Cultural buffs, hikers, wildlife lovers, and families will enjoy this 3-day adventure into Chiloé, a cherished Chilean island. Explore the wetlands and rainforests of Chiloé National Park, visit nearby islands for wildlife and UNESCO sites, and try traditional homemade cuisine unique to this magical place.
We depart from Puerto Varas, heading south to Ancud, a key town on Chiloé Island. Here, we visit the museum to learn about the island's unique churches and explore the famous fishing market. Then, we drive east to Puñihuil, a natural monument of three small islets. After a hearty lunch, we take a boat tour to spot local marine life, including Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins. Finally, we head to Castro, where you'll relax at Hotel Palafito, your home for the next two nights.
*Note: Confirm pick-up time, and expect itinerary changes from April to August due to penguin migration (alternative: Fuerte Ahui).
Overnight at Hotel Palafito 1326 (Boutique Hotel) or similar, Castro, Chiloé.
Meals: Lunch.
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.
Overnight at Hotel Palafito 1326 (Boutique Hotel) or similar, Castro, Chiloé.
Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch.
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.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
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.
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