CASTRO

Castro is located on Isla de Chiloé, which is in the lake region of Chile. The city is 48,000 people strong, and was founded in 1567, making it the 3rd oldest city in Chile. It’s known for its charming stilt houses, vibrant crafts markets, and undeniable natural beauty.

The downtown area is compact and walkable. Key points of interest include the Plaza de Armas, San Francisco Church, and the Regional Museum of Castro. Keep your eyes peeled for the tourist information center in the plaza, as well as the Women’s Cooperative market that operates most days.

For a taste of local life, head to the municipal market. Watch locals buy and sell produce, and perhaps pick up a few handicrafts along the way. Another can’t miss is a visit to the famous palafitos, which are traditional wooden houses built on stilts along the edge of the fjords.

Other points of interest on the island are the museum of modern art, a handful of historic churches, as well as the Chiloe National Park. The national park make up a large part of the Valdivian Rainforest, and is a can’t miss for travelers looking to explore Chile’s nature.