Exploring Chile s islands
It’s not all about Easter – many more islands lie off Chile’s lengthy coastline, from culture-rich archipelagos and penguin hang-outs to the homes of infamous castaways
Chiloé
Stilt houses in Castro on Chiloé Island, Chile (Shutterstock)
Why go? Sitting off the coast of the southern Lake District and northern Patagonia, the Chiloé archipelago is a fascinating, under-visited place. It encompasses extensive fjords, wetlands and temperate rainforests, colourful
palafitos (stilted fishermen’s houses) and around 70 distinctive wooden churches and chapels that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, 16 of which have been collectively named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archipelago also has a wealth of intriguing myths and legends, as well as a hearty cuisine focused on potatoes and locally caught seafood.