Image by Ricardo Martínez Photography / Getty Images

Chiloé

When the early morning fog shrouds misty-eyed Chiloé, it's immediately apparent something different this way comes. Isla Grande de Chiloé is South America's fifth-largest island and is home to a fiercely independent, seafaring people.

Immediately apparent are changes in architecture and cuisine: tejuelas, the famous Chilote (of Chiloé) wood shingles; palafitos (houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge); the iconic wooden churches (16 of which are Unesco World Heritage sites); and the renowned meat, potato and seafood stew, curanto. A closer look reveals a rich spiritual culture that is based on a distinctive mythology of witchcraft, ghost ships and forest gnomes.

All of the above is weaved among landscapes that are wet, windswept and lush, with undulating hills, wild and remote national parks, and dense forests, giving Chiloé a distinct flavor unique in South America.

Explore Chiloé

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Chiloé.

  • Pier

    Muelle de las Almas

    Shrouded in folklore and Huilliche mythology, Chiloé's 'Dock of Souls' was built in 2007 by architect Marcelo Orellana. The curved boardwalk spans 17m…

  • Church

    Iglesia San Francisco de Castro

    Italian Eduardo Provasoli chose a marriage of neo-Gothic and classical architecture in his design for the elaborate Iglesia San Francisco, one of Chiloé's…

  • Church

    Iglesia Santa María de Loreto

    Achao's 18th-century Jesuit church, on the south side of the Plaza de Armas, is Chiloé's oldest (1740). Crowned by a 25m tower, the World Heritage site…

  • Nature Reserve

    Parque Tantauco

    Created and owned by Chilean business magnate and current president Sebastián Piñera (and run by his foundation, Fundación Futura), this private nature…

  • Pier

    Muelle de la Luz

    This larger and newer version of Chiloé's mystical and famous Muelle de las Almas is reached via a 45-minute boat ride from Muelle Anguay near Refugio…

  • National Park

    Parque Nacional Chiloé

    The 430-sq-km Parque Nacional Chiloé, 30km west of Chonchi and 54km west of Castro, is well-known for its abundance of Chilote wildlife (including 110…

  • Market

    Feria Alcalde José Sandoval Gomez

    Castro's well-conceived fresh market, new in 2017, is located a bit off the beaten path but is worth a trip for its colorful architecture and wide range…

  • Church

    Santa Maria de Rilán

    Rilán's Santa Maria de Rilán church, one of Chiloé's Unesco-listed houses of worship, is fashioned from a potpourri of the island's native hardwoods…

  • Market

    Crafts Fair

    You'll find the island's most authentic arts and crafts here, dominated by sweaters, socks, and hats woven from oveja (wool) and dyed with natural…

  • Viewpoint

    Mirador Alto la Paloma

    If you're driving into Achao, don't miss this cinematic viewpoint along the road just a few kilometers outside town – the whole of Achao Bay, neighboring…

  • Viewpoint

    Puente Gamboa Mirador

    The east side of the bridge into town offers the best viewpoint for Palofitos Gamboa.

  • Church

    Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores

    Founded in 1849, this church is another one of the island's 16 protected by Unesco. A complete restoration was finished in 2015, which gave everything a…

  • Museum

    Museo Regional de Castro

    This museum, half a block south from Plaza de Armas, houses a well-organized collection of Huilliche relics, musical instruments, traditional farm…

  • Fortress

    Fuerte San Antonio

    During the wars of independence, Fuerte San Antonio was Spain's last Chilean outpost. At the northwest corner of town, late-colonial cannon emplacements…

  • Museum

    Museo de Achao

    Museo de Achao highlights aspects of the Chono people of Achao and other indigenous groups in Chiloé. Wood products, weavings, stones and plants used for…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Chiloé.

  • Activities

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