Chiloé is the second largest island in South America
All those who visit Chiloé are charmed by its beauty. This is a place where an exuberant nature goes hand-in-hand with a friendly people, the creators of a fantastic mythology, a particular gastronomy and whose assets include 150 churches and chapels built by Jesuit miss during the 18-19th centuries. Today they have applied to the UNESCO for recognition as a World Heritage.
Chiloé is the second largest island in South America - after Tierra del Fuego - measuring 112 miles from north to south. The coastal mountains cross its entire length, creating two completely different environments: toward the Pacific, the coast receives constant damp winds from the ocean and heavy rainfalls, so there is abundant vegetation.
Facing the continent, the island's microclimate allows for human life with all its folklore and varied mythology its gastronomy - such as the typical curanto and all the necessary agricultural crops. With their maritime tradition, these people built most of their homes on palafitos -pillars of wood that hold the house above the water - which are one of the island's emblems, together with its characteristic wool handicrafts.
In the inner sea, between the island and the continent, there are a number of small is lands separated by channels that can be reached by boat or kayak. Some are so close together that, in the ebb tide, it is possible to walk from one island to another. The island's main urban centers are Castro, Ancud and Quellón where Chiloe's delicious cuisine can be enjoyed. Also, they are the starting point for tours to the surrounding areas, adventure excursions, bicycle tours, to the surrounding areas, adventure excursions, bicycle tours, fishing trips, maritime crossings, observation of the flora and fauna, etc.
