Chile · Wildlife

10-Hour Chiloé Island and Ancud Tour with Punihuil Penguins

10 Hours Round trip from Chile Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Ancud, the former capital of Chiloé Island
02 See the Spanish-built San Antonio Fort overlooking the port
03 Cross the Chacao Channel between the mainland and Chiloé Island
04 Take a motorboat excursion at Punihuil to observe island fauna
05 Spot Magellanic and Humboldt penguins at the Islotes de Puñihuil Natural Monument

Explore Chiloé Island on a 10-hour tour that combines history, coastal scenery, and wildlife. Visit Ancud, the island's former capital, see the Spanish-built San Antonio Fort with sweeping views over the port, and continue to the Islotes de Puñihuil Natural Monument. These three islets are home to a breeding colony of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins from November to March, making Punihuil one of the tour's most memorable stops.

Drive another 17 miles to the Pacific coast to a place called Punihuil, where two species of penguins - Magellanic penguins and Humboldt penguins - settle to breed their offspring from November to March.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Ancud, Chiloé Island

Languages English, German, Russian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Ancud, Punihuil and Penguin Colony Excursion

Start the tour between 0800 and 0830 hours.
Head for Chiloé Island and the small village of Pargua. From there, cross the Chacao Channel, which separates the island of Chiloé from the mainland.
Upon arriving in Ancud, visit the ancient San Antonio Fort, the main square, and the city market.
Drive another 17 miles to the Pacific coast to a place called Punihuil, where two species of penguins - Magellanic penguins and Humboldt penguins - settle to breed their offspring from November to March.
Have lunch and take a small motorboat excursion with guides, who will introduce you to the fauna of these islands.
Return between 1700 and 1800 hours.