The island's name comes from the word Chilhue, which means place of seagulls. In the beginning was inhabited by cuncos, huilliches and Chone, the island was discovered by the Spanish on November 8, 1553, achieving its independence in 1826. That year he created the Province of Chiloe, incorporated in the Republic of Chile, called the capital city of Castro.

The Chiloe archipelago is located in southern Chile, between latitudes 41 º and 43 º south latitude. Mainly comprises a large Chiloe Island, plus numerous smaller islands and islets. The archipelago has an area of ​​9181 km ² and had a total population of 154.766 people in 2002.

Administratively it belongs to the province of Chiloe (with the exception of Desertores islands, which belong to Palena), in the Region de Los Lagos. In the archipelago there are 10 counties: Ancud, Castro, Chonchi Curaco Velez, Dalcahue, Puqueldon, Queilen, Quellon, Quemchi and Quinchao.

Getting there

By plane: The fastest way to get to Puerto Montt and Chiloe. The nonstop trip takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are at least four daily frequencies.

By Bus: The journey takes 17 hours from Santiago to Castro. There is a good level of service and comfort in buses with seat-bed semi.

By Car: To reach Puerto Montt from Santiago take Route 5 south the journey takes approximately 13 hours, then must go to the southwest towards Pargua where we took a ferry to cross the Chacao Channel to Chiloe island. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

Activities in Chiloe

One of the many customs that are worth mentioning is the famous Minga or tiradura, which is an ancient custom of Chiloe, which involves the removal of the floating houses along the channels of one sector to another of the Archipelago of Chiloe, tied to a boat and dragged by a good number of oxen. This activity needs the help of neighbors and friends. The work must be done carefully to avoid damaging the wood frame , so that it arrives in perfect condition at their destination. It is essential good will and work of the guests, who will reward the homeowner with food and drink.

Today the people living on the island of Chiloe are recognized as friendly people who love their island and its cultural and gastronomic traditions pleasantly surprises the visitor.

About the food, a basic food in the Chiloe diet is the consumption of potatoes, with meat and products from the sea, whose consumption was inherited from their ancestors. Among the foods are consumed by causeos chilotes and barbecue, ribs, marshals and the famous pot-called Pulmay curanto, casserole containing lamb and pork fat, or Chapaleles, masses of wheat flour Curanto commonly accompany. Salmon consumption began only in the early 90's along with the installation of this industry in the area and came to be in the top of the preferences on all of the tourists, mostly Americans and Europeans.

Finally, we believe important to note the strong influence of myths and legends that exist in the area and can be internalized in the different stores that offer books and crafts and ther architecture reflected on their many churches.

Other Activities