From December to February, Puerto Montt enters its busiest and most vibrant season. Warm, dry summer weather creates ideal conditions for discovering the scenic beauty of Chile’s Lake District and the dramatic landscapes of northern Patagonia. The city serves as the primary gateway to Patagonia and is one of southern Chile’s busiest cruise ports.
With the influx of Patagonia adventurers and cruise ship passengers, demand for rental cars in Puerto Montt skyrockets. Finding Puerto Montt car rental deals during peak season can be challenging, but not impossible. By being proactive and informed, you can avoid hidden costs and save money. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to rent a car in Puerto Montt for the summer.
This step-by-step guide explains why costs spike in summer and how you can still secure an affordable deal. Each section provides technical tips, from understanding seasonal pricing to comparing car rental companies in Puerto Montt.
Puerto Montt summer travel attracts huge numbers of visitors, and that surge has a direct impact on prices. From December to February, Chile’s summer brings holidaymakers, Patagonia road trippers, and cruise passengers all at once. Puerto Montt is a major gateway for southern Chile. During summer, its cruise season is in full swing, welcoming thousands more travellers.
The challenge is supply. Puerto Montt has a limited number of rental cars, and in summer, they are snapped up quickly. When demand rises and supply drops, prices naturally increase. During these peak months, car rental rates are typically 20 to 30% higher than at other times of the year.
For travellers, the message is clear. Summer is an ideal time to visit Puerto Montt, with long days and great weather, but it comes at a cost. If you book late, you are likely to pay more or struggle to find a car at all.
When it comes to summer car hire, the golden rule is to book early. The most effective move is to secure your car weeks or even months in advance of your trip. For Puerto Montt, data suggests that booking around 55 days in advance yields a better-than-average price. During the busy summer period, waiting until the last minute is a gamble. Prices are higher, and choice is limited. In peak months from December to March, cars can sell out completely.
Booking early does two important things. First, it locks in a lower price before demand pushes rates up. Second, it ensures that a car is ready upon arrival. Also, choose a booking with free cancellation. Many rental companies allow changes or cancellations up to 48 hours before pickup. This means you can reserve a good deal now and still stay flexible. If your plans change or you spot a better offer later, you can cancel without stress.
Do not accept the first price you see. Take a few minutes to compare offers across multiple booking sites and provider websites. The same car type can cost very different amounts depending on where you look. Use comparison platforms to scan multiple options simultaneously. Then, double-check the best deals on the provider’s own site, where you may sometimes find additional special discounts.
When comparing prices, focus on what is included, not just the headline figure. A cheap quote can become expensive if it excludes taxes, mandatory fees, or basic insurance. Chile applies 19% VAT, and some listings include it in the total while others add it later at pickup. Always read the total cost breakdown so you are not surprised at the counter.
Also watch for common extras that can inflate the final price, such as airport surcharges, one-way drop-off fees, and optional insurance add-ons that appear late in the booking process. Use filters to compare unlimited mileage and free cancellation. Finally, check the insurance terms closely, as the lowest price may come with a high excess.
In Puerto Montt, you typically have the option to pick up your car at El Tepual Airport or at a rental office in the city. That choice can make a real difference to both cost and convenience.
Airport pickup is the easiest option. You land, collect your bags, and walk straight to the rental desks in the arrivals hall. Most major companies operate here, opening hours match flight schedules, and the choice of cars is usually better. The downside is price. Airport rentals often include extra surcharges or higher base rates, so you usually pay more for that convenience.
City centre rental offices can sometimes be cheaper. If you are arriving by bus or if you do not mind travelling into town first, renting downtown may save you some money. However, factor in the extra steps. You will need to arrange a taxi, shuttle, or bus from the airport. Additionally, some smaller offices keep limited hours, especially in the evenings or on weekends.
The best approach is to compare the total cost. If the airport price is significantly higher, a short transfer into town may be worthwhile. If the difference is small, airport pickup is often the better choice after a long journey. In short, airport rentals cost more but save time, while city pickups can save money if you are flexible with your schedule.
