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TravelTips24 : South America : Chile : South : Puerto Montt

Puerto Montt

Puerto Montt is a fast growing chaotic city in the south of Chile, just north of Chiloé Island. It boasts great views of the ocean and towering peaks of the andes, and is a centre for travellers heading further south along the carretera austral, or east to Argentina.

Travel to Puerto Montt & Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Puerto Montt

There are flights north to Santiago (1 hour 40 minutes) and south to Punta Arenas (2 hours).

Buses to Puerto Montt

Buses pull in at the large and bustling termnial in the middle of town close to the harbour. Many departures to cities in the north, as well as services to Chiloé Island. Cruz del Sur are the fastest, since they own many of the ferries crossing the strait and the bus bypasses the waiting line. Buses to Bariloche in Argentina take hours.

By ferry

Navimag has boats to and from Punta Arenas and Puerto Chacabuco. The latter costs Ch$ 38000 pp, Ch$ 100000 for a car. Other companies whose name and routes change frequently have ferries to Chaiten on the carretera austral. Many departures in summer, but often only one per week in winter. The ferry to Chiloé Island leaves about 50 km south west of town, takes 30 min and cost Ch$ 1000 pp and Ch$ 8300 for a car.

Tours & Getting around Puerto Montt

The thousands of taxis and colectivos that bounce like ping pong balls across and along the streets are a fast and usually cheap way of travelling across town. Although you'll find that your feet will take you to most places. If walking, take extra care when crossing streets in this city. Colectivos appear out of nowhere!

Puerto Montt attractions and sightseeing

The area along the beach near the bus station is pleasant for a walk with things along the way to entertain you. Walking east you'll get great views, especially at sunset, from the hills there.

Puerto Montt city tours

Puerto Montt souvenirs & shopping

Puerto Montt Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

A good place to have some seafood is at the fishing community of Angelmó. Along with the seafood market there are some restaurants. There are also a lot of options for shopping Mapuche craftworks.

Puerto Montt nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Puerto Montt cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

There is a multitude of cheap hospedaje in Puerto Montt, so don't despair if your travel guide only shows a few expensive ones.

  • Hospedaje La Nave, Ancud 107. Downtown and close to the bus terminal. Nothing special about this hospedaje other than it had a room when we were looking for one. Many options around the bus station to choose from, so don't panic if you arrive late. No breakfast but a huge bathroom and fantastic high pressure hot water shower makes for a recommendation. 14,000 pesos for two people.
  • Colectivo Bellavista, German Vargas Poblete, Fortuoso 9, Phone (65) 251730, Cell (09) 0912073, a friendly and quiet place, not so near to the city centre, free pickup and dropoff, incl breakfast from $4000/bed.

Get out

This page was last edited at 13:38, on 15 July 2008 by Wikitravel user Gary Cziko. Based on work by Hannes Mannerheim and Ricardo, Wikitravel user(s) Janki and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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