Puerto Montt is the working capital of the Los Lagos region: a port city of around a quarter of a million people on the Reloncaví sound, 20 km south of Puerto Varas. It was founded in 1853 in the same wave of German colonisation as the lake towns, and today it is where the Pan-American Highway on the mainland effectively ends and the ferries, flights and roads to Chiloé and Patagonia begin.
Most travellers only pass through, for El Tepual airport, the bus terminal or the ships heading south. But the Angelmó waterfront — a fishing cove packed with seafood restaurants and craft stalls — is worth a few hours.
Top things to do at Puerto Montt
Eat at Angelmó
The market restaurants at Angelmó serve curanto, paila marina and fresh fish by the harbour, and the stalls outside sell Chilote knitwear and crafts. Boats leave from the cove for Isla Tenglo across the channel.
Walk the waterfront
The seafront promenade runs from the centre towards Angelmó past sculptures and views over the sound. On clear days you can see the Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes inland.
Go into the forest at Alerce Andino
Less than an hour east, Alerce Andino National Park protects groves of alerce, a giant conifer that can live for thousands of years. Guided day hikes run from Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas.
How to get to Puerto Montt
- From Puerto Varas: 20 km, about 25 minutes by car or frequent minibus.
- From El Tepual airport: about 25 minutes by taxi or airport bus to the centre.
- From Santiago: daily flights (about 1 h 45 min) and overnight buses.
Insider tips
- If you have a choice, sleep in Puerto Varas and visit Puerto Montt for a morning: it is prettier and closer to the sights.
- At Angelmó, look at a few menus before choosing; prices and quality vary.
- As in any port city, keep an eye on bags around the bus terminal.
Best tours for Puerto Montt
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Puerto Montt:
City tour from US$48 Puerto Varas: Half-Day Puerto Montt Sightseeing Tour
A quick look at the regional capital, twenty-five minutes south of Puerto Varas — above all the lively Angelmó seafront, where fishing boats unload beside stalls selling Chilote wool and curanto.
- The Angelmó fish market and craft stalls
- Puerto Montt’s waterfront and cathedral
- Small group with pickup
Hiking from US$85 Alerce Andino Park: Ancient Forests and Trails
A day in the national park that protects some of the oldest trees on Earth — alerces that can live for thousands of years — just east of Puerto Montt. A new listing, so reviews are still building.
- Walk among ancient alerce (Patagonian cypress) trees
- Lagoons and temperate rainforest trails
- Private option available
Transfer from US$22 Puerto Varas: Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport (El Tepual)
A simple, well-priced one-way shuttle from your Puerto Varas hotel to the airport, which saves arranging a taxi for an early flight.
- Hotel pickup in Puerto Varas
- Drop-off at El Tepual airport (PMC)
- Reserve now, pay later
