Chiloé Island

Isla de Chiloé

A large island south of Puerto Montt with unique culture, colorful wooden churches and houses, traditional fishing villages, and distinctive mythology. It's one of Chile's most distinctive regions with authentic local flavor and natural beauty.

Things to do

• Dalcahue Market — Visit this vibrant weekend market in the town of Dalcahue to see local crafts, textiles, and fresh produce from island artisans.
• Church of San Francisco (Castro) — Explore this iconic bright yellow wooden church, one of Chiloé's most photographed landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Penguin Colony at Puñihuil — Take a boat tour to see Humboldt and Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat on the northern coast.
• Wooden Churches Route — Drive or bike through rural Chiloé to visit a series of traditional wooden churches built in unique architectural style across small villages.
• Chepu Lakes and Wetlands — Kayak or hike through pristine freshwater lakes and marshlands to experience Chiloé's untouched natural landscapes.
• Ancud Waterfront — Stroll along Ancud's pier to watch traditional fishing boats, buy fresh seafood directly from fishermen, and enjoy the harbor views.

Food to try

• Curanto — A traditional Chiloé dish of seafood, meat, and potatoes cooked together in a ground pit lined with hot stones, often served at local celebrations.
• Empanadas de Queso y Papas — Fried pastry pockets filled with local cheese and potatoes, a staple street food throughout Chiloé's markets and bakeries.
• Sopaipillas — Fried dough discs served with pebre sauce or eaten sweet, a beloved comfort food and popular street snack on rainy island days.
• Fresh Locos and Erizos — Sea urchins (erizos) and keyhole limpets (locos) harvested locally and eaten raw with lemon, showcasing Chiloé's exceptional seafood.
• Milcao — A savory potato pancake made with grated raw potato and cheese, fried until crispy, traditionally eaten for breakfast or as a side dish.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Local Mythology — Chiloé has deep roots in indigenous Mapuche-Huilliche traditions and local legends like the Caleuche ghost ship; locals take these stories seriously as part of island identity.
• Visit Churches Respectfully — Many wooden churches are still active parish churches; enter quietly, dress modestly, and check service times before visiting, as they remain sacred community spaces.
• Learn Basic Spanish — English is rarely spoken in rural villages and fishing towns, so learning simple phrases helps you connect with locals and navigate more authentically.
• Come Prepared for Rain — Chiloé is one of Chile's wettest regions; locals expect rain year-round and pace activities accordingly, so pack waterproof gear and embrace the foggy, moody weather as part of the experience.