The 10 Best Things to See and Do in Puerto Montt, Chile

Between Lake Llanquihue and Todos Los Santos Lake is South America’s answer to Japan’s Mount Fuji. It’s a remarkably similar-looking volcano, dominating the horizon with a white peak that looks almost drawn on. With its ethereal presence, Osorno entices you to get closer – and it is hikeable if you are up for the challenge. At the very least, you should take the trip to stand at the base and gaze up at this mighty sight.

If you’re not up for the 90-minute drive to the Osorno Volcano from Puerto Montt, instead, head north for 21km (13mi) to the lakeside town of Puerto Varas. This Germanic colonial town comes with a sensational view – Osorno in the hazy distance, framed by Lake Llanquihue. While you’re here, pop into the white-painted wooden church – it looks more like it’s from the mountains of Bavaria with its cherry-red turrets.

Pay a visit to the biggest known living tree: Alerce Milenario, it’s 60m (196ft) tall and has been around for over 3,600 years. Aside from the humbling sight of this giant, the Jurassic Park-esque landscape features waterfalls, enormous ferns and gushing rivers. Covering vast land across the foothills of the Andes, it’s ripe for hiking and guided treks. You’ll find it 40km (25mi) southeast of Puerto Montt, driving on Carretera 7.

The Reloncaví Sound is the body of water to the south of Puerto Montt. With the south of mainland Chile splitting apart into a range of different-sized islands, peninsulas and bays, this huge inlet eventually empties into the frigid waters further south and provides some scenic views from a boat or kayak. Ko’KayaK, based in Puerto Varas, offers guided kayaking excursions and equipment rental.

The journey south from Puerto Montt gives you two beautiful options: Route 7 through the countryside by bus or car, or the slower, more exciting way – taking a boat with Navimag Ferries. Setting sail from the port at Puerto Montt, it travels 65km (40mi) to Puerto Chacabuco. The voyage takes 24 hours but you get a bed in a four-person cabin with a shared bathroom – although sadly, there’s no window.

Puerto Montt has had its ups and downs over the years – tales of which are told at this history museum near the city’s bus terminal. It covers the 9.5-magnitude earthquake that happened off the coast of Chile in 1960, which decimated Puerto Montt’s port. Given the museum’s name, there is, of course, a section on Pope John Paul II, who held mass on this site in 1987.

The Lahuen Ñadi park, north of Puerto Montt, contains more of the world’s oldest trees across an area that feels like virgin-forest wilderness. And it is – the park comprises the last 200 ha (495 ac) of pristine forest in this region, including Patagonian cypress trees and Chilean myrtles. A network of trails and boardwalks have been laid out through part of the otherwise dense forest, making for an easy walk.

This colorful collection of wooden shacks and stalls is the place to pick up unique, handmade souvenirs, as local artisans come here to sell their wares. The pueblito, or “little town”, known as Melipulli, is part of the city of Puerto Montt that has been surrounded – but not engulfed – by modern buildings, and stands as a neat representation of the old and new Puerto Montt.

The archaeological site of Monte Verde is significant not just to this part of the world, but to all of humanity. It might surprise you with its – albeit controversial – fresh information on the movement of early humans and their settlement in the Americas. For example, it was widely accepted that humans arrived in the Americas around 13,500 years ago, yet the findings here date back to 18,500 years. Here, instructive plaques show where excavations occurred over time.