Activities
In Chepu, a wide range of activities awaits you — both on land and along the river — designed for all ages
Sunken Forest
One of Chiloé’s most mysterious and awe-inspiring landscapes. Born after the great earthquake of 1960, this submerged valley preserves the remains of an ancient native forest, whose petrified trunks rise from the waters of the Chepu River as silent witnesses of the past.
Exploring it slowly, gliding among the dead treetops reflected on the water, is a magical experience — a fusion of history, nature, and deep serenity.
Discover the Sunken Forest at dawn by kayak and let yourself be carried away by its mystical atmosphere, in rhythm with the gentle strokes of your paddles.
Kayaking
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Pier of Light
It is one of Chepu’s most emblematic spots — a small wooden pier nestled on the riverbank, where the landscape seems to stand still.
You can reach it after a peaceful boat ride from the main dock, gliding through calm waters surrounded by forests and birds.
At dawn, the first rays of sunlight illuminate the river’s surface and bathe the pier in golden reflections — hence its name.
Visiting it is an experience that invites contemplation and silence, an intimate encounter with the purest nature and with the light that makes the soul of the Chepu valley shine.
30 minutes by boat
15 minutes walking
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Birdwatching
Observing the flora and fauna of the Chepu River is to immerse yourself in one of Chiloé’s most vibrant and fascinating ecosystems. Along its calm waters and vast wetlands live black-necked swans, kingfishers, herons, coypus, and a great diversity of endemic birds.
The vegetation — lush and ever-changing with the light and tides — reveals the resilience of nature and its constant renewal through time.
Gliding along the river in silence allows you to witness the life that pulses between the forest and the water, and to understand why Chepu is such a unique sanctuary for biodiversity — and for those seeking to reconnect with nature.
A MUST-SEE for birdwatching.
Ahuenco Park
It is one of the best-preserved areas of Chile’s Coastal Mountain Range. Its ecosystem hosts a rich biodiversity, including native tepual forests — a species of great environmental value for its remarkable carbon capture capacity.
These forests act as “cold mangroves,” essential for climate regulation and coastal protection. In addition, the park is home to a colony of Humboldt and Magellanic penguins — one of the southernmost in the world — that visit the area between September and February.
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate - High
Distance: trails ranging from 8 km to 30 km
Aulén Beach
Located on the northwestern coast of Chiloé, this wild and almost secret spot reveals nature in its purest form. The beach unfolds between dunes and native forests, dominated by the impressive Aulén Rock, which rises above the sea to create a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape.
With its views of the Chepu River estuary and the surrounding forests, Aulen Beach is a jurassic-like site perfect for photography, birdwatching, and quiet contemplation. It’s an ideal refuge for those seeking tranquility, unforgettable scenery, and the feeling of exploring a place seemingly frozen in time
Chepu Little Train
Also known as the former logging railway, it stands as a living witness to Chiloé’s industrial and natural history. For decades, this old branch line transported timber from the native forests to the Chepu River. Today, it invites visitors to travel its tracks with a new perspective — that of the traveler seeking to connect with the place’s memory and enjoy its landscape.
Riding the train means embarking on a unique journey through misty forests, rivers, and wetlands, where time seems to move more slowly. Each curve along the route reveals details of Chiloé’s nature and the deep connection between history and the environment. It’s an ideal experience for those wishing to blend culture, nature, and light adventure — a charming and nostalgic ride through the heart of Chepu.
Duration: 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the trail.
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Distance: trails from 8 km to 30 km
Duatao-Chepu Trail
This route connects two of Chiloé’s most enchanting corners, offering an authentic experience of nature and adventure. Along the trail, you’ll cross native forests, wetlands, and small streams, breathing in the valley’s tranquility while listening to the songs of endemic birds.
Walking the Duatao–Chepu Trail means immersing yourself in Chiloé’s biodiversity, where every bend in the path reveals new landscapes and views of the Chepu River. It’s an ideal journey for those who enjoy slow hiking, observing flora and fauna, and experiencing a deep connection with nature — far from the noise, in a setting that blends history, culture, and scenic beauty.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate-High
Elevation gain: 600 mts
Distance: 16 kms
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