Chiloé Island Extension

 

Departures:  Year-round

Places Visited: Chiloé Island

 

Highlights

Dive into the myths and magic of Chiloé island with its old historic Spanish fort, the humble stilted wooden houses of fishermen and craftsmen called palafitos, and the unique churches of Chiloé made entirely in native timber. Learn about traditional island life at arts and crafts markets, watch wildlife and visit the only penguin colony in the world where the Humboldt and Magellan penguins breed together.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 2 nights of accommodation in Castro
  • Daily breakfast and local taxes
  • 1 Full Day tour to Dalcahue & Castro
  • 1 Full Day tour to Ancud & Penguin colony
  • 1 Half day tour to Quinchao

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED: 

  • Meals and drinks other than those mentioned
  • Tips or personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional tours and experiences
  • Any items not mentioned

Day 1: Dalcahue & Castro

Upon arrival at Puerto Montt airport, private transfer to the seaport town of Dalcahue by a 30 minute ferry ride. Watch sea lions and even dolphins underway to the first stop, Dalcahue in the south, a small fishing village with rustic homes, traditional fishing boats and friendly people. On Sundays there is a local market in Dalcahue where locals sell their crafts; a wonderful opportunity to learn more about traditional life in Chiloé.

Continue to Castro, the capital of Chiloé island, with its traditional ‘palafitos’, houses built on stilts along the shore, and the majestic wooden church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Stroll around town and visit the arts and crafts market with its local products made of wood and wool. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel inside of one of the palafito houses offering impressive views of the bay.

Day 2: Ancud & Penguin colony

Drive to the bay of Ancud and visit the town with its local craft and fish market and the famous ancient fort of San Antonio, the last Spanish stronghold in Chile. A guide will describe the myths and history of Chiloé Island and give an introduction on the typical life on this magical island.

Continue about 1 hour by car along a gravel road towards the Pacific Coast to reach two small islands where two species of penguins, Humboldt and Magellan, settle for breeding offspring from November to March. There is plenty of time to take a walk on the beautiful white sandy beach and watch local fishermen take in their catch of crabs before getting closer to the islands to observe the penguins. There are also possibilities to watch sea lions, pelicans, cormorants and other wildlife. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.

Day 3: Quinchao

Take a short ferry ride to visit the island Quinchao, the second largest island of the archipelago and the cultural heart of the Chiloé. The road runs across a high ridge in the middle of the island, offering panoramic views of the other islands of the archipelago and the snowcapped Andes to the East. The small town of Achao is famous for the oldest church on the islands, a complexly decorated and painted building, made from the finest native timber. After lunch, return to Chiloé and drop-off at the local airport.


Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only.

Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions.