Isla Bruja Lodge

Chiloé


Hidden away on the shores of the Palidad estuary southwest of Queiién, 15km or so from Ruta 5, a young Chilean-American couple have turned their cozy home into a wonderful and tasteful getaway. Homespun hospitality abounds, whether by Francisco and Marie or their domesticated sheep Torpé (abandoned by her mother and raised here). Hiking and mountain-biking excursions are possible from here.

Hardwoods throughout the home give it a cabin-in-the-woods feel and you can see dolphins in the estuary right from the comforts of the outdoor hot tub (included in the price along with kayaks and bikes). It's popular with sailors, who ride right up, and mountain bikers, who hit the trails with Francisco. A new two-bedroom cabaña and two secluded palofitos de bosque (treehouses!) offer more privacy.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chiloé attractions

1. Santa Maria de Rilán

22.94 MILES

Rilán's Santa Maria de Rilán church, one of Chiloé's Unesco-listed houses of worship, is fashioned from a potpourri of the island's native hardwoods…

3. Museo Regional de Castro

26.53 MILES

This museum, half a block south from Plaza de Armas, houses a well-organized collection of Huilliche relics, musical instruments, traditional farm…

4. Iglesia San Francisco de Castro

26.65 MILES

Italian Eduardo Provasoli chose a marriage of neo-Gothic and classical architecture in his design for the elaborate Iglesia San Francisco, one of Chiloé's…

5. Puente Gamboa Mirador

26.76 MILES

The east side of the bridge into town offers the best viewpoint for Palofitos Gamboa.

6. Iglesia Santa María de Loreto

27.06 MILES

Achao's 18th-century Jesuit church, on the south side of the Plaza de Armas, is Chiloé's oldest (1740). Crowned by a 25m tower, the World Heritage site…

7. Museo de Achao

27.12 MILES

Museo de Achao highlights aspects of the Chono people of Achao and other indigenous groups in Chiloé. Wood products, weavings, stones and plants used for…

8. Feria Alcalde José Sandoval Gomez

27.27 MILES

Castro's well-conceived fresh market, new in 2017, is located a bit off the beaten path but is worth a trip for its colorful architecture and wide range…