 |
Caulin, the place of the birds: |
|
 |
Called "Santuario de las Aves" the Bay of Caulin lies between Chacao and Ancud and is home to a spectacular variety of birds. Amongst others, you can see Black-necked Swans, Flamingos (autumn and winter), Curlews, Coots, several types of Duck, Herons, Seagulls and Cormorants. You can also find traditional Huilliche (the original people of Chiloé) craftwork. The area provides accommodation and restaurants where the delicious local oysters can be sampled. Horse riding and boat trips are available. |
|
Regional Museum:
|
|
|
Located in the Plaza de Armas it is built in the form of six Spanish towers surrounding a central courtyard. There are two new interactive exhibitions demonstrating the history and culture of the area through religious images and craftwork. In the courtyard are rare wooden artefacts and an exact replica of the Goleta Ancud. The latter craft, locally built and manned, took possession of the Straight of Magellan for Chile in 1843. There are also sculptures of mythological figures, models and other crafts.
Visiting hours:
January and February, everyday between 10.30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
March to December, Mondays to Fridays, 10.30 to 12.30 a.m. and 2.30 to 5.30 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: 600 pesos - adult and 300 pesos - child. Under 8 - no charge.
|
|
Ancud Market:
|
|
|
Open year round, the market is a good place to find typical Chilote foods, seafood and stone craft in Cancagua stone extracted from nearby Peninsula Lacuy.
Hours:
January and February, everyday between 8 am and 9.30 p.m.
Remainder of year, 8 am to 8 p.m.
|
|
Huaihuén lookout:
|
|
|
Only 3 km northeast of the Plaza, the lookout gives an excellent view of the town, Canal Chacao, the mainland and its beaches and the small cove of Carelmapu. Further north the panorama takes in the coast of Maullin, offshore islands and the headlands of Ahui and Corona with their ruined fortifications. |
|
Spanish fortifications:
|
|
|
Fortifications in this area are a strong reminder of the Spanish presence, which lasted until the final surrender of royal troops in 1826. Forts and batteries may be found at Chaicura, Balcacura, Punta Corona and the best preserved at Ahui and San Antonio.
- Castillo San Miguel De Ahui ( M.N): Situated on the northeast of Península de Lacuy, 26 Km from Ancud. This was the key to the port and consequently to the security of the whole island. It was built in 1779 to the design of Miguel de Zorrilla on a crag 33 meters high; rebuilt in Cancagua stone in 1796 and used until 1826, it is presently in the process of restoration. It boasts 14 cannon, a powder magazine and a dungeon. Probably the most notable of the forts in the north of Chiloé, San Miguel withstood various assaults including those of Lord Cochrane. Most of the structure is original though the guns date from 1900.
- Fort San Antonio: Built in 1770 on a terrace in the high part of Ancud, it housed bronze cannon that dominated the entrance to the port. This was the last location in Chile and the second last in South America to fly the flag of Spain. It surrendered on 19 January 1826. Also built of Cancagua stone it is a pretty spot with well cared-for gardens.
|
|
Corona Lighthouse:
|
|
|
This attractive lighthouse located at Guapilacuy, 28 km to the northeast of Ancud, provides guidance to ships traversing Canal Chacao. It is possible to arrange a tour under the direction of one of the keepers. This could be a wonderful opportunity to understand life on such an isolated and windswept spot. |
|
Beaches: |
|
|
Lechahua:
The best bathing beach in the area it is much visited by the people of Ancud. Only 7 km from the town it has cabins and campgrounds.
Mar Brava
21 Km from Ancud this beach is about 7 km long. Here you can experience the fury of the Pacific Ocean and at the southern end find the ?Piedra del Run?. This huge natural monument takes its name from the sound made by the wind and ocean swells as they crash into it. Inside the rock are reputed to be hidden treasures. None has ever been found though people are said to have died in the attempt. Anglers come here to fish for local species such as corvina, róbalo and tollo.
Playa de Ahui
The beach at Ahui is one of the most sheltered in the area and is good for picnics or camping (at approved sites). There is a tourist office in summer and toilets are provided.
Balneario Arena Gruesa
In summer this beach is a centre for cultural activities and a fishing contest is held here.
|
|
Quetalmahue:
|
|
|
14 Km from Ancud lies this little cove, home to inshore fishermen and seaweed collectors. It is a good place to visit at lunch and try a ?Curanto al Hoyo? or to take a boat trip. |
|
Yuste: |
|
|
Here you can find the famous Cancagua stone quarries the fort of Ahui and terraces and cliffs on the shores of the Pacific. It is also known for the construction of characteristic Chilote chimney pipes. |
|
Puñihuil Penguin Colony:
|
|
|
In a pretty bay on the Pacific shore 25 km southeast of Ancud, lie three islets close to shore. This spot, Puñihuil, harbours one of the natural treasures of the area the ?pingüineras?. This is a refuge for wildlife including Sea Otters, Gulls and Upland and Kelp Geese but what makes it unique are the colonies of Magellanic and Humbolt Penguins living together in the same ecosystem. These two species arrive from far away and squabble amicably for their subsistence.
Since 1997 the German Otway Foundation has been working on a project to protect and conserve the colonies. Landing on the islands is forbidden. Volunteers from the foundation or local fishermen conduct boat trips around the islands. |
|
Chepu River: |
|
|
The navigable river Chepu, 30 km from Ancud, runs through the valley of the same name down to its confluence with the Pacific Ocean where it crosses some wide sandy beaches. It is a good river for sport fishing, either trolling or by rod. Commonly caught species include Salmon, river trout, Robalo and Corvina. Heading upstream on the river there is a large lagoon where a wide variety of birds can be seen. |
|
Chiloé National Park (Parque Nacional Chiloé), Chepu sector
|
|
|
38 Km from Ancud and south of río Chepu this part of the park consists of bush, beaches, sand dunes and includes Isla Metalqui, with its large seal colony. Access is restricted due to the fragile environment. A six-hour walk takes the visitor to the Conaf Park station where information on walks and access can be obtained.
Between December and March there is an entry fee of 800 pesos for adults and 200 pesos for children. Entrance is free for the rest of the year.
|
|
Townships on the Inland Sea:
|
|
|
In contrast to the wild Pacific the eastern coast of the island appears welcoming and is bordered by sheltered coves from which Chilote mariners set forth for the archipelago. Here there are many communities, each with its own distinctive church. This area was very isolated until the end of the 19th century when the Valparaíso Timber Company built modern sawmills and founded Quemchi. In 1895 more than 200 European families arrived to colonise Huillinco, Pumanzano and Linao. They were from Scotland, Germany, France, Belgium and Spain. The new settlers developed the virgin land, built the first roads and replaced the bush with cattle and diary farms. Particularly notable are the villages of Linao, Manao, Punta Chilén and Coñimó, where the locals provide typical foods, lodging and boat trips. |
|
|
|
prorural@telsur.cl