• With areas pretty much as they were when Darwin wandered through, hiking in any of the National Parks or simply around the house, is a must; whether following the coast around Estero Paildad, heading inland to the hills and lakes of Pio Pio or Hillinco, or taking to the tepu trees, their cool forests home to countless birds and wildflowers.

• Enjoying eating at Puerto Nativo’s: Fish soups, traditional BBQ, spit roast pork and lamb and endless shellfish caught fresh from the sea, including natural oysters, mussels, crabs and even sea urchins, are all part and parcel of Puerto Nativo fare. Add to these regular helpings of freshly-caught salmon, trout and rovalos and even home-smoked if preferred, fresh vegetables from the local market transformed into vegetarian dishes or tossed up into salads (note there is even a unique Chilote potato!), and it would seem fair to say that you’ll be spoilt for choice. For breakfast there is freshly-baked bread and jam accompanied by cheese and cold meats.

• Relax on Puerto Nativo’s beach (summer only).

• Take up position in the hammock, warmed by the wood-burning stove and looking out upon spectacular views across the bay.

• Trying your hand at writing – the surroundings are nothing less than inspirational.

• Tours to the island’s many cultural sights, including historic churches, museums, local towns, markets and stilted fishing villages. Top of these has to be the town of Chonchi and its Church of San Carlos, a listed monument.

• Shops and markets in the nearby towns, or the local craft fair, are pretty much guaranteed to produce some local handicrafts to take home.