Before you go

Your trip to Puerto Montt.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Puerto Montt – Los Lagos Destination Lakes and Volcanoes Capital

How to get there

Aeropuerto El Tepual (PMC) 16 km
Terminal de Buses de Puerto Montt 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

El Tepual airport is about 16 km from the city center, with buses, transfers and taxis. Confirm before purchasing. Buses from Santiago and other southern cities arrive at the terminal by the waterfront.

How many days

Half a day or a full day covers the center and Angelmó. With an extra day you can visit Parque Nacional Alerce Andino. Many people prefer to stay in Puerto Varas and visit the capital on a day trip.

When to go

Summer, from December to March, is the driest period and the busiest at the port, with boats departing for the south. It rains in all seasons, and winter is cold and wet.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

For the center and Angelmó, no: everything can be done on foot or by taxi. For Alerce Andino and the Carretera Austral, a car rented at the airport makes things much easier.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Puerto Montt

Morning
Plaza de Armas and cathedral
Start at the Plaza de Armas, go into the wooden cathedral and walk to the monument to German colonization on the waterfront.
Afternoon
Market and fair of Angelmó
Follow the waterfront to Caleta Angelmó, walk through the craft fair and have curanto or paila marina for lunch at a small seafood eatery.
Late afternoon
Isla Tenglo
Take a short boat across to Isla Tenglo to see the town and the bay from the other side, if the weather allows.
Evening
Dinner in the center or in Pelluco
Dine in the center or go to Pelluco, east along the waterfront, where there are sea-front restaurants.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Puerto Montt airport to the city center?

About 16 km, roughly 25 minutes by car. There are buses to the terminal, transfers and taxis.

Is it worth staying in Puerto Montt or in Puerto Varas?

Puerto Varas, 22 km away, is quieter and close to the lakes and volcanoes. Puerto Montt is convenient for those who arrive late, depart early, or continue on to Chiloé.

What to do in Puerto Montt in one day?

Visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, walk along the waterfront and have lunch at Caleta Angelmó, with its craft fair and market.

Where is Puerto Montt a starting point for?

For Chiloé, by road and ferry; for the Carretera Austral; and for cruises and boats that travel through the fjords of Patagonia.

Back to Puerto Montt