The time to visit this island is definitely in the summer (southern hemisphere summer).
Understand
Chiloe is famous for myths and legends with roots in its native population but with some European influence. Even though the island was Christianized by Spanish conquerors (you can visit many of the Jesuite wooden churches all over the island) its inhabitants are also very superstitious.
A singing, fair-haired beauty similar to the German Lorelei is called la pincoya. It is said that if she dances towards the coast the sea will bring a lot of fish. A ghost ship carrying the souls of wrecked sailors, similar to the Flying Dutchman, is called caleuche. And if someone tells you he or she was seduced in the forest, it might have been the fiura or the trauco, which is often blamed for venereal disease or an awkward pregnancy. A very pitiful figure is the invunche; as a baby his orifices, including his eyes, were closed and one leg was sewn to his back, so that he walks on three legs.
Cities
Achao
Ancud
Castro
Quellón
Chonchi
Other destinations
Chiloé National Park
Parque Tantauco
Getting there
Ferries take buses and cars over on a regular basis.
Traveling around
The bus system is pretty effective. In order to get around with ease knowing some Spanish would help a lot.
Eat
Seafood, seafood, and more seafood. Delicious and cheap! Curantos and Parrilladas are a must!
Drink
Yerba Mate,
Pisco,
Pisco Sour
Talk
Speak Spanish! There may be a few people that know some English but try to respect the culture. Showing that you're trying means a lot and the people there will try to work with you!
Safety
Southern Chile fish have a red algae that is poisonous. So cook your fish!
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
Chiloé Island is in Chile.
The time to visit this island is definitely in the summer (southern hemisphere summer).
Understand
Chiloe is famous for myths and legends with roots in its native population but with some European influence. Even though the island was Christianized by Spanish conquerors (you can visit many of the Jesuite wooden churches all over the island) its inhabitants are also very superstitious. A singing, fair-haired beauty similar to the German Lorelei is called la pincoya. It is said that if she dances towards the coast the sea will bring a lot of fish. A ghost ship carrying the souls of wrecked sailors, similar to the Flying Dutchman, is called caleuche. And if someone tells you he or she was seduced in the forest, it might have been the fiura or the trauco, which is often blamed for venereal disease or an awkward pregnancy. A very pitiful figure is the invunche; as a baby his orifices, including his eyes, were closed and one leg was sewn to his back, so that he walks on three legs.
Cities
Achao
Ancud
Castro
Quellón
Chonchi
Other destinations
Chiloé National Park
Parque Tantauco
Getting there
Ferries take buses and cars over on a regular basis.
Traveling around
The bus system is pretty effective. In order to get around with ease knowing some Spanish would help a lot.
Eat
Seafood, seafood, and more seafood. Delicious and cheap! Curantos and Parrilladas are a must!
Drink
Yerba Mate, Pisco, Pisco Sour
Talk
Speak Spanish! There may be a few people that know some English but try to respect the culture. Showing that you're trying means a lot and the people there will try to work with you!
Safety
Southern Chile fish have a red algae that is poisonous. So cook your fish!
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
ezioman, Alonso Inostrosa Psijas
Some photos courtesy of:
. The photos provided by Flickr are under the copyright of their owners.
This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at
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Stefan Ertmann, Kevin Gabbert, M. Cartagena, Scott Needham, Tom Holland and Jack Fleming, Gjetost
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
View full credits