Puerto Varas: Full Day Chiloé Island Tour Castro and Dalcahue

The Full Day Chiloé Island Tour from Puerto Varas promises an immersive cultural experience as travelers embark on an 80-mile scenic journey along the Panamericana Route 5. This tour provides an enriching opportunity to explore the charming towns of Chacao, Castro, and Dalcahue, each with its unique charms and UNESCO-listed sites. From a picturesque ferry ride across the Chacao Canal to browsing local handicrafts and witnessing the vibrant Sunday craft fair in Dalcahue, this tour unveils the captivating heritage of Chiloé Island. With an itinerary full of highlights, the journey is sure to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to discover the authentic cultural fabric of this remarkable destination.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Full-Day Tours In Puerto Varas.

Key Points

• The Full Day Chiloé Island Tour departs from Puerto Varas, taking travelers on an 80-mile journey to the Isla Grande de Chiloé via ferry.
• The tour includes visits to the towns of Chacao, Castro (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Dalcahue, showcasing the island’s cultural and natural attractions.
• Highlights of the tour include the Church of Castro, the local handicrafts market, and the views of the iconic palafitos (stilt houses) in Dalcahue.
• The tour is available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, but past customers have reported some language barriers with the guide.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a bilingual guide, and church entrance fees, but lunch and Museum of Ancud tickets are excluded.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Puerto Varas takes participants on an 80-mile journey south along the Panamericana Route 5 to explore the island of Chiloé.

The tour includes a ferry crossing of the Chacao Canal to Isla Grande de Chiloé, where visitors will discover the picturesque town of Chacao, founded in 1567.

The itinerary then leads to Castro, the capital of Chiloé, with highlights like the UNESCO-listed Church of Castro and a local handicrafts market.

The tour concludes in Dalcahue, known for its Sunday craft fair.

The tour is limited to 14 participants and is offered in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from Puerto Varas, the tour travels 80 miles south along the Panamericana Route 5 to the island of Chiloé.

Upon arrival, the group crosses the Chacao Canal by ferry to reach Isla Grande de Chiloé. The first stop is the town of Chacao, founded in 1567, where participants can explore the picturesque square and local church.

Next, the tour visits Castro, the capital of Chiloé. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Church of Castro, a local handicrafts market, and the Mirador del Barrio Gamboa for views of the iconic palafitos, or stilted houses.

The day concludes in Dalcahue, known for its Sunday craft fair.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees to the church. However, lunch is at the traveler’s own expense, and tickets to the Museum of Ancud are not included.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Lunch
Bilingual guide	Museum of Ancud tickets
Entrances to the church

The tour’s cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers should bring their passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat, as well as a camera. Smoking, pets, and large bags are not allowed.

Important Information

Cancellation of the tour allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants should bring their passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera. Pets, smoking, and large bags aren’t permitted.

As the tour may encounter rain, attendees are advised to pack appropriate clothing and footwear.

The tour operates in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, though some language barriers with the guide have been reported by past customers.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback

Overall customer satisfaction with the Full Day Chiloé Island Tour appears mixed, based on the available reviews.

While some customers praised the tour, noting its comprehensive itinerary and knowledgeable guide, others expressed dissatisfaction.

Common complaints included issues with the transportation, such as an old and uncomfortable van, as well as language barriers when the guide’s Portuguese fluency didn’t meet customer expectations.

Plus, a few reviewers felt the tour wasn’t a good value for the money, and raised concerns about safety and organization.

Departure From Puerto Varas

Early in the morning, participants depart from centrally located hotels in Puerto Montt City, or the designated meeting point for those staying outside the city center.

The tour starts with an 80-mile journey south along the Panamericana Route 5. The group then boards a ferry to cross the Chacao Canal, marking their arrival on Isla Grande de Chiloé.

This scenic journey by both land and sea sets the stage for the day’s exploration of the unique culture and natural beauty of the island.

Exploring Chacao and Castro

The tour makes its way to the coastal town of Chacao, founded in 1567. Visitors explore the picturesque town square and local church.

Next, the group travels to Castro, the capital of Chiloé. They visit the Church of Castro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

The tour then explores the local handicrafts market, showcasing the island’s rich artisanal traditions. Participants also visit the Mirador del Barrio Gamboa, offering stunning views of the distinctive "palafitos" – colorful wooden houses built on stilts over the water.

This diverse set of sights provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Chiloé Island.

Visit to Dalcahue

Concluding the tour, visitors venture to Dalcahue, renowned for its lively Sunday craft fair. Browsing the bustling market, they discover an array of handcrafted goods, from intricate woolen textiles to beautifully carved wooden figurines. The stalls brim with local produce, fresh seafood, and artisanal delicacies, offering a tantalizing taste of Chiloé’s vibrant culinary heritage.

Product	Price Range
Woolen Textiles	€15 – €50
Wooden Figurines	€10 – €30
Local Produce	€2 – €10

As the tour draws to a close, travelers leave with a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich cultural tapestry, having experienced the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Ferry to Chiloé Island Operate?

The tour includes a ferry crossing of the Chacao Canal to reach Isla Grande de Chiloé. The ferry operates regularly, transporting both passengers and vehicles across the channel to the island destination.

Can We Stop for a Local Lunch on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include lunch, but participants can stop for a local meal at their own expense. There are several dining options available in the towns visited during the tour.

What Are the Highlights of the Chiloé Craft Fair?

The Chiloé craft fair in Dalcahue is known for its vibrant display of locally-made handcrafts, including intricate textiles, wooden carvings, and traditional pottery. Visitors can browse a variety of unique artisanal goods and interact with the talented local artisans.

Are There Any Restroom Stops During the Long Drive?

The tour includes several restroom stops along the long drive, allowing participants to stretch their legs and use facilities as needed. These breaks help ensure a comfortable experience throughout the day’s excursion.

Can We Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites in Chiloé?

Yes, the tour can be extended to visit additional sites on Chiloé Island. Travelers can work with the tour operator to customize the itinerary and add more stops, such as museums, historic buildings, or scenic viewpoints, for an additional cost.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Chiloé Island Tour from Puerto Varas provides a captivating journey through the scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this enchanting region. Travelers will delight in the picturesque ferry crossing, the UNESCO-listed Church of Castro, and the vibrant Sunday craft fair in Dalcahue, offering a comprehensive exploration of Chiloé Island’s unique charm and traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: