Tierra Chiloe

Self Guided Biking

While the majority of our excursions are in the company of one of Tierra’s expert guides, we also understand the importance of doing some outdoor exploration on your own. Our self-guided biking excursions are the perfect way to get out, stretch your legs and familiarize yourself with the lands that lie around the hotel.

Depending on your particular interests, physical ability and local weather conditions, our guides can offer tailor-made recommendations for your biking adventures in Chiloé. There are many different trails to choose from, everything from easy cycles to challenging off-road routes. Rides begin from the hotel and generally head towards the village of San Jose.  Here, you can explore local life and stop for a well-earned break, having traversed the woodland, open fields and coastal paths along the way, relishing the mountain and sea views as you go.

Route of the Churches:

This interesting tour to Quemchi, Aucar Island and three local churches can be done either on foot or by bicycle, the perfect chance to explore the north of the island on two wheels!  After driving from the hotel to Quemchi, the first stop on this cultural excursion is the museum and former home of Francisco Coloane, one of Chile’s best literary writers who is well-known for his seafaring stories, inspired by the landscapes and myths of Chiloé.  We then head to Aucar Island – which Coloane himself named the “Island of Sailors’ Spirits”.  We’ll cross a long bridge to reach the chapel and cemetery here, before starting on the meandering path which leads around Aucar Island.  This allows us time to soak up the scenery here, which is bursting with fascinating flora.

We round off this tour by visiting three churches, all designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Colo, Tenaún and Dalcahue.  These centuries-old buildings are all intriguing examples of the region’s unique architectural style, blending Jesuit and ancient Chilote techniques to afford a category all of their own: the “Chilote School of architecture”.  It is here that this cultural immersion into northern Chiloé concludes, before heading back to the hotel in our support vehicle.

Islands of Chelin & Quehui:

Set sail on our very own boat, the Williche, journeying southwest to the islands of Chelin and Quehui on this exciting full-day expedition. We’ll dock first at Chelin, a beautiful island laden with original houses tucked along old-fashioned streets, where we’ll stumble upon the neoclassical World Heritage Site church which has been painstakingly preserved with the help of local artisans and architects. We’ll continue to the cemetery, a fascinating sight to behold with tombstones imitating the village’s very own wooden shingled homes, making it appear like a miniature town of the dead, lost in time.

Next up is Quehui Island, where tranquil waterways and opportunities for adventure await. Our boat will glide gently along the Pindo Estuary, taking us right to the heart of the island while admiring the spectacular scenery around us along the way. Don’t miss the chance to try your hand at kayaking through this ethereal land, or let our zodiac boats take the strain and travel along the shoreline with ease. For those who’d prefer to stay on tierra firma, hop of one of the bicycles and make your way along the clifftop trails, rewarding yourself with spellbinding views of the island and beyond. Alternatively, opt for a gentle stroll through the streets of Quehui, absorbing its special aura, traditional cuisine and folklore, all of which are celebrated during the annual Ocean Festival here on the island.

Backyard Pullao:

The Humedales Orientales de Chiloé, or ‘Eastern Wetlands of Chiloé,’ are a vital ecosystem and welcome resting place for thousands of migrating shorebirds each year. Expanding across a total area of 30,000 km², these marshy plains are an important conservational site of significant proportions, highlighting some of Chile’s rich biodiversity and changeable geography. Though the exact number and variety species varies depending on the time of year and seasonal weather conditions, regular residents include no less than 27% of the world’s entire Hudsonian Godwit population, families of Chilean Flamingos, Cormorants and large numbers of both coastal Ducks and Gulls. During this excursion into some of the more accessible sections of wetland, our local guide will be on hand to point out wildlife and explain more about the local seaweed collectors, who you may see at low tide. You can also enjoy a similar experience on the water itself by kayak, or visit nearby Salmon and Mussel farms, depending on your interests and preferences.

Bosquepiedra – Land of Murta:

Discover the natural and cultural riches of Chiloé on this visit to the pristine Bosquepiedra Private Park and the ecological farm Tierra de Murtas. We begin our tour by heading southwest to Huillinco Lake. The park, sprawls for 12 hectares and is thick with dense, evergreen forest made up of canelos, coigues, avellano and mañio trees which are native to the region. Bosquepiedra has an impressive array of plantlife, including ferns, and a lichen garden whose miniature “forests” can be seen through magnifying glasses. The park lies on a geological fault line, and you can see exposed rock strata and deep pools sculpted out of the ground as well.

