Silversea Expedition Cruises À 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.

Experience the spectacular natural beauty and grandeur of Chiloe National Park on-foot during this scenic and informative, half-day hiking excursion.

Castro, Chonchi Town, Huillinco Lake, Cucao Village and Lake

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to Chiloe National Park, located by the Pacific Ocean approximately (58 kilometres) south of Castro Town. En route, pass by Chonchi Town, and drive along the lakes of Huillinco and Cucao. Throughout this trip, learn about the local flora, fauna and history of the primitive settlements visited by Charles Darwin in the 1800s. In addition, drive by Cucao Village and learn about the tsunami this town suffered in 1960. Although the road is paved, it has many curves so driving is quite slow.

Chiloe National Park, Visitor's Centre, Educational Hiking Trek, El Tepual Trail, Flora, Tree Species

Upon arrival at the approximately 106,255-acre (about 43,000-hectare) Chiloe National Park, proceed to the Visitor's Centre. Receive your safety and tour instructions, then begin your guided nature walk. Proceed along the El Tepual Trail, mostly on flat, dirt terrain and a wooden boardwalk. During this scenic and educational trek, learn about the history of the park, and marvel at its lush flora and abundant tree species, including coihües, mañios and cipreses. At the conclusion of your nature walk, return to the Visitor's Centre, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

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.

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 and watch a folkloric presentation. 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.