Best time to visit: January to March offers warm weather and a range of events.
A whimsical island in South America, Chiloe has long been under the radar of travel lists. More recently, this uniquely independent land shrouded in myths and legends is drawing attention for all the right reasons. Surrounded by seawater that often puts on a show of blue whales, its most iconic sight is one to behold — colourful wooden houses that hover over the water on stilts. Beyond is a lush landscape that hides wild national parks, old wooden churches, and wet, dense forests. To add, the island locals flaunt rich culture and decadent culinary traditions that are waiting to be discovered. If there is a new place you have to discover this year, let it be Chiloe in Chile.
How to get there: If coming from Santiago, be sure to stop for supplies or anything you might need in Puerto Montt. Currently, there are some flights that land straight in Chiloe (at Aeropuerto Mocopulli in Castro), but most travellers arrive by land. From Puerto Montt, take Ruta 5 (a toll road) and drive 'till you arrive to Pargua. From there, take the ferry (either Cruz del Sur or Transmarchilay) and depending on the type of vehicle you're driving, expect to pay between $13.200 CLP (about $18 USD) for a small car or pick-up truck to $28.300 CLP ($39 USD) for a motorhome. A cheaper option would be booking a day tour in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. Either way, it's fairly easy to get there!
What to do: Chiloe offers plenty of things to do (if you take your time, of course). For those interested in the history of the first inhabitants of the island, the arrival of the Spaniards and the development of its unique culture and mythology, a good first stop will be at the "Museo Regional" in Ancud; a free-of-charge, goverment run museum that while small, has a good sample of fascinating information. If churches are your thing, the "Museo de las Iglesias" (also in Ancud) might be of your interest; this is a privately run museum with a voluntary entry fee. (1 USD is the suggested amount).
Feeling like you might buy some locally made souvenirs? Take the road to Dalcahue, then. A quiet little town, about an hour's worth of driving, south of Ancud. Their handicraft market has lots of different stalls with ponchos, wool hats and wooden-based souvenirs... and best of all, 100% locally made!
Castro (the capital city of the province) might seem a bit overwhelming at times (especially during the summer), but you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Either at the Mercado Lillo with its stalls of handicraft products, walking along the main square area with the imposing San Francisco Church in one of the corners (One of 16 churches recognized by UNESCO in 2000 for their heritage and historical importance) or simply by enjoying an ice-cream or coffee on the many cafeterias in the downtown and port area. A recommended stop would be at the Gamboa neighbourhood viewpoint, where you can see some of the famous Palafitos (houses on wooden stilts); the former homes of fishermen and their families, nowadays transformed into hotels, cafe houses, etc.