After lunch, we’ll head to the Murta Trail, owned by a local farmer.  Murtas are a local berry, native to the south of Chile.  Through ecological farming, it’s the first domesticated murta plantation.  We’ll get to taste some artesanal jams and liquors made from murta and other local berries, while keeping warm around a typical Chilote fireplace.

Muelle de las Almas:

Muelle de las Almas or “Pier of Souls” is a wooden pier perched on the cliff edges above the sea, leading nowhere.  The work of local artist and sculptor Chumono, Muelle de las Almas plays homage to the legend of the boatman Tempilcahue who takes the soulds of the dead to their final resting place. Your journey to the pier will start with a scenic drive along the shores of Huillinco Lake towards the beach at Cucao. Once at the beach, you can walk along the coastal trails that overlook the ocean followed by hilly terrain in the open before reaching the cliffs, where the coastal trail overlooks the ocean. We have a picnic lunch here and climb a nearby cliff to view the resident sea lion colony below. Having taken in the best aerial views and worked up a decent appetite, we’ll stop on the way back to the hotel to see local resident Morelia, a long-time friend of Tierra who is known for her mouth-watering empanadas!

Duhatao – Chepu:

The Sendero de Chile is a project designed to connect the entire length of Chile through scenic and naturally versatile walking trails. This enchanting trek will take in a small section of the wider trail, beginning at the beautiful Bay of Duhatao. From here, you will walk the twisting coastal cliffs as they merge into lush forest, taking time to appreciate privileged vantage points before heading deep into the woods.

Birdlife abounds among ancient trees, where Hummingbirds dash between foliage amid the call of Chucao, Tapaculos, Rayaditos and other native songbirds.

The hiking will be steady, with any strenuous effort or uphill climbs being rewarded with invigorating views of the surrounding woodland, and out to the Chepu River in the distance. The trail descends gradually to the islet of Aulen, where you will have a relaxing stroll along the beach towards our awaiting vessel, which will take you for an exhilarating and well-earned boat ride upstream.  Towards the end of this voyage, we will be rewarded with views of the Sunken Forest (“Bosque Hundido”), from the boat itself.

The Sunken Forest & Guabil Beach:

On this mystical excursion, we venture to the west coast and the Chiloé’ National Park to experience rugged beaches, winding rivers and a blissful lack of development. The first stop is Chepu, a small, laid-back settlement in a valley, where we board our boat to sail along the Chepu River, passing through a flooded forest until we reach the Pacific Ocean and the river mouth.

Here, we’ll walk through native forests with branches protruding eerily from the waters. As we approach Guabil Beach, sage-hued hills undulate before us, before crashing suddenly into the sea. We pass an old beached ship, perfect for a photo op and then by boat, head to the river to the Muelle de la Luz (Bridge of Light). Legend says that from the bridge, lights can be seen on the horizon and in the ocean at night, lights from a Caleuche (mythical ghost ship) (or the stars, you decide!). The return journey is back through the watery woodlands by boat and, after tucking into a tasty lunch, head back to the hotel by land.

Pellul – Playa Quento:

This horseback excursion, like the people of Chiloé, depends on the tides and we will either start our journey on the beach or end it there depending on the time of day. As we move further away from Tierra Chiloé, we pass verdant fields, towns and historic churches until we reach our destination: Quento Beach. Here we can dismount and enjoy a delicious lunch and explore the shores, returning later to the hotel. This is a great trail for experienced horseback riders looking to enjoy the sights and sounds of Chiloé.

Pueblo de San José:

Saddling up a at our hotel stables, we will ride into the heart of San Jose, the closest village to the hotel. Meandering through the farmlands here, we will connect with the people tending their lands , see diverse wild plants and flowers and enjoy views of ocean and the Andes mountains beyond. This is a great excursion to explore the surroundings of the hotel, perfect for novice horse riders.