Choosing the right car can make a big difference to both your comfort and your budget. Start by thinking about where you plan to drive. If you are staying in cities such as Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas and using well-paved main roads, a small or compact car is more than sufficient. These cars are cheaper to rent, easier to park, and use less fuel, which really helps with petrol costs.
For most summer trips around the Lake District, a standard sedan or compact SUV works perfectly well. If your plans include more remote areas, the choice changes slightly. Travellers heading south towards Chiloé or the early sections of the Carretera Austral often prefer a car with higher clearance.
An SUV is more comfortable to drive on gravel roads, steep sections, or muddy patches after rain. A full Four Wheel Drive is not essential everywhere in summer, but it can give extra confidence if you plan to explore less-maintained routes. The trade-off is cost, as larger vehicles are more expensive to rent and fuel.
One important detail to remember is transmission type. In Chile, manual cars are far more common and usually cheaper. Automatic cars are available, but they are in high demand and sell out quickly.
In short, opt for a smaller and simpler vehicle for city and highway driving to save money, and choose a sturdier vehicle only if your route truly requires it. Always double-check features like air conditioning, navigation, and charging ports so your journey stays comfortable.
Rental companies often offer optional extras, and skipping most of them is one of the easiest ways to save money. Common add-ons include GPS devices, portable Wi Fi hotspots, and other gadgets. These can cost $10 to $15 per day. Your smartphone works perfectly as a GPS if you download offline maps or use a local SIM card. For internet access, a local SIM or roaming plan is almost always cheaper than renting a Wi Fi device.
Another common extra is the additional driver fee. If you are travelling with someone else, think carefully about whether you really need to share the driving. If one person can drive the whole trip, you can avoid this daily charge.
Child seats are required by law in Chile, but bringing your own can save you money. The same applies to small items, such as phone holders or USB chargers, which are better packed at home. Be cautious with prepaid fuel plans. You usually pay more and do not get money back for unused fuel. Returning the car full is normally cheaper.
Insurance is often the most confusing and expensive part of renting a car in Chile. Every rental includes third-party liability cover, which protects you if you damage someone else’s property or cause injury. Most rentals also include a basic Collision Damage Waiver, but this almost always comes with a deductible.
At the counter, you will be offered extra insurance to reduce or eliminate your deductible, or to cover items like tyres and windshields. Before agreeing, check what cover you already have. Many credit cards include rental car insurance, which can cover collision damage if you pay with that card and decline the rental company’s waiver. Some travel insurance policies also include car rental protection. Confirm in advance that your coverage applies in Chile and understand any exclusions.
When searching for Puerto Montt car hire for the summer, look beyond the large international brands and consider local rental companies. Smaller, Chile-based or regional agencies often offer lower daily rates and a more personal service.
Always check recent customer reviews to make sure the company is reliable. Very low prices are not worth it if they come with hidden fees or poor support. Confirm that the cars are well-maintained and that the company has a proper office or representative in Puerto Montt in case you need help.
Pay attention to the rental terms and conditions. Some local agencies may ask for cash payment or a higher security deposit. If you don't speak much Spanish, look for companies with English-speaking staff or clear English-language paperwork. Also, ask about insurance details and roadside assistance, as these can vary.
Even during the busy summer months, it is still possible to save money if you keep an eye out for promotions and special deals. Rental companies and booking platforms often run short-term offers to encourage early bookings during peak seasons. Another easy way to save is by renting for a longer period. Daily rates often drop if you book for a week or more, so one longer rental can be cheaper than several short ones.
Finding the best summer car rental deals in Puerto Montt comes down to planning ahead and booking smart. Demand during this time is high, prices rise quickly, and availability is limited. Therefore, reserve early, compare multiple providers, and stay flexible with pickup locations to save a significant amount.
Rent a car with Final Rentals to make the most of your summer in Puerto Montt. With Final Rentals, booking a car online is fast and simple. Select El Tepual International Airport as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
