Castro Palafitos Guide
Castro Palafitos: Houses on Stilts, a Chilote Icon Guide
Discover the enchanting Palafitos of Castro, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a defining feature of Chiloé Island in Chile. These colorful wooden houses, built on stilts over the water, create a unique and picturesque landscape that is both captivating and culturally significant. More than just a pretty sight, the Palafitos represent the ingenuity and resilience of the Chilote people, who have adapted to the island's unique environment for centuries. The Palafitos of Castro emerged as a practical solution to the island's tidal conditions and limited land availability. Built primarily in the 19th and 20th centuries, these stilt houses allowed residents to live and work directly on the waterfront, taking advantage of the sea's resources. Over time, they became a symbol of Chilote identity and a testament to the island's rich maritime heritage. Today, many Palafitos have been converted into restaurants, shops, and accommodations, offering visitors a chance to experience this unique way of life firsthand. Explore the Palafitos by strolling along the waterfront promenade, admiring the vibrant colors and intricate details of the houses. Take a boat tour to get a closer look at the structures from the water. Many Palafitos now house restaurants where you can savor the flavors of Chilote cuisine. Be sure to try *curanto*, a traditional dish cooked in a hole in the ground with hot stones, seafood, meat, and vegetables. Other local specialties include *milcaos* (potato pancakes) and fresh seafood dishes.
Transportation
To reach Castro, you can fly into Mocopulli Airport (PMC) on Chiloé Island and then take a bus or taxi to Castro. From other parts of Chile, you can take a bus to Castro from cities like Puerto Montt. Once in Castro, the Palafitos are easily accessible on foot from the city center.