Muelle de las Almas Guide
A Journey to the Afterlife: Reflect at the Muelle de las Almas Guide
The Muelle de las Almas, or Pier of Souls, is a unique and evocative sculpture located on the western coast of Chiloé Island. This wooden pier, built by local artist Marcelo Orellana Rivera, extends out towards the sea and is inspired by the local legend of a ferryman who carries the souls of the dead to their final resting place. It's a place of reflection, contemplation, and connection to the spiritual realm. The legend behind the Muelle de las Almas tells of a Pihuichen (a mythical creature) who would carry the souls of the deceased across the sea to their final destination. Families would have to pay the Pihuichen with a coin to ensure their loved one's safe passage. The pier serves as a symbolic representation of this journey and a reminder of the connection between the living and the dead. Visitors to the Muelle de las Almas can walk along the pier, take in the stunning views of the coastline, and reflect on the meaning of life and death. The site is particularly beautiful at sunset, when the sky is ablaze with color. The area surrounding the pier also offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the local flora and fauna. While there are no specific culinary offerings at the pier itself, nearby villages offer traditional Chilote cuisine.
Transportation
Reaching the Muelle de las Almas requires a bit of effort. From Castro, take a bus towards Ancud. Get off at the turnoff for Huentemó (ask the driver). From there, you'll need to either walk (approximately 2-3 hours) or hire a local taxi or transfer to take you to the trailhead leading to the pier. The walk from the trailhead to the pier itself is about 30-45 minutes and involves some uphill hiking. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions.