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Traditional architecture · Castro, Los Lagos
Palafitos de Castro
Wooden houses supported on stilts along the shore of Castro’s fjord, in the Gamboa and Pedro Montt areas, with their fronts facing the street and their backs to the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Palafitos de Castro
The palafitos are wooden houses built on stilts driven into the tidal zone. In Castro, the custom grew in the 19th century, when the port handled the island's trade. The façades face the street and the rears open onto the water, with a veranda that served as a pier to tie up boats.
Two groups stand out. In Gamboa, at the southern entrance to town, a row of colorful houses lines the river and fjord shore, and a lookout next to the bridge offers a view of the whole ensemble. In Pedro Montt, on the road north, another series of palafitos appears along the coastal avenue.
The tide changes the scenery roughly every six hours. At high tide the houses seem to float; at low tide the stilts and the muddy, seaweed-covered floor — called bordemar by locals — are exposed. For that reason it's worth visiting more than once in the same day.
In the mid-20th century, the palafito neighborhoods were home to poor families in Castro. Over time many houses were restored and some became cafés, studios and guesthouses. Others remain private homes, and the walk is along the street, the shore or from the viewpoints.
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
About one hour for the viewpoints of Gamboa and Pedro Montt. Allow more time if you stop for a coffee in a palafito.
Best time
At high tide the houses sit right at the water's edge. Late afternoon often brings side light on Gamboa's façades. Check the tide table before you go.
How to get there
The Gamboa viewpoint is about a 600-meter walk from the Plaza de Armas, heading down toward the southern entrance bridge. Pedro Montt is on the north coast, roughly 2 km from the center by taxi, city bus or on foot along the waterfront.
Tip
Many palafitos are family homes: photograph from the street or the viewpoint and do not enter private verandas. Those that operate as cafés let you view the fjord from inside, sitting above the water.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palafitos de Castro
Where can you see the palafitos in Castro?
The best-known groups are in Gamboa, near the bridge at the southern entrance, and in Pedro Montt on the north shore. Gamboa has a viewpoint a few minutes' walk from the square.
Why are the houses built on stilts?
To take advantage of the tidal zone and have direct access to the sea. In the past, boats would tie up to the back veranda, which functioned as a pier.
Can you sleep in a palafito?
Yes. Some restored houses have become guesthouses and cafés, especially in Gamboa and Pedro Montt. Book in advance in summer.