Achao facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Achao
Villa de Santa María de Achao
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Panoramic view of Achao from Alto La Paloma lookout in 2011.
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| Country | Chile |
| Region | Los Lagos |
| Province | Chiloé |
| Founded as | Villa de Santa María de Achao |
| Founded | 1753 |
| Population
(2005)
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| • Total | 3,452 |
| Demonym(s) | Achaino/a |
| Time zone | UTC−4 (CLT) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−3 (CLST) |
Achao is a charming town located on the Chiloé Archipelago, a group of islands in southern Chile. It's the main town of the Quinchao area, found on Quinchao Island itself.
Achao sits on flat land right by a shallow, sandy beach. It is surrounded by beautiful green hills. Across the water from the town, you can see the smaller islands of Llingua and Linlín. The nearby hills offer amazing views from places like the Alto de la Paloma lookout.
This town is the most important place on the Chiloé Archipelago outside of the main Chiloé Island. Because of this, many people from the smaller islands visit Achao. They come here for school, to shop, or to take care of business.
Every summer, Achao hosts a special event called the Chiloé folklore festival. It's also known as Encuentro de las Islas del Archipiélago. This festival celebrates the traditional culture of the Chiloé islands. You can enjoy local customs, music, and delicious food.
The houses in Achao are famous for their unique architecture. Many roofs are covered with a special type of wood tiling made from larch trees. This gives the town a very distinct and traditional look.
Discover the Historic Church of Achao
Right in front of Achao's main plaza, you'll find the Church of Santa María de Loreto, Achao. This church is also known as Iglesia de Santa María de Loreto de Achao in Spanish. It's one of 16 Churches of Chiloé that are very important.
In 1979, these churches were named National Monuments of Chile. Later, on November 30, 2000, UNESCO declared them World Heritage Sites. This means they are recognized globally for their special cultural or historical value.
The Church of Achao is the oldest wooden church in all of Chile. It's also one of only two churches built by the Jesuits that still stand today. The other is the Church of Quinchao. Construction of the Church of Achao started around 1740. At that time, the Chiloé Archipelago was still part of Spain's lands.
The church was finished in 1770 by Franciscan missionaries. They came from the Santa Rosa de Ocopa school in Peru. This happened after the Jesuits left in 1767. Today, the church is part of the Diocese of Ancud.
See also
In Spanish: Achao para niños
