Step into the living culture of Chiloé on a 3-day journey through its historic towns, native forests, coastal landscapes, and deeply rooted traditions. Explore heritage churches, share local flavors, discover penguins in Puñihuil during the nesting season, and experience the island’s distinctive mythology, architecture, and way of life.
Your journey begins in Puerto Montt (or Puerto Varas). Cross the Chacao Channel to Ancud, visit its market and the Friends of Chiloé Churches Museum, then reach Puñihuil for lunch by the sea and a boat trip around three islets where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest. Continue to Castro.
From April to August, after penguin season ends, the Puñihuil navigation is replaced by Fuerte Ahui, 42 km from Ancud on the Lacuy Peninsula. This Spanish fort was built to defend colonial Chiloé and restored in the 20th century by historians and the local community. See its remains, cannons, and site museum. Lunch is included with either experience.
Overnight at Hotel Boutique Palafito 1326, or similar, Castro.
Meals: Lunch.
Travel south from Castro alongside Huillinco and Cucao lakes toward Chiloé National Park. Follow the gentle El Tepual Trail through evergreen tepú forest, a unique ecosystem rich in island biodiversity. After the walk, visit a rural Indigenous community in Quilque for a light homemade lunch prepared with traditional local ingredients.
On the way back to Castro, stop in Chonchi to visit the San Carlos Borromeo Church, one of Chiloé’s remarkable wooden heritage churches.
Overnight at Hotel Boutique Palafito 1326, or similar, Castro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Set out from Castro toward Dalcahue and cross to Quinchao Island, following a scenic route with views over the Dalcahue Channel and the Rilán Peninsula. Explore the colorful village of Curaco de Vélez before reaching Achao, home to one of the archipelago’s oldest wooden churches.
Enjoy a local lunch, then return to Dalcahue to visit its heritage church and artisan market, known for wool textiles and basketry. Continue to Puerto Varas, where your Chiloé journey comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
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
