Feb-2014
The penguins of Chiloé
The “Monumento Natural Islotes de Puñihuil” is situated at 27 km away from the city of Ancud. There are three islands which share the same purpose: keeping the penguins safe from extinction. Of the eighteen species of penguins living in our world, ten can be found in Chile. There are two of those species living in Puñihuil: the Magallanes penguin and the Humbolt penguin.
How do I get there?
First of all you have to be in Chile, in the surroundings of Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. At the bus terminal in Puerto Montt or Copec you can get on a bus (Cruz del Sur) for CLP $5.000 which brings you to the island of Chiloé. The bus takes the ferry and it’s a pretty enjoyable ride which takes up to about 2 hours. Once you’re there at the bus station of Ancud in Chiloé you can find a little travel agency which sells tours to Puñihuil for CLP $10.000. You should have some time to buy one of the local empanadas before leaving with the tour. Just walk out side the bus terminal and follow your nose. Really! You’ll find the empanada place!
Viewpoints
The tour brings you to a viewpoint for a few minutes to begin with and after that you’ll arrive at the beach where you have time to walk up to another viewpoint. From that beach a boat leaves after about an hour of free time. It was interesting for me to see the way they bring the people to the boats.
Can you spot the sleepy seal?
penguin party
The boat takes you up to the tiny islands where the penguins live. If you’re lucky you might also spot a seal. The guide on the boat explains about the penguins while your trying to take the best photo of these cute animals.
Ancud
After the tour, when you’re back in the center of Ancud you should definitely walk around for a bit before you take the bus back to Puerto Montt.
Buy the bus tickets in advance though, because I had to wait for some hours since all the buses were full. It’s good to get to Chiloé early in the morning and take the bus back at around 7pm.
Muchas gracias Pepe para llevarme a este lugar, fue genial!
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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