Palafitos of Castro: A Self-guided Audio Tour of Chiloe Island

Isla Chiloé , Chile

Palafitos of Castro: A Self-guided Audio Tour of Chiloe Island

Active

45m - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore Chiloé with a historian who has spent time around the wood-burning stove on long winter nights gathering stories. As you make your way along the coast, you'll hear how fiction is just as believable as fact. As with a beautiful denizen of the sea who blesses fishermen with a catch or a zombie ship out at sea leading people to the golden gates of an eternal city, you'll definitely want to dig deeper into the lore.

Once you've downloaded the tour, you can head to the first point of the tour. Don't worry if there is WiFi or not, because the audio tour works regardless with your phone's GPS signal. Just put your phone in your pocket, forget about it, and let the audio guide you. The tour gives you directions and plays at exactly the right time and place.

Take a stroll around the main part of town. The walk takes about half an hour, but you can stop at any point along the way. Discover the beautiful San Francisco church and taste local delicacies at the market at the end of the tour.

Available options

Palafitos of Castro: A Self-guided Audio Tour of Chiloe Island

What's included

VoiceMap Application

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Lifetime access to Chiloé Island: The Palafitos of Castro tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

This historical center studies Chiloé's history going back 6,000 years with the arrival of hunter-gatherers. Displays highlight items and writing outlining the island's settlement by the Chono and Huilliche populations, the Spanish triumph that followed in the 16th century and Chiloé's role amid the Chilean War of Independence from 1810 to 1818.

What's not included

Smartphone

Transportation

Food/Drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Isla Chiloé

Isla Chiloé is the largest island of the Chiloé Archipelago off the coast of Chile, known for its unique culture, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes. The island is famous for its traditional wooden churches, palafitos (stilt houses), and delicious seafood.

Top Attractions

Churches of Chiloé

These UNESCO World Heritage-listed churches are unique examples of religious architecture, blending indigenous and European influences.

Historical Half day to full day Free to moderate entry fees

Palafitos de Castro

These iconic stilt houses are a symbol of Chiloé's unique architecture and way of life.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Chiloé National Park

This national park offers beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities.

Nature Full day Free entry

Castro Market

A bustling market offering fresh seafood, local crafts, and traditional Chiloé cuisine.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free entry, prices vary for purchases

Achao Museum

This museum offers insights into Chiloé's history, culture, and traditional crafts.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate entry fee

Must-Try Local Dishes

Curanto

A traditional Chiloé dish made with a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables cooked in a hole in the ground.

Main Dish Contains seafood and meat, may include shellfish

Chapalele

A potato-based dish made with mashed potatoes, blood sausage, and onions, often served with a side of seafood or meat.

Main Dish Contains pork and potatoes, may include seafood

Milanesa a la Chilota

A breaded and fried meat cutlet, often served with a side of rice and salad.

Main Dish Contains beef or pork, may be fried

Chicha de Manzana

A traditional apple cider made from fermented apples, often enjoyed during local festivals.

Drink Contains alcohol, made from apples

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Horseback riding Scenic drives Beach visits Local spa treatments Visiting churches Exploring markets

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the summer season, with the warmest temperatures and the least rainfall. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the island.

12°C to 18°C 54°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Limited

Currency

Chilean Peso (CLP)

Time Zone

GMT-4

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chiloé is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, petty crime can occur, so it's important to take standard precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help

Getting there

By air

Maquehue Airport • 20 km from Castro

By bus

Castro Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are the most common and affordable way to get around the island. They connect major towns and villages.

Taxis

Available • Apps: No major app-based services

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Castro Dalcahue Curaco de Vélez

Day trips

Chepu

Approximately 1.5 hours from Castro • Full day

Chepu is a small town known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and the Chiloé National Park.

Chonchi

Approximately 1 hour from Castro • Half day to full day

Chonchi is a charming town known for its traditional architecture, cultural heritage, and local crafts.

Quemchi

Approximately 1.5 hours from Castro • Half day to full day

Quemchi is a picturesque town known for its traditional architecture, cultural heritage, and local crafts.

Festivals

Fiesta de San Juan • June 23-24 Fiesta de la Tirana • July 16 Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen • July 16

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Pack waterproof clothing and footwear due to frequent rainfall
Try the local seafood dishes, especially curanto and chapalele
Visit multiple churches to appreciate the variety and uniqueness of Chiloé's religious architecture
Explore the island's markets for local crafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce