spot different fowl species, otters, and even whales!
The penguins are lovely, and the surroundings are beautiful. As you power from Ancud to Puñihuil, you may be dealt with by the picturesque landscapes of Chiloé. The road winds along the coastline, with rocky cliffs at the right and verdant hills on the left.
Dalcahue
Dalcahue is a tranquil haven that has determined its manner onto the want list of maximum visitors, in particular those bound for Quinchao Island aboard the ferry. However, for connoisseurs like ourselves, Dalcahue promises culinary delights that are nothing short of stunning.
Amidst the artisan marketplace, where homemade crafts abound, you'll find a paranormal smoked chili called Merken. Yet, the proper gem lies within an unassuming structure adjoining to the craft market. Drawn with the aid of the extraordinary aromas of nearby delicacies, you will locate yourself in a small building housing around 8 circles of relatives-run restaurants.
Here, you will encounter colossal shellfish, delectable seafood soups, and a whole lot of fish dishes. Paila marina, a seafood soup brimming with diverse shellfish and the enduring "purple balls," additionally referred to as sea pineapples or sea squirts, alongside Poroto Granado, an alternative for those less eager for seafood. This traditional rural stew accommodates pork, beans, noodles, and cranberries, exploding with flavor!
Visiting Chiloé's Unique Wooden Churches
In the 1500s, after the arrival of Spanish settlers, Jesuit missionaries endeavored to spread the gospel to the local Chilote people over the following centuries. They constructed over 150 churches across the archipelago.
These churches hold historical and architectural significance. From their exterior walls to the carvings around the altars, they are predominantly crafted from wood. Local shipbuilders, fishermen, and artisans utilized the abundant wood resources of the island to construct these churches. Of the more than sixty churches, sixteen have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You can easily visit some of these churches by bus, but be prepared to spend some time. Starting from Castro (which has its own softly colored church), you can head north to Dalcahue to visit its church, then take a ferry and bus to Acchao on Quinchao Island.
Find Hidden Forts and Remote Beaches
Ancud is the most crucial metropolis on Chiloé Island. It is also the nearest to the mainland and is effortlessly accessible via ferry and motorway to Puerto Montt. However, Ancud isn't the simplest sensible but also picturesque. Watching the sundown over the sea from Fuerte San Antonio (San Antonio Fort) is a super manner to conclude a lovely day on Chiloé Island.
We suggest staying in Ancud for two nights and using it as a base to explore close-by fortifications built to protect Ancud in opposition to invaders and pirates. Head to the northwestern part of the island to go to sites like "Bateria Balcacura," "Fuerte de Chaicura," and "Fuerte Ahui."
There, you could nonetheless see the unique cannons used in the 18th century, stroll alongside deserted seashores looking for pre-Columbian artifacts, or spot hummingbirds.
Kayaking in Chepu's Sunken Forest
To visit Chepu, you will journey westward across the island, traversing a prolonged paved road winding through rolling hills. Kayaking through a submerged wooded area in an overcast atmosphere may additionally seem eerie, but it's an outstanding enjoy you may by no means have imagined.
In 1960, Chile was struck by an earthquake that brought about land crumbling near Chepu on the western coast of Chiloé Island. This unfortunate event hastily caused a tsunami engulfing components of the underwater land and woodland. The water became trapped and has yet to recede. Over the years, the sea has killed trees, developing a weird panorama. However, this submerged forest is now a habitat for crucial wildlife, and kayaking through it is absolutely secure.
To discover this marsh-like region entirely of dead timber, head to Ecolodge Chepu Adventures, where you can rent kayaks and even stay for a single day. The resort offers beautiful perspectives, making it a remarkable vacation spot for nature fanatics and birdwatchers alike.
Try the Traditional Chilote Meal, Curanto
Curanto stands as one of Chiloé's most renowned gastronomic delights. It comprises an exquisite medley of shellfish, chicken, pork, sausages, and potatoes, expertly prepared over hot volcanic stones.
The shellfish and clams are meticulously positioned at the base, allowing their succulent juices to infuse the meats above during the cooking process. The entire culinary affair is enveloped in leaves of nalca, a Chilean rhubarb plant, imparting a distinct and compelling flavor.
How to Get to Chiloé Island
Traveling by Bus to Chiloé
From Puerto Montt, a bus adventure takes about two hours to reach Ancud. The bus then goes to Castro, requiring an extra one and a half hours.
There are single-day buses from Santiago, taking around 15 hours to Ancud and 16.5 hours to Castro. To journey to Chiloé from different parts of Chile, first head to Puerto Montt (by bus or aircraft), then transfer to a bus bound for Chiloé.
Flying from Santiago
You can fly directly from Santiago to Mocopulli Airport, placed about 1/2 an hour north of Castro, with the aid of a vehicle.
Alternatively, fly to Puerto Montt and hire a car there, mainly if you plan to explore other areas across the Lake District. (Even if your aim is solely to tour Chiloé with the aid of a vehicle, Puerto Montt remains your high-quality wager. There are extra options to be had, often at higher fees than those observed in smaller towns.)
Taking the Ferry to Chiloé Island
If you're traveling from the north with the aid of a bus or automobile, you can take a ferry from Pargua to Chacao.
There's additionally some other ferry strolling between Chaitén and Castro. While it takes about six hours, it's nevertheless a vast time saver as compared to the long adventure via Puerto Montt. This choice is especially favorable in case you're coming from the Patagonia place.
Transport on Chiloé Island
Hitchhiking
While hitchhikers might also, from time to time, go your direction, hitchhiking may be pretty challenging because of restricted traffic drift. For a carefree exploration, we recommend participating with other backpackers and sharing the fee of renting an automobile. Youth hostels are exceptional hubs for finding tour partners interested in embarking on road ride adventures with you.
Renting a Car
For the most appropriate flexibility and freedom to discover remote seashores, Spanish forts, submerged forests, and charming UNESCO churches inaccessible by way of neighborhood delivery, recall renting a vehicle at some point during your visit. The attraction of Chiloé Island lies in its sparse landscapes and mist-shrouded rolling hills, which come alive within the less available corners of the island. To certainly immerse yourself inside the essence of Chiloé Island, an immersive self-guided tour beckons, permitting you to delve into the natural ecosystem at your very own tempo.
