Choose from 6 Fun Things to Do in Puerto Montt
Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is popular as the smaller, less accessible port town just 15 minutes from Puerto Montt, overlooking beautiful Lago Llanquihue and the snowcapped peak of Osorno Volcano.
The pretty city attracts active travelers with wonderful hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing opportunities; you could arrange to scale that magnificent volcano if you have the time. But Puerto Varas is a cultural gem as well, with its wonderful German architecture exemplified by the red, wooden spires of the hilltop cathedral. The city is also well known for its German-accented cuisine, in particular the tasty kuechen, or cakes, just desserts after a busy day exploring the countryside.
Practical Info
Isolated from the ocean, Puerto Varas lies on the shores of Lago Llanquihue. It is accessible by land from the larger city of Puerto Montt, with flights to Santiago and other Chilean cities, regular ferry connections up and down the coast, and buses throughout the region. Minibuses make the 15-minute trip between Puerto Montt's main terminal and central Puerto Varas throughout the day.
You can also cross to Bariloche, Argentina via Lago Todos los Santos, from Puerto Varas.
Chiloe Island
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Osorno Volcano
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Angelmo
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Lake Todos los Santos
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Puerto Montt Cruise Port
How to Get to Puerto Montt
Puerto Montt is a tender port – you will actually get to shore via large, flat-bottomed tender boats that dock at the Puerto Angelmo fishing cove. From there, you can walk into the city. Buses for shore excursions usually pick up in the parking lot adjacent to the dock.
One Day in Puerto Montt
Like many smaller South American ports, visiting Puerto Montt is about enjoying the natural surroundings – there isn’t much to keep you in the city itself.
Go water skiing on Lake Llanquihue or try your hand at fly fishing on the Maullin River. Soar 125 feet above ground on the Osorno Canopy Zipline while enjoying views of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Experience the thrill of rafting on class III and IV rapids on the Petrohue River. Canoeing, hiking and biking are all great options as well.
For those who prefer to relax, you can spend the day simply checking out the Feria Artesenal Angelmo arts and crafts market (one of the best places in Chile to pick up knitted sweaters and leather goods), picnicking on Pelluco Beach or exploring the nearby German village, Frutillar.
Port Information
The official language is Spanish, but limited English may be spoken by those working in the tourism industry. The local currency is the Chilean peso. ATM's are available throughout the city or you can look for a “casa de cambio” to change US dollars to pesos or cash traveler’s checks. Credit cards are widely accepted.