Chiloé – The Mystic Archipelago

Chiloé Archipelago is a lush group of islands off the coast of Chile near Puerto Montt. A visit to Chiloe is a step back in time as the local inhabitants live a simple life of farming and fishing, weaving and carpentry. This area is steeped in history and there are many colourful churches scattered around the islands and some very picturesque landscapes.

Day 1
Puerto Montt – Ancud, Chiloe

Depart Puerto Montt by road and board a ferry across the channel to the emerald island of Chiloe. First stop will be the lovely bay of Caulin, a quiet area of farmhouses, protected waters and plentiful birdlife including black-necked swans. For those who enjoy oysters, there is a special restaurant with its own oyster beds on the Bay Shore with lovely views. The rest of the day will be spent in the picturesque fishing town of Ancud. After a visit to the museum and the small Spanish fort you will arrive at an attractive home in the country (Sra Sefora or similar) to enjoy the local hospitality and the wonderful views over the bay. Your guide will leave you for the night in good hands. L D

Day 2
Ancud

After breakfast, venture into the Chiloe countryside towards the rugged Pacific Coast of the island. An area of deserted beaches, quiet farmlands and coastal forests, the rarely visited West coast is a hidden jewel of natural beauty and wildlife. The destination will be the unique penguin colony of Puñihuil, the only place in the world where Humbolt and Magellanic penguins nest side by side. There you will tour the small island colonies by boat, a trip that often encounters many other types of marine life. After a picnic lunch of island delicacies, you will spend the afternoon exploring the rugged beauty of the hidden beaches and countryside of the West coast. Return to Ancud to overnight in a country home. B L D

Day 3
Ancud – Castro

After breakfast, we drive south and board the short ferry trip from the bustling port city of Dalcahue to the island of Quinchao, the second largest in the archipelago. We visit the quiet village of Curaco de Velaz and the island capital of Achao, home of the oldest church in Southern Chile (a UNESCO site). Continue on to spend the evening in the provincial capital of Castro, with hostel lodging at one of the famous palafitos (stilt houses). We have dinner in town and return to our palafito. B L D

Day 4
Castro – Puerto Montt

After breakfast, visit the sites of Castro, including its magnificent wooden church, artesans’ market and famed palafito homes (houses on stilts at the water’s edge). Drive north and stop at the country home of Maria Luisa Maldonado to meet a local family and share lunch at their working farm for more island hospitality. In the early afternoon begin the journey back to Puerto Montt- Puerto Varas. B L

Photo at top page  by carlos hevia on Unsplash.