How to Get Around Chiloé Island: Best Transportation & Car Rental Tips for Summer Travel

I ventured to Chiloé Island in southern Chile during Holy Week, and the experience was nothing short of enchanting. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the locals were incredibly warm and genuine. The sense of safety was also remarkable, adding to the overall charm.

✈️ How to get to Chiloé Island?
1. Flying from Santiago:
– You can take a direct flight to Castro, the capital of Chiloé Island, with a flight duration of about 2 hours.
2. Departing from Puerto Montt:
– We booked our tickets about a month in advance, which cost around $300 per person, including one backpack each; additional fees apply for extra luggage.

– The journey takes approximately an hour, making it very convenient. Upon arrival, you can pick up a rental car at the airport, drive to the port, and then take a ferry to the island.
– Renting a car for a self-drive adventure is highly recommended! The route offers stunning views that are not to be missed.

– If you’re comfortable driving, I strongly recommend taking Ruta 5, which includes a scenic ferry ride across the sea (the cost for a small car is 17,000 CLP)!

🚢 Transmarchilay Ferry Company (starting from January 2025)
– Small car (Citycar): CLP 16,500
– Sedan / Hatchback: CLP 17,000
– Pickup / SUV: CLP 17,500

🚢 Cruz del Sur Ferry Company (starting from December 2024)
– Small car / Ambulance / Station wagon: CLP 15,000
– Pickup: CLP 16,000

⏰ Ferry Schedule (example with Somarco company)
– Departing from Chacao:
– First departure: 07:15, then every 1.5 hours, with the last departure around 20:45.

💡 Tips
– Payment methods: Most ferry companies accept both cash and credit card payments. There’s no need to buy tickets in advance; you can pay on board.

🚗 About Car Rental
– Reasons for recommending self-driving:
– The island’s attractions are spread out, and bus schedules are infrequent and less flexible.
– Recommended car rental companies:
– Popular chain brands like Avis, Europcar, and Econorent are available at Puerto Montt Airport and Castro Airport. Salfarent allows you to return the car in the city, and there’s another reliable company, though its name currently escapes me…

✅ Tips
– It is highly recommended to use Google Maps for navigation to make the most of your trip.