Choose from 6 Fun Things to Do in Puerto Montt
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Chiloe Island
Chiloe Island, also known as Isla Grande de Chiloé, is one of 30 islands that make up the Chiloe archipelago in the Lakes Region of southern Chile. It is the first island you see when you cross the Chacao Channel by ferry. The island is well known for its palafitos, which are colorful wooden houses on stilts along the water's edge. There are also more than 150 iconic wooden churches from the 18th and 19th centuries, and 16 of them are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Chiloe archipelago remained isolated from the rest of Chile until nearby Puerto Montt was founded in the mid-19th century. As a result, the area has a distinct culture that includes mythology based on witchcraft. You'll also find unique cuisine on the islands that is different from other parts of the country.
Aside from learning about the culture, visitors also come to Chiloe Island to explore the landscape. The island has rolling hills and farmland to the north and dense forest in the south. Animal sightings are a popular attraction as well. Visitors sometimes see Chilote foxes, humpback whales, and hundreds of species of birds. Tantauco Park, in the southern part of the island, has a large network of hiking trails where visitors can be closer to nature.
Practical Info
From Puerto Montt, you can reach Chiloe Island by taking a bus that crosses the Chacao Channel by ferry to Castro. Castro is about 4 hours from Puerto Montt.
Address: Chiloé Island, Los Lagos Region, Chilie, Chile
From $ 74
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.
Address: Ruta 5, Puerto Varas, Chile
Admission: Free
From $ 35
Lake Todos los Santos
Lago Todos los Santos, or All Saints Lake, is located within Vicente Perez Rosales National Park in the lakes region of southern Chile. Sometimes it is referred to as Lago Esmeralda, which means Emerald Lake, due to its emerald green color. It is one of the biggest attractions in the national park. The lake was formed by glacial and volcanic activities. It is covers an area of about 69 square miles, and it has a maximum depth of about 1,105 feet. The lake flows into the Petrohué River and the Petrohué Waterfalls.
Visitors come to Lake Todos los Santos for boating, kayaking, rafting, swimming, and fishing. You can also enjoy hiking near the lake and watching for native animals in the area. From the lake, you can also see Osorno Volcano, Puntiagudo Volcano, Tronador Volcano. The lake has two ports, Peulla and Petrohue, which are part of the Lakes Cross, connecting Puerto Varas to Argentina.
Practical Info
Lake Todos los Santos is located within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, which is 44 miles from the town of Puerto Varas and connected by bus. The closest airport is Puerto Montt. Park entrance is 1200 Chilean pesos (US$2) for adults. Children ages 12 and under are free. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm in the summer and 9am to 5:30pm in the winter.
Address: Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Puerto Varas, Los Lagos Region Chilie, Chile
Hours: Summer 9am-6pm, Winter 9am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults 1200 Chilean Pesos, Children Under 12 Free
From $ 42
Osorno Volcano
Nicknamed the King of the South, snow-capped Osorno Volcano is one of Chile’s most visible landmarks. Towering over Lake Todos Los Santos and Lake Llanquihue, the conical volcano can be seen from as far off as Chiloé. The volcano’s near perfect shape is the result of some 40 craters scattered along its base. The volcano has erupted 11 times during the 18th and 19th centuries, but always in these craters; never at its peak.
Today, a windy road leads visitors to the base of a ski resort, where chairlifts ferry passengers to a point near the volcano’s peak — a worthwhile excursion even for non-skiers simply for the stellar views of the alpine lake below. Experienced climbers can make the full-day trek to the summit of Osorno.
Practical Info
Osorno Volcano is snow-capped year round, so be sure to bring layers to wear at the top.
Address: Puerto Montt, Los Lagos, Chile, Chile
From $ 34
Puerto Montt Cruise Port
Puerto Montt is located at the southern end of Chile’s Lake District, but you might feel like you have been transported across the ocean to Germany when you arrive. German settlers founded the city in 1852, bringing their architecture, customs and cuisine – and the influence is still apparent today. Squeezed among lakes, rivers and volcanoes, this small city offers enough outdoor activities to keep you busy for weeks.
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.
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.
Address: Puerto Montt, Patagonia, Chile
From $ 48
Angelmo
Located at the west end of Puerto Montt, the small fishing port of Angelmo got its name — according to local legend — from the mispronunciation by indigenous locals of the name of a local doctor, Angel Montt, when the town was first getting established.
Avenida Angelmo leads toward the port, lined with seafood restaurants and crammed with vendors selling handicrafts and souvenirs. Popular items include knickknacks made from the Alerce tree, a species native to Chile’s Lake District, as well as bottles of Licor de Oro. A fish market right on the banks of the bay sells the fresh catches brought in from local fishing boats, and restaurants — some built on stilts over the water — serve some of the best quality seafood in the area.
Practical Info
Angelmo is located just under 2 miles (3 kilometers) west of downtown Puerto Montt. The walk takes about 30 minutes.
Address: Av Angelmó, Puerto Montt, Los Lagos, Chile, Chile
From $ 27