The Isle of Chiloe sits off the coast of northern Patagonia, it’s only a short ferry ride across from the mainland but feels a world away.
A long standing plan to build a bridge has been constantly delayed and it’s clear that if a bridge is built the isolated character of the island would change, so visit now!
The island is home to stunning wildlife with penguins, whales, dolphins, sea lions and sea otters along wild pacific beaches. Inland lie untouched, stunted twisted coastal rainforest in Chiloe National Park (Parque Nacional de Chiloé) that is only now facing modern world threats from degradation and pollution.
However it’s the UNESCO listed wooden churches that I wanted to illustrate. Each village has an unique church that displays the fascinating contrast of European Jesuit culture and native traditional Chilote wooden architecture.
This is the cathedral in the capital called Castro. The interior was stunning natural wooden panelling.
THe petit Church de San Juan was surrounded by grazing sheep:
An unique three tier tower in another village;
Frutillar church was another:
The bright colours contrast with the normally grey and rainy skies that roll in from the pacific ocean.
Another plain wood design
Another wider design.
Pier to the Pacific: