A Backpacker Guide To Farm Life In Chiloe, Chile

A Backpacker Guide To Farm Life In Chiloe, Chile
Arakita
Arakita 
Published
| 4 min read

When it comes to bucket-list places to visit, Chile should be on everyone’s list. Whether it’s the beauty of Patagonia’s snow-capped mountain, the long mountain range of Andes, or the authentic vineyards of Santa Cruz and Valparaiso, there’s something for every adventurer. Located in the southern part of Chile, Chiloe is also part of Patagonia, a region filled with diverse natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world.

While living on a farm may not be a practical option for all of us, you can experience farm life in Chiloe. Thanks to vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb, we now have more unique accommodation options like farmhouses and cabins, as an alternative to a traditional hotel.

The beauty of Chiloe

Chiloe, Chile

There are many towns you can choose from on the big island of Chiloe. Namely Dalcahue – a port town connecting most islands in Chiloe, Castro – a central hub of Chiloe, and Achao – a simple town filled with cabins and farms along the shore. I recommend the latter as there’s nothing like waking up in a cabin next to a farm, overlooking the ocean. And that’s exactly what you’ll get in Achao, Chiloe.

Unlike other popular destinations in the southern part of Chile such as Villarica, Chiloe is less touristy. You’ll find pockets of tourist destinations but most parts of the island are still pristine and untouched. And instead of tall hotel buildings, you’ll only find vacation rentals where you get to live like locals.

Where to stay in Chiloe

Cabin in Achao, Chiloe

Achao is located in the central part of Chiloe, about 30 minutes away from the port of Dalcahue. There are many cabins for rent along the main road, some of them are also available to book through Airbnb. I chose Martin’s cabin, mostly for the view and it did not disappoint! The view of the sunrise from here is just amazing. You get to enjoy this from your private bedroom’s balcony. A perfect setting for your morning coffee or tea time.

Instead of a backyard, you’ll have pasture land right next to the cabin. Once in awhile, you’ll hear cows mooing while strolling around and eating fresh grass. Speaking of cows, there’s something you need to keep in mind if you decide to drive around. Beware of cow-crossing signs on the road, as it warns you of potential cows roaming around the street from one pasture land to another!

Martin, like most locals you’ll meet in Achao, is super friendly. He lives on the other side of the farm with his family and his dogs, which you’ll occasionally see walking around the cabin. Please note that most people here don’t speak English, so you might want to practice a little bit of conversational Spanish before your visit.

Rent Martin's cabins

47 USD per night

Getting around

On a bus in Chiloe

Despite being an island of small towns, transportation is not a problem in Chiloe. Of course, the easiest way is to rent a car and drive around yourselves. But there’s a more affordable option, especially for backpackers: getting on a bus. There’s at least one route for every big town in Chiloe. And most of the routes stop in Castro, the biggest town on the island.

There are bus stops along most main roads. You’ll see a big sign of the bus’s destination right in front, usually next to the driver. You’ll find a bus for each route every 10-20 minutes. But on weekends, you may have to wait for an hour for the next bus, so do try to plan your itinerary accordingly.

The bus fare is quite affordable. It starts from 500 CLP (0.6 USD), which is applicable for short rides (up to a mile or 2 km away). From Achao to Dalcahue (or vice versa), you only need to pay 1,400 CLP (1.75 USD). And even to the furthest destination, from Achao to Ancud for example, the fare is only 4,400 CLP (5.5 USD). That is cheap for a 56-mile (90-km) ride.

Places to eat and shop

Dalcahue Market

While dining options in Chiloe are mostly limited to local eateries, Castro has tons you can explore. From familiar brunch cafes to a Japanese restaurant, you’ll find plenty to choose from. The best part is, most bus routes stop in Castro! So, whichever part of Chiloe you choose as a place to stay, you can get here easily.

For cheaper options, you can always cook your own meals as most cabins and farmhouses come with a full kitchen. There’s usually a supermarket close to each town’s park or Plaza de Armas, making it easy to shop for groceries. When it comes to shopping for local souvenirs, I recommend visiting a local market in Dalcahue. You’ll find plenty of options for authentic, hand-made things, mostly made of wool. Make sure you save a space for a hand-woven wool sweater to take home as a gift or for yourself!

Important things to prepare

The climate in Chiloe

In Chile, the further south you go, the cooler the temperature is. Even during summer, I still need to make a fire in the fireplace to not freeze in the morning. So, make sure to pack warm clothes, such as jackets and sweaters. That said, the sun can be pretty strong here, especially in the summer. You should also pack a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

While most big stores and restaurants accept payment by card, having some cash with you wouldn’t hurt since ATMs are only available in town centers. You may need to pay some stuff like bus and boat fares in cash, preferable on the exact amount. Occasionally, you’ll also find bars and local eateries that only accept cash.

Chiloe, the land of the peaceful

Chiloe is nothing like the country’s capital, Santiago. Being over 700 miles (1200 km) apart makes them different in climate, cuisine, and even culture. Dare we say visiting South America is not complete without a week or two in Patagonia. With this guide, you’re one step closer to that peaceful and beautiful farm life we’ve been dreaming of.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Arakita is traveling slowly from one place to another and taking her time to get to know the local culture and history. She comes from a community where nomadic life is not a concept people truly...Read more

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