Excursion Chilo tour at Castro

Explore the unique history of Chiloé Island on this roving, colorful tour of several villages. Leaving Castro, head into the verdant countryside for a 20-minute drive through rolling farms and bird-filled wetlands towards to the picturesque fishing village of Dalcahue. This port is filled with colorful boats at anchor that work in fishing, crabbing, diving and transport throughout the islands of the archipelago off the coast.

A block away from the port is the wooden church that was built in the end of the 19th century upon the site of a Jesuit Chapel, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the missionaries (Jesuits, Franciscans) is deeply entwined with these old coastal communities.

Take a short ferry ride to the Island of Quinchao and make your way to Curaco de Velez. This very small village of approximately 500 inhabitants saw its best times back in the 1850s, when cattle ranchers and whalers lived here. The beautiful centuries-old homes in Curaco de Velez remain as a testimony of the village's history, built with diverse different shapes of shingles or "tejuelas" made from Alerce (Fitzroya cupresoides) wood - the oldest living tree in the Southern Hemisphere.

Arrive in the town of Achao, founded as a Jesuit Residency in 1743. With almost 2,500 inhabitants today, Achao is alive with boats from all the surrounding islands, making it one of the busiest ports in the area. Highlighting the town is its Church of Santa Maria de Loreto, the oldest in Southern Chile, whose stunning woodwork contains beautiful baroque imagery.

Next visit Rilan, an area well-known for its pristine waters and excellent seafood. For lunch enjoy 'Pulmay', a traditional Chiloé meal consisting of shellfish, potatoes, chicken and smoked meats cooked together in a pot. At lunch observe a traditional folkloric group presentation along with a "fashion show" of Chilota clothing, staged exclusively for the guests.

Return to Castro, the capital of Chiloé, with about 29,000 inhabitants. While less architecturally charming than other towns on the island, Castro's shores are nonetheless interesting for their rickety homes on stilts, known as palafitos, and the colorfully-painted church. Visit Castro's cathedral, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site; although a tsunami washed away the stilt houses in 1960, one of the oldest (1750-1790) and largest churches in the area still survives, and is an example of the regional architecture. Return to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Dalacahue, Curaco de Velez, Achao, Church of Santa Maria de Loreto, Rilan, Castro Cathedral

Note

Please note: Walking is mostly optional on this trip, making it suitable for individuals with walking difficulties; note however that there will be some uneven walking surfaces at the town and some steps to enter the churches. Guests wishing to return to the coach early will be able to do so if walking becomes difficult. Weather is unpredictable in Chiloé, with some showers to be expected at any time of year. It is recommended to wear warm layered clothing, and a waterproof windbreaker jacket along with sturdy walking shoes.