Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Chiloé: The wooden churches, palafitos and markets of Castro
This fascinating journey of discovery takes you deep into the heart of Castro, the historic and vibrant capital of the Chiloé Archipelago. The excursion begins with a visit to the architecturally unique wooden churches of San Francisco de Castro and Nercón, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their traditional timber construction. We then visit the colourful arts and crafts and farmers’ market, as well as the traditional Yumbel fair. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the authentic daily life of the island’s inhabitants, admire local craftsmanship such as fine wool and woodwork, and discover the region’s typical agricultural produce. An absolute highlight is a visit to the famous palafitos in the Gamboa district. From the viewpoint there, you can enjoy an unforgettable view of these colourful houses, built on wooden stilts above the sea and which are the symbol of Castro, as well as the historic Ribera shipyard. The tour concludes with a visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MAM), which showcases contemporary Chilean works in perfect harmony with the local wooden architecture. This leisurely itinerary offers cultural travellers of all ages a deep, authentic insight into the myths, traditions and maritime identity of this magical Chilean island.