Known for its colourful wooden houses sitting on stilts along the waterfront, Castro is a gastronomy hub with enticing seafood restaurants. The city centre boasts contemporary art museums and craft fairs, while its surrounding region reveals a beautiful national park filled with local wildlife.
Things to do in Castro
Stroll around Castro’s charming city centre through Plaza de Armas to discover the San Francisco de Castro Church, the biggest church on the island of Chiloe. Admire the yellow 20th-century Chilota architecture and its two steeples, then step inside to see its distinctive wooden interior.
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, go shopping for unique treasures in the craft market, where you can pick up hand-woven sweaters, hats, socks and handmade jewellery. To purchase beautiful woven baskets, visit the Castro Arts and Crafts Fair.
Wildlife watchers should explore the area’s natural wonders. Hike through the evergreen forest in Chiloe National Park to spot 110 different types of birds, foxes and the world’s smallest deer, pudu. You can also head to Islotes de Puñihuil Natural Monument to see penguins.
Want to explore the local art scene? Step inside the Museum of Modern Art to see over 400 pieces of art created by both Chilean and international artists. When you’ve worked up an appetite, visit Nueva Galicia Restaurante to indulge in “curanto”, a traditional dish containing seafood, meat and potatoes steamed underground and covered with large leaves.
Getting around Castro
Mocopulli Airport is 20 kilometres away, while overnight buses travel from Santiago. The city centre is easy to explore on foot, but you will need a vehicle to venture further afield.