Chiloé Province, Island province in Los Lagos Region, Chile
Chiloé is a province in the Los Lagos Region made up of several islands surrounded by forests, rolling hills, and waterways. The landscape is dotted with scattered settlements, wooden structures, and churches that define its character throughout the terrain.
Castro, the provincial capital, was founded in 1567 and ranks among Chile's older cities with uninterrupted settlement. This long presence shaped local building traditions and community patterns over the centuries.
Wooden churches scattered across the islands show a distinct building style that developed separately from mainland traditions. Local communities continue to gather in these structures, keeping the architectural approach alive through daily use and care.
Most visitors arrive through Puerto Montt and cross the Chacao Channel by ferry to reach the main island. A highway runs through the archipelago, linking the major towns and settlements together.
Castro's palafitos are wooden houses built on stilts along the water, designed to adapt to tidal shifts. This building method developed from practical necessity and creates an unusual waterfront neighborhood that remains inhabited today.
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