Introduction

In the middle of Parque Nacional Chiloé, located on the western coast of the island, you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in Chile and probably the most beautiful in this part of the country: Cole Cole. This protected area was created by the Chilean Ministry of National Heritage in 1982. The sector was originally inhabited by indigenous people, among them the Huilliches or Veliches. Currently it is 42,567 hectares in area and living in the neighbouring areas is a community descended from that group of indigenous people who conserve and practice ancient traditions, which you can see reflected in the way that they cultivate and fish. They also spend hours making artisanal products.

The park is covered in thick Valdivian forests with species of tree such as Arrayán, Tepa, Alerce, Olivillo, Quila, Coihue and Ciprés de las Guaitecas among other native species. In some area there are Tepualia and peat bogs. It is possible that you may see diverse species of fauna such as Darwin's fox (lycalopex fulvipes), Monito del Monte (dromiciops gliroides), and the Ratón Topo de Chiloé (notiomys valdivianus chiloensis).

If you wish to get to Cole Cole, you will have to walk north through forests and along beaches. It is quite a popular route for hikers given its fame and easy access. All along the route you will be able to enjoy the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal valleys. Even though you could complete this route in one day, we recommend that you spend a night in Cole Cole to have enough time to enjoy your surroundings. From this beach you can also complete other hikes which lead deeper into the evergreen forest within the park. One of these, the route to Rio Anai, leads to the river through a beautiful forest.

Appropriate season

All year around.

Access

Public Transport

From Castro Bus Terminal, take a bus for CLP$1500 (approx. USD$3) towards the sector of Cucao where you will find the Conaf offices. The buses leave every 30 minutes and the journey takes around 2 hours. The last return bus from Cucao leaves at 20:00.

In Cucao, after having registered at the visitors’ centre for the Parque Nacional Chiloé (for sector Chanquín) return to the road and continue north. After 2km you will reach the Chanquín Bridge. After 5km the road end. To this point you can go on foot or in public transport from Cucao, costing CLP$700 (approx. USD$1).

Private Transport

Take route CH-5 heading south for 24km along a paved road until coming to Notuco crossing, where you should take the turning to the right (southwest) to Huillinco/Cucao. From here continue along route W80 for 35km to the village of Cucao. On the other side of the bridge over the River Desaguadero, also known as River Cucao, is the main entrance to Parque Nacional Chiloé.

Continue for 5km until the end of the road. You can leave the car safely in a turning on the right by a small lake. Only fishermen and locals from Huentemó can park on the beach.

Permits / Prices

You will need to pay in the Conaf office in Cucao. The entry fees to the park are as follows: Chilean adult CLP$1500 (approx. US$3), Chilean child CLP$7500 (approx. US$1.50), foreign adult CLP$3000 (approx. US$6), foreign child CLP$1500 (approx. US$3), Chilean pensioner CLP$750 (approx. USD$1.50) and foreign pensioner CLP$1500 (approx. US$3).

Furthermore you must pay a fee of CLP$1000 (approx. USD$2) per person to enter the land belonging to the Huentemó community.

Accommodation / Facilities

In Cucao and Chanquín you can find various options such as campsites, B&Bs, lodges and hotels. There is also a campsite in Huentemó. In Cole Cole there is a Conaf refuge for up to 15 people; on the ground floor there is a toilet and a large dining table. The upper floor has two open rooms with bunkbeds. Beside the refuge there are areas to camp with tables, areas for fires and a bathroom (toilet and shower). Camping costs CLP$2000 (approx. USD$4) per person and the refuge costs CLP$4000 (approx. USD$8) per person.

Recommendations

• You can also visit Cole Cole beach for the day.

Gear

• Camping gear (stove, gas, pans and cutlery, food, etc.)
• Warm clothing for camping.
• Head torch.
• Sun-glasses, sun protection, first-aid kit, insect repellent.
• Swimwear, flip flops. 

Schedule

Normal Itinerary

1.  Castro – Cole Cole Beach
2.  Cole Cole Beach / Río Anai – Castro

Alternative Itinerary

1. Castro – Cole Cole Beach
2. Playa Cole Cole / Río Anai
3. Rio Anai – Castro