 |
Panoramic viewing places:
|
|
 |
La Paloma
This lookout is on the high ground overlooking Achao and provides a vista of the town, islands and distant cordillera. There is a craft shop and information office.
Putique
This is on the road to Villa Quinchao and has a view of canal Yal and Isla Quehui.
Quinchao
From here you can see the islands of Quenac and the Chaulinec group. |
|
Achao Church (NM): |
|
|
Santa María de Loreto was built by the Jesuits in 1730 and is without doubt the most significant church of the archipelago. It has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Monument. Built of cypress and coigüe timbers the interior decoration is baroque with Doric columns and an arabesque vault. |
|
Museos:
|
|
|
Museo de la evangelización:
Within Santa María de Loreto is this attractive little museum covering the period of Christian evangelism in the archipelago.
Museo de Achao
This museum lies alongside the council offices (Corner of Amunatergui and Delicias). There are exhibitions of photographs, videos and traditional utensils.
Exposición de fotografías
Within the council Hall is a photographic exhibition of Chilote customs and architecture. |
|
The Islands:
|
|
|
Every year, in summer, hundreds of aficionados, singers, folk musicians, craft workers, traditional cooks, and pilgrims gather in the islands for events that not only draw the local inhabitants together but also attract visitors from far and wide.
Chaulinec Group:
These islands, lying to the east of the southern tip of Quinchao, are strategically placed from the point of view of communications within the archipelago and were the original base of the Jesuit mission before it was moved to Achao. Particularly pretty are the estuary and sand dunes of Apiao.
Quenac Group
This group comprises Quenac, Cahuach, Meulín and Teuquelín. Cahuach (pronounced ?kaiwash?) stands out as a place of pilgrimage. Every 30th August and 3rd Sunday of January hundreds of boats arrive here from all over the region to celebrate the festival of "Nazareno de Cahuach".
Isla Lin-Lín
Looking rather like a riding saddle, this island is known for fine woven blankets.
Isla Llingua
Well known for its basket weaving in a variety of different fibres. In addition, on 11th February there is a festival in honour of the virgin of Lourdes.
Meulín
There is an excellent small boat anchorage here.
|
|
Quinchao Church:
|
|
|
As well as marvellous views of the area this community has another outstanding church, that of Nuestra Señora de Gracia, (World Heritage Site and a National Monument) dating from the late 19th century and considered to be the largest built of alerce in Chiloé. There is a religious festival here on 8th December. |
|
Rock of Achao:
|
|
|
A picturesque viewpoint much loved by seals and bearing an image of St Peter, patron saint of fishermen, at the summit. The rock is in front of the Bay of Achao. |
|
|
|
prorural@telsur.cl