Making the most of Puerto Montt
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Most vessels berth at the Public Pier inside Canal Tenglo, while large ships tender to that same pier. The town centre is a short walk away (20 minutes or 2 km).
A printable map is available to take with you.
At the southern end of Chile's Pan American highway, Puerto Montt is both the end of the road and the start of the fabled land of fjords, canals, islands, snow-capped volcanoes, fertile agricultural fields, green forested hills and the enchantment of Southern Chile. The Carratera Austral starts here on its rough southern route through Patagonia. Puerto Montt, likened to Seattle and Vancouver but not as spectacularly scenic, looks across water: the Bay and Estuary of Reloncavi. It makes a good base for trips around the area. Named after Manuel Montt, president when the city was established in 1853, the port city is…
The Colonization Museum has farm equipment, cooking items, washers, clocks, musical instruments and other objects. Its exhibits are amazingly restored and in working order, offering a good view of how German settlers lived some 150 years ago.
It is therefore a centre for commercial fishing, agriculture and tourism, imbued with the culture and architecture of early German settlers.
Getting around
The beachfront area by the bus station makes for a pleasant walk, with things to entertain you en route. Walk east to the hills for excellent views, particularly at sunset.
Taxis are very reasonably priced.
A tourist office kiosk stands near the tender pier, with another at the town's main square. At either, you can find out what is available and contact tour operators.
Nearby places
Pelluco, a quaint beach village by the ocean, is about 2 miles east of Puerto Montt. A scenic journey through the Lake District reaches Petrohue Falls about an hour outside Puerto Montt. Along Lake Llanquihue's western shore, visit either the upscale resort town of Puerto Varas or Frutillar, a German colonial village. Petrohue Falls is at the foot of Volcano Orsono in Vincente Perez Rosales National Park.
Food and shopping
Less than a 5 minute walk from the pier, on its right along Coast Road, is the Feria Artesanal (Crafts Market). This large craft market has an excellent selection and some of Chile's very best prices.
In the picturesque Angelmo cove, the fish market is well worth visiting for its seafood restaurants and the main plaza's cafes with Chilean music.
Shops generally trade Monday to Friday from 0900-1330 and 1600-2000, and on Saturday from 0900-1400. Shopping Malls and large supermarkets are often open on Sundays.
Money
Credit Card acceptance is considerably lower in small towns and communities, so carry cash in the local Chilean peso when visiting them. 1 USD = 712 CLP. This can avoid unpleasant surprises.
Staying connected
Chile's official language is Spanish.
Wi-Fi is available at the pedestrian port entrance.
For Sea Rescue use 137; the Andean Mountain Rescue Squad is 136; Drug Enforcement is 135; Carabineros (Chilean police) is 133; Fire Brigade is 132; and Ambulance service is 131.
Opening Hours and
In Chile, business and trade establishments generally open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a 60 minute lunch break at 1 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mall hours run Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.