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Puerto Montt, Gateway to Chiloé and Patagonia

Puerto Montt, on the Reloncaví Sound, is a port city whose main industries are salmon fishing, trade and tourism. International cruise ships and ferries stop here on their way to and from Chiloé, as do local cruises to the Aysén and Magallanes fjords. Puerto Montt is also the point of departure for the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway).

Don't miss out on the heavenly seafood and fish sold at the Caleta de Angelmó Market in the heart of this bustling seaside city. This open-air market is an ideal place to experience the bounty of Chilean waters and stock up on vacuum-packed smoked salmon, clams and abalone as well as handicrafts from Chiloé. Next, find a restaurant with views of Tenglo Island and Calbuco Volcano and enjoy a bowl of seafood stew, cancato (fish stew with chorizo sausage, cheese and tomato) or sea urchin (erizo).

Other local highlights include the Jesuit Church built of Alerce wood in 1872 (making it the city's oldest) and the Casa del Arte Diego Rivera art gallery and Juan Pablo II Museum, both of which house exhibits on local history. Your walking tour of the city also will take you past impressive period buildings from the German colonial period such as the former Llanquihue Bank building, Inmaculada Concepción School, the former "Club de la Unión" and private residences.

During the summer, enjoy the local beaches at Pelluco, Pelluhuin, Puntilla Tenglo and Chinquihue. Puerto Montt also has archeological treasures such as Monteverde, where you'll find the oldest human remains on the continent as well as many well-preserved artifacts left by the people who inhabited Patagonia 30,000 years ago.

Featured Destinations of Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt

Frutillar		Puerto Montt
Puerto Octay		Puerto Varas

Touristic Services

Tours you can do

Getting There By Plane Flights depart Santiago daily, with service to El Tepual Airport (2 hours). Take a shuttle or taxi from the airport to the city or other parts of the region. By Bus Buses depart Santiago daily for Puerto Montt, where there is connective service to other cities. The trip takes 13 hours, so it is best to travel at night and arrive early in the morning. Buses depart from: • Terminal Alameda: Av. Bernardo O'Higgins 3570, Universidad de Santiago Metro Station. Phone: (56-2) 7762424 • Terminal Santiago (formerly Terminal Sur): Alameda & Nicasio Retamales, 150 meters west of Terminal Alameda. Phone: (56-2) 3761750 Local buses connect with other towns in the region. There is also bus service to Puerto Montt from Concepción, Pucón, Temuco, Valdivia and Osorno. By Car From Santiago, take Route 5 south to Puerto Montt (1024 km).