Excursion Heritage churches at chiloe island tour at Castro

Discover why Chiloé Island is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site churches during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Gamboa Bridge, Wooden Houses and Vilipulli Church

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Gamboa Bridge and admire the typical 'palafitos', or wooden houses, which are built on stilts above the water. After crossing the Gamboa Bridge, continue on to the village of Vilipulli for a visit to the Vilipulli Church, a National Monument built in the 18th century and visited by Charles Darwin in 1853.

Chonchi Town, Church and Museum of Traditions

Next, re-board your coach and head to Chonchi, the 'three-storey town', with its houses arranged on steps on the hillside. The town was founded as a Jesuit missionary residence in 1754, and the construction of the Chonchi Church began at the same time. Following a visit to the Chonchi Church, take a guided stroll past the colourful wooden houses en route to a visit to the small, but interesting, Museum of Traditions.

Castro, San Francisco Church, Plaza de Armas and Handicraft Market

Leaving Chonchi, re-board your coach and drive back to Castro for a visit to the San Francisco Church, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Plaza de Armas, the yellow, early-20th-century San Francisco Church has two steeples and a distinctive wooden interior. Following your visit, some free time is made available to explore the Plaza de Armas before a final stop at the Castro Handicraft Market. Upon arrival, you may return directly to the pier, or remain in town to browse the colourful handicrafts and return to the ship on-foot.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Chiloé Island, Gamboa River, Palafitos, Vilpulli Church, Chonchi, Museum of Traditions, San Francisco Church

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 273 yards (about 250 metres), at times over inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the churches visited. Walking at the Castro Handicraft Market is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with hiking boots, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least nine years old to participate on this tour. Flash photography inside the churches is prohibited. The tour sequence may vary. Please be advised that local tourist facilities are limited; buses and guides are the best available, and due to cooler average temperatures, vehicles are not equipped with air conditioning.