I visited Chiloé Island in southern Chile during Holy Week, and the experience was nothing short of enchanting. The breathtaking landscapes and the warm, genuine hospitality of the locals left a lasting impression. The island also felt incredibly safe, 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, which takes about 2 hours.
2. Departing from Puerto Montt:
– We booked our tickets a month in advance, with each ticket costing around $300, including one backpack per person.
Additional luggage incurs extra fees.
– The journey takes approximately an hour, making it very convenient. After picking up the car at the airport, head to the port and then take the ferry to the island.
– Renting a car for self-driving is highly recommended! The route offers stunning views that are not to be missed.
– If you’re comfortable driving, I strongly suggest taking Ruta 5, which includes a scenic ferry ride across the sea (the cost for a small car is CLP 17,000).
🚢 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.
– No need to buy tickets in advance; you can pay on board.
🚗 About Car Rental
Reasons for recommending self-driving:
– The scenic spots on the island are scattered, and bus schedules are limited, offering little flexibility.
– Recommended car rental companies include common chain brands such as Avis, Europcar, and Econorent, available at both Puerto Montt Airport and Castro Airport. Salfarent allows returning the car in the city, and there’s another company, though its name escapes me…
✅ Tips
– It is highly recommended to use Google Maps for navigation.
