Church of Achao
Iglesia de Santa María de Loreto, Achao
The Church of Our Lady of Loreto on Quinchao Island, built around 1740, is the oldest surviving World Heritage wooden church in Chiloé.
The Church of Our Lady of Loreto in Achao was built by Jesuits between about 1740 and 1760. It is the oldest surviving church in Chiloé and one of the sixteen wooden churches on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The entire structure is made of Chilean cypress joined with wooden pegs, with almost no iron nails. The exterior is covered in wooden shingles, and the interior's barrel-vaulted blue-and-white ceiling, Baroque wooden altar and attic timber framing are well preserved, offering a view of the early Chiloé woodworking tradition. The church faces the central square of the town of Achao, which has a seaside walkway and a small pier, and a folk festival is held in February. From Dalcahue, take a free ferry for about 10 minutes to Quinchao Island, then drive about 30 minutes to Achao. From Castro the whole trip takes about 1.5 hours, and it can be combined with Curaco de Vélez into a half-day or full-day outing. Opening hours vary by season, and visitors should keep quiet during Mass.
Opening hours
About 10:00–18:00 (depends on season)
Nearby sights
- Curaco de Vélez
- Church of Rilán
- Church of Tenaún
- Dalcahue Church & Market
- Feria Lillo
- Lemuy Island Churches
- Mechuque Island
- Church of San Francisco, Castro