Stepping off the bus at the Puerto Montt terminal puts you right in the middle of a working port city. The air smells of salt and diesel. Most travelers move straight through to Puerto Varas or Chiloé, and for good reason. But if you stick around, there are some real things to do in Puerto Montt that give you a look at how this region actually lives. The market is rough around the edges, the Costanera offers real views, and the national parks nearby are some of the best in Chile.
- Best time
- December to March for sun and less rain
- Where to stay
- Puerto Montt city center near the Costanera
- Perfect for
- Travelers passing through the Lake District
- Don't miss
- A walk along the Costanera waterfront
Things I'd tell a friend
Here is the honest reality of visiting this port city based on my time there.
Use the bus terminal
The bus terminal is central and connects you everywhere. You can get to Puerto Varas in 30 minutes, Alerce Andino in 45, and Chiloé by ferry. It makes more sense to sleep in one place and day trip than to move hotels every night.
Source · Checked this myself
Rent a car at the airport
Flying into Puerto Montt Airport? Rent a car right there. It saves hours of waiting for tours. A car lets you stop at viewpoints on the road to Puerto Varas and drive yourself into Alerce Andino.
Source · Tried this route
Go for the nature, not the city
Puerto Montt is a real city. It is not a tourist town. The streets feel like a working port. Enjoy the Costanera for an hour, eat at Angelmó, then get out to the lakes and forests. That is where the region shines.
Source · Honest opinion
Angelmó Market
Mercado Angelmó is the place to go for fresh seafood right off the boat.
- Sits on the west side of Puerto Montt along the water
- Known for its fish market with daily fresh catches
- Salmon, ceviche, and other seafood served at restaurants
- Sea lions and birds gather at the far end for scraps
This market sits on the west side of Puerto Montt along the water. While it is a good place to pick up souvenirs, Angelmó is more famously known for its fish market. Fishermen bring in fresh catches daily. There are restaurants around the market serving salmon, ceviche, and more. When I went, there were smaller stands selling quick bites and also places to sit down. Many staff members presented their menus as we walked by. You can buy fresh fish to prepare later. At the far end, quite a few birds and sea lions lounge about waiting for scraps.
Walking distance from the center
Angelmó is on the west side of Puerto Montt along the water. It is close to the city center and easy to reach on foot or by a short taxi ride.
Expect a busy lunch crowd
The market is a popular spot for lunch. Expect staff to call out and show you menus as you walk through the aisles.
Go early in the morning when the catch is freshest and the sea lions are still active.
Costanera de Puerto Montt
The Costanera is the waterfront stretch and the heart of town.
- Pathway along the water through parks and green spaces
- Views of the ocean, city, and snowcapped peaks in the distance
- Plaza de Armas, restaurants, and shopping nearby
- Tour agencies and the tourism office along Ruta 7
The Costanera de Puerto Montt is a wide pathway along the water. It runs through parks with green spaces, fountains, and sculptures. From the path and the docks, you get views of the ocean, city, and snowcapped peaks in the distance. The heart of town is located near the waterfront too. You will find the Plaza de Armas, restaurants, and various shopping opportunities in the area. For information, there are tour agencies and a tourism office along Ruta 7.
Combine with Angelmó Market
Combine a walk along the Costanera with a visit to the Angelmó Market. They are within walking distance of each other on the western side of the city.
Completely free to walk
Walking the Costanera is free. It is one of the best free things to do in Puerto Montt.
Go late in the afternoon when the light hits the snowcapped peaks across the water.
The Costanera is central and puts you close to the water, restaurants, and the main square.
Holiday Inn Express - Puerto Montt - Patagonia
Abba Presidente Suites Puerto Montt
- Free Wifi
- 24-hour front desk
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Museo Histórico Juan Pablo II
A quick stop for anyone interested in how the city grew from a settlement to a major port.
- Sits near the bus station and Costanera
- Entrance was free when I visited
- Covers colonial settlement, the growth of the city, and the massive earthquake
- Information is presented only in Spanish
The Puerto Montt Historical Museum Juan Pablo II sits near the bus station and Costanera. It is a quick activity. When I went, the entrance was free. This museum highlights some of the history of the region, including colonial settlement, the growth of the city, and the massive earthquake that caused huge destruction. A downside for some travelers is that the information on the exhibits was only presented in Spanish. Consider visiting with a guide or a translation app if you do not read Spanish.
Free entrance when I visited
The entrance was free when I visited. It is located near the bus station and the Costanera.
Spanish only inside
All exhibit information is in Spanish. If you need English, bring a guide or a phone with a translation app.
It is free and small, so you can finish it in under an hour without rushing.
The museum is in the central area near the bus terminal and the waterfront.
Hotel Gran Pacifico
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- 24-hour front desk
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
Hotel Don Luis Puerto Montt
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- 24-hour front desk
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Alerce Andino National Park
A temperate rainforest with some of the oldest and largest trees on the planet.
