The easiest way to travel to the Chiloé archipelago is by air or bus. There are many bus services within the Chiloé region between Puerto Montt, Castro, Ancud and Quellon. From Santiago, the fastest way to reach Puerto Montt is by air. There are a number of direct flights every day. The sleeper bus from Santiago takes 14 hours and Turbus, one of the operators, charge US$35 for a one-way trip.
Isla de Chiloé Transportation Guide
Getting To Isla de Chiloé
By Bus
Getting to Isla de Chiloé by bus is the easiest option. The bus leaves Puerto Montt (the main transportation hub in the region) travelling southwest 56 km to Pargua where it then crosses over to Chacoa on Isla Grande de Chiloé by ferry (don't forget to look out for dolphins!). This ferry ride takes approximately half an hour. From there the bus proceeds to Castro, Isla Grande de Chiloé's main town. Bus services also run to the Chiloté cities of Ancud and Quellon from Puerto Montt. The fare is all-inclusive and passengers do not have to pay extra for the trip on the ferry.
Cruz del Sur operates buses to Chiloé from Santiago. This is a direct service with a duration of approximately 17 hours.
By Air
Isla de Chiloé is not accessible by air. The closest airport to Isla de Chiloé is the Aeropuerto Arturo Merino Benitez in Santiago. The airport is 26 km north west of the city centre and most large carriers such as Air France, Lufthansa American Airlines, Delta, Iberia and British Airways have regular services to Santiago. Getting to Puerto Montt from Santiago is quickest by air with a direct flight on Lanchile airlines. Alternatively you can take the 14 hour bus ride from Santiago to Puerto Montt at the cost of approximately US$35 each way.
For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.
By Ferry
There are regular ferries to Isla de Chiloé that operate between Pargua, which is 56 km from Puerto Montt, to Chacao located in the north of Isla Grande. If you have hired a car you can take it over on the ferry for use on the Island. It costs approximately US$15 each way to travel by car.
Navimeg operates ferries from Chaiten, Patagonia to Quellon on the south eastern cost of Chiloé. Those travelling from Futaleufu will find this service useful. Further south again, those travelling from Coihaique will find a service operating between Puerto Chacabuco (near Puerto Aisen) and Quellon.
Getting Around Isla de Chiloé
For the adventurous traveller who wants to explore the most remote part of Isla de Chiloé and keep the itinerary flexible, renting a car in Ancud or Castro is the best option. You can even drive from the mainland and cross over at Pargua in a ferry. Another way of seeing the Chiloé archipelago is to take a cue from the locals and use the bus which connects all major towns. The frequency of service is decent and they also connect you to the ferries which will transport you to the smaller islands.
By Ferry
The Chiloé archipelago is a cluster of islands after and using the waterways becomes essential in certain areas. Navimag is the local ferry operator in Chiloé which runs regular services from Puerto Montt. There are three basic routes this operator follows. The first is to Puerto Natales and back, the second to Chaiten and Quellon and the third to Puerto Chacabuco and Laguna San Raphael.
By Bicycle
For travelling within Isla de Chiloé, there is nothing that will beat the bicycle. A good mountain bike with flexible gear ratios is ideal to explore the back road and the beaten tracks around Isla de Chiloé. It is also a great way to interact with the locals and truly understand the region. Though finding a descent bike rental on Isla de Chiloé is difficult, the sedate country roads and relative evenness of the landscape make getting around Chiloé on two-wheels ideal.
