Best time to visit Chile

Dock of Souls (Muelle de las Almas) in Chile

A mystical and philosophical dock installation on Chiloe Island

Best time: December–March

Dock of Souls (Muelle de las Almas)
Dock of Souls (Muelle de las Almas)
Dock of Souls (Muelle de las Almas)

Chiloé's Dock of Souls is an unusual art installation based on local mythology. The curved boardwalk was built in 2007 by architect Marcelo Orellana. It spans 17m along the stunning seashore and disappears off a tall cliff into the Bay of Cucao.

Mapuche people once occupied all of south-central Chile and parts of neighbouring Argentina. According to one of Mapuche legends, lost souls must be aided by Tempilcahue to get to the afterlife or they will wander around forever. The Tempilcahue, according to Mapuche, are four whales who were once four old women turned into fantastic sea creatures. Their job was to carry the souls of the dead over the sea. In Chiloé’s variant of the legend, the Tempilcahue is a cantankerous ferryman.

Chiloé Island is located in the far northern reaches of Patagonia, tourists don't know too much about this destination. However, it's popular with Chileans for its folklore and natural beauty. Chiloé’s wooden churches are UNESCO World Heritage sites. To get to the island you can rent a car in Castro or take a bus to Cucao village. The Parque Nacional Chiloé is located in 2-3 hours by foot from the village.

The best time to visit Chiloé's 'Dock of Souls' weather-wise is summer, from December through March.

Practical info

What is the Dock of Souls and where is it located in Chile?

Marcelo Orellana, an architect, created the Dock of Souls, an art installation based on local mythology. It is a 17m span on the shore of Chiloé Island, Chile, and it plummets off a tall cliff into the Bay of Cucao, which is in northern Patagonia. Chiloé Island is well-known for its local folklore, natural beauty, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Chiloé’s wooden churches. Show more

What is the legend behind the Dock of Souls in Chiloé Island?

There's a variant of Mapuche mythology in Chiloé Island, where the souls of the lost are aided in reaching the afterlife by the cantankerous ferryman, Tempilcahue. The dock is also symbolic of fishermen displaced souls who never came back from the sea. Chiloé Island's Dock of Souls has become globally renowned due to its unique design, making it a must-see attraction in the area. Show more

What are the other popular tourist spots in Chiloé Island apart from the Dock of Souls?

Chiloé Island is famous for several tourist attractions, including the Penguin Colony of Puñihuil, Parque Nacional Chiloé, the vibrant houses of Castro, and Ancud Fort. Additionally, Chiloé Island is recognized for its authentic curanto, a seafood, meat, and vegetable stew, as well as distinct folklore, both of which make it a unique cultural experience. Show more

How can one reach Chiloé Island from mainland Chile?

To reach Chiloé Island, one can rent a car in Castro or take a bus to Cucao village. Visitors can explore the island by foot, rent a car, or take a ferry to other islands. The nearest major airport is El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt. From there, one can rent a car or take a bus to reach the island. Show more

What is the best time to visit the Dock of Souls in Chiloé Island?

Chiloé's Dock of Souls is best visited during the summer season, from December through March. During this period, the weather is ideal for exploring the island's natural beauty, and visitors can participate in summer festivals and activities. It is vital to note that peak season may attract a large crowd, so travelers desiring a quiet experience may prefer to visit in spring or fall instead. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin