Puerto Montt, Chile

At the southern end of the Pan American highway in Chile, Puerto Montt is not only the end of the road, but the beginning of the fabled land of fjords, canals, islands, snow-capped volcanoes, fertile agricultural fields, green forested hills and the enchantment of Southern Chile. (see map.) The Carratera Austral begins here on its rough route south through Patagonia.

Likened to Seattle and Vancouver, but not as spectacularly scenic, Puerto Montt overlooks water, in this case the Bay and Estuary of Reloncavi. It is a good base point for trips around the area. See the good description provided by Fly Fishing Chile. Views.

Named for Manuel Montt, president when Puerto Montt was established in 1853, the port city is the capital of Region XX, Los Lagos. As such, it is the center of commercial fishing, agriculture, tourism and is imbued with the culture and architecture of early German settlers.

Getting There

By Air:

Check flights from your area to Santiago and other locations in Chile. You can also browse for hotels and car rentals. LAN, LADECO and other airlines maintain regular flights north to and from Santiago, Temuco, Concepción, and south to Punta Arenas, Chaitén, Balmaceda, Puerto Natales and to Buenos Aires, Bariloche and Neuquen.

By Land:

Long-distance buses , Santiago and intermediate points, Coyhaique, Punta Arenas, Argentina. By car, either personal or rented.

By Water:

Transmarchilay and Navimag car and passenger ferries from Chaitén, to Chiloé, Puerto Chacabuco and Laguna San Rafael.

When to Go The Lake District is best in summer, but Puerto Montt is an all-season destination. Be ready for rain anytime, with cooler temperatures in the winter.

Check today's weather in Puerto Montt.

Things to Do and See