Chiloé Island

Chile, South America

Chiloé Island, a gem in Chilean Patagonia, is famous for its colorful stilt houses, lush landscapes, and rich folklore. Visitors can explore charming villages like Castro and Ancud, sample unique local cuisine such as curanto, and immerse themselves in the island's vibrant traditions. The breathtaking scenery includes rolling hills, pristine beaches, and the chance to spot endemic wildlife. With numerous national parks, it's an ideal place for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Island

Vibe

Other

Airport

Pupelde

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Chiloé Island

1

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Wooden Churches

Explore UNESCO-listed churches showcasing Chiloé's unique architecture.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Castro's Palafitos

Stroll along the colorful stilt houses of Castro's waterfront.

No booking required
3

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Try Curanto

Taste Chiloé's traditional seafood and meat dish.

No booking required
4

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Chiloé National Park

Hike diverse trails through lush forests and coastline.

No booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour the Cucao Beach

Relax on one of Chiloé's most beautiful beaches.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Chiloé Museum

Discover Chiloé's history and culture through exhibits.

No booking required
7

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience a Ferry Ride

Take a scenic ferry ride to nearby islands.

No booking required
8

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Market in Ancud

Shop for local crafts and fresh produce at the market.

No booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Go Birdwatching

Spot unique bird species in Chiloé's wetlands.

No booking required
10

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend a Local Festival

Experience Chiloé's vibrant culture during festivals.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Included in bill

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

9 (#13 globally)

Cost

Standard

Currency

Chilean Peso

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Spanish

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Curanto

Traditional seafood and meat stew. (National dish)

Empanadas

V

Stuffed pastry with various fillings.

Pastel de Choclo

Corn pie with meat and vegetables.

Cazuela

Hearty meat and vegetable soup.

Completo

Chilean hot dog with toppings.

Phrases to learn

English

Spanish

Hello

Hola

(Oh-lah)

Yes/No

Si / No

(See / No)

Thank you

Gracias

(Grah-thee-ahs)

Excuse me

Perdón

(Per-dohn)

How much?

¿Cuánto?

(Kwan-toh)