Puerto Montt

South America

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Chile

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Puerto Montt

Located in southern Chile, Puerto Montt is best known as the gateway to the Chiloé Archipelago and Patagonia. However, this city also offers several attractions worth exploring for a day or two.

Explore the city center on foot, stopping at historic landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas. Just a 2-minute walk from the square, you will find Teatro Diego Rivera, a cultural center offering stage performances, film screenings, and art exhibitions.

As a port city, Puerto Montt is renowned for its seafood, including fish, oysters, and mussels. Treat yourself to various seafood dishes at Angelmó Fish Market.

If you enjoy nature, consider taking a short trip from Puerto Montt to Alerce Andino National Park. Hike through the ancient alerce forest and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to Puerto Montt.

Travel Tips for Puerto Montt

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Puerto Montt

A guide to Puerto Montt 's local transportation

Taxi

Colectivo

Car Rental

Taxis are readily available in Puerto Montt, with a base fare of approximately CLP 750. However, some taxis may not accept credit cards, so bring enough cash with you. Always use licensed taxis for your own safety.

Practical Tips for Puerto Montt

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the top attractions in Puerto Montt?

When in Puerto Montt, make sure to visit Plaza de Armas, the city's main square, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in the city center. Explore the vibrant Angelmó district, known for its market and restaurants offering fresh seafood. Here, you can also find various handicraft products, including items made from the native alerce wood and traditional Mapuche crafts.

When is the best time to visit Puerto Montt?

The best time to visit Puerto Montt is during the summer, which falls from December to February in the southern hemisphere. These months are the warmest, with average temperatures ranging from 13.7 to 14.9°C, making them ideal for outdoor activities.

What are some must-try foods in Puerto Montt?

Puerto Montt is known as Chile's seafood capital, so you should definitely try the fresh seafood. Head to Angelmó Fish Market for restaurants serving freshly cooked seafood. One fascinating method of cooking seafood is curanto, where the ingredients are cooked using heated rocks. For a delicious snack, enjoy empanadas de mariscos (seafood empanadas).

How do I get to Puerto Montt?

If you're coming from the capital city, Santiago, you can fly for 1 hour and 50 minutes to El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt or take a bus, which takes over 12 hours. From Punta Arenas, a direct flight takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Additionally, there are regular buses from other cities in Chile, including Castro on Chiloé Island.

What are the best day trips from Puerto Montt?

One of the most popular day trips from Puerto Montt is Alerce Andino National Park. Just 40 km away from downtown Puerto Montt, you can hike amidst native flora and fauna, including 2,500-year-old alerce (Fitzroya) trees. For a shorter trip, drive for 30 minutes to Puerto Varas, a picturesque city on the banks of Lake Llanquihue.

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