From one Town to Another

A short distance away from the city, visitors may see picturesque settlements that stand out not only for their natural environment but also for the traditions they keep intact, which reflect the cultural richness of the island. Only 4 kilometers to the North of the city, the Panamerican Road leads to Llau Llau, a colorful hamlet with tile roofs and a beautiful chapel, the only one not included as world heritage. The itinerary continues towards the Rilán Peninsula in order to reach Putemún, where a countryside restaurant uses small and rudimentary wooden pieces of machinery to make chicha, a local alcoholic drink of Mapuche origin based on apple juice.

The ideal moment to taste this beverage is during the regional festival held on the third Saturday and Sunday of February, when neighbors welcome tourists and share part of their criollo culture through typical dishes such as curanto, yoco, milcao, chochoca and gold liqueur, amongst other delicacies. The folklore of Chiloé is also displayed in this event by groups of dancers and singers from the island. Back on the road and after crossing the Puacura Bridge and turning right, an ancient wooden water mill that is still working may be observed 200 meters away. Another mill with similar characteristics stands at the 16th kilometer marker, before crossing the Hueñocoihue Bridge and following a detour to the left. The route moves on across soft hills until it reaches Dalcahue at the 20th kilometer marker. This is the area where the rafts await to cross to Quinchao Island. Its name derives from the word “dalca” which was used to call the primitive boats of chono origin built with three tied wooden boards. Apart from this characteristic, the site is known for its great historical importance, as it was in this place where the forces led by General Ramón Freire landed with the purpose of attacking Ancud but were defeated in the plains of Mocopulli. Nowadays, Dalcahue is a booming settlement whose economy revolves around cattle and lumber activities. However, its characteristics as intermediate and commercial port continue to be in force and may be appreciated every Sunday at the handicrafts market, which summons the dwellers of various islands and nearby villages.