Silversea Expedition Cruises A Castro

Explore some of the many iconic landmarks of Chiloé Island during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Nercon Church, Castro and San Francisco Church

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Nercon Church. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the Nercon Church, Chiloé Island is renowned for its many other iconic wooden churches dating from the late-Colonial period. Leaving the Nercon Church, re-board your coach for a short sightseeing drive here, then return to Castro for a visit to the San Francisco Church, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Plaza de Armas, the yellow, early-20th-century San Francisco Church has two steeples and a distinctive wooden interior.

Llaullao, and Dalcahue Church and Market

Next, continue on to Dalcahue, a picturesque village located approximately 12.5 miles (about 20 kilometres) north of Castro. En route, pass by the colourful hamlet of Llaullao, home to 'tejuelas'-roofed houses and a beautiful chapel in a lovely setting. Upon arrival in Dalcahue, a visit is made to the late-18th-century Dalcahue Church, one of the oldest and largest in the area. Afterward, some free time is made available to browse for handicrafts at the Dalcahue Market. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 328 yards (about 300 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the churches visited. Walking at the Dalcahue Market is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with hiking boots, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least nine years old to participate on this tour. Flash photography inside the churches is prohibited. The tour sequence may vary. Please be advised that local tourist facilities are limited; buses and guides are the best available, and due to cooler average temperatures, vehicles are not equipped with air conditioning.

Embrace the Old World charm of Quinchao Island during this panoramic, half-day excursion via coach and boat.

Dalcahue, Llaullao, Chapel and Ferry-Ride

Depart the pier for the short drive to Dalcahue, a picturesque village located approximately 12.5 miles (about 20 kilometres) north of Castro. En route, pass by the colourful hamlet of Llaullao, home to 'tejuelas'-roofed houses and a beautiful chapel in a lovely setting. Upon arrival in Dalcahue, proceed to the ferry-boat terminal and embark a ferry for the short ride to Quinchao Island.

Quinchao Island, Curaco de Velez, Historic Houses and Swans

After disembarking on Quinchao Island, board a coach and drive towards Achao. Along the way, pass through Curaco de Velez, a very small village of approximately 500 inhabitants. Its heyday was back in the 1850s, when cattle ranchers and whalers lived here, and the beautiful houses seen today remain as a testimony of the past times. Also highlighting the village are the black-necked swans, which may be seen along the coastal avenue.

Achao Town and Church, Ferry-Ride, and Dalcahue Town and Church

Next, continue on to the town of Achao, founded as a Jesuit Residency in 1743. With almost 2,500 inhabitants, Achao is alive with boats from all the surrounding islands, making it one of the busiest ports in the area. Highlighting the town is its church, built in 1730, which contains beautiful Baroque imagery. Following a guided visit to the church, proceed for a refreshment stop at a local restaurant in the main square. Afterward, some free time is made available to explore Achao at your leisure. Leaving Achao, re-board your coach and head back to the ferry-boat terminal for the short ride back to the village of Dalcahue. After a visit to the late-18th-century Dalcahue Church and some free time at your leisure, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing for approximately 437 yards (about 400 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the boat, and at the churches visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with hiking boots, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least nine years old to participate on this tour. Flash photography inside the churches is prohibited. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Please be advised that local tourist facilities are limited; buses and guides are the best available, and due to cooler average temperatures, vehicles are not equipped with air conditioning.

Discover why Chiloé Island is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site churches during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Gamboa Bridge, Wooden Houses and Vilipulli Church

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Gamboa Bridge and admire the typical 'palafitos', or wooden houses, which are built on stilts above the water. After crossing the Gamboa Bridge, continue on to the village of Vilipulli for a visit to the Vilipulli Church, a National Monument built in the 18th century and visited by Charles Darwin in 1853.

Chonchi Town, Church and Museum of Traditions

Next, re-board your coach and head to Chonchi, the 'three-storey town', with its houses arranged on steps on the hillside. The town was founded as a Jesuit missionary residence in 1754, and the construction of the Chonchi Church began at the same time. Following a visit to the Chonchi Church, take a guided stroll past the colourful wooden houses en route to a visit to the small, but interesting, Museum of Traditions.

Castro, San Francisco Church, Plaza de Armas and Handicraft Market

Leaving Chonchi, re-board your coach and drive back to Castro for a visit to the San Francisco Church, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Plaza de Armas, the yellow, early-20th-century San Francisco Church has two steeples and a distinctive wooden interior. Following your visit, some free time is made available to explore the Plaza de Armas before a final stop at the Castro Handicraft Market. Upon arrival, you may return directly to the pier, or remain in town to browse the colourful handicrafts and return to the ship on-foot.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 273 yards (about 250 metres), at times over inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the churches visited. Walking at the Castro Handicraft Market is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with hiking boots, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least nine years old to participate on this tour. Flash photography inside the churches is prohibited. The tour sequence may vary. Please be advised that local tourist facilities are limited; buses and guides are the best available, and due to cooler average temperatures, vehicles are not equipped with air conditioning.