Chiloe Island

Amazon Adventures

Chile

Classic Chile / Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake District
Easter Island / Biking / Atacama Desert / Expedition Cruises
Fiord Cruises / Treks / Multisport / Sea Kayaking / Hacienda Life

ISLAND OF CHILOÉ

South of Puerto Montt, the continent breaks up into an archipelago of islands. Isla Grande, or the big island , is the largest of the Chiloé Archipelago. The province of Chiloé consists of about one hundred islands in all. This area is very rich in bird-life and marine animals. Island farmers and fishermen live traditional lives in picturesque villages. Traditional families have both a fishing boat and a farming plot. Much of Chiloé's distinctive character is derived from 200 years of near isolation from the mainland throughout the colonial period. To this day, Chiloé is full of its very own very rich folklore, art and mythology. There is a strong community of storytellers, who pass the rich history on to the younger generation. This is sometimes called the land of a thousand churches for there are many brightly painted wooden churches. Most are built entirely of wood, using wooden pegs in place of nails. Chiloé is also the island of the potato. There are in fact many studies which claim that Chiloé to be the authentic origin of the potato. It is said there are more than two hundred native varieties.

Day 1 Puerto Montt - Ancud
Setting out from the Puerto Montt airport (or from your hotel in Puerto Varas) we begin with a city tour of Puerto Montt itself, the capital of the Lake District. Puerto Montt was founded in 1853 by German colonists on the site of an indigenous Mapuche community. Downtown we shall take time to walk about the main squares and historical monuments. Afterwards, we shall visit the port itself including the market of Angelmó where there is a large handicraft market full of artisans and lots of fresh shellfish. From Puerto Montt we continue out along the coast towards the Island of Chiloé. After crossing the straight of Pargua, we arrive in the town of Ancud. The cozy Hotel Hosteria Ancud where we shall spend the night is made entirely out of wood with traditional Chiloé peg and beam construction. A huge fireplace invites you to sit down relax and enjoy the view out over the Pacific ocean. The rest of the day will be at your leisure with time to relax or to visit the nearby historic fortress of San Antonio, which once protected the Spanish colony from the English.

Day 2 (B) Dalcahue - Castro - Ancud
Today we set out driving further south towards the fishing village of Dalcahue. Here we shall take time to walk and explore. Rustic, brightly painted homes and local fishing boats will have some of you seeking more film for your camera.

Chiloé is an island full of legends and superstition where centuries old monsters roam the night and sail upon elaborately painted ghost ships frightening even the bravest of fishermen. There is a wonderful market in Dalcahue on Sunday filled with local traders and artisans with souvenirs alike. Dalcahue is the main stepping off point for many smaller off-shore islands and traditional fishing communities. It affords a very special glimpse of traditional Chiloé life and the islanders who still live it.

From Dalcahue we shall continue on to Castro, the capital of Chiloé. Here we shall visit the Plaza de Armas, or main square and its unique, brilliantly colored Cathedral of striking lilac and orange. Inside the church has a splendid antique wooden interior. In the harbor we shall visit the biggest handicraft market on Chiloé. Castro, like much of Chiloé is famous for its Palafito (pal-a-feet-oh) homes built on stilts out over the sea. There are many explanations for this tradition but perhaps the most sensible is the simple notion that early settlers sought to evade paying property taxes and the seabed after all belonged to everyone. Overnight in Ancud.

Day 3 (B) Puerto Montt
Transfer to the airport in Puerto Montt (or to Puerto Varas) after breakfast. Travel via the north coast of the island, where we shall visit the World Wildlife Fund penguin colony, one of the few places where you will find Magellan and Humboldt penguins living and breeding together. A zodiac trip takes us amongst the small islands of the penguin rookeries and, depending on the weather conditions, we might observe a sea lion colony as well.

Price per person double in US$:
till Feb. 28, 2008: $986 each for 2 people, $773 each for 3-4, $536 for 5-6, Single Supp. = $74