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Parque Nacional Chiloé, on the western side of the island, is still pristine woodland of native and coniferous trees. It looks much like it did at the time of Charles Darwin's visit. In summer it's a popular spot for hiking and horseriding. You'll see various forms of wildlife, including the Chiloé fox, pudu and hundreds of species of birds, including the Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix. You'll want to see:

CONAF Visitor Center for the display of flora and fauna, Hulliche exhibits, early mining industry and local folkore.

The Museo Artesanal in a traditional Chilote house exhibits farm implements, and household artifacts. Note the fireplace in the middle of the floor. With reed filled walls, many houses burned.

The penguin colony, the only place where Humboldt and Magallenic penguins co-exist.

The Sendero Interpretativo El Tepual is a winding trail through the forest.

The Sendero Dunes de Cucao is a trail leading to dunes on a white sand beach. The path lcontinues to a Huilliche community at Lago Huelde. There are rustic shacks, refugios and camping.
When to Go:
Chiloé's climate is maritime, damp (read wet and rainy), changeable but mild. The west coast is more inclement, with wilder weather. The east coast is more protected and milder. Charles Darwin said: "In winter the climate is detestable, and in summer it is only a little better. I should think there are few parts of the world, within the temperate regions, where so much rain falls. The winds are very boisterous, and the sky almost always clouded: to have a week of fine weather is something wonderful." Water resistant footwear is recommended for any walking on the soft and sampy ground. Summer (December to March) visitors are more likely to run into crowds sailing the Patagonia fjords, but Chiloé is an any-time destination. Summer, with the flowers blooming and many of the towns celebrating their local fiestas, is a good time to visit.

Getting There:
By bus and ferry from Puerto Montt to Ancud, via Pargua on the mainland and Chacao on the island. Watch for dolphins, sea lions, cormorants, pelicans and penguins on the thirty minute trip. The ferry ride is included in the cost of the bus ticket. There is also a ferry from Chaitén on the Carretera Austral to Quellón and another from Puerto Chacabuco. There are small airports at Castro and Quellón.

Dining:
Don't miss the abundant seafood and typical curanto. Prepared traditionally in a hole in the ground over hot rocks, the dish includes mussels, clams, beef, pork, chicken, sausage, and potatoes topped off with chewy pancakes called milcaos. You can order a variation in a restaurant where it is cooked in a pot and called pulmay.

Share your Chiloé experiences on the forum.

Buen viaje!