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CHILOÉ

Excursion to the churches of Castro, (Full-day)
Dalcahue and Achao
(departure: Ancud or Castro)

The churches of Chiloé are one of Chile´s most valuable cultural treasures and have been added to the UNESCO
world heritage list in 2000. The oldest of the 16 listed churches were built in the 18 century by the Jesuits
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with help of local carpenters, who are famous for their skills. They were built entirely of wood and without a
single nail.
First you visit Castro and its impressively colored San Francisco church. Have a close look at the fine Alerce
wood carvings inside. The tour continues to the little city of Dalcahue, where you will visit smaller, beautiful
churches. Then you will cross to Achao Island by boat. This local church is the oldest in Chiloé and maybe the
most valuable one of the whole country. Parts of it are dates to 1740. In the afternoon you return to the main
island and drive back to the pier.

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Excursion to Castro and Dalcahue (Full-day)
(departure: Ancud or Castro)

From the harbour in Ancud or Castro, you will first go to Castro, the island’s capital, where you will visit the
Plaza de Armas and its cathedral painted in daring lilac and orange. The island’s largest craft market can also
be visited near the harbour. Castro is famous for its ‘palafitos’, houses raised on stilts above the water. There
are various reasons for their existence, but the most compelling is perhaps the simple fact that early inhabitants
sought to evade taxes by building over the water. After all, the ocean has always belonged to everyone!
Afterwards you will continue to the fishing village of Dalcahue, where there is time for a stroll. Traders in the
Sunday market offer local craftwork as well as, the (Chilotes) shop for their fruit and vegetables next door.
Dalcahue is the regional centre for many smaller islands and fishing villages along the coast and provides good
insight into the traditional way of life in Chiloé. Boats bring in fresh catches of crab and seafood’s. Afterwards,
return to the pier.