Chiloé Island (8,394 km², 3241 sq mi), is the second largest island in Chile (and South America), after Tierra del Fuego. This beautiful archipelago, situated south of Puerto Montt is linked to the mainland by ferries. These cross the Chacao channel, definitely a world apart.
Whether on dry land or in their remarkable boats, Chiloe islanders live together with the sea and their fascinating legends. Chiloe is an archipelago made up of many islands.
One encounters wonderfully structured old churches; colorful markets full of sea and agricultural produce, knitted goods, woven baskets, ornaments and thick pure wool blankets. Chiloe's unique and delicious local cuisine features Curanto; a local dish consisting of all sorts of shell fish, smoked meats and pork steamed over hot stones sunk into the ground. In part because of its physical isolation from the rest of Chile, Chiloé has a very special architecture and local culture. It has a rich folklore with many mythological animals and spirits.
The Spanish, who arrived in the 16th century, and the Jesuit missionaries who followed, constructed hundreds of small wooden churches in an attempt to bring God to a pagan land; the result was a mixture of Catholic and pagan beliefs. These unique buildings have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. read more...
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