Chiloé

I am an island hiding in a soft, cozy blanket of mist. I float in the big, cool sea. Green hills roll on my back like a sleepy giant. On my shores, pretty houses stand on long wooden legs. They look like they are dipping their toes in the water. I am a place full of happy secrets and gentle whispers from the wind. I am the island of Chiloé.

A very long time ago, brave people lived here. They were called the Chono and Huilliche people. They paddled their little boats in my waters and told stories about the tall trees and the big ocean. Then, one day long ago, in the year 1567, big ships came from a faraway place called Spain. The people on the ships built wonderful churches. They made them all out of wood, like building with blocks. They were so smart they built them without using a single metal nail. It was like a puzzle. Soon, my island was filled with stories from the first people and the new people, all mixed together like colors in a painting.

My wooden churches are a very special treasure. On November 30th, in the year 2000, people from all over the world said my churches were so important that we must always take care of them. I feel so happy when friends come to visit me. They see my colorful houses and my beautiful churches. They listen to my magical stories and feel the soft mist on their cheeks. I am a warm, wonderful home, and I love to share my magic with you.