Getting Here and Around

By Air. Chiloé has several small airports for regional flights and private planes but no airport for national or international flights. There are plans in motion, however, to upgrade the airport at Castro. Most people flying to the region head to Aeropuerto El Tepual, 90 km (54 mi) northeast of Ancud near Puerto Montt. LAN maintains an office in Castro.

By Boat and Ferry. Since Chiloé is an archipelago, the only way to drive here is by taking one of the frequent ferries across the eastern end of the Chacao strait. Both Cruz del Sur and Transmarchilay operate the frequent ferry service that connects mainland Pargua with Chacao.

By Bus. Cruz del Sur and its subsidiary Transchiloé operate some 30 buses per day between Ancud and the mainland, usually terminating in Puerto Montt. Many of the routes continue north to Temuco, and a few travel all the way to Santiago. Buses arriving from the mainland provide very local service once they reach the island, making frequent stops.

By Car. Rather than terminating in Puerto Montt, the Pan-American Highway skips over the Golfo de Ancud and continues through Ancud, Castro, and Chonchi before stopping in Quellón. Paved roads also lead to Quemchi, Dalcahue, and Achao on Isla Quinchao.