Castro

Where to stay

Budget hostels cluster tightly around the Plaza de Armas and the streets radiating from it, keeping you within walking distance of the main bus terminals and the colorful palafitos waterfront. Staying near the plaza means easy access to the Feria Artesanal Lillo and the old train displays at Plazuela del Tren, while the southern end near Plazuela Henriquez offers a slightly quieter view of the stilt houses.

Getting around

• Castro is the capital of Chiloé Province and the main transport hub for the island. The main bus terminal sits one block north of the plaza, with frequent connections to Puerto Montt on the mainland and local micros departing from the nearby Terminal Municipal for towns like Dalcahue and Chonchi.
• The palafitos, or stilt houses, are the island's iconic landmark. The best views are from the water via local tour boats near the port, or from the viewing point at the northern end of the Palafitos Montt, which saves you the boat fare.
• Chiloé has a unique cultural heritage. Visit the Museo Regional de Castro near the plaza for ethnography and archaeology, and the Museo de Arte Moderno de Chiloé in the Municipal Park for contemporary works, both offering deep insight into the island's identity.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest and quietest during the rainy winter months of June through August, when visitor numbers drop significantly. Prices peak during the Chilean summer holidays in December and January, as well as during Semana Santa, when domestic tourists flock to the island for its festivals and milder weather.