Dalcahue

The small coastal town of Dalcahue is one of the best places on Chiloé for handicrafts shopping: its Sunday market attracts artisans from across the island to sell their wares. Woollen goods including jumpers, hats and chunky socks, all hand-dyed with natural pigments make the best souvenirs here. If you can’t make it on a Sunday, a smaller version of the market runs throughout the week.

Chile’s 1960 earthquake saw the destruction of most of Dalcahue’s palafitos (waterfront stilt houses), but the town’s most important traditional wooden church survived the tremor. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Church of Our Lady of Sorrows) with its nine-arched facade, octagonal bell tower and interior barrel roof in simple whitewash was built in 1849, and is one of the 16 churches that collectively won Chiloé its UNESCO World Heritage-listed status in 2015.

From Dalcahue, it’s possible to take a short ferry trip across the channel to Quinchao Island, where you can visit the equally imposing Iglesia Santa María de Loreto, Chiloés oldest church, built by the Jesuits in 1740.


Map of Dalcahue

Nearby landmarks

Trips that visit Dalcahue

Best of the Chilean Lake District

Connect the magic of Chiloé Island, the adventure of the Chilean Lake District and remote hiking trails in Pumalin Park, for the most complete experience the region has to offer. Explore the Route of Parks as you follow in Darwin's…

  • 8 Days
  • $4,100
Northern Patagonia Fjords Cruise

Voyage to the most remote and spectacular corners of the Northern Chilean fjords, stopping at tiny villages and hot springs en-route. Visit Chiloé Island, spot penguins and explore the stunning San Rafael Glacier in solitude. This unique small ship cruise…

  • 6 Days
  • $1,740