Some places in the world are difficult to enjoy if the weather is anything but clear, yet, luckily for the Chiloe Islands, these quaint little fishing villages are perfect spots to enjoy no matter what mother nature has in store. On a rainy day, they feel like something out of a Herman Melville novel, and on a bright clear day, the ocean and seaside homes combine to give off a welcoming glow. These are our favourite Chiloe Island towns and villages.
Ancud
As you ferry across the gap between the mainland of Chile and the islands, you will get your first view of Chiloe, and the first town you will visit roughly 30 minutes down the line is Ancud. This little town, which the region is named after, offers cute intertwining streets weaving up and down the hilly terrain and endless paths along the coastal belt that can be enjoyed on foot, or bicycle.
Stand in the center square of Quemchi, and do a slow 360 degree turn, and you will almost be able to see everything in town, however it is not what you see in Quemchi that makes it intriguing, as much of what you feel here. Grab a coffee para llevar (to go) and stroll across the central plaza and wander the side streets and the coastal belt along the waters at the Quemchi pace, which as you probably guessed is very, very slow.
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Chonchi
Follow the coast south from Castro through a few miniscule communes and villages until you reach the two part town of Chonchi. The main highway, which is simply a lane going in each direction, will leave you in the residential area, above the charming part of the town. Walk down the hill, and towards the central plaza where you can visit one of the famous Chilote churches, St. Carlos Borromeo, and continue on the steep road through the drowsy town to the water’s edge to view the bobbing fishing boats.
Iglesia, or Church Santa Maria de Loreto is the centerpiece to Achao and is one of the most distinguishable churches on Chiloe, with its one solid colour of faded wood shingles, very unique to this area. The central plaza in front of the church is the opposite as it is clean, and new and one of the most well kept in all of Chiloe, including a sliver of sandy beach.
The south end of the island, and Quellón, may be your last stop as you catch a boat back across to the mainland, or it may be your first, if you are heading north, but either way, it is a good example of everything you can expect from Chiloe. Many of the hotels and hospedajes are located right near the port which gives you a view of the ocean, and even though it is a compact town, it has all the amenities you’ll need to set you on your way.
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