Feb. 9-12: Castro, Chiloe Island, Chile

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Castro is the capital city of Chiloé Island in southern Chile, known for its colorful stilt houses (palafitos) and historic wooden churches, including the UNESCO World Heritage San Francisco Church. It's a cultural hub with a rich maritime history, serving as a base for exploring the Chiloé Archipelago, with attractions like waterfront strolls, craft markets, and nearby national parks. 
Key features 
  • Palafitos: 
    Iconic, colorful houses built on stilts along the waterfront, particularly in the Gamboa district. 
  • San Francisco Church: 
    A striking yellow wooden church and a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing unique Chilotan architecture. 
  • Cultural center: 
    A blend of indigenous and European traditions, reflected in its folklore, crafts, and history. 
  • Maritime heritage: 
    A port city with a strong connection to the sea, offering fresh seafood and a picturesque harbor. 

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Monday, Feb. 9

Leaving beautiful Puerto Varas and heading south for Chiloe (Land of the Sea Gulls) Island. We’re taking a ferry across the channel from the mainland to  the island, then taking a small boat to Punihuil Reserve to spot penguins. 

We’re very lucky that the weather today is allowing us to make this trip. Many of our groups are not able to see the penguins  if the winds are too high. The winds are ok today, but the clouds are heavy and it might even rain. But, as our trip leader Gabo says, « there is no bad weather, just inadequate clothing. »

I’m not feeling my best today, waking up with a tickle in my throat and a stuffed up nose. Started my always-present Z pack, so will hopefully see some improvements in a day or two.

Meanwhile, on to the ferry and the penguins.



On the island









Penguin watching at Puñihuil (POO-nyah-weel) Islands National Preserve

As it turns out, there is no rain and even some sunshine while we are at the site. ¡Crazy!

La Playa

Boat-loading operation 
They load people on this cart and drag it out to the boat.
Reverse the process coming back in. Guests don’t get wet. 





Penguinos!
Magellanic and Humboldt varieties









Coming into Castro, capital city of Chiloe Island

Palafitos


Hotel Room view

Not feeling that great this evening. I’m all congested and have been having some coughing fits, darn it. Got some cold meds at the Farmacia, my day at the ranch tomorrow is questionable. I’ll try to get some sleep tonight and see how I feel in the morning.

Tuesday, Feb. 10

As I wrote last night, I was really suffering from cold symptoms, so I decided to sit out today’s activities, rest up, take some meds to help, and be sure that I was ready for our trip to Puenta Arenas tomorrow. 

Today’s activity that I missed was OAT’s special «Day in the Life,» where the group spends the day with a Chilean family, doing chores, playing games, preparing and eating a meal together.  

Here are some photos from one of my fellow travelers to give you an idea of how their day was spent. 

















Potatoes




Palafitos


Famous San Francisco Church
UNESCO World Heritage Site 

Wednesday, Feb. 11, Chilly, Cloudy, Rainy

Yes, after two plus days of antibiotics, I am feeling mucho better, thanks for asking. 

Travel day, with a few stops for educational and informative. 

A quick visit to my new favorite palafito hotel in Castro:
Sizigia Hotel




Life in a Friend’s Pàlafito



More Wednesday: 

Driving to the airport at Puerto Montt for a flight to Puenta Arenas, the new furthest-south point in my limited world travels and the departure point for our trip to Torres del Paine NP, our last stop in Chile. 

Explore PA and have dinner on our own, where most of our  group will probably enjoy the famous King Crab.

Home Page

Back to Puerto Varas

Next Page: Torres del Paine NP

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