Making the most of Ancud
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships anchor immediately outside Ancud's port and tenders take passengers ashore.
Ancud stands at the northern end of Isla Grande, the principal island in the Chiloé archipelago off southern Chile. Founded in 1767, its harbour is overlooked by the remains of Fuerte San Antonio, Spain's final stronghold in the country, which surrendered to independent Chile in 1826. The town expanded quickly early in the century as an international trading centre; today it is chiefly a fishing port, made picturesque by small, vividly coloured boats and equally bright houses.
At the Museo Regional Aurelio Bòrquez Canobra, stone figures depict characters from local folklore. Its collection also includes a replica of the wooden vessel that carried settlers colonising southern Chile in the mid-19th century.
Visitors can climb to the summit of Huaihuèn Hill for spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
Getting around
Tours to the penguin colony about 20 miles west of Ancud can be booked at the tourist office inside the bus station. One departs in the morning at 10AM and another at 3PM. Each 3-4 hour outing combines historical commentary and scenic stops with 30 minutes aboard a Zodiac among penguin islands, accompanied by a volunteer guide and with chances to see sea otters, cormorants and other wildlife.
Food and shopping
The Fería Rural y Artesanal, between Prat and Dieiocho streets, is the place to find regional crafts such as knitwear, baskets, carved wooden utensils and other woodwork, as well as local food.
Money
Small Chilean towns and communities accept credit cards far less widely, so carry cash in peso when visiting them to avoid unwelcome surprises.
Staying connected
Chile's official language is Spanish.
Internet access is sold through Chilean cybercafés, with prices varying between towns. An hour online costs approximately 4 dollars in Santiago and 6 dollars in Calama. Major hotels and other accommodation frequently provide guests with a connection, often without an additional charge.
Emergency contacts are Sea Rescue: 137; Andean Mountain Rescue Squad: 136; Drug Enforcement: 135; Carabineros (Chilean police): 133; Fire Brigade: 132; Ambulance service: 131.
Opening Hours and
Chilean businesses and shops normally receive customers Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., pausing for a 60-minute lunch at 1 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., while malls trade Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Ancud stages its “Different and Magical Summer of Ancud” from the second week of January to the final week of February. Classical concerts begin the programme, followed by a 3-day festival of food and folklore at Arena Gruesa in the third week of January and a shore-fishing competition in the second week of February. Fireworks at Arena Gruesa bring the event to a close in the third week of February.