Chile Guide
Chiloé
Isla Quinchao
For some, ISLA QUINCHAO, a thin strip of land 30km long and for the most part not wider than 5km, is the cultural heart of the whole of Chiloé. Rich in traditional wooden architecture and pastoral calm, this island is a mere ten-minute ferry ride from Dalcahue (services every half-hour 7am–11pm; foot passengers free, cars Jan– March CH$3000 return, April– Dec CH$1000 return). The ferry arrives at a tiny quay, at the end of a dirt road that bisects the island.
Isla Quinchao only has two towns of any size, Curaco de Vélez and Achao, neither of which has more than a handful of buildings, but you'll get a better taste of traditional Chilote life from visiting either than you would from any museum.