What is Chiloe Island known for?
Chiloé is an island of surprising cultural and natural wealth. Discover its picturesque palafitos, colorful stilt houses built on the water and enjoy the company of its warm population. Explore its mythical territory, colorful wooden churches, 16 of which were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Where is Chiloe Island located?
southern Chile
Chiloé Island, Spanish Isla Grande de Chiloé, island, southern Chile. It has an area of 3,241 square miles (8,394 square km). The island is the extension of Chile’s coastal mountain range, from which it is separated by the Chacao Strait.
How big is Chiloe?
3,241 mi²Chiloé Island / Area
What animals live on Chiloe Island?
Chiloé is an important island for Magellanic and Humboldt penguins, and is also home to black-necked swan, greenbacked firecrown, Patagonian tyrant, ringed kingfisher, silvery grebe and Chilean flamingo.
What are the houses like in La Isla Chiloe?
The houses in Chiloe are called “palafitos”, they are made entirely of wood and most of them are built above the water. The preparation for moving such a house takes time, as its foundations have to be cut and removed, then the frame of the house is hoisted onto the trunks of the trees.
What do families do to their houses during the minga de Chiloe?
On Chile’s island of Chiloé, when you move, the whole house comes with you. The very word minga embodies the heart of island life. It means “an exchange of help for benefit,” and can be applied to everything from helping your neighbor plow and plant potatoes, sheer their sheep, or even move their entire house.
What is La minga in Chile?
La minga de tiradura de casas is a tradition that dates back centuries. The term minga means requesting help while promising something in return, which is still a code that Chilotes live by.
What do teenagers in Chile like?
Teenagers in Chile like to get together at friends’ houses, go to movies, gather in the town square, or drink maté in the local café. Many Chilean schools offer few social and sports activities, therefore young people usually meet in recreational centers or in friends’ homes for their social events.
What is the lifestyle in Chile?
The central valley of Chile has a Mediterranean climate and is very pleasant year-round. The lifestyle here is more laid-back with a casual, slower pace of life in general. Amusement activities are not as readily available here though, so this area may be more attractive for retirees or those who work remotely.
What people in Chile do for fun?
Mountaineering. Volcan Lanin, one of the highest volcanoes in Patagonia’s “Ring of Fire”.
What is family life in Chile?
Chilean families are some of the smallest in Latin America, with most parents having one or two children. Chilean culture tends to be very family-focused, and children are taught to have a strong respect for their parents. Young people are not encouraged to be as independent as in other cultures.
Is Chile cheap to live?
Expats usually find the cost of living in Chile relatively affordable. That said, its political and economic stability still makes it one of the more expensive South American expat destinations, although prices fluctuate and vary around the country.