Museo Regional Aurelio Bórquez Canobra:
(Calle Libertad at Ramirez, tel 622413. Open 9 a.m. to 1 pm, 2.30 to 7 p.m.. Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday; extended hours in summer. Admission US$1). Exhibitions of island's ethnography, folklore, history and natural history, art and architecture. The restaurant on the museum's patio is one of the best in Ancud (if you do eat here, be sure to try the seafood stew, curanto, served on weekends.)

Fuerte San Antonio:
(Cochrane at San Antonio). Open-air museum of late colonial fort, the remains of Spain's last Chilean outpost in the 19th Century.

One day paddling in the protected waters of the Bay of Quetalmahue and two day ocean-river excursions with overnight in local farmhouse. Fantastic way to experience the island. For beginners to intermediates.

Penguins and Pacific Coast Adventures:
The Pacific coast offers a wide range of activities, from sight seeing to rugged hikes to a small island penguin colony that is the only place in the world where Humbolt and Magallanic penguins nest side by side.

Balneario Arena Gruesa:
A popular swimming beach surrounded by high cliffs.

Chiloé National Park:
The 43,000 hectares of this park are located on the Grand Island of Chiloé, bordering the Pacific Ocean. Much of the protected area is roadless, and therefore very much in the same natural state that Charles Darwin encountered when he visited the island over a hundred years ago. The park is noted for its shadowy forests of old growth trees (including some of the sequoia-like alerce) and a long expanse of virgin coastline. Along with the native flora are over 110 species of bird, including penguins, as well as the Chilote fox and sea lions. Living within the park are several isolated communities of indigenous Huilliche who survive from subsistence farming and fishing. There is tension between these people and the administration of CONAF, which has restricted their access to traditional resources while allowing other commercial activities to continue.

The average temperature is 10 degrees Celsius (50 F), so be sure to bring sufficient warmth and rain gear. The park receives an average of 220 cms (86 inches) of rain a year, spread more or less evenly throughout the year. Still, the chances for the best weather are increased in you visit the area in summer (December to March). Altitudes within the park range from sea level to 850 meters (2,805 ft).

ATTRACTIONS:
Near the campground in the southern area of the park is the Sendero Interpretivo El Tepual, a short nature trail that winds its way through dense forests. The gloomy beauty of these forests will make you ready to meet one of the creatures of Chilote folklore, myths that the island is famous for. Other trails available for hikes leave from the visitor center and lead to sand dunes along the beach through a stand of coastal forest. For a slightly longer hike, there is a 3 km trek along the coast to Lago Huelde, where there is a Huilliche community. There are few rustic refugios scattered throughout the park for the more adventurous traveler. One is located at Cole Cole (12 kms north of Chanquin) and another at Rio Anay (8 kms further north). The Museo Artesanal, a museum offering a glimpse into traditional colonial life, is located near the CONAF station.

SERVICES:
The CONAF Visitor Center is located at the southern entrance, near the town of Cucao and offers info about excursions, ecology, local mythology and history. There are also picnic areas, camping and rustic refugios (cabins) near the CONAF station. Rooms are available in private homes in the village of Cucao.There are also a few simple guest houses available in the village for those not interested in camping. If you plan an extended stay, it is best to bring food supplies from Castro or Chonchi, although in the summertime a small mini-market is open at the campground.

HOW TO GET THERE:
There is regular bus service from Castro to the village of Cucao, 54 kms away. Half of the road is paved, and the rest is a reasonably good dirt road. Less frequent transport is available from Ancud to the less developed northern area of the park, via the town of Chepu. For those with their own vehicle, the nearest gasoline is in Castro.