Chonchi, Coastal town in Chiloé Island, Chile
Chonchi is a coastal town on Chiloé Island organized across three distinct elevation levels that rise from the harbor to the main plaza. Wooden buildings climb the hillside and create a layered townscape with traditional timber construction throughout.
Founded in 1767 as a Jesuit mission station, the town grew into a timber industry center during the 1800s. This economic foundation supported the development of the wooden buildings that remain visible today.
The wooden San Carlos de Borromeo Church dominates the town with its distinctive architecture built from local timber. It reflects the building traditions that define Chiloé and earned recognition from UNESCO for its cultural value.
Getting there is easiest from Puerto Montt by driving south and crossing the water by ferry at Pargua. The ferry crossing takes roughly half an hour and offers views of the surrounding waters and islands.
The Museo de las Tradiciones Chonchinas holds household items and personal objects from the early 1900s that reveal how local families actually lived day-to-day. The collection preserves original artifacts showing the crafts and daily routines that defined life on the island.
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