Dalcahue

Dalcahue sits on the channel between the main island and Quinchao, and its church of Nuestra Senora de los Dolores, built in the nineteenth century with a nine-arched portico, is one of the sixteen Chiloe churches inscribed by UNESCO in 2000. Beside it is the feria, a covered craft market where women from the surrounding islands sell wool, knitwear and woven work, busiest on Sunday mornings when the sellers come in by boat. The pier is the departure point for the ferry to Quinchao and Achao, and for boats to the smaller islands of the inner archipelago.

The main sights

• An inscribed timber church - with a nine-arched portico.
• A covered craft market - wool and weaving from the islands.
• Sunday as market day - sellers arriving by boat.
• The ferry to Quinchao - and boats to the smaller islands.

When to go

December to March; Sunday morning for the market. Half a day.

Good to know

The market is much reduced outside Sunday and outside summer. Church opening is limited. Rain is frequent. Ferry timetables govern trips to the smaller islands.

Nearby

Achao is across on Quinchao; Castro is south-west.

Key facts