Chilean Lake District (south): Visit Chiloe's penguins

Visit Chiloe's penguins

This rewarding and varied excursion includes a visit to the world’s only mixed colony of Humbolt and Magellanic penguins, a stop at a Spanish fortress and of course plenty of magnificent Patagonian scenery along the way. The penguins are normally present between November and March.

You’ll reach the rural Patagonian isle of Chiloé via road and ferry, arriving at the colourful fishing village of Ancud with its historically significant fortress, one of few such sights in the southern cone.

Drive inland through a landscape of valleys and rolling green pastures towards the island’s rugged west coast, with its deserted beaches, quiet farmlands and temperate forest. Visit the penguin colony at Puñihuíl, where two species of penguins nest side by side.

We’ll whisk you back to Puerto Varas via the sweepingly beautiful bay at Mar Brava and a small, traditional fishing village where you can sample Chiloé’s renowned fresh oysters.