Chepu River & Sunken Forest
Chepu
A "drowned forest" of dead trees standing in water, created when the 1960 earthquake made the river valley sink. Paddling through it at dawn, with mist and birdsong all around, is an otherworldly experience.
The 1960 Valdivia earthquake caused the whole Chepu River valley to sink, letting seawater flood in and killing large stretches of forest. Today the silver-white dead trunks stand in the water, forming a unique wetland home to black-necked swans and many other waterbirds. Local eco-camps run dawn kayak tours that take you through the dead forest at sunrise. You can also hike to the Aulén viewpoint for views of the river mouth and the Pacific. Chepu lies in the northern section of Chiloé National Park. It is about 1 hour's drive from Ancud, and part of the route is dirt road.
Opening hours
Open all day (kayaking by reservation)
Nearby sights
- Pingüineras de Puñihuil
- Ancud & Fuerte San Antonio
- Museo de Arte Moderno Chiloé (MAM)
- Dalcahue Church & Market
- Palafitos de Castro
- Church of San Francisco, Castro
- Feria Lillo
- Church of Nercón