- 30-45 minutes outside Puerto Montt
- Home to alerce trees over 147 feet tall and thousands of years old
- Entry costs about 8 USD per adult foreigner for one day
- Wildlife includes foxes, pumas, and deer
Parque Nacional Alerce Andino sits about 30 to 45 minutes outside Puerto Montt. The park is filled with lush forests, lakes, and beautiful waterfalls. While exploring, you are among some of the world's largest trees that are thousands of years old. You may see wildlife including foxes, pumas, and deer. If you do not have your own car, there are tours you can take from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. If you drive yourself, use caution on the gravel roads, especially after heavy rain. There are also camping opportunities if you want to stay longer.
Check the entry price online
Entry costs about 8 USD per adult foreigner. You can check prices and purchase tickets on the Pases Parques website.
A short drive from town
The park is a 30 to 45 minute drive from Puerto Montt. You can also join a guided tour from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas.
Drive yourself if you can. The gravel road is fine in dry weather and gives you freedom to stop anywhere.
Ideal for a day trip from Puerto Montt. Spend the morning hiking and be back in town by evening.
Ibis Puerto Montt
- Parking
- Free Wifi
- 24-hour front desk
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- 3 restaurants
- Very Good Breakfast
Hotel Apart Colon
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Chiloé Island
A short ferry ride south of Puerto Montt opens up a world of colorful stilt houses and dense national parks.
- Reached by a short ferry that departs south of Puerto Montt
- Famous for historic Jesuit churches (UNESCO) and stilted houses
- Wildlife includes penguins and whales
- Best explored with a rental car, but buses are available
Chiloé is a large island off the coast. It is reached by a short ferry that departs south of Puerto Montt. There are so many activities to do on Chiloé. You can bike around the island, hike through national parks, observe wildlife, admire the colorful buildings, and learn about the legends of the island. Many opt to take a day tour to see the highlights, but you can explore it on your own. If you go on your own, you can take a bus, but I recommend renting a car to see more. The ferry transports cars for an extra fee. If one day is not enough, there are hotels on the island too.
Ferry from the mainland
A short ferry from south of Puerto Montt takes you to the island. You can bring a car for an extra fee or take a bus.
A day trip is a long day
A day trip from Puerto Montt is doable but long. The drive to Castro on Chiloé is a few hours. Many travelers opt for a guided tour.
Spend at least one night on Chiloé if you can. Rushing it in a day means missing the sunset over the stilt houses.
Puerto Varas
The prettier, more popular neighbor sitting on the shores of Lake Llanquihue.
- 30 minutes from Puerto Montt by bus or colectivo
- Views of Lake Llanquihue and snowcapped Osorno Volcano
- German-inspired architecture and good restaurants
- Gateway to Petrohué Falls and Osorno Volcano hikes
Many travelers choose to stay in Puerto Varas over Puerto Montt. But if you stay in Puerto Montt, a day trip to Puerto Varas is worth the short ride. You can reach it easily by bus or colectivo from Puerto Montt. It is smaller and more quaint. Its German influence makes it a unique place to spend time. You will find shopping, interesting architecture, cafes, and bars. The town sits on Lago Llanquihue where you can walk the shores, kayak, and admire the views of the surrounding volcanoes. From Puerto Varas, you can also visit Saltos del Petrohué and Lago Todos Los Santos.
Quick trip from Puerto Montt
Puerto Varas is a 30 minute drive from Puerto Montt airport. You can also take a bus or a colectivo (minibus) from the city center.
Use it as a base for the volcano
Puerto Varas is a great base for Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls. If you only have one day, spend the morning in town and the afternoon at the falls.
Combine this with Petrohué Falls in one day. Start in Puerto Varas in the morning and head to the falls after lunch.
How many days should I spend in Puerto Montt?
Most locals recommend 0 to 1 day for the city itself. Use it as a base for day trips to Alerce Andino, Chiloé, and Puerto Varas.
Is Puerto Montt safe for tourists?
One traveler described it as the least safe feeling place they visited in Chile. It is a working port city, so standard city precautions apply.
What is the best time to visit Puerto Montt?
High season in the Lake District is December to March. The region gets the most sunshine and the least rain during these months.
How do I get from Puerto Montt to Chiloé Island?
A short ferry departs south of Puerto Montt. Buses and cars are transported. It takes a few hours to reach the main town of Castro.
Can I visit Puerto Varas without a car?
Yes. Buses and colectivos run regularly from Puerto Montt. The ride takes about 30 minutes.
What is the entry fee for Alerce Andino National Park?
Entry costs about 8 USD per adult foreigner for one day. Check current prices on the Pases Parques website.
Is Angelmó Market worth visiting?
Yes. It is the most famous market in the city. It serves fresh salmon and ceviche right at the waterfront.
