Kawah Putih | Bandung

The Iglesia de Achao is a wooden church located in the town of Achao on the island of Chiloe, Chile.

Visual Characteristics

Constructed primarily from local timber, the church features a single nave with a gabled roof. Its exterior is painted a pale yellow with white trim around the windows and doors. The bell tower, situated at the front, is square and topped with a pyramidal roof. The interior is simple, with wooden pews and a painted altar.

Location & Access Logistics

The church is situated in the central plaza of Achao. Achao is accessible via the Chiloe Island highway (Ruta 5 Sur) and then provincial roads. From the city of Castro, it is approximately 45 kilometers east. Parking is available on the streets surrounding the plaza. Local buses operate from Castro to Achao, with stops near the plaza.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Iglesia de Achao began in 1728 and was completed in 1730. It is one of the oldest wooden churches on Chiloe Island and was built by the Jesuit missionaries. The church is a testament to the traditional Chilote carpentry techniques, utilizing native wood species.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the traditional wooden architecture. The interior of the church is accessible for quiet contemplation. The church is an active place of worship, and services are held regularly.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not directly within the church but are available in the vicinity of the plaza. Shade is provided by mature trees surrounding the plaza. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available in Achao. Food vendors and small cafes are located around the central plaza.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is late morning or mid-afternoon when sunlight illuminates the facade. The months of December to March offer the most stable weather conditions. There are no tide-dependent access requirements.

Facts & Legends

The Iglesia de Achao is recognized as a National Monument of Chile and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Chiloe Churches site. A local legend suggests that the church was built with wood from a single, exceptionally large tree, though this is unverified.

Nearby Landmarks

• Plaza de Achao (0.0km Central)
• Ferry Terminal Dalcahue (15.0km Northwest)
• Museo de Arte Moderno Chiloé (Castro) (45.0km West)
• Iglesia de Castro (45.0km West)
• Parque Nacional Chiloé (50.0km East)