Tours and Activities:

A Strong City

We toured around the main sights in Ancud, which show its history and its present.

Ever since its origins, Ancud has represented a key spot on Chiloé Island. Its strategic location as regards communication with the mainland has defined its function as a fort and a port in the traffic of ships heading for the South Pacific and Cape Horn. In the late XIXth century, the peak of wood commerce encouraged the settlement of European colonists and urban development.
This past has been printed on its streets, which unveil history as visitors walk along them and see the most emblematic sites.

Located on Baquedano Street, the Aurelio Bórquez Canobra Regional Museum rescues historical objects, mythological figures and handicrafts from the island. But, in addition to these samples, there is a room dedicated to prestigious writer Gabriela Mistral. Likewise, one of its yards features a replica of the Ancud schooner, which conquered the Strait of Magellan in 1843.
The city cathedral stands opposite this important institution. Located on Errazuiz Street, this building is a beautiful architectural example in the region, with the classical wooden tiles that set a style of its own.

Walking to the Sea

After touring around Baquedano Street, visitors may take Antonio Burr Street to go up to the Mount Huaihuén vantage point. This is the most impressive panoramic point in the city, from where the Chacao Channel, Cochinos Islet, the shore, the cliffs and the Carelmapu schooner may be observed.
To the North, the Maullín coast and its rocks and islets may be appreciated in the core of Coronados Gulf. On the opposite side, Ahuí and Corona Points appear next to the ruins of the forts.

Another important site in town is the esplanade in Fort San Antonio, sheltered by brass cannons that dominated the entrance to the port. It was in this fort, built in 1770, that the Spanish flag was hoisted for the last time in Chile, with the surrender of the Spanish army in January 19, 1826.
Bellavista Street leads to the fort powder magazine and ends at the Arena Gruesa Beach spot, a very popular place in the summer and an excellent ending for this tour.

See also: Hotels in Ancud and other accommodation venues