South America
Welcome Kit
Chile
Chiloé
Chiloé Island is a remarkable destination in Chile, known for its rich folklore, captivating traditions, and unique architecture.
From exploring its charming palafitos to immersing yourself in the island’s folklore and savoring its delectable cuisine, Chiloé promises an unforgettable journey into a world of myths and traditions.
Highlights
Chiloé is an island of surprising cultural and natural wealth. Discover its picturesque stilt houses, colorful houses built on the water and enjoy the company of its warm inhabitants.
Explore its mythical territory, colorful wooden churches, 16 of which were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Try the traditional curanto, preparation of seafood and other ingredients such as the Chilota potato, cooked in a hole with hot stones.
And if it’s about nature, this island gives you cinematic landscapes. Travel the various trekking routes and kayak through its wonderful canals. The Chiloé National Park and Tantauco will catch you with their evergreen colors.
General Facts
The Big Island of Chiloé and its archipelago are located in the south of Chile and have an area of more than 9,000 km2. It is located in the X Region of the Lakes and has a very particular geography and climate, with a mountain range that crosses it from north to south and is known as Cordillera del Piuchén and Cordillera del Pirulil. It also has gentle hills and plains, where activities such as agricultural crops and forest plantation are carried out.
It also has inland channels such as the Chacao Channel, which separates the island from the mainland in Puerto Montt.
Due to its relative isolation from the continent, Chiloé developed a great culture, mythology and folklore different from the rest of the country, which can be seen in its music, its dances (cueca and waltz chilote), its colorful legends and particular architecture, which can be observed mainly in its churches.
Another of its peculiarities are the constructions with stilt houses, on wooden pillars in the waters, which were built mainly in ports such as Castro and to this day you can find some houses with this style.
Map Location
Documentation
A valid Passport. Insurance information.
Most countries in America and Western Europe do not require a visa.
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Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Chiloé Island is generally from September to March, which corresponds to the spring, summer, and early fall seasons in the Southern Hemisphere. During this period, temperatures are more pleasant and the weather is generally milder, making it an ideal time to explore the island’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Spring (Sep to Nov)
Spring in Chiloé brings blooming flowers, lush green landscapes, and moderate temperatures. It’s a great time to witness the island’s natural beauty as plants and trees come to life. The weather can be changeable, with occasional rainfall, but it is generally mild and pleasant.
Summer (Dec to Feb)
Chiloé experiences its peak tourist season during the summer months. The temperatures are warmer, ranging from mild to moderately hot, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the coastal areas. It’s important to note that summer is also the rainiest season in Chiloé, so be prepared for occasional showers.
Fall (March)
Fall in Chiloé is characterized by cooler temperatures and changing foliage. The landscapes take on beautiful autumn colors, creating a picturesque setting. It’s a quieter time to visit the island, with fewer tourists, and you can enjoy pleasant weather and explore the attractions at a more leisurely pace.
It’s worth mentioning that Chiloé’s weather can be unpredictable, and rain is a common occurrence throughout the year due to its maritime climate. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to pack layers, waterproof clothing, and be prepared for varying weather conditions regardless of the season.
Clothing
Layered warm clothing. It is recommended to be ready for temperature changes and strong winds.
- Light clothing against rain and wind
- Good sunglasses and sunscreens,
- Hat, in the mountain hat
- Warm gloves on the mountain
- A small backpack for daily walks
- Batteries for cameras and camcorders.
- Binoculars
- Lightweight, strong and comfortable footwear (trekking type), for the high mountain warm clothing. Rubber boots, apres ski or high heels are not appropriate.
Healthcare
Packing
Chilean flights allow, as their restrictions are limited to 50 pounds (23 kg) per person.
Currency
Peso Chileno.
Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity
Chile: 220 V – 50 Hz.
Plugs Type C / L
Local Taxes
Foodie
Chiloé gastronomy is as famous as its traditions and mythology. In this area you can taste unique flavors made with typical ingredients, such as potatoes, which are prepared in different ways and are used as an accompaniment in almost all their dishes. It was formed from the fusion of Spanish cuisine with Mapuche cuisine, with influences also from Argentina.
