Things To Do
in Castro
Castro is the capital of Chiloé Province, perched along the misty shores of Chiloe Island in southern Chile. It is renowned for its iconic palafito houses that rise on stilts above the water and for UNESCO-listed wooden churches that dot the archipelago. The city blends maritime tradition with a relaxed island vibe, offering fresh seafood, markets, and scenic viewpoints.
Surrounding landscapes range from sheltered bays to windswept headlands, making it easy to enjoy day trips and slow strolls along the coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Land in Castro and check into a colorful seaside guesthouse near the historic palafitos. Step out to wander the bustling Plaza de Armas and admire the colonial architecture of the cathedral. Warm up with a cup of rich Chilean coffee at a nearby café while watching local artisans set up their stalls.
Explore the craft shops around the plaza, discovering handwoven textiles and carved wooden souvenirs. Stop at a street food cart to sample sopaipillas topped with pebre, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Visit the Museo Municipal to learn about the island’s unique cultural heritage.
Enjoy a traditional curanto dinner served under a wooden shelter with glowing embers heating the island’s signature seafood and meats. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront as lanterns cast golden reflections onto the water. End the night with live folk music at a cozy pub frequented by friendly locals.
Rise early for a guided walking tour of the iconic palafitos, stilt houses painted in vivid colors beside Castro’s bay. Learn about the history of these unique dwellings and their adaptation to tidal shifts. Snap panoramic photos as fishermen prepare their boats for the day.
Head to the nearby Muelle Cultural to browse contemporary art exhibits housed in a repurposed pier building. Grab a fresh seafood lunch featuring ceviche or machas a la parmesana at the waterfront café. Wander along the boardwalk, greeting playful sea lions basking on the wooden pilings.
Book a table at a restaurant perched on stilts for panoramic views of the sunset over the channel. Sample local wines and sampling desserts made from maqui berries harvested on the island. Return to your palafito lodging to relax under the gentle lapping of waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏨One-night mid-range hotel | $50-100 |
| 🚆Local transport (one-way) | $1-3 |
| 🍷Coffee/beer at a bar | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and UNESCO churches
- Stunning palafito architecture and harbor views
- Delicious seafood and hearty Chilote cuisine
- Relaxed island vibe and friendly locals
- Rain is common; weather can be unpredictable
- Some areas have limited English-speaking staff
- Ferries and island trips require planning and patience
- Public transport can be sparse between towns
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Vegetariano" - Vegetarian
- "Sin carne" - No meat / vegetarian
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Castro
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful stilt houses rising from the water along the bay, especially photogenic at dawn or dusk.
A UNESCO-listed wooden church with intricate carving and a dramatic setting against the sea.
Vibrant market with boats, stalls, and waterfront alleys—great for candid street photography and seafood shots.
Harbor promenade offering views of boats, palafitos, and luminous sunsets over the bay.
Food in Castro
Castro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional seafood and meat stew cooked in a hole with hot stones; best enjoyed at seaside eateries on Castro’s waterfront.
Must-Try!
Crab pie, rich and creamy, common in seafood restaurants along the Angelmó area.
Fish chowder with potatoes and cheese; a comforting choice in market-side diners.
A flavorful seafood stew featuring local catch and shellfish; look for it at waterfront eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market with fresh seafood, cheeses, and produce; great for a quick bite or souvenirs.
Iconic market by the water offering prepared seafood, pastries, and waterfront ambiance; sample snacks from stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common; be polite and address people as 'usted' in formal settings unless invited to use 'tú'.
Chilotes value warmth and hospitality; avoid overly loud arguments in public and show patience in service queues.
Respect religious sites and local customs; asking before photographing people is polite.
Safety
Tipping in Castro
Ensure a smooth experience
If a service charge isn’t included, leave around 10% for restaurants; small tips for guides or drivers are appreciated.
Cash (Chilean peso) is widely accepted in markets and small eateries; credit/debit cards are common in hotels and larger restaurants; ATMs are available in Castro.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February brings milder days and long daylight; expect sea breezes, comfortable temperatures, and lively market activity.
March–May can be rainy with changing winds; landscapes turn lush and greens are vivid, great for moody photos.
June–August is cool and wet; expect frequent showers and stormier seas, but fewer crowds and dramatic skies.
September–November offers improving weather, blooming flora, and pleasant coastal walks with rising daylight.
Castro at Night
Hiking in Castro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate hikes along the shore with sea views and palafito backdrops.
Hilly, scenic routes around Achao and other villages with ocean vistas.
Short trails featuring estuary wetlands and Chilote forests; good for birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Castro by plane.
Located on Chiloé Island, serves domestic flights and connections to Santiago; a short drive from Castro.
Main gateway to the Chilean Patagonia region via Puerto Montt; longer drive or bus transfer to Castro with a combination of road and ferry travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The core community; families with deep ties to fishing, farming, and crafts.
People visiting the island for its culture, nature, and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local clubs and amateur leagues throughout the island.
Traditional livelihoods and recreational activities are common around Castro’s coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Castro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer salads, pasta, and vegetable-focused dishes; ask for 'sin carne' or 'vegetariano' and request seafood-free stock when applicable.