From its colorful stilt houses to the unique architecture of its churches, Chiloé has a lot to offer. It is located in the Los Lagos Region, just south of Puerto Montt. In reality, it is an archipelago in which the large island of Chiloé is the largest. Here we leave you some recommendations of places you can explore in Chiloé.
Contents
To get to Chiloé it is necessary to take the Panamericana south to the town of Pargua, where the ferry leaves and crosses the Chacao canal in half an hour towards the town of the same name. This boat is the alternative for both those who travel by car and also for those who travel on foot.
Castro
It is the capital of the island and stands out for its colorful wooden houses on stilts, known as stilt houses. You can tour the Castro Market, visit the San Francisco church and enjoy the local culture and gastronomy.
San Francisco de Castro Church
It is the largest of the 16, it is located in front of the main square of Castro and stands out for its yellow and purple colors. Its interior is admirable and its construction was completed in 1912.
Ancud
It is another important city in Chiloé, located at the northern end of the island. It was the capital of Chiloé and its most important city until the second half of the 20th century.
Fort San Antonio
Visiting the Fort allows you to immerse yourself in the colonial history of Chiloé and appreciate the strategic importance it had.
In addition, from its viewpoints, you can enjoy impressive views of the gulf and the city of Ancud. During the colonial era it was part of a series of fortifications established to protect the Spanish presence in the archipelago and maintain control over the territory.
The fort had a strategic position in the bay of Ancud, allowing a clear view of the gulf and the ocean. It was built of stone and wood, and had defensive walls, watchtowers and a military garrison. During the independence process of Chile, Fort San Antonio played an important role. In 1826, it was taken by Chilean forces led by General Ramón Freire, marking an important milestone in the fight for independence and the integration of Chiloé into Chile. It has been restored and preserved to preserve its historical and architectural value. And today it is one of the main tourist attractions of Ancud and has been considered a National Monument of Chile since 1951.
Ancud Regional Museum
You can explore exhibits that show the archeology of the region, from the first inhabitants to the colonial era.
You will also find a section dedicated to navigation and the maritime influence on the life of the Chilotes. The museum also displays a variety of historical artifacts and objects that offer a detailed view of daily life in Chiloé throughout the centuries.
It has a collection of photographs and historical documents that illustrate the evolution of the region. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum organizes temporary exhibitions and special events related to the history, culture and arts of Chiloé. These exhibitions usually present contemporary artists, archaeological research or specific aspects of Chilote cultural identity.
Museum of heritage churches
If you are interested in the history and architecture of Chiloé, in this place you can learn about the restoration work that has been done over the years in the most emblematic churches.
Ancud Municipal Market
It is a vibrant place where you can enjoy authentic local life. Here you will find a wide variety of fresh products, such as seafood, fish, fruits, vegetables and artisan products. It is a perfect place to try local cuisine and buy souvenirs.
Dalcahue
It is a charming coastal town located on the east coast of Chiloé, on the banks of the Dalcahue Channel. Its location gives you beautiful panoramic views of the water and surrounding landscapes. The town is surrounded by green hills and agricultural fields.
Church of Our Lady of Sorrows
The Dalcahue church, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, is a place of historical and cultural importance. It is a wooden church built in 1858 and is recognized as a National Monument of Chile. Its architecture and interior details reflect the traditional style of Chilote churches.
Chiloé National Park
This national park protects a large part of the island and offers beautiful natural landscapes. You can hike along trails, watch birds, and enjoy the beauty of the forests, lakes, and coasts of Chiloé.
Tantauco Park
El Parque Tantauco is a private reserve located in the southern part of Chiloé Island, in Chile.
It was created by Chilean businessman and philanthropist Douglas Tompkins with the aim of preserving and protecting the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area.
The park extends over more than 118,000 hectares of forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers. It is made up mainly of native forest, including species such as alerce, coigüe, ulmo, tineo and canelo. Biodiversity is very rich, with a wide variety of endemic flora and fauna.
The park offers a wide network of well-signposted paths that allow you to explore and enjoy nature. There are routes of different levels of difficulty, from short walks to longer routes that can last several days. The paths take you through forests, waterfalls, viewpoints and beautiful landscapes. Conservation programs have been implemented in the park to protect species in danger of extinction, such as the pudú (a small ciervo) and the huillín (a river nutria).
You may also have the opportunity to see birds such as the chucao, black carpintero and tucúquere, among others. In addition to hiking, Parque Tantauco offers other outdoor activities such as kayaking, sport fishing, bird watching, bike rides and navigation through the lakes and rivers of the park. To visit Tantauco Park, it is necessary to make reservations in advance and follow the established rules to preserve the integrity of the place.
Traditional food
The best-known typical dish in Chiloé is Curanto. El Curanto is a traditional preparation that combines seafood, meat, porridge and vegetables cooked by steam in a hole excavated in the ground, called “pulmay”.
It is a communal and festive food, generally prepared for special occasions such as weddings, celebrations or festivities. The main ingredients of the Curanto suelen include: Seafood: Mejillones, cravens, cholgas (a type of giant mejillón), picorocos (a type of crustacean) and other varieties of fresh seafood. Meat: Cerdo, pollo, lamb or beef, generally in the form of ribs or pieces of meat. Vegetables: Porridge, choclos (maize), zapallos (calabazas), onions and occasionally cabbage or other vegetables.
Nalca leaves are used to wrap the ingredients and protect them during cooking. El Curanto is cooked slowly in covers, with meat at the bottom, followed by vegetables and finally seafood. Cover everything with nalca leaves and cover with earth and stones to create a natural oven. The cooking can last several hours until all the ingredients are well cooked and the flavors are mixed. The result is an abundant and delicious feast, where the flavors combine and enhance each other.
El Curanto is served with pebre (a spicy salsa made with tomatoes, ají and cilantro) and enjoyed with family and friends. It is a unique culinary experience and an integral part of Chilota culture. If you have the opportunity to visit Chiloé, I would recommend trying this typical dish to immerse yourself in the tradition and flavors of the island.
FAQ
When is the best time to go to Chiloé?
Without doubts in the summer (from March to March).
The unique architecture, the delicious cuisine and the warm hospitality of the places make it a truly unforgettable destination. The island also offers outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing and dolphin watching. Enjoy your visit to Chiloé!
