There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Castro into a quick city adventure. From MHC, the local transport can get you into town in around 60 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave MHC:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Chile. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Castro takes about 60 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Exploring Castro on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Castro, two standouts are:
- Palafitos de Gamboa — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
- Iglesia San Francisco de Castro — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside MHC, you can spend time at Enjoy the Chilote Scenery or try Souvenir Kiosk browsing. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near MHC
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Castro: Restaurant Donde Eladio and Octopus Restaurant. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Café Mocopulli or Snack & Beverage Kiosk. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
The Best Way Into Castro from MHC
The most straightforward way into Castro is the local transport, which takes about 60 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 80 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Quick budget math for your Castro layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at MHC can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Castro for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at MHC for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Castro or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at MHC include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Chile also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Castro count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave MHC. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.