Castro Patrimonial:

The beating heart of Chiloé lies in the traditional stilt houses, grand churches and authentic craft markets of Castro. This city, a 16th century former stronghold of Chilean governance, was used as an entry point to capture the island as an extension of the mainland. The history and cultural influences surrounding Castro make for an adventure of discovery. It begins with a visit to the colourful Mercado Yumbel. This vibrant market is awash with local produce, freshly caught fish and rustically woven wares, a place for islanders as well as visitors.

From Yumbel, head to the iconic stilt houses in an area protected by the curve of the coastline, a great photo opportunity. The streets from the bay lead to the central church of San Francisco, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The visit ends with time in the shipyards and carpentry school, an important part of the city’s economy and cultural heritage.

Bosquepiedra – Land of Murta

Discover the natural and cultural riches of Chiloé on this visit to the pristine Bosquepiedra Private Park and the ecological farm Tierra de Murtas. We begin our tour by heading southwest to Huillinco Lake. The park, sprawls for 12 hectares and is thick with dense, evergreen forest made up of canelos, coigues, avellano and mañio trees which are native to the region. Bosquepiedra has an impressive array of plantlife, including ferns, and a lichen garden whose miniature “forests” can be seen through magnifying glasses. The park lies on a geological fault line, and you can see exposed rock strata and deep pools sculpted out of the ground as well.

After lunch, we’ll head to the Murta Trail, owned by a local farmer.  Murtas are a local berry, native to the south of Chile.  Through ecological farming, it’s the first domesticated murta plantation.  We’ll get to taste some artesanal jams and liquors made from murta and other local berries, while keeping warm around a typical Chilote fireplace.

The Island of Mechuque

Chiloé’s surrounding, smaller islands are a treasure trove of wildlife and cultural heritage waiting to be discovered. Mechuque in the  Chauques Isles, is one of the loveliest. Begin with a short tour of Tenaún, a quaint port town of few residents which has a striking central church and nearby Tocoihue waterfall; a place believed to hold spiritual significance for the local community.

Boarding the boat in Tenaún, a windswept 45-minute voyage will take you to the Chauques archipelago, a beautiful maze of interconnecting waterways and landmasses. Mechuque is our first stop. Showcasing the local architecture of stilted wooden homes, time in Mechuque can be spent enjoying the intriguing collection of historic artefacts and symbolic pieces held in a nearby resident’s private home, before tucking into a locally prepared lunch. Your afternoon can then be spent kayaking the serene canals of Chauques in traditionally dugout canoes or taking the relatively easy hike up the Mechuque viewpoint, the perfect place for enchanting panoramic views of this picturesque island network.

Boarding the boat in Tenaún, a windswept 45-minute voyage will take you to the Chauques archipelago, a beautiful maze of interconnecting waterways and landmasses. Mechuque is our first stop, showcasing the local architecture of authentic stilted wooden homes. In Mechuque you’ll enjoy the intriguing collection of historic artefacts and symbolic pieces held in a nearby resident’s private home, before tucking into a locally prepared lunch. Your afternoon can then be spent kayaking the serene canals of Chauques or taking the relatively easy hike up the Mechuque viewpoint, the perfect place for panoramic views of this picturesque island network.

Fishing in Chiloé;

Fishing in Chiloé is an unforgettable experience. The excursions take place in the most beautiful part of the archipelago and are designed for expert fishermen, amateurs and all who are interested in trying their hand at the sport. The excursions take you to beaches, rivers and lakes in the southern part of Chiloé National Park (Huillinco-Cucao), where local guides who know the area accompany you.

In these surroundings of unparalleled beauty, you can enjoy lake and river-fishing of fario and brown trout (dominant species), rainbow trout and even salt water fish such as red snapper and silver smelt. On the Pacific beaches, we can take pleasure in reeling in sea bass, red snapper and even flounder. Salmon fishing is only allowed in Chiloé between the months of November and May.

There are no limits for fishing in the sea.

Upon arrival transfer to your hotel

Explore the island by chooseing excursions to suit your interests. There are optional activities such as cultural experiences, boating, horseback riding, biking, hiking or simply realxing

Day to explore the island, perhaps visit one of the many colonial churches in the area

Transfer to Castro airport