Puerto Nativo

Activities

• Personally guided by Carmen or Marco, the island is, as they say, your oyster. They offer a range of highly recommended all-inclusive stays. Accommodation is based at the lodge and a combination of active and cultural day trips provide a rare insight into Chiloé's nature, history and culture. See Rates for more information and detailed itineraries
  
  
• With areas pretty much as they were when Darwin wandered through, hiking in any of the national parks (or simply near the house) is a must; whether following the coast around Estero Paildad, heading inland to the hills and lakes of Pio Pio or Hillinco, or taking to the cool tepu forests, home to countless birds and wildflowers
  
  
• You never know, you could even be rewarded for your efforts with gold at Cucao beach, where Spanish conquerers washed for gold in the waters of the Pacific Ocean
  
  
• Have a go at fly-fishing - it's the passion of the man of the house and one of the reasons Carmen and Marco chose Chiloé. Fishing rods are supplied and courses are available from Marco, who is delighted to share his knowledge (including how to make flies, as studied in Europe!). There's plenty of scope for good trout and salmon fishing for beginners and experts alike. And whether journeying by boat out to Estero de Paildad or the Isla de Tranqui, or hiking, there are endless quiet spots to be found where you can sit and watch the river go by. Click here for the fishing itinerary (5 days)
  
  
• Tour the island’s many cultural sights, including historic churches, museums, local towns, markets and stilted fishing villages. Top of the list are the town of Chonchi and its Church of San Carlos, a listed monument
  
  
• Head to the island of Melinka to watch blue whales on their passage past the coast of Patagonia. It's a 5-hour ferry ride but well worth the effort. Some of Carmen and Marco's set programmes include whale-watching trips - see Rates for details
  
  
• Explore the shops and markets in the nearby towns, or head to the local craft fair. You're pretty much guaranteed to find some beautiful local handicrafts to take home
  
  
• Relax on the beach (summer only) or laze in the hot tub and soak up the views
  
  
• Take up position in the hammock, warmed by the wood-burning stove and looking out upon spectacular views across the bay
  
  
• Meet the neighbours to learn about the local herbs and medicines, or share your wealth of knowledge with the local children (well, they’ll think so anyway). In schools with no electricity (and therefore no TV/video, let alone computers) and no real contact with the outside world, they’ll be interested in anything you might have to say!
  
  
• Try your hand at writing - the surroundings are nothing less than inspirational and long-stays in low season are at a reduced rate, especially if your area of interest relates to the island…