Chepu, Chiloé, Chile

Home sweet home. This is just about my favorite destination in Chile, “Los Senderos de Chepu,” on the big island of Chiloé. It is by far the best-equipped B&B in Chepu to visit for a few hours or for several days, which is always my choice. The attraction is a gorgeous location in a quiet setting surrounded by gardens, pastures, forest, river and ocean. Rooms are comfortable and with modern conveniences. Outdoor activities abound, including fishing, hiking, horseback riding, visiting penguins, or my favorite, relaxation.

The beautiful garden is full of color year around

Chepu is not a village, but an area located a few miles southeast of Ancud on the island of Chiloé. Several families live here, spread over many miles. There is a bus that serves the area three times per week.

Country church

The locals have modern conveniences and vehicles, but the ox cart is most practical for transporting items on the farm, especially firewood that is needed daily.

The grass is always greener on the other side. I watched as this cow carefully removed his head from the barbed wire.

“Reduce, Recycle, Reuse”

Comanche and Mariachi

In the dunes; Chepu River is in the background

We must cross some wetlands to get to the beach

Don Fernando, my host and guide. Across the river to the south is the Chiloé National Park, on the west coast of the island.

This is our destination, Elephant Rock

Pacific Ocean at Aulen Beach

Lichens at the beach

View from above, near the main house, looking south toward Chiloé National Park

In the forest, I set off on a muddy path down to the river, about 30 minutes away. I brought rubber boots two years ago and leave them at the main house. It’s all I use outdoors. 

Ferns in the forest

The trail ends at the river. Many trees died in 1960 when southern Chile was hit with the largest earthquake ever recorded (Richter 9.5) The epicenter was near Valdivia to the north, but the land in many areas sank several feet, causing the river to widen, drowning trees. This is a great area for fishing and bird watching.

My wonderful hosts during many visits to Chepu in a photo from 2012: Señora Enriqueta, Don Fernando and daughter Vanesa, who is almost finished with her medical studies.