Chiloé
Discover a Hidden Gem Bursting With Color


Chiloé, with its historic landmarks and charming features, is one of the best-hidden gems in Chile. Travelers rarely make the
journey to this archipelago, but those who do are given the blissful experience of exploring a remarkable collection of islands.
The locals here are friendly and welcoming, eager to showcase their unique towns that hang over the oceans and serve up
some of the tastiest dishes in the country. As you explore, you’ll be given the opportunity to discover important UNESCO
Heritage Sites as well as magical natural geography. There are very few places that compare to Chiloé, so your luxury tour of
Chile should include a few days on these islands for a unique addition to the journey.
Chilote cuisine is revered throughout Chile by native residents who know and love the archipelago. There are two dishes that earn widespread love from travelers: milacaos & curanto. Milacaos is a savory potato pancake snack, made with a delicious assortment of local spices. The curanto is a dish full of fresh-caught seafood and rich meats all cooked in an underground pit for a succulent final product.
There is a wealth of cultural opportunities awaiting in Chiloé. The main island is full of unique architectural sites that tell the stories of local people and historic events that took place here. Houses built upon stilts float over the waters in large neighborhoods of “mingas”, which is not just a word here, but a way of being that reflects Chiloé’s culture. This archipelago is also home to the Churches of Chiloé, a dedicated UNESCO landmark.
Adventures in the archipelago are abundant. There are plenty of excursions around the islands, but Tranqui is the one island we recommend thrill seekers visit during their time in Chiloé. One other can’t-miss experience in Chiloé is kayaking. Some consider the waters here the best in the entire country, so be sure to add a sailing excursion to your itinerary if you want to explore sunken forests, wetlands, tidal rivers, and more.
Beauty surrounds you on all sides in Chiloé. There are so many picturesque natural explorations to enjoy, but one of the most noteworthy is a trip to Chiloé National Park. You’ll be engulfed by the Valdivian rainforest on all sides while walking through this terrain. Colonies of sea lions relax on the coast, while swamps and dunes fill the park’s diverse landscapes. Enjoy a peaceful hike for an amazing display of unique scenery.
Indulging in a miniature wellness retreat is a dreamy opportunity in Chiloé. After long days of strolling through town or adventuring across the archipelago, there is nothing better than sinking into a calming sauna or getting a deep tissue massage to relax your mind and body. There are several exclusive resorts in Chiloé where travelers can relish a five-star spa experience as part of their luxury tour of Chile.
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Days are longer and warmer and there’s less rainfall than other times of the year. However, the few who are lucky
enough to visit in winter tend to experience less wind and more blue sky days.
Discover the UNESCO Chiloé Churches Step back in time to the 17th and 18th centuries as you tour the Chiloé Churches, a landmark spanning dozens of individual architectural masterpieces. Roughly 70 individual churches were constructed by the Jesuits and the Franciscans over the course of about 300 years. As you tour the most important 16 churches, notice the ecclesiastical architecture style. The craftsmanship is extremely unique, and a beautiful example of the merging of cultures here.
See the colorful “palafitos” One of the most iconic spots in the entire Chiloé archipelago is the Palafitos in the city of Castro. Palafitos is the word describing the wonky and wonderful houses that stand on stilts above the water. These picturesque homes make amazing photos and are very fun to see up close with a little kayaking excursion. There are a few restaurants and hotel palafitos, so you may even be able to step inside one of these lovely little buildings.
Make some fluffy new friends with the local penguin colonies Travelers who love encountering adorable wildlife will fall in love with the colonies of penguins that live in Chiloé. Go on a day trip to Punihuil Beach and you will find two species of penguins playing on the shores: Humboldt and Magellanic. From October to March, mating season attracts hundreds of these adorable birds which makes it the ideal time to visit the beach and observe them in their natural habitat.
Explore Chiloé National Park One of the best places to enjoy a trekking excursion is Chiloé National Park. It is full of easy trails and fascinating flora and fauna, making it the perfect hiking spot for any traveler. Wander through the Valdivian rainforest, ducking through tangled vines and evergreen trees. Head towards the coast and you may be able to see a few whales breech the Pacific surface on their swim around the world.
Eat your way across Dalcahue If you’re interested in taking a culinary tour of Chiloé, then be sure to visit the port city of Dalcahue. The kitchens and restaurants here offer the best gastronomy for hungry travelers seeking authentic dishes. Combining indigenous Mapuche recipes with Spanish cuisine and seafood creates the chilota culinary style. Here, native recipes are served regularly and impress even the locals.
Travesia If you want an expert take on traditional Chiloé cuisine, book a reservation at Travesia. Introducing creative takes on regional recipes allows diners to experience an impressive combination of innovation and authenticity. One of the fan-favorite dishes here is the chancho ahumado, a smoked pork dish served with a delicious sauce of local berries and delicious local potatoes.
El Mercadito Another innovator of traditional regional cuisine is El Mercadito, a charming dining space overlooking the waters surrounding the Pedro Montt neighborhood on Castro island. As you sip one of their signature cocktails, indulge in a feast of Chiloé flavors like spicy eel or rich crab stews, crispy potatoes, and more. Every meal here, whether you’re grabbing an afternoon snack or indulgent dinner, will be remembered as one of the most delectable experiences.
Kuranton Experience a traditional Chilean feast at Kuranton, a restaurant that specializes in the “curanto” tradition of cooking the meal underground. You’ll find a menu with diverse options including seafood stews and rich sandwiches, but the star of the show is the family-style feast that local Chileans have been cooking up for years.
Rucalaf Putemun Sit down and relax in the contemporary dining room at Rucalaf Putemun, and allow the chefs to impress you with the combination of local and international cuisine. Fresh seafood and shellfish are celebrated with unique flair, this is a place that locals and travelers have fallen in love with. The head chef uses his experience from training in Germany to create distinctive recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.
Tierra Chiloé Escape to the stunning boutique hotel and spa of Tierra Chiloé if you seek elegance, indulgence, and comfort. This eco-lodge provides luxury accommodations that harmonize with the natural elements of Chiloé. Ocean views and detailed design make travelers feel at ease while resting in this comfortable, modern resort. Enjoy their impressive Uma Spa with offers a variety of treatments, and savor their farm-to-table restaurant for authentic cuisine.
OCIO Territorial Hotel Unwind in the luxury accommodations at OCIO Territorial Hotel, an amazing, sustainable lodge that immerses guests in nature during their stay. With privileged views of the Castro Fjord and access to some of the most amazing scenery, you’ll be able to disconnect from the outside world during your peaceful stay here. Enjoy your own private, secluded suite that all come with stunning views and lavish amenities.
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