Punihuil

Three small islets off the beach at Punihuil on Chiloe's western coast hold breeding colonies of both Humboldt and Magellanic penguins - the two species overlap here and nest on the same rocks - described as the only known shared breeding site of the two species. The islets are a protected natural monument and landing is prohibited; local boatmen, organised into a cooperative after years of unregulated trips, take visitors around them at a set distance. Sea otters, sea lions and cormorants use the same rocks. Outside the breeding season the penguins are at sea and the trip is not worth making.

The landscape

• Two penguin species on one colony - Humboldt and Magellanic together.
• A protected monument - landing on the islets is prohibited.
• Boats run by a local cooperative - at a set distance from the rocks.
• Otters, sea lions and cormorants - sharing the same islets.

When to go

October to March, while the penguins are ashore. Half a day.

Before you go

Outside the season there are no penguins and the trips do not run. Boats are cancelled in swell, which is frequent on this coast. The road out is gravel. Visits are from the boat only.

Nearby

Ancud is east; Chiloe national park is south along the coast.

Key facts