Puerto Montt is the gateway to some of Chile’s most spectacular regions. This port city in southern Chile’s Lake District is the main access point to Patagonia, the Chiloé Archipelago, and the alpine Lake District. When you rent a car in Puerto Montt, you can explore beyond the city, from ferry rides to Chiloé Island to the start of the Carretera Austral. In this guide, we will help you determine it’s better to book online in advance or wait until arrival.
Puerto Montt has many car rental offices, especially at the airport. You can choose between global companies or local providers. Seasonal demand affects availability. The peak season in Chile runs from December to March during the warm Austral summer. These months bring many visitors to the region. Cars often sell out fast, and rental prices rise.
In the rainy winter months from June to August, demand drops. You can usually find more cars at lower prices. Rates in February can be almost double compared to June or July. During summer, it’s best to book early. Waiting until the last minute may leave you with limited choices. In quiet months, you may even rent on arrival and enjoy off-season discounts.
Car rental requirements in Chile are simple. Most renters must be at least 21 years old. You need a valid driver’s licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit is helpful but not always required if your licence uses Roman letters. A major credit card in the driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. The agency will place a hold on your card for the rental period. Basic insurance is included as required by law. Extra coverage is optional but may affect your deductible.
Booking a rental car online before you arrive in Puerto Montt is the best approach for many travellers. Here, we will explore the advantages of reserving in advance and its potential downsides.
Renting on arrival allows travellers to sorting out a vehicle in person once they arrive. This can be an appealing option for spontaneous travellers or those uncertain of their schedule. Here, we’ll look at the upsides of getting a car on the spot, as well as the risks and downsides.
Here, we compare typical costs of renting online in advance versus renting on the spot. This can help you avoid overpaying whether you book ahead or go for a walk-in Puerto Montt car rental.
Booking your car online in advance is usually cheaper. The base daily rate is lower when you reserve early. Many online prices include early-booking discounts or simple promo rates. Last-minute online bookings can be higher, especially if you book only a few hours before pickup. A counter deal may appear sometimes, but this is not common. In most cases, booking ahead gives you the lowest base price.
Insurance is a big part of your rental cost. When you book online, you often see clear options for full coverage or zero deductible insurance at a fixed daily fee. You can also use your credit card insurance and decline extra coverage. At the counter, staff may push insurance upgrades. These upgrades can cost more than the options you saw online. Booking in advance lets you check your insurance needs calmly. You can even buy a standalone insurance plan before your trip.
If the driver is under 25, be aware of surcharges or restrictions. Many companies in Chile charge an extra fee per day for drivers aged 21 to 24. When booking online, these fees are usually disclosed in the terms. If you’re renting on arrival, you might only learn about this fee at the counter when they see the driver’s age. There’s typically no negotiation on age surcharges because they’re policy-based. When you book online, you won’t be caught off guard and you can compare which company has a lower young driver fee.
While both approaches to renting have their merits, there are certain scenarios where booking your car online in advance is highly recommended. Here are the best times you should book online:
This is the Patagonian summer and the busiest tourist period. As noted earlier, rental cars can sell out quickly in these months. If you’re travelling anytime in December, January, February, or early March, do yourself a favour and reserve your car online at least 2 to 3 months in advance for peak January or February. High season is when virtually everyone needs a car. The influx means zero cars might be available if you wait.
Beyond the general summer, be mindful of specific holiday periods. Chile’s own summer school break runs from January to February. However, there are also holidays like Christmas, New Year, Easter, and Chile’s Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias) around mid-September. During these times, a lot of Santiago residents and others fly or drive south for vacation. A long weekend can create a mini high-season.
If you plan a major road trip in Chile, a confirmed rental booking is very important. Long drives need the right car and a secure reservation. For example, if you want to explore Chiloé Island for a week or follow the Carretera Austral, you need to know your car is ready. These routes often need a strong SUV or a camper. They may also require ferry bookings or hotel plans that depend on having a car. If you start in Puerto Montt and plan to reach far places like Torres del Paine, book it online, prepare any permits you need, and make sure everything is confirmed before you go.
On the other hand, there are scenarios where you can comfortably wait until you’re in Puerto Montt to rent a car. These tend to be low-demand times or trips that aren’t car-centric.
If you’re visiting Puerto Montt in the off-season, from April to October, the tourism crowds are thin. You’ll find rental agencies have more vehicles sitting available and sometimes even run promotions. For example, a trip in June or July during the rainy season deter many travellers. July is often the cheapest month for car hire in the area.
If your plans are flexible, arriving first and deciding later can work. You might land in Puerto Montt, explore for a day or two, and then think you will need a car to visit the lakes. You may stay longer in one place if a car is not available right away. You may also cosider using public transport or joining tours. If you have backup plans for getting around, you are not dependent on a rental car. For example, if it rains for days, you might cancel driving to the mountains. You could visit museums, enjoy cafés, or walk around town.
Not every trip to Puerto Montt involves a grand road trip. You might be in the city for a short stay and plan only a quick visit to Petrohué Falls or a nearby town like Ancud. For these short trips, you can decide to rent a car last minute for just one or two days. Many travellers arrive, explore the city first, and then choose a specific day to rent a car. The city has taxis, Ubers, and buses, so getting around is easy. When you are ready for a day trip, you can visit a downtown rental office the day before you need the car.
Knowing how to rent a car in Puerto Montt helps you avoid stress and enjoy a smoother trip. The best choice depends on your plans, budget, and timing. Booking early is best during busy months, while renting on arrival works in quiet seasons. For easy planning, rent a car in Chile with Final Rentals.
You can pick up your car at El Tepual International Airport, choose from small cars, SUVs, pickups, or 7 seaters, and use instant sorting to find the best rate. You get free cancellation, unlimited mileage, theft protection, and collision damage waiver on many cars. Plus, renters only pay a small amount to book, and the rest at pickup. For extra convenience, download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
