- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend the morning exploring the delightful and impressive coastline of Tic-Toc Bay –either ship cruising or perhaps by Zodiac and kayak. This whole area has been recently recognised as one of the few marine parks of Chile based not just onthe seasonal presence of the blue whales but also on the rich array of other cetaceans, marine mammals, and seabirds. In the Corcovado Gulf, you will enjoy watching a good sample of oceanic seabirds including black-browed albatross, southern giant petrel, southern fulmar and long-distant migrants such as the migratory Arctic skua. On a hike through the dense temperate woodland, you can hope to see interesting species such as black-throated Huet-huet, chucao, ochre-flanked and Magellanic tapaculos, Des Mur’s wiretail, thorn-tailed rayadito, white-throated treerunner, Magellanic woodpecker and rufous-legged owl.
Continue to keep watch for whales in the Corcovado Gulf as you sail into Chiloé, an archipelago of lush islands,a land of myths and legends, unique folklore and culinary traditions. It’s a region blessed with natural beauty and culture, cherished by Chilenos. Explore this mythical island with its colourful timber churches, 16 of which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. In Castro, discover palafittes –colourfully-painted timber houses built on stilts above the water –and enjoy the wit and warmth of the Chilote people whose traditions give this unique archipelago its distinctive character.
Chiloé is renowned for its superb shipbuilding heritage and carpentry skills and nowhere else in Chile showcases this better than in Dalcahue village, where you’ll visit a few shipyards, enjoy one of Chiloe’s 16 UNESCO World Heritage-listed timber churches, and see some of the most impressive wood shingle houses anywhere in the world.
Gastronomy is another principalreason why Chilenos travel to Chiloé. Blessed with abundant seafood such as mussels and cod, and with hundreds of potato varieties to choose from, the local cuisine is an experience to savor in Chiloé. You will sample traditional curanto, a specially-prepared meal and one of the most ancient recipes still being used today. Archaeologists discovered a 6000-year-old cooking pit that contained skeletal remains of coypu, sea lions, birds, fish, and whales, as well as shells from scallops, snails, abalones, mussels, and clams. These were the vestiges of an early curanto. The word curanto means “stony ground,” and is more of a preparation style than a strict recipe. The process begins by filling a metre-deep hole, which traditionally is filled with rocks, then topped with locally-sourced timber logs burned to heat the stones for cooking.
The ingredients have changed over the centuries, but these days, a mix of shellfish, smoked meat, chicken, longaniza (sausage), and potatoes are the most popular choices. Potatoes are special to Chilotés and hundreds of varieties are cultivated in Chiloé. Traditional curanto features multiple potato varieties prepared three different ways –whole-steamed in their skin, chapaleles (potato dumplings) and milcaos (potato pancakes). After loading ingredients into the pit, it’s covered with wild rhubarb leaves, damp sacks, and packed dirt. As the shellfish cooks, the shells open and release juices that sizzle on the hot rocks and help steam the rest of the food. After a few hours of wet roasting, a mouth-watering feast awaits, and since the large pits lend themselves to feeding crowds, curanto is often prepared to enliven family gatherings and special occasions. After your shore excursion, enjoy curanto lunch while local musicians offer a taste of local folklore music.
Shore Excurion (Choose one of the following):
Castro City and Dalcahue
Discoverthe main attractions of Castro town including the“Feria Yumbel” (local market), palafittes (houses on stilts), museums, churches and the crafts market. Afterwards, visitTey’s church, a building that was moved from its original place towhere it is today. The moving of an entire building is known as “Minga de Tiradura”, a project in which the entire community volunteers help. Continueto the town of Dalcahue, famous for its artisanalshipyards, for one of the 16 World Heritage churches known for its unique shingle design. Dalcahue isalso known for its beautiful houses, its tiny museum,and as a meetingplace for localartisans who gather at their craft market to sell their creations. You will visit the typical “cocinerias” or eateries serving up delicious variety offreshly-preparedlocal dishesfor which the area is famous. Finally, watch the unearthing ofthecuranto and savour its delights.
Castro City and Chonchi
Discover the main attractions of Castro town including the“Feria Yumbel” (local market), palafittes (houses on stilts), museums, churches and the handicraft market. Next follows a visit to the beautiful churches of the area that were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, located in the areas of Nercon, Vilupulli and Chonchi. Afterwards, continue to Chonchi, nicknamed the “city of three floors” for its terraces, with important sites such as the Museum of Traditions, Accordion Museum and its attractive waterfront.Finally, watch the unearthing of the curanto and savour its delights.
Chiloé National Park
This tour goes through the natural landscapes that amazed Charles Darwin during his explorations of the Huillinco and Curao Lakes and Pacific Ocean. At Chiloé National Park visit the interpretation centre, walk along lovely “Sendero el Tepual” a pathway that winds through Chiloé’s thick and humid forest. Drive back to Castro town and watch the unearthing ofthecuranto and savour its delights.