Ancud Adventure Tours: Top 5 Picks for Your Chiloé Getaway

Chiloé, with its rolling green hills and unique wooden churches, it’s almost like someplace ripped from a storybook. Ancud, a spot way up north on this enchanting island, is a gateway to some truly awesome adventures. Thinking of a trip to this remarkable piece of Chile? Well, then stick around! We are going to check out what appears to be, more or less, the top five Ancud adventure tours, so that your visit is genuinely unforgettable.

Penguin Spotting at Puñihuil

Who doesn’t like penguins? No one, really. A visit to Puñihuil to get to see these cute critters in their natural habitat is just, like, essential. A quick jaunt from Ancud, you can, in fact, take a boat tour out to the Puñihuil Islets, sharing time with both Humboldt and Magellanic penguins. The tour generally includes a little narration about the area’s biodiversity, so you end up learning as you are watching. Bring your camera; these views are too good not to capture! You might just want to schedule your tour during the breeding season, usually from September to March, to see the penguins in all their busy glory.

Fuerte San Antonio: A Historical Walk

Want a dash of history mixed with scenic views? You should check out Fuerte San Antonio, too! Erected in the 18th century, this fort did some important work defending Ancud from pirates and other would-be invaders. Wandering through its historic walls, more or less, provides insight into the island’s vibrant background. Take pleasure in some fantastic panoramas of the Pacific coast! Very, very beautiful! Often, the site provides displays that fill you in on the story behind the fort; that said, reading up a tiny bit ahead of your arrival could actually deepen the visit.

Chepu Adventures: Kayaking Through the Sunken Forest

For those in search of a kayak adventure that’s a bit unusual, so the Chepu River should be on your list. You get the chance to paddle through what is apparently a “sunken forest,” basically created by an earthquake in the 1960s. This striking, almost ghost-like spot offers a quietly thrilling experience. Is that water cool? Oh yeah! Several tour outfits based in Ancud organize guided kayak trips, some even offering longer, multi-day experiences. They usually explain the river’s ecology and the disaster that resulted in its present form. This river, in a way, gifts photo possibilities and is just cool to experience.

Parque Nacional Chiloé: Coastal Hiking

Put on your hiking boots and grab a light jacket. Parque Nacional Chiloé, found a little southwest of Ancud, basically shows you what Chiloé is all about. It’s just full of unique vegetation and wild shoreline. Several routes snake through the park, running from quick, very brief strolls to entire-day excursions. The Sendero El Tepual gives great views and a really pretty look at the island’s natural beauty. Plus, that spot is known for having a little something for everyone, from novices up to knowledgeable trekkers. Remember, the climate in Chiloé can change rapidly; so layering the attire seems like an actual must. The park does wonders for its upkeep, so you want to stay on trails, respecting, that said, the vulnerable wildness.

Castro and Dalcahue Day Trip

Why not extend your experiences with a day trip down the road to Castro and Dalcahue? A bit south of Ancud, Castro is known for its vibrantly colorful palafitos, aka stilt homes. And then, there is Dalcahue; its busy crafts fair is quite the thing on Sundays. The tours to there tend to incorporate transport; they even give a look at the historical and cultural importance of these spots. To sample regional dishes, look out for eateries along the waterfront. If it matters, taking the time for sightseeing is really going to provide more perspective about the region, beyond Ancud itself. You’ll most likely learn a little about why things are the way they are.