Ancud is the main town in northern Chiloé, and its big attraction lies 28 kilometres away: the Puñihuil islets, the only known place where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins share a breeding site, according to Wikipedia. Founded in the mid-18th century as San Carlos, it was the capital of Chiloé province until the second half of the 20th century (Wikipedia).
Ancud gets a lot of Google searches (27,100 a month in Chile, according to DataForSEO), but many travellers skip it on the way to Castro. It deserves at least a full day.
Things to do in Ancud: the highlights
| Puñihuil islets | 4.8 | 1,234 |
| San Antonio Fort | 4.6 | 7,360 |
| Ancud Regional Museum | 4.6 | 851 |
| Punta Corona lighthouse | 4.5 | 783 |
| Lechagua beach | 4.5 | 216 |
| Municipal Market | 4.4 | 1,726 |
| Place | What it is | Google Maps rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puñihuil islets | Natural monument with Humboldt and Magellanic penguins | 4.8 | 1,234 |
| San Antonio Fort | Spanish colonial fortification | 4.6 | 7,360 |
| Ancud Regional Museum | History and culture of Chiloé | 4.6 | 851 |
| Punta Corona lighthouse | Lighthouse at the entrance to the Chacao Channel | 4.5 | 783 |
| Lechagua beach | Town beach east of the centre | 4.5 | 216 |
| Municipal Market | Seafood, crafts and eateries | 4.4 | 1,726 |
Ratings and reviews from Google Maps, checked on 11 November 2026.
The Puñihuil penguin colonies near Ancud
Puñihuil Islets Natural Monument consists of three islets off the north-west coast of the Isla Grande, south-west of Ancud. Besides penguins, red-legged cormorants and kelp gulls breed there, and marine otters can be seen. Because visits disturb the birds, a municipal ordinance has limited the number of daily visits since 2009 (Wikipedia).
Boat trips leave from Puñihuil beach with local operators; one of the most reviewed on Google Maps is rated 4.7 with 995 reviews. Check the season and times with the operator before you go.
History in Ancud: San Antonio Fort and the museum
San Antonio Fort is a military fortification from Spanish colonial times and one of the town's top attractions (Wikipedia)). It is the most reviewed place in Ancud on Google Maps (7,360 reviews). A few blocks away is the Ancud Regional Museum, to understand the archipelago's history before heading south.
For the island's food and legends, see our guides to Chiloé: mythology, palafitos and food and to curanto.
How to get to Ancud
| From | How | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Montt | Direct bus, crossing by ferry | CLP 6,500 to 7,000 | Kupos |
| Santiago | Bus via Route 5 (1,124 km, about 14 hours) | From CLP 30,000 | Kupos |
| By car | Route 5 to Pargua and ferry to Chacao | Per ferry fare | Wikipedia |
The Chacao Channel is 14 nautical miles long and is crossed by ferries between Pargua, on the mainland, and Chacao, on the Isla Grande (Wikipedia). Bus fares checked on Kupos on 11 November 2026. If you are starting from Puerto Montt, see also things to do in Puerto Montt.
When to visit Ancud
Summer is the best season for the penguin colonies and the most stable weather, although it rains year-round in Chiloé. That is also when cruise ships call at the island, as we covered in the Chiloé cruise season.
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Ancud in one day?
The Puñihuil penguin colony in the morning, and San Antonio Fort, the Regional Museum and the Municipal Market in the afternoon.
Where to see penguins in Chiloé?
At the Puñihuil islets, 28 kilometres from Ancud, where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins breed.
How much is the bus from Puerto Montt to Ancud?
Between CLP 6,500 and 7,000 one way on Kupos, as checked on 11 November 2026.
