Before you go

Your trip to Ancud.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Ancud – Los Lagos Destination Chiloé about 90 km from Puerto Montt

How to get there

Aeropuerto El Tepual (PMC) Puerto Montt · 80 km
Aeródromo Mocopulli (MHC) Dalcahue · 75 km
Terminal Cruz del Sur de Ancud 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

It is about 30 km from the Chacao ferry quay and about 90 km from Puerto Montt via Ruta 5. Buses connect Ancud to Puerto Montt and to Castro, which is 85 km to the south. The nearest airport is Puerto Montt.

How many days

A full day is enough for Puñihuil in the morning and the fort and the museum in the afternoon. With two days you can include Chepu and the Muelle de la Luz.

When to go

From September to March, when there are usually penguins at Puñihuil. Summer, from December to March, brings more daylight hours and less cold on the boat.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

In the center, no: the museum, the square and the fort are close to each other. For Puñihuil and Chepu, a car or a booked tour makes it easier, because public transport is rare.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Ancud

Morning
Penguins of Puñihuil
Leave early for the caleta de Puñihuil, about 26 km away, and embark on the boat trip around the islets. In season, from September to March, the penguins are usually on the rocks.
Afternoon
Lunch and Museo Regional
Have seafood for lunch in Ancud and visit the Museo Regional de Ancud, on the Plaza de Armas, with the skeleton of a whale and the schooner in the courtyard.
Late afternoon
Fuerte San Antonio
Climb up to the Fuerte San Antonio to see the cannons and Ancud Bay in the low light.
Evening
Curanto in a pot
Order a curanto in a pot in the town center or at the city market and have it with a chapalele.

2 days in Ancud

Day 2

Morning
Chepu and the Muelle de la Luz
Go to Puerto Anguay, travel up the Chepu River by boat or kayak among the trunks of the sunken forest, and walk to the Muelle de la Luz.
Afternoon
Heading to Castro
Follow Ruta 5 to Castro, 85 km away, and arrive in time to see the palafitos of Gamboa.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Ancud?

From Puerto Montt, take Ruta 5 to Pargua, ferry across the Canal de Chacao and then about 30 km of road. There are direct buses from Puerto Montt and from Castro.

How many days to stay in Ancud?

One day covers Puñihuil, the museum and the fort. Two days also allow you to visit Chepu.

When to see penguins near Ancud?

The season in Puñihuil usually runs from September to March. Boats only depart when sea conditions allow.

Do you need a car in Ancud?

For the town, no. For Puñihuil and Chepu a car is very helpful, or book a tour with transport in Ancud.

Is it worth staying overnight in Ancud or in Castro?

Ancud is more convenient for Puñihuil and Chepu. Castro is in the center of the island and is a better base for the churches and Parque Nacional Chiloé. Many travelers spend one night in each.

Back to Ancud