Cultural-buffs, hikers, wildlife-lovers, and families will be well looked after on this 3-day adventure into the heart of Chiloé, an island adored by Chileans and something of a national secret. Come with us as we traverse the wetlands and temperate rainforests of Chiloé National Park, visit its nearby islands in search of wildlife and UNESCO sites, and taste traditional, homemade cuisine unique to this magical part of the world.
Hotel Boutique Palafito 1326. Castro, Chiloé.
Built by restoring one of the classic palafitos on the Island of Chiloé, this hotel has been designed to provide maximum thermal insulation and a cozy and modern atmosphere. Its piles over the water are made of dense luma or Guaitecas cypress wood and the wall coverings, such as the tiles, are made of fallen larch wood.
It is in an unbeatable location, it has a coffee bar on the terrace and four types of rooms with views of Castro Bay.
We leave Puerto Varas behind and head south to Ancud, gateway to Chiloé and one of its most important towns. Here we stop by its museum to learn about the island’s unique churches and also make a stop at its famous fishing market before driving east to Puñihuil, a natural monument consisting of three small islets*. After a filling lunch, we take to the seas to give you a closeup of some of the local marine life including the Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins. Afterward, we head to Castro so you can relax in the stunning grounds of Hotel Palafito, your base for the next two nights.
*Note: This itinerary is modified in winter due to penguin migration, and instead includes a visit to Fuerte Ahui from April to August.
Today we go for an easy hike through Chiloé National Park, a remote expanse of evergreen tepú (Tepualia stipularis) forest that sits on the border of Huillinco and Cucao, two lakes that stretch between the island’s rolling hills. We finish in the indigenous community of Quique where a lunch of homemade dishes typical to Chiloé awaits. Afterward, we head back to enjoy the rest of the afternoon in Castro, making a small stop on the way to see the patrimonial church of Chonchi that dates back to the 19th century.
Today is all about uncovering Chiloé’s unique churches, which are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. This morning we head over to the island of Quinchao and follow its breathtaking coastal route to see the archipelago's oldest church in Achao. After some more local cuisine for lunch, we make the journey to the portside town of Dalcahue to see its iconic church that dates back to 1858, as well as its small market where you can pick up locally-made souvenirs made from wool. Afterward, we head back to Puerto Varas where your island adventure comes to a close.
Regular. Every day on request.
The trip starts any day at your hotel in Puerto Varas. The trip finishes on day 3 at Puerto Montt Airport or back at your hotel in Puerto Varas.
This trip does not demand physical activity other than walking a maximum of two consecutive hours over fairly flat terrain, with as many stops as necessary to fit in with the rhythm of the group. If you feel that you want to be more active during excursions then our local guides will be ready to incorporate more action into the excursions.
Transport is normally in Jeep Mahindra Scorpion (up to 3 people group).
For larger group size we use a Hyundai H1 (4-6 people group).
From November to April expect generally good weather, with temperatures varying from a maximum of 30°C/86ºF to a minimum of 8°C/46ºF. However, it does tend to rain one or two days a week in summer. From May to October rain is more abundant and the temperature drops to an average of max. 15°C/59ºF to min. -2°C/28ºF.
We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.
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Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia