The Chiloé Peninsula
Undiscovered Chiloé
A special place in Chile’s Lake District is the Chiloé Peninsula. The Chiloé archipelago consists of 30 islands. It feels as though you’ve stepped back in time 50 years. The local population lives mainly from fishing. The natural scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, so it’s actually hard to understand why this area is hardly visited by tourists anymore. Chiloé is known for its legends and myths, and for its wooden churches, which date back to the 18th century. The cathedral in El Castro, the capital of Chiloé, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover Chiloé
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Capital: Castro
The town of Castro is steeped in heritage and history and is also the capital of the Chiloé archipelago. Here you’ll find the ‘palafitos’, the colourful houses built on stilts above the water. The Iglesia de San Francisco is one of the town’s best-known attractions; this wooden church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Castro is home to charming markets and art galleries. Various festivals are also held here, which beautifully reflect the local culture of Chiloé.
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The wooden churches of Chiloé
The Chiloé Peninsula is characterised by its all-timber churches. Along with a few churches in Scandinavia, Germany and the United States, as well as the cathedral in Paramaribo, they are among the only surviving all-timber churches from the 18th century. The cathedral in Castro, the capital of Chiloé, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Chiloé National Park
Chiloé National Park comprises a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, coastal areas, dense forests and fjords. Here you’ll find unique flora and fauna, including the endangered Chiloé fox and South American otters. The Tepualia stipularis is a tree species found exclusively in this region. The National Park offers nature lovers a wide range of activities, such as walking trails, exploring the stunning coastline and wildlife spotting.
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Dalcahue Market
The charming little town of Dalcahue lies on the banks of the Dalcahue Fjord. This gives the area a picturesque feel and offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding countryside. Dalcahue’s main attraction is the bustling market held here every week. The market takes place on the small island of Isla de Quinchao, which can be reached via a bridge from the town. The market is full of flavour, colour and, above all, local culture. Here you’ll find a variety of handcrafted products such as wood carvings, (hand-woven) woollen clothing and traditional pottery. Local delicacies and fresh produce, such as seafood, traditional cheeses, fruit and vegetables, are also available here. The market offers a wonderful insight into the daily life and traditions of the local community.
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Tantauco National Park
Tantauco National Park was established by Chile’s former president Sebastián Piñera and covers more than 118,000 hectares. It is home to a variety of ecosystems, including lakes, rivers, fjords and vast forests. A variety of animal species can be found in the park, including the Magellanic woodcock, the South Chilean huemul and even the South American puma. There are several walking trails in the park, but it’s also an excellent place for kayaking or camping.
History of Chiloé
The Chiloé Peninsula was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Huillinche and the Chonos. However, it was colonised by the Spanish in the 16th century. The arrival of the Spanish brought Christianity to the island, resulting in the construction of the many distinctive wooden churches found on the peninsula, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This period of Spanish colonisation led to a blending of European and indigenous cultures, giving rise to the unique Chilote identity. To this day, the traditional way of life and crafts are cherished on Chiloé.
Throughout its history, fishing and shipbuilding have played a significant economic role. Furthermore, during the Chilean Wars of Independence in the 19th century, Chiloé also served as a strategic base for seafarers.
How to get there
The island of Chiloé lies south of Puerto Montt. It is a truly special destination. To reach the island, take Ruta 5 south from Puerto Montt. You’ll cross the Chacao Channel by ferry. On the island, Ruta 5 winds through a green and hilly landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass the fishing village of Dalcahue, where you should definitely pop into the local fish market. You can also enjoy delicious fresh fish dishes here. For some remarkable wildlife, head to Puñihuil. In the south of the island lies the town of Quellón. From here, ferries sail to the mainland several days a week. If you’re on a longer road trip in a rental car, this is a lovely way to continue along the Carretera Austral.
Culinary traditions
The Chiloé Peninsula is renowned for its unique culinary traditions and offers a wide range of local dishes. Below, we highlight some of these dishes for you:
The‘curanto’is Chiloé’s most iconic dish. This delicious, savoury traditional feast consists of several layers of meat, shellfish, potatoes, vegetables and various herbs. It is placed in a pit in the ground and then covered with stones and leaves. It is then left to simmer for a considerable time.
Milcao are round, thick potato cakes that are often served as a side dish. Milcao are made from grated potatoes and flour, then seasoned with salt before being fried until golden brown and crispy.
Chapalele are potato cakes similar to Milcao, but are made from a mixture of potatoes and flour. This is kneaded into a dough and then boiled or fried.
During the colder (winter) months, people often prepare a hearty, filling meal known as Cazuela Chilota. This traditional Chilean stew is usually made with meat, pumpkin, sweetcorn, potatoes and various herbs.
Throughout Chile, but certainly on the Chiloé Peninsula too, people love to eat sopaipillas: deep-fried pastries made from flour and pumpkin, served with a sweet syrup of cinnamon and sugar. It is a very popular sweet treat.
Unique places to stay - On the Chiloé Peninsula
The best way to discover the mystical island of Chiloé is to stay at the stylish Tierra Chiloé lodge, undoubtedly the finest hotel on the island. During your stay here, you’ll want for nothing. The accommodation is beautifully designed, featuring plenty of wood and local elements. The lodge offers an ‘all-inclusive’ package, which covers all possible excursions. With the fantastic guides here, you’ll learn a great deal about the island’s unique culture and discover Chiloé’s most beautiful natural areas.
If you’d prefer to stay on a bed and breakfast basis, the Quiquico Hotel across the bay is an excellent choice.
Fancy a trip of Chile?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Chile and are you curious about the options? Then do have a look at the tours we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.