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Camping in Chiloé

Chiloé, Chile's mystical island of palafito stilt houses, wooden churches, and ancient mythology, offers car campers coastal and forest camping in a world apart. Drive across on the ferry to discover Pacific beaches, penguin colonies, and Chiloé's enchanting culture.

4 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
5 campsites
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Chiloé, Chile's second-largest island, is a world unto itself — a place where ancient mythology blends with Catholic tradition, where UNESCO World Heritage wooden churches dot the landscape, and where palafito (stilt houses) line the harbors of colorful fishing towns. For car campers, Chiloé offers a fundamentally different Patagonian experience. Instead of mountains and glaciers, you'll find rolling green farmland, dense forests, wild Pacific beaches, and a maritime culture built on centuries of fishing and agriculture. The island's cuisine — centered on curanto (seafood and meat cooked underground), smoked shellfish, and giant potatoes — adds a gastronomic dimension to camping. A rental car lets you explore the island's back roads, visit remote beaches, and discover the lesser-known eastern coast's quiet fishing villages.

Campsites

Camping Cucao Beach

Paid

On the wild Pacific coast at Cucao, gateway to Chiloé National Park. Dramatic ocean waves, wide sandy beach, and access to the park's forest trails.

Facilities: toilets, cold showers, fire pits, drinking water, Pacific beach access
Cost: CLP 5000-8000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Chiloé National Park

Paid

Inside the national park on the western coast. Tepú and arrayán forest with beach access. Hike the Dunas de Cucao trail through unique wetland-forest-dune ecosystems.

Facilities: toilets, cold showers, fire pits, drinking water, hiking trails, river access
Cost: CLP 6000-9000/night
Reservation required
Access:

Camping Muelle de las Almas

Paid

Near the famous Muelle de las Almas (Pier of Souls) installation art overlooking the Pacific. Camp in coastal forest with access to the iconic viewpoint.

Facilities: toilets, drinking water, coastal trail access
Cost: CLP 5000-7000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Isla Quinchao

Free

Basic free camping on Isla Quinchao, reached by short ferry from Dalcahue. Visit the wooden churches and traditional fishing villages of this charming inner island.

Facilities: pit toilets
Cost: Free
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Chepu Adventures

Paid

On the Río Chepu, famous for its 'sunken forest' (flooded by the 1960 earthquake). Guided kayak tours through the haunting submerged trees. Excellent bird watching.

Facilities: toilets, hot showers, kayaks, bird watching tours, drinking water
Cost: CLP 8000-12000/night
Reservation required
Access:

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Before you hit the trail: Chiloé

🥾Hiking Trails🌤️Weather Guide🦅Wildlife Guide📍Destination Guide📅Best Time to Visit

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a car to Chiloé?

Drive to Pargua (55 km from Puerto Montt) and take the Cruz del Sur ferry across the Chacao Channel (30 minutes, runs every 15-30 minutes in summer). No reservation needed — just queue. Takes vehicles of all sizes.

What is curanto?

A traditional feast of shellfish, smoked pork, chicken, potatoes, and milcao (potato dumpling) cooked underground on hot stones. Available at festivals, restaurants, and sometimes at campground community events. A must-try.

Can I see blue whales?

The Gulf of Corcovado between Chiloé and the mainland is a major blue whale feeding ground (February-April). Boat tours operate from Quellón. The world's largest animals, just offshore.

Are the UNESCO churches open to visitors?

Yes, the 16 UNESCO wooden churches on Chiloé are open for visits. Each is unique — built without nails using Chiloé's distinctive architecture. Some are very rural and worth driving to discover.

Is Chiloé really that rainy?

Yes. 2,000-3,000mm annually on the west coast. The east is slightly drier. Rain is likely any day in any season. Embrace it — the rain is part of Chiloé's mystique and what makes it so green.

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