Today, our ship docked at the enchanting Castro Island, nestled within the Chiloe Archipelago of northern Patagonia’s picturesque lake district. When I first visited in 2014, I explored by rental car, but the language barrier left me feeling like I missed out on much of the experience. This time, I decided to join a guided day tour organized by the ship, focusing on the World Heritage wooden churches.
In the 17th century, Spanish Jesuit missionaries arrived on Chiloe Island and constructed these remarkable wooden churches using local Alerce, or Chilean cedar. These structures seamlessly blend European architectural styles with the intricate craftsmanship of Latin American indigenous peoples, standing as a testament to their enduring legacy for hundreds of years.
In 2000, 16 of these unique churches were designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Our guide took us to three of the most representative churches, though the cultural nuances made it challenging to fully grasp their significance.
Perhaps the most visually captivating feature of Castro Island is its vibrant stilt houses, known as “palafitos.” Legend has it that the original builders chose to construct these homes over the water to avoid the cost of purchasing land. Today, many of these colorful dwellings have been repurposed into charming homestays, cozy cafes, and inviting restaurants. While they are a delight to admire from a distance, up close, their age and wear are more apparent.
Near the stilt houses, I was also delighted to spot a flock of elegant black-necked swans, which truly added a magical touch to the day.
