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
As ships are moored just outside the port, you will be tendered ashore.
Ancud is located in the Chiloe archipelago off Chile's southern coast, on the northern point of the main island, Isla Grande. Founded in 1767, the port is dominated by the ruins of Fuerte San Antonio, the last Spanish stronghold in the country, which finally surrendered to independent Chile in 1826. While the town grew rapidly at the beginning of the century, when it was a center of international trade, it is now mainly a fishing port with small, brightly-colored boats and colorful houses in the town adding to the picturesque look.
The Museo Regional Aurelio Bòrquez Canobra includes a series of stone statues representing figures from local folklore. The museum also has a replica of the wooden boat the took settlers to colonize southern Chile in the mid-19th century.
For spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, visitors can climb to the top of Huaihuèn Hill.
Getting around
At the tourist office in the bus station, you can book a tour to the penguin colony located about 20 miles west of town (one in the morning at 10AM and another in the afternoon at 3PM). A 3-4 hour expedition that includes historical information, scenic stops, and 30 minutes in a zodiac cruising between penguin islands and seeing sea otters, cormorants, and other wildlife with a volunteer guide.
Food and shopping
For a selection of regional handicrafts, including knitwear, baskets, local foods, and carved wooden utensils and crafts, visit the Fería Rural y Artesanal, between Prat and Dieiocho streets
Money
Credit Card acceptance is considerably reduced in small towns and communities, for which reason when visiting these it is recommended you take with you cash in Peso. This will prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Staying connected
Spanish is Chile's official language
Chile has so-called cyber-cafes, stores offering Internet access. The cost of accessing the world info network varies from town to town. In Santiago, an hour online costs 4 dollars, while in Calama it costs 6 dollars, approximately. On the other hand, the main hotels and lodging places frequently offer Internet access to their guests, in many instances at no extra charge.
Ambulance service: 131 Fire Brigade: 132 Carabineros (Chilean police): 133 Drug Enforcement: 135 Andean Mountain Rescue Squad: 136 Sea Rescue: 137
Opening Hours and
Business and trade establishments in Chile are generally open to the public from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a 60-minute lunch break at 1 p.m. Saturday timetable is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In malls, the timetable is Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
From the second week in January to the last week of February, the city hosts the “Different and Magical Summer of Ancud.” The event kicks off with classical music concerts and a 3-day food and folklore festival at the Arena Gruesa (third week in January) and a shore-fishing contest (second week of February), and culminates with a fireworks display, again in Arena Gruesa (third week of February).