Puerto Montt Chile Tourism & Travel Information Hotels Tours Airport Transfers

Puerto Montt					Chile

Puerto Montt Travel Information

Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas

Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas are picturesque cities located in the Region of the Lakes (Region de Los Lagos) joined by 20 kms of highway and are located about 1000 kms south of Santiago de Chile (see Puerto Montt map). German architecture and breathtaking scenic views are characteristic of the cities.

Puerto Montt is a bustling administrative center that reaches neighboring Puerto Varas and is home to the all important fishing industry (salmon and seafood) and a good infrastructure comprised of commercial centers, hotels and gastronomy (see prices).

Puerto Montt, capital of the region, is located in the heart of Reloncavi. Tours to the south depart from its port and it’s also a stop on several international cruise itineraries. It is the gateway to several interesting tourist areas that house lakes, volcanoes, beaches, national parks, virgin rivers and thermal waters (see photos).

Navimag Ferries depart Puerto Montt on their way to navigating canals en route to the island of Chiloe, Puerto Chacabuco, San Rafael Lagoon and the final destination of Puerto Natales.

Puerto Veras is situated on the Riviera southeast of Lake Llanquihue, flanked by the Osorno Volcano. It is characterized by its emphasis on tourism and is home to numerous travel agencies, a developing gastronomical and hotel infrastructure, a modern gaming casino, beaches and numerous land and sea excursions.

The Paso Internacional Perez Rosales can be accessed from Puerto Varas. This International highway takes you to Bariloche (Argentina), several majestic volcanoes such as Osorno, Calbuco, Puntiagudo and the Cerro Tronador are visible along the way.

Hotels in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas

Hotels in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas have caught up to the level of development found in the region, many offer modern, elegant and luxurious establishments and services.

Most hotels in Puerto Montt are located in the central part of town and along Costanera avenue offering ocean views. Tepual Airport is located approximately 20 minutes away.

Hotels in Puerto Varas are located mostly in the central part of town or along the edges of Lake Llanquihue. Comfortable cabanas are another option that exists in Puerto Varas though these are usually reserved by local tourists.

Hotels in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas are typically booked throughout their peak season (December to March) we recommend that reservations are made as early as possible in order to assure availability.

Tours in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas

Tours in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas are geared towards observing the landscape, learning about the local flora and fauna, and practicing mountain sports, trekking is particularly popular.

The Puerto Montt, city tour consists of visiting the balneario Pelluco (area that is home to numerous bars, restaurants and night clubs), the caleta Angelmo with its port and seafood and fish market, the Costanera Avenue Artisan Festival, the Plaza de Armas, and the Iglesia Catedral (constructed with larch wood).

Caleta Anahuac, Chinchihue and Cochamo are small coastal towns where traditional tasks such as oyster farming are still practiced by most of its citizens. The pillar supported homes of these towns blend in with the view of the ocean, rivers and mountains.

Alerce Andino and Lahuen Nadi parks are animal, vegetable and larch wood reservoirs. The Llanquihue National Reserve is located 60KM’s east of Puerto Montt and showcases the Calbuco Volcano as its main attraction.

Shuttles can be boarded from Puerto de Barcos in Angelmo to the islands of Tenglo and Chiloe, the Puyuhuapi thermal waters, Aysen, San Rafael Lagoon and Puerto Natales. There are also boats in Puerto de Islas that make trips to nearby places such as the Estuario del Reloncavi and the thermal waters of Sotomo.

Tours in Puerto Varas trace the Llanquhue lake, pass by Frutillar and Octay port up to the Osorno Volcano which is home to a ski center.

The Vicente Perez Rosales national park (65 kms away from Puerto Varas), is the oldest national park in Chile. The Lago de Todos Los Santos, Saltos del Petrohue, Termas del Callao, Rio Negro, Puntiagudo Volcano and Cerro Tronador are some of its must see attractions.

Some tours combine land and lake trip that cross Argentine and Chilean territory allowing breathtaking views to those that are lucky enough to participate in them. We highly recommend the Cruce de Lagos excursion through the Paso Internacional Perez Rosales, going through Todos Los Santos Lake and Nahuel Huapi up to Bariloche (Argentina).

Car Rentals in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas

Car rentals in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas can be made through the central offices or at airport terminal locations of local and international car rental companies.

El Tepual airport, located 16KM’s from Puerto Montt has daily service to and from Santiago de Chile. Taxis are available for transfers to downtown and/or Puerto Varas.

The land based Terminal of Puerto Montt receives buses from Santiago and other main regional cities. Prices vary and are based on the quality of the vehicle. Minibuses provide continuous service between Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas.

Taxis are the best way to get around Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. They offer a safe, reliable and efficient service at a relatively low cost.

Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas Tourist Information

Puerto Montt’s tap water is potable but we recommend drinking bottled water.

Major credit cards (Visa, Amex, MasterCard, Diners Club) are accepted in major hotels, restaurants and large stores in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas.

Foreign currency is not widely accepted other than in places such as hotels and travel agencies.

It is advisable to use Chilean currency for daily transactions. Currency exchange can be made at banks and authorized currency exchange agencies.

Regarding tips, 10% of the total bill at bars, restaurants and cafes is the norm.

The weather in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas is mild and rainy. Rain levels drop between November and March but the rain never completely stops. We recommend that you pack a raincoat and/or waterproof outer clothing.