Castro’s best tours pack the essentials of Chiloe Island into well-organized day trips. I love the Lemuy Island Tour for its perfect mix of UNESCO churches and nature walks through Yayanes Park – it’s a great value and hits all the highlights. The full-day Chiloe Island Tour is my top pick for first-timers, offering an excellent overview of local villages and the famous palafitos (stilt houses). For nature enthusiasts, the private Lemuy Island option and Bosque Piedra Reserve trek provide more intimate experiences. The Dock of Souls trek stands out for combining an 18th-century church visit with spectacular coastal views. Let’s explore these outstanding tour options in detail.
Key Points
- The Lemuy Island Tour offers a full-day excursion to UNESCO World Heritage churches with transportation, ferry rides, and entrance fees included.
- The Chiloe Island Full-Day Tour provides an in-depth exploration of the island’s unique architecture and natural landscapes, with mixed reviews.
- The Lemuy Island Private Tour offers a personalized and immersive experience, showcasing the island’s natural beauty and culture.
- The Bosque Piedra Reserve Tour is a small-group experience focused on local flora and fauna, including native pudu deer.
- The Dock of Souls Trekking Private Tour combines a visit to the Pier of Souls with a guided hike through Chiloé National Park.
Lemuy Island Tour From Castro
The Lemuy Island Tour from Castro, Chile is a highly recommended excursion, praised by 100% of travelers with a remarkable 4.9 rating based on 18 reviews.
This full-day tour takes visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed churches and towns of Ichuac, Aldachildo, and Puqueldon. Travelers will enjoy a hassle-free experience with round-trip transportation from their hotel or cruise ship, as well as all ferry rides and entrance fees included.
The tour also features a delightful lunch at Yayanes Park and opportunities for bird watching. Knowledgeable guides fluent in Spanish and English provide live commentary throughout the journey.
With a maximum group size of 15 and typically operating with 6 travelers, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience. Suitable for most travelers, except those with mobility issues or serious medical conditions, the Lemuy Island Tour provides an immersive exploration of the region’s natural and cultural treasures.
Read our full review: Lemuy Island Tour From Castro Review
Book now: Check availability
From Puerto Varas: Chiloe Island Full-day Tour
Situated roughly 80 miles (129 km) from Puerto Varas, the Chiloe Island Full-day Tour offers travelers an immersive exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. Priced at €62.33 per person, this 10-hour excursion promises a remarkable journey, from the drive along the Panamericana Route 5 to the ferry crossing across the Chacao channel and visits to the charming towns of Chacao, Castro, and Dalcahue.
Participants can expect to encounter the unique architecture of stilt houses (Palafitos), historic churches, craft markets, and notable sites like the Plaza de Armas, Fort of San Antonio, and Mirador del Barrio Gamboa.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, and museum tickets, though food, drink, and tips aren’t included.
While the tour has received mixed reviews, with some common complaints about the long travel time and crowded van, it has been praised for the uniqueness of the visited locations and the opportunity to take in Chiloe’s captivating local culture.
Read our full review: From Puerto Varas: Chiloe Island Full-day Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Lemuy Island in Chiloe Full Day Private Tour
Visitors can embark on a captivating full-day excursion to Lemuy Island, located within the enchanting Chiloé Archipelago. This private tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Guests will be picked up from their centrally-located hotels and transported in air-conditioned comfort to explore the area.
The tour includes visits to two distinctive churches, providing insights into the region’s architectural and religious traditions. Travelers will also have the opportunity to visit the Chonchi Museum and discover the island’s rich history.
A highlight of the day is exploring the Yayanes Park, where visitors can soak up the scenic landscapes. Lunch is included, allowing guests to savor local cuisine and flavors.
The tour also covers transportation by land and sea, ensuring a seamless experience. With its private nature, this excursion offers a personalized and immersive way to discover the charm of Lemuy Island.
Read our full review: Lemuy Island in Chiloe Full Day Private Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Bosque Piedra Reserve Tour
Nestled within the enchanting Chiloé Archipelago, the Bosque Piedra Reserve offers visitors a captivating journey through the region’s rich natural beauty. This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of six participants, takes guests on an exploration of the reserve’s lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including the elusive pudu, a native deer species.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a focused experience on the local flora and fauna, allowing guests to enjoy the reserve’s ecological wonders. The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, as well as bottled water, snacks, lunch, and even alcoholic beverages.
Breakfast and Wi-Fi on board ensure a comfortable and well-equipped experience.
While the tour isn’t recommended for those with physical limitations or medical conditions, it caters to travelers seeking a moderate level of activity and a chance to discover the remarkable natural treasures of Chiloé.
With a free cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee, the Bosque Piedra Reserve Tour offers an enticing option for those seeking to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Castro, Chile.
Read our full review: Bosque Piedra Reserve Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Dock of Souls Trekking in Chiloe Private Tour
Embarking on the Dock of Souls Trekking in Chiloé Private Tour, visitors embark on a captivating adventure that unveils the enchanting landscapes of the Chiloé Archipelago.
This 3-hour tour departs from centrally located hotels in Castro and takes travelers to Punta Pirulil and the Pier of Souls, where they can enjoy the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The tour also includes a visit to the town of Cucao, renowned for its 18th-century Jesuit churches, and a guided one-hour hike through the Chiloé National Park.
Along the way, guests can indulge in fresh empanadas and enjoy the stunning natural scenery.
With a maximum group size of 20 and a starting price of $206.02 per person, this private tour offers an intimate and personalized experience for those seeking to explore the unique charm of Chiloé.
However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Read our full review: Dock of Souls Trekking in Chiloe Private Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Half Day Tour in Patrimonial Castro
A private half-day tour in Castro’s historic district offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage. Priced at $30 per person, this tour provides a professional guide, complimentary coffee or tea, and pickup points for added convenience.
While the tour has received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 2.3 out of 5 stars, the operator has acknowledged past operational issues and committed to improving service and refunding any missed tours.
The tour’s highlights include exploring the patrimonial area of Castro, gaining insights into local life, and experiencing the city’s unique culture.
However, the tour may not be suitable for pregnant travelers or those with limited mobility, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
The tour’s flexibility and focus on customer satisfaction make it an intriguing option for those seeking a personalized glimpse into Castro’s heritage.
Read our full review: Private Half Day Tour in Patrimonial Castro Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Castro, on Chiloe Island, offers a variety of captivating tours. Visitors can explore the picturesque Lemuy Island, discover the Bosque Piedra Reserve, and trek the Dock of Souls. For a comprehensive experience, a private half-day tour of Castro’s historic district is a great option. These diverse tours provide travelers with a well-rounded glimpse into the rich cultural and natural wonders of this enchanting region.