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Viewpoint and sculpture · Castro, Los Lagos
Muelle de las Almas
A wooden walkway that ends in the air at the top of a cliff at Punta Pirulil, south of Cucao. The work is inspired by the legend of the souls who wait for the boatman Tempilkawe.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Muelle de las Almas
The Muelle de las Almas is a pier-shaped sculpture made of native wood by the artist Marcelo Orellana Rivera. It is located at Punta Pirulil, south of Cucao, on the Pacific coast, and curves out over the void at the top of a cliff.
The work comes from a regional legend. According to the oral tradition of Cucao, the souls of the dead go to those rocks and call the boatman Tempilkawe, who takes them to the other world in exchange for payment. In one version, whoever hears the call of the souls and responds will not live beyond a year.
The path to the pier crosses pasture and native forest, with climbs and muddy sections, and takes about an hour on foot. At the end, the view opens onto the ocean, the cliffs and the beaches of the west coast.
Entrance is paid at a booth on the road from Cucao to Rahue, and the area is maintained by local residents. The visit is often done on the same day as Parque Nacional Chiloé.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours, including the round-trip on the trail and time at the viewpoint.
Best time
From December to February the path tends to be less muddy. Arrive early: around midday the line for the photo on the pier can be long.
How to get there
From Cucao, follow the dirt road south toward Rahue until the access booth; from Castro, the drive takes about an hour and a half. On rainy days the road becomes rough.
Tip
Wear boots or sneakers with good grip and bring water and snacks. Respect the queue and the caretakers' instructions, who limit the number of people on the pier.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Muelle de las Almas
How long is the hike to the Muelle de las Almas?
About an hour's walk each way from the access cabin, over terrain with climbs and mud.
What is the legend of the Muelle de las Almas?
The tradition of Cucao says that the souls of the dead call there to the boatman Tempilkawe, who takes them to the other world.
Can you go to the Muelle de las Almas without a car?
There are buses from Castro to Cucao, but from there transport to the access cabin is scarce. A car or a booked tour makes it easier.