Chiloé Island

Chiloé Island is a large, rectangular landmass in southern Chile.

It sits in the Pacific Ocean as part of the Chiloé Archipelago. This island is the largest one located completely within Chile. It is also the fourth largest island in South America. The island is separated from the mainland by the Chacao Strait. To the east, you will find the Gulf of Ancud and the Gulf of Corcovado. The island is a part of the Chilean Coast Range.

The island has two very different sides. The western side is a wild and rainy place. It is home to the Valdivian temperate rain forests. These are some of the few temperate rain forests in the world. The mountains run like a spine from the northwest to the southeast. The western shores are rocky and mostly straight. In contrast, the eastern shores have many bays and peninsulas. The eastern side is warmer and much drier because of the mountains. Most of the towns and cities sit on this eastern side.

People have lived on Chiloé for a very long time. The first humans arrived more than 7,000 years ago. They were nomadic groups who hunted and fished for sea creatures. You can still see ancient waste heaps called middens along the coast.

These heaps contain old shells and stone tools. When Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, they met the Chono, Huilliche, and Cunco peoples. These original inhabitants were skilled at sailing in boats called dalcas.

The name Chiloé comes from the Huilliche language. It means "place of seagulls."

History has shaped the island in many ways. The Spanish founded the city of Castro in 1567. Later, Jesuit missionaries arrived and built many wooden chapels. Today, there are more than 150 traditional wooden churches on the islands. Many of these are recognized as World Heritage Sites.

In the 1800s, the island was a center for French whalers. Later, it became a main producer of railroad ties for the continent. This industry helped new towns like Quellón and Dalcahue grow. In 1912, a railroad was built between Ancud and Castro.

Nature lovers can find many amazing animals near the coast. The waters are home to blue whales and sei whales. You can also see Chilean dolphins and sea lions.

At the Islotes de Puñihuil, you might see penguins. This is the only place where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins breed together. Visitors can explore Chiloé National Park on the western shore. There is also a private reserve called Tantauco Park in the south. These places help protect the many living things that call the island home.