Explore verdant green landscapes, winding waterways and hidden coves, with exclusive access for our excursions to unspoiled wilderness and rich cultural connections. The Chiloé Archipelago teems with lush native plantlife, including Valdivian forests home to the Darwin’s fox and the pudú, the world’s smallest deer, alongside the guiña or Kodkod, South America’s smallest wild cat, all part of a natural evolution running from the ice age through the colonial era to the present day.
The diverse landscapes, seascapes and cultural icons of the Chiloé Islands in Chile beg to be explored with hiking, walking, e-biking, horse-riding, kayaking or Williche boat adventures. Excursions at Refugia Chiloé offer guests a range of guided activities and explorations tailored to individual interests.
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Saddle up for a gentle horseback ride along the age-old footpaths of the island villagers to appreciate the traditional way of life in Chiloé. Traverse mixed terrain at a relaxed pace, enjoying views of the pristine surrounds.
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This private conservation initiative holds 20,000 hectares of verdant wilderness. From tranquil Lake Tepuhueico to the Pacific Ocean, explore the unspoiled beauty of Valdivian rainforest.
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Embark on an unforgettable adventure by land and sea to Quinchao Island – known for its vibrant culture, traditional shingled buildings and the oldest UNESCO World Heritage listed church.
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Explore Chiloé Island's vibrant capital city, Castro on this captivating tour. Discover the beating heart of Chiloé with its colorful traditional stilt houses, grand churches, bustling craft markets and local community.
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Paddle out from the hotel pier on an unforgettable kayak trip to Rilán, spotting birdlife and dolphins on the way. Visit the World Heritage listed church and enjoy a walk through the township.
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Starting at picturesque Duhatao Bay, traverse the twisting coastal cliffs as they merge into deep forest. Explore the islet of Aulen before setting sail upstream with rewarding views of the Sunken Forest.
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The diversity of flora and fauna found in Chiloé is so overwhelming even Charles Darwin was taken aback on his visit here in 1834. In addition to the verdant forests, Chiloé is home to around a dozen wetlands, including the Pullao wetlands, adjacent to the hotel, and a sanctuary for wildlife where migratory birds gather by the hundreds each season. If you enjoy bird-watching, consider booking a Pullao Room with Wetlands View.
Steeped in centuries of isolation, the islands’ identity is linked to the sea, the quaint fishing villages, the colorful stilted houses known as palafitos and the vibrant markets rich with local produce; all complemented by sixteen UNESCO world-heritage shingled churches built with both indigenous and colonial ingenuity. Chiloe is full of friendly, artistic people, with generations of recipes, arts, crafts, legends and local industries. They have a deep pride in farming, sheep-raising, weaving, cooking, boat-building and ferrying around the islands of islands of the Chilean archipelago..
The people of Chiloé’s islands have adapted to the local conditions of the archipelago over thousands of years. Cattle drawn carts are still used to transport local produce such as elephant garlic and the nearly 300 varieties of famous Chiloé potatoes. Fishermen sell their daily catch, including robalo, pejerrey, trout, oysters and mussels fresh from the sea, in the local markets.
Stormy skies and landscapes shrouded in mist provide an evocative backdrop for Chilote mythology: El Trauco, said to roam the forest; Millalobo, the sea-king who governs the tides and marine life; and the Caleuche, a ghost ship said to sail the channels on foggy nights. These stories are still told on the islands today. Beyond myth and legend there is literature, too: nonfiction by Darwin and Chatwin, poems by Coleridge and Byron, and bestsellers like The Wager by David Grann.
Chiloé Island, Chile boasts a cool temperate oceanic climate with mild year-round temperatures. Regular rainfall nurtures its flourishing, vibrant ecosystem. Refugia Chiloé operates seasonally and welcomes guests from October to April each year. Everchanging weather is part of the attraction and glory of visits to this part of the world, so dressing in layers is the best approach for excursions. Chiloé Island, Chile boasts a cool temperate oceanic climate with mild year-round temperatures. Regular rainfall nurtures its flourishing, vibrant ecosystem. Refugia Chiloé operates seasonally and welcomes guests from October to April each year. Everchanging weather is part of the attraction and glory of visits to this part of the world, so dressing in layers is the best approach for excursions.
(OCTOBER-NOVEMBER)
Spring temperatures are comfortable, making for pleasant outdoor excursions. With Spring migration and breeding season for many bird and animal species, it is a great time to spot pregnant moms, chicks and baby wildlife in their natural habitat.
Daytime 9-15°C (48–59°F)
(DECEMBER – FEBRUARY)
Summer guests may find some local summer fiestas and can expect good weather for all the excursions. Rain falls in summer, but will likely be in short showers.
Daytime 11–18°C (52–64°F)
(MARCH – APRIL)
Guests may continue to partake in all the excursions. They may also see rare fungi turning colors, and the birds gathering on the bayshore to migrate north, including the mileage record holders, the Hudsonian Godwits.
Daytime 9-15°C (48–59°F)
(MAY – SEPTEMBER)
The hotel is closed May 1-Sept 30 due to less reliable weather conditions. Winter enthusiasts might check out our sister hotel, the famous Portillo Ski Resort, just a 2.5 hour drive from Santiago. A Portillo skiweek vacation is like none you’ve ever had before.
Daytime 4-11°C (39°F- 52°F)
Refugia Chiloé is located on Chiloé Island in the Chiloé Archipelago, off the coast of northern Patagonia. The nearest airport is Mocopulli in Castro (MHC), 30 minutes drive away. Commercial flights from Chile’s capital, Santiago, land daily. Flight time is approximately 2 hours.
Refugia Chiloé commands its hilltop perch with two shingle-clad guest wings stretched wide. Considered architecture combines local tradition with contemporary design, culminating in an inspired shelter that both respects and honors the pristine surrounds.
Step Inside
With Refugia Chiloé as a luxury base, navigate the archipelago on boating or kayaking escapades, uncover UNESCO cultural treasures, cycle or trek through scenic landscapes, bask in the verdant forests and embark on horseback odysseys.
Plan Your Pilgrimage
A warm cocoon nestled beneath the hotel, Uma Spa is the perfect place to rest, reflect and recover after a day of discovery, promising guests a physical and spiritual refuge and a menu of signature treatments to revitalise body and soul.
Heaven awaits
