Activities
Trails
Surrounding Cabañas Arrayanes de Huillinco, you’ll find trails perfectly suited for immersing yourself in Chiloé’s native forest. A must-visit is Tepuhueico Park and its iconic “Cathedral of Arrayanes” trail, where these striking red-trunked trees form a breathtaking natural cathedral, with specimens that can reach over 25 meters in height.
For even more hiking adventures, don’t miss the Muelle de las Almas Trail and the Muelle del Tiempo Trail in Cucao, as well as the trails winding through Chiloé National Park featuring stretches of lush temperate rainforest, boardwalks, and sweeping coastal dunes.
Coasts & Lakes
Surrounding Cabañas Arrayanes de Huillinco, the landscape unfolds between shimmering inland lakes and the wild, untamed Pacific coast. On one side, Lakes Huillinco and Cucao shape a world of wetlands, tranquil shores, and native forest an ideal setting to explore at a leisurely pace, breathe in the pure air, and feel the most authentic essence of Chiloé.
To the west, heading toward Cucao, the open coastline reveals itself: dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops carved by the sea, Pacific winds that sculpt the vegetation, and sweeping stretches of beach and dunes that shift with the light and the tide. Where rivers meet the ocean and coastal lagoons shimmer in between, the Chiloé coast blends raw power and profound silence into a truly one-of-a-kind landscape the perfect place to disconnect and discover nature in its purest form.
Churches & Chapels
Chiloé is a remarkable circuit of heritage churches 16 wooden temples that form part of the “Churches of Chiloé” UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 2000), celebrated for their distinctive wooden religious architecture and their living cultural significance.
From Cabañas Arrayanes de Huillinco, you can begin with the closest ones, such as the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Chonchi and the Church of San Antonio in Vilupulli, then continue your journey through others in the same collection: Nercón, Castro, Rilán, Dalcahue (San Juan Bautista and Nuestra Señora de los Dolores), Achao, Quinchao, Tenaún, Colo, Caguach, Chelín, Ichuac, Aldachildo, and Detif best explored in stages, uncovering the unique Chiloé identity woven into each community along the way.
Birds of Chiloé
Chiloé is a true paradise for birdwatching. Its evergreen native forest, combined with wetlands and lakes, creates the perfect habitat for some truly emblematic species. A highlight not to be missed is Tepuhueico Park, renowned for its exceptional ornithological diversity along its trails, you may be lucky enough to spot the Magellanic woodpecker, the chucao tapaculo, and the black-throated huet-huet, among other southern species.
Just a few minutes away, the Huillinco and Cucao Lakes Nature Sanctuary is a standout for waterbirds, where the great grebe (huala) and the cocoi heron (garza cuca) are commonly seen, along with other herons and ducks depending on the season. And if you’re looking to add another top birdwatching spot on the island, Chiloé National Park offers excellent opportunities to encounter forest birds such as the chucao and the thorn-tailed rayadito.
Gastronomy
In the surroundings of Cabañas Arrayanes de Huillinco, Chiloé’s traditional cuisine is best enjoyed at family-run kitchens, cafés, and locally rooted restaurants. Must-tries include curanto, milcaos, chapaleles, and a variety of fresh seafood dishes, along with traditional sweets and flavors such as murta berries and kuchenes.
For dining nearby, the Huillinco/Chonchi area is home to welcoming spots like Café del Lago Huillinco and local restaurants. Heading toward Cucao, you’ll find cozy options to sample home-style Chiloé cooking. And if your journey takes you through Castro, the Mercado Municipal Lillo and the iconic palafitos waterfront district make for a wonderful stop perfect for strolling, picking up local products, and enjoying a taste of authentic Chiloé.
Castro
Castro, the provincial capital of Chiloé, is a captivating blend of heritage, culture, and coastal scenery. Stroll along the iconic palafitos (stilt houses) and their viewpoints to watch the rhythm of the tides, and visit the Church of San Francisco de Castro a landmark of the city and part of the UNESCO World Heritage collection. For a piece of authentic Chiloé to take home, stop by the Feria Artesanal (Artisan Market).
To round out your visit, explore the Castro Regional Museum and the Chiloé Museum of Modern Art (MAM). For sweeping panoramic views, make your way up Cerro Millantuy, then complete the circuit with nearby churches and chapels including Llau-Llao, Vilupulli, Rilán, and the Church of Quilquico. And if you’re visiting in summer, the Festival Costumbrista Chilote in February is an absolute must.
Chonchi
Chonchi, known as the “City of Three Floors”, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the most traditional side of Chiloé. Don’t miss the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its stunning viewpoints overlooking the channel.
Savor the local cuisine at the town fair, or unwind at Café del Lago Huillinco, located just a short distance from our cabins. And for outdoor enthusiasts, a brand-new 10 km cycling path runs right along the edge of the property, connecting you to the breathtaking surrounding landscapes.
Huillinco
Huillinco is a peaceful corner of Chiloé, surrounded by native forest, wetlands, and the calm waters of Lake Huillinco — a landscape perfectly suited for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. The best way to experience it is by exploring the lake’s viewpoints and shorelines, practicing photography, and birdwatching. Depending on the season and local services available, you can also enjoy boat rides or kayaking on its tranquil waters.
Adding to its significance, Lakes Huillinco and Cucao have been declared a Nature Sanctuary, a recognition that highlights their exceptional value for biodiversity and conservation.
Lago Tarahuin
Lake Tarahuín is one of the most peaceful corners of the Chonchi municipality a perfect pause between native forest and silent shorelines. Located near Route 5, a few kilometers south of Chonchi, it is an ideal spot for photography, birdwatching, kayaking, and boat rides, with recreational fishing available in season. Its landscape of open meadows and lush vegetation makes it a wonderful place to truly switch off and unwind.
Cucao
Cucao is pure nature and the perfect gateway to experiencing the wildest side of the island. The highlight is Cucao Beach, ideal for long walks along the Pacific Ocean. Just nearby, Chiloé National Park awaits with trails and boardwalks that wind through native forest and wetlands all the way to the coast.
For truly iconic scenery, you can easily drive to landmarks such as the Muelle de las Almas (Dock of Souls) and the Muelle del Tiempo (Dock of Time). You can also discover the unspoiled beauty of Cole Cole Beach and the serene stillness of Tepuhueico Park places where you can connect with the Chiloé landscape at your own pace, with no rush at all.
Lago Tepuheico
Lake Tepuhueico is a wonderfully peaceful retreat in the heart of Chiloé, perfect for disconnecting amidst native forest and pure silence. Set within the surroundings of Tepuhueico Park, it is an ideal spot for boating, kayaking (subject to availability), and combining water adventures with trekking trails and viewpoints all at a leisurely pace, soaking in the landscape with no rush at all.
Lago Natri
Lake Natri is an ideal stop for those seeking a quiet, quintessentially Chiloé landscape, surrounded by green countryside and native forest. Its shores invite you to linger without rush, take photographs, and simply soak in the silence of the south. It is a wonderful destination for lovers of inland lakes and scenic back roads, where every bend in the path reveals a new and unexpected view.
