Chiloe Island Tour (4 DAYS)

PUERTO VARAS OR PUERTO MONTT – CHILOE – CASTRO

Your tour to Chiloé begins with a private transfer from the PMC airport or your hotel in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas (pick up at 09:00 am) for the two-hour journey (including a 30 minute ferry ride) to the emerald island of Chiloe Grande. Our first stop is Caulín, a beautiful bay for birdwatching and observing local life. In Caulín we will also sample the island’s fine oysters and lunch at a local restaurant during which you will have a historical discussion with your guide. We will then continue to the city of Ancud. This area is steeped in history and was home to Spanish empire’s last stronghold in all of the Americas when the colonies were liberated. In Ancud will visit the Foundation ‘Amigos de las Iglesias de Chiloé before continuing to the bay of Puñihuil, the only place in the world where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest side-by-side. We will tour the small island colonies by boat, a trip that often encounters many other types of marine life. We will then head south to the bustling capital of Castro to check in at the hotel.

CHILOÉ NATIONAL PARK

If the weather permits, and you are interested, we will visit the island’s National Park, with an expansive 25 Km beach and the roar of the Pacific surf. This is approx. 1.5 hours from Castro. There is a short forest walk as well as other options on this rugged coast. For those not so inclined or if the weather is uncooperative, we can visit several of the UNESCO recognized churches, such as that of Nercón, Chonchi and others. By early evening we’ll arrive back to Castro and arrive to your hotel.

EAST COAST

There are two choices for today’s activities; decisions may be made the night prior together with your guide. Morning departure to the city of Dalcahue to cross over to the second largest island of the Archipelago, home to the oldest Church in Southern Chile (Achao) and stunning views over the emerald islands of the archipelago. Or, for the more adventurous, we can drive up the coast of Chiloe Grande on the dirt roads and visit small fishing villages where life follows a rhythm from a bygone era.

GOODBYE CHILOÉ

After a relaxing breakfast, we will head north and visit locations that perhaps we couldn’t before because of the weather or other conditions. Then our journey continues to the ferry crossing that will take us over to the mainland. Drop off will be in the afternoon at Tepual airport in Puerto Montt or at your hotel at approximately 17:00.