Chiloe is the second largest island in South America.
The Chilotes (as its inhabitants are called) enjoy a maritime climate, which means wet and rainy. Each side of the island enjoys its own particular microclimate, however. The western side of the island has wild, changeable weather, whereas the landward side has much milder weather and supports the farming, fishing, and ranching population.
Industry is limited, but tourists have taken notice of the area and are charmed by its Jesuit buildings (the order took special interest in the island), natural beauty, and nearly untouched national parks. The colorful palafitos in which the populace lives make for cheerful photo ops.
Charles Darwin's coment on this island was "In winter the climate is detestable, and in summer it is only a little better. I should think there are few parts of the world, within the temperate regions, where so much rain falls. The winds are very boisterous, and the sky almost always clouded: to have a week of fine weather is something wonderful." According to the GoSouthAmerica.about.com website, summer is the time to visit, but make sure to bring rain gear and dry clothes.
Chiloe is the second largest island in South America.
The Chilotes (as its inhabitants are called) enjoy a maritime climate, which means wet and rainy. Each side of the island enjoys its own particular microclimate, however. The western side of the island has wild, changeable weather, whereas the landward side has much milder weather and supports the farming, fishing, and ranching population.
Industry is limited, but tourists have taken notice of the area and are charmed by its Jesuit buildings (the order took special interest in the island), natural beauty, and nearly untouched national parks. The colorful palafitos in which the populace lives make for cheerful photo ops.
Charles Darwin's coment on this island was "In winter the climate is detestable, and in summer it is only a little better. I should think there are few parts of the world, within the temperate regions, where so much rain falls. The winds are very boisterous, and the sky almost always clouded: to have a week of fine weather is something wonderful." According to the GoSouthAmerica.about.com website, summer is the time to visit, but make sure to bring rain gear and dry clothes.
Okay, no thanks, BUT all of that rain DOES make for some BEAUTIFUL foliage! If it had blue skies more often...
ReplyDeleteAh the benefits of "virtual" vacationing - always sunny (unless of course you prefer a spot of rain). Darwin was a bit of a malcontent it seems. :)
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ReplyDeleteA comprehensive description of the island and the life can be found in "The Whale's Path" by Francisco Coloane.
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