Castro, Provincial capital on Chiloé Island, Chile
Castro is a city on Chiloé Island stretching along the eastern shore with wooden buildings and a central plaza surrounded by shops and government offices. The entire old town displays wooden houses in various colors and sizes, with the harbor and surrounding neighborhoods organically connected to one another.
The city was founded in 1567 by Captain Martín Ruiz de Gamboa and ranks as Chile's third oldest continuously inhabited settlement. It survived multiple pirate raids despite its remote location and became an important local center.
The San Francisco Church showcases traditional Chilote wooden architecture recognized by UNESCO. This building style remains visible throughout the city today, reflecting construction methods passed down through generations of local craftspeople.
Visitors reach Castro by domestic flight to Mocopulli Airport or by ferry across the Chacao Channel followed by driving south on Route 5. The best time for exploring is during warmer months when weather is more stable and transportation connections function reliably.
The Gamboa district features rows of palafitos, traditional wooden houses built on stilts above the water that serve as both residences and small businesses. These wooden structures are not merely functional but shape the harbor's distinctive appearance with their varied colors.
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