Puerto Montt is surrounded by blue bays, distant snow-capped volcanoes, and landscapes that reveal themselves when explored by renting a car. As the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, this port town opens onto a dramatic setting where Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes rise on the horizon, and a fjord-like bay stretches toward the ocean. In this guide, you’ll discover which viewpoints in Puerto Montt are worth the drive and which coastal roads and streets offer the most scenic journey.
Driving through Puerto Montt, you’ll find that many of the hilltops and coastal corners have designated viewpoints. These spots, often marked as Mirador on local signs, are ideal for stretching your legs and taking in the scenery. Here are three top miradores you shouldn’t miss:
Mirador Manuel Montt is one of the best viewpoints in Puerto Montt, set around 90 metres above downtown. A short drive from the city centre, or a 1.4-kilometre uphill walk from the Costanera Mall, this viewpoint offers panoramic views over Puerto Montt’s skyline, the bay, and distant volcanoes on clear days.
From this vantage point, you can see several of the area’s key landmarks. These include the city waterfront, the island of Tenglo in the bay, and the open Reloncaví Sound stretching beyond. Parking is available along the roadside near the mirador, usually at a small gravel pull-off or designated parking area.
The best time to visit is late afternoon or around sunset. At this time, the light softens and adds warm tones to the city and water, making it especially appealing for photography. The viewpoint is well known for city views, sunsets, and wide scenic shots. There’s a safety railing and a few benches.
Mirador de Pelluco is a scenic viewpoint located in the Pelluco suburb on the eastern edge of Puerto Montt. Pellucco is a residential coastal area about 6 kilometres from downtown, known for its sandy beach and seaside promenade. The mirador here is a small viewing tower near the beach, which is referred to as Torre Mirador Playa Pelluco. You can climb it to reach a higher vantage point.
From the top, you will access sweeping views across the water. One direction looks over the gentle curve of Pelluco Beach and its calm bay, while the other reveals distant views back toward Puerto Montt’s city centre, framed by green hills and the Reloncaví Sound.
This spot is popular in the early evening. It is a great setting for sunset photography, as the sun sets over the water and city skyline, often colouring the sky in soft pink and orange tones. Street parking is available along the waterfront road in Pelluco. From there, it is a short walk along the promenade to reach the viewpoint. The area also has several nearby cafés and restaurants.
Mirador Costanera is a series of viewpoints along Costanera Diego Portales, Puerto Montt’s main waterfront boulevard. As you drive through downtown on this coastal road, you will find several places to pull over. The Costanera promenade runs directly beside the bay, providing uninterrupted views of the sea and the city.
From this waterfront stretch, you can take in classic views of Puerto Montt. The city skyline sits behind fishing boats and ferry docks, while across the water, you may spot Tenglo Island. On clear days, distant peaks such as Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes can be seen on the horizon. This viewpoint is ideal for a driving tour because it requires no hiking or detours.
The area is ideal for short stops. Benches line the promenade, and there are monuments and sculptures along the route, including the Monument to the German Settlers near the pier. There are paid parking areas near the shopping mall and free curbside spots along certain sections of the road.
Beyond specific viewpoints, Puerto Montt’s character shines when you drive its scenic roads. This section covers the streets in Puerto Montt and nearby coastal routes.
Puerto Montt has two main coastal stretches, one leading east toward Pelluco and beyond, and another heading west toward Chiloé. Each route offers a distinct atmosphere, but both are easy and scenic drives to the region’s close connection to the sea. Driving east toward Pelluco via Route 7, follow the shoreline of the Reloncaví Sound. This seaside drive offers tranquil ocean views on one side and rolling green hills or residential areas on the other.
As you pass Playa Pelluco, particularly at low tide, you may see locals gathering shellfish or fishermen preparing their boats. The road is paved and relatively flat. Continuing beyond Pelluco leads to small coastal villages such as Coihuin and Quillaipe, each with modest beaches and piers. This route is also the beginning of Chile’s Carretera Austral.
On the opposite side of the city, the coastal road west toward Chinquihue offers a more rugged, working waterfront feel. Starting near the Angelmó harbour, the road runs along the Tenglo Channel, separating the mainland from Tenglo Island. You pass areas like Anahuac, a small fishing cove, before reaching Chinquihue. The district is tied to the sea, with shipyards, fishing activity, and aquaculture operations along the shore.
Costanera Diego Portales is Puerto Montt’s principal waterfront road. This broad avenue runs along the bay from the city’s port district through downtown, offering constant views of the sea. As you drive along the Costanera, you pass the ferry terminal and passenger ships on one side, with modern buildings, shops, and plazas lining the other.
You can stop at the Monumento a los Colonos Alemanes or the Muelle de las Papas, a pier marked by oversized potato sculptures that reference local agriculture. There are also spots where the pavement widens, and nearby parking allows you to pause and enjoy views across the bay. The water often mirrors the sky, and it is common to see seabirds resting on pilings or the occasional sea lion surfacing nearby. Across the bay is Tenglo Island, with the faint outline of the Andes rising beyond it on clear days.
For a drive that combines culture with scenery, take the road from Angelmó to Chinquihue. Angelmó, located approximately 3 kilometres west of the Plaza de Armas, is renowned for its fish market and craft stalls. Starting here, you will see both tourist activity and everyday working life. Visitors browse souvenirs and enjoy seafood in palafito restaurants while fishing boats unload their catch nearby.
As you drive from Angelmó toward Chinquihue, the road runs right alongside the water, offering open views of the Tenglo Channel and colourful boats in the harbour. This stretch is scenic, with fishermen mending nets, stacks of shellfish awaiting sale, and small wooden houses clustered along the shore.
A few kilometres along the route, you pass the Anahuac fishing village. There are homes on the hillside above a small cove that shelters fishing boats. Continuing onward, you officially enter Chinquihue. The road climbs and curves, passing the Regional Stadium of Chinquihue, a football stadium that offers water views from its stands. Just beyond this point, you reach the main Chinquihue cove, where you can pull over at one of the informal parking areas.
Chinquihue is a relaxed seaside area with a broad beach of stones and sand. At low tide, you may see locals gathering shellfish, while rustic seafood restaurants line the road offering regional specialities such as ceviche, curanto, and freshly fried fish. Dining here comes with views over the calm bay and the chance to watch seabirds swooping along the shoreline.
Driving around Puerto Montt is one of the best ways to get to know the city. The real highlights are found along its coastal roads and up at the viewpoints, where the scenery opens up in every direction. Whether you pull over for photos or sit down to enjoy fresh seafood by the water, these short drives show why Puerto Montt is an ideal gateway to Chilean Patagonia.
Rent a car in Puerto Montt with Final Rentals to explore on your own terms. 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.
