Throughout Chile and even the world, the Chiloé archipelago and the Chilotes, the inhabitants of the region, are known for their mystical stories and folklore revolving around the sea and the forests inland. Over the years these mythical tales have mingled with the Catholic faith and have resulted in an eclectic cultural amalgamation. Your stay at one the locally owned Isla de Chiloé hotels or palafitos will give you the opportunity to hear the stories from a local first hand.
Chiloé balances wild, unbridled nature with one of South America's most remarkable traditional cultures.
The Isla de Chiloé is considered a part of two distinct regions in Chile. It encompasses both the Northern Patagonian region and also the southern Lake District or Region X, Los Lagos. With Tierra del Fuego being the biggest island, the Isla Grande or Big Island is second largest and the only one which is inhabited. Here you will find a great variety of Isla de Chiloé palafitos, hotels and other accommodation options. Isla Grande is characterised by abundant forests and picturesque beauty.
The Chiloé archipelago, which is made up of a number of small islands, nestles by the south of Puerto Montt and the Chacao Channel which separates it from the mainland. A number of ferries ply this channel, taking tourists to a world very different from the mainland. Isla de Chiloé transportation options are limited. Be sure to check out of Isla de Chiloé transportation guide to ensure you get to and around Chiloe with ease.
Having lived in isolation for many years, the locals learnt to become self-sufficient, but with better economic prospects outside, a large part of the population left the island in search of greener pastures. Those who stayed back have worked hard to maintain their traditions and customs while simultaneously building a tourist infrastructure including Isla de Chiloé hotels, tours and transportation. The island is ethnic in every respect and you are welcomed by the magnificent churches, mobile wooden homes which can be rolled to a different location and colourful markets which are full of agricultural produce, fresh seafood, wool, woven baskets, ornaments and knitted items.
One of the most characteristic features of the Isla de Chiloé is its palafitos, which are houses built on stilts along the coast. This trend seems to have emerged in the 19th century, when booming commercial expansion demanded greater efficiency in the use of the shores. The palafitos are a common sight in the port towns of Ancud, Quemchi, Castro and Chonchi and make for great places to stay in Isla de Chiloé. Another interesting feature is that many buildings in Chiloé are shaded by wooden roof shingles or tejuelas, made from the Alerce tree. This is done to protect the houses from the rain.
Legends and folklore are prevalent throughout Chiloé. The mythic past is an important element of life here and one cannot but hear tales of ghost ships, goblins and witches who steal and eat dead bodies from the grave. Two other interesting legends are of La Pincoya, the beautiful nude mermaid who lures men to the sea, and the ugly troll El Trauco, who first entices women into the forests and then impregnates them. For the good-natured, happy and dark-skinned Chilotes, whether they are in their elaborate boats or on land, the sea, the forests and their mythic past have become an essential part of their lives.
Every January and February, the locals pay homage to the legends and folklore by celebrating the Festival Costumbrista Chilote, in which every town makes its own festival during these months. Planning your Isla de Chiloe vacation to coincide with one of the many festivals and events in Isla de Chiloe is a great way to truly get to know the local culture.
Castro, being one of the larger towns in the Chiloé archipelago, is a tourist hub. You will find many Isla de Chiloé hotels and other accommodation types in this area. It is easily accessible from other parts of Chile and visitors are welcomed by the beautiful palafitos and the yellow fishing boats which bob out at sea. The quaint islands surrounding Castro are accessible only by boat or kayak. Many Isla de Chiloé tours are run out of Castro. A waterfront market, Feria Artesanal is popular for its hand woven baskets and woollens.
Slowly, Chiloé is becoming a popular destination for tourists, but there are still enough unexplored regions and many exciting things to see and do for the more adventurous kind. The archipelago combines stark natural beauty, an exotic mythical past and a bunch of extremely amicable inhabitants. Whether you are exploring Castro or the islands off its shore, or viewing game at the Parque Nacional Chiloé, a national park skirting the pacific coast, Isla de Chiloé will beckon you with its sea monsters, ghosts, trolls, fantastic seafood, woollen handicrafts and of course the warmth of the locals.
Choose from our wide range of recommended hotels in Isla de Chiloé, join one of our arresting Isla de Chiloé tours and then just relax and enjoy your Isla de Chiloé vacation! If you would like to speak with one of our team about an Isla de Chiloé hotel or tour, please visit our Contact Us page. We will happily provide any advice or assistance to you!
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Hola and a big welcome from Pehuen Tourism down in Isla de Chiloé, Chile! We are your eyes and ears down in this amazing archipelago in the southern end of the world, and we can't wait to tell you all about it! We have unique accommodations, stunning landscapes, and a rich culture waiting to seduce you. Let us know how we can be of assistance, and we cannot wait to see you down south!