Curanto
The curanto is one of the emblematic preparations of the traditional cuisine of Chiloé. This dish that traces its origins to the chonos, first settlers of the island, is prepared in a hole in the ground, filled with very hot stones. In it different types of meats are introduced: beef, lamb and pork; cold cuts such as sausages, fish and seafood from the area, including clams, cholgas, mussels and piures. Finally, all food is covered with nalca leaves and covered with more stones, so that the heat cooks it in about an hour and a half.
Chilota casserole
The Chiloé casserole is another traditional preparation, which is prepared with seafood, potatoes and cabbage, including piures and other types of seafood. You can also add lamb viscera and other vegetables.
Chapaleles y Milcaos
The chapaleles and milcaos are prepared with potatoes. Chapaleles are a dough made with potato and flour that is cooked in water and served with sweet or savory dishes. On the other hand, the milcaos are made with grated potatoes to which chicharrones are traditionally added and then fried. The ember omelette is also prepared, which is a soft bread cooked on the coals, with or without chicharrones.
Liqueurs
Chiloé is famous for its Golden Liqueur, which is prepared with buttermilk, honey and other flavorings. Others are some types of apple chicha, mistela de murta, chicha de cauchague and beetroot liquor, among others.
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Activities
Discover Ancud
If you travel to the mythical land of sorcerers and sorcerers, do not miss the Regional Museum of Ancud, where you can learn about the history, mythology and crafts of the area along with its indigenous past. Also visit Fort San Antonio, from where the view of the port is exceptional.
In this area the inhabitants live from the sea, so take advantage of enjoying the gastronomic preparations before starting your tour of the rest of the island.
Explore Castro
A city between hills and lush vegetation that invites you to walk, try its marine restaurants, browse its craft shops and admire the colorful “palafitos” on the waterfront, a classic Chiloé postcard. Visit the San Francisco de Castro Church, the Chiloé National Park or live the Chiloé culture knowing the Craft Fair of Castro, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiloé or attending the famous Costumbrista Festival held in the city.
Chiloé Churches Route
The churches of Chiloé have given a special architectural charm to the area, creating an eternal dialogue with the landscape. Discover the oldest wooden constructions, built during the seventeenth century to serve in the evangelization of the new world, which fuse Spanish design with the techniques and materials of the island. In addition, the technique of assembly and joints built in native wood create a unique architecture in America.
The 16 churches, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO form the “Route of the churches of Chiloé”. Nine of them are on the eastern coast of the Big Island, three in Lemuy, two in Quinchao, one in Caguach and one in Chelín. Less than 10 kilometers apart separate these churches. Get to know them!
Visit Chonchi – Cucao
This small fishing village, once invaded by pirates and from where the Jesuits began to evangelize the southernmost area of the Big Island, preserves the Church of San Carlos de Borroneo as a World Heritage Site that you can visit.
In addition to visiting the Living Museum of Chonchinas Traditions and the Chilote Accordion Museum, you can follow in the footsteps of Darwin and gallop, have a picnic or spend the day contemplating Cucao Bay before entering Chiloé National Park.
Live the Chilota culture in Dalcahue
If you visit this Chilote town, you should take a local souvenir such as the classic vests, scarves and wool hats, or decorations in basketry and carved wood. For this the best place is the Craft Fair where you can also know the charm of the Chilote singers.
You can also visit the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows built in 1849, which today is one of the 16 Chiloé temples declared a World Heritage Site, or the Ethnographic Historical Museum and learn about the history of the original ethnic groups of Chiloé.
Conect with nature in Islotes de Puñihuil
In the only place in the world where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins coexist, you can take maritime tours to tour the islets, see closely and photograph whales, otters, ducks and cormorants. Get to know the coastal edge through the trekking trails focused on environmental awareness.
Venture into Chiloé National Park
On the Big Island of Chiloé there is a place with a scenic beauty that enchants its visitors.
Explore impressive reliefs with heights exceeding 800 meters and see rushing rivers and lakes that surround the forests. Extensive beaches, Huilliche communities of ancestral customs and the magic offered by this land of myths and legends.
To contemplate the landscapes from another perspective, ride around the island with the muleteers or walking along its routes and trails. You can also enjoy its waters by practicing sport fishing and sailing at your own pace in kayak.