Puerto Montt is the gateway city to lakes, volcanoes, and fjords. The good news is that you can explore Puerto Montt without a tour. Imagine walking along the waterfront, tasting fresh seafood at the market, and stopping whenever a view catches your eye. And with a rental car, you are free to choose what excites you most. Keep reading to plan your trip in Puerto Montt.
Puerto Montt is a major travel hub in Chile’s Lake District. The city lies at the end of Chile’s Route 5 (Pan-American Highway) and has an airport, bus terminal, and ferry port. This means travellers have many options to get around by themselves. It’s common for foreign visitors to skip expensive guided tours and instead use public transport or rental cars to see the area. Here are ways to make the experience more personal and authentic.
The city centre is pedestrian-friendly. You can stroll along the Costanera waterfront promenade and watch the boats in the harbour. Drop by Plaza de Armas (the main square) to see the wooden cathedral. It’s the oldest building in the city, built from alerce wood in 1856. From there, it’s about a 2-kilometre walk to Angelmó market, a bustling cove known for seafood and crafts.
Many popular attractions near Puerto Montt can be done as day trips on your own. You don’t need to book a tour to visit places like Volcán Osorno (Osorno Volcano) or Petrohué Waterfalls. Buses from the terminal go to Puerto Varas, from where you can connect to shuttles or tours heading to Osorno and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Alternatively, with some planning, you can go by rental car.
Renting a car in Puerto Montt is one of the smartest ways to explore southern Chile. The city has the largest selection of rental vehicles in the region, with reputable agencies at El Tepual International Airport (PMC) and the city centre. Roads are well-developed. Route 5 (the Pan-American Highway) reaches Puerto Montt as a modern 4-lane motorway and connects smoothly with local roads. With your own vehicle, you can catch the sunrise at a lakeside viewpoint and stop spontaneously in small towns. A car allows you to design your own itinerary.
Driving in Chile is straightforward. Cars travel on the right-hand side, seatbelts are mandatory, and headlights must be on at all times, even during the day on highways. If your licence isn’t in Spanish, bring an International Driving Permit. Fuel is widely available, but keep some pesos handy. Sections of Route 5 have toll booths. Speed limits typically range from 100 to 120 km/h on highways and lower on rural roads.
A car also gives you access to remote destinations, such as the Lahuen Ñadi Reserve or coastal villages along the Reloncaví Sound. Some rural areas have limited phone reception, so download offline maps. With a rental car, you can begin the iconic Ruta 7 (Carretera Austral), which starts in Puerto Montt and winds through forests, fjords, and rugged Patagonian terrain.
Hitting the road around Puerto Montt is one of the most exciting ways to see the region’s natural beauty. With a rental car, you can take a memorable road trip to lakes, islands, and national parks. The area’s highways and secondary roads offer stunning views of snowy volcanoes, crystal lakes, and lush forests.
One of the classic drives is circling Lake Llanquihue, which is easily done in a day. Start from Puerto Montt and head north to Puerto Varas, which is 30 minutes away. This town is a great coffee or lunch stop, famous for its lakefront and Osorno volcano backdrop. Continue driving clockwise around the lake to Frutillar, a town with a strong German influence. From Frutillar, you can detour to Puerto Octay and then loop back via Las Cascadas, where there’s a short trail to a beautiful waterfall.
For a more mountainous drive, head to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. From Puerto Montt, drive to Puerto Varas, then follow the road along the south side of Lake Llanquihue towards Ensenada. As you approach Osorno Volcano, you can drive up the slope to the ski center parking area. After coming down, continue to Petrohué Waterfalls (Saltos del Petrohué), a must-see cascade of turquoise water set against lava rocks. There’s parking at the falls trailhead and a small entrance fee to the park. Just beyond is Todos los Santos Lake, where you could even take a boat ride.
For the adventurous, you can begin the epic Carretera Austral road trip from Puerto Montt. The Carretera Austral (officially Route 7) is often called one of the world’s great road trips. Day one of this journey takes you from Puerto Montt down to the Reloncaví Sound, through lush temperate rainforest. The paved road ends, and you take a couple of small ferries at Caleta La Arena and beyond to reach Hornopirén, a village about 3 to 4 hours’ drive from Puerto Montt. This drive offers dramatic scenery, featuring fjords, steep green mountains, and roadside waterfalls.
Solo travel in Puerto Montt is safe. Chile is generally one of the safest countries in South America for visitors. That said, you should take the usual precautions you’d use anywhere. Below are some tips to help you feel confident and secure while exploring independently:
Petty theft can occur in busy areas, so keep a close eye on your belongings, especially at the bus terminal or crowded markets. At night, stick to well-lit and populated streets. The city centre and Costanera are generally fine for an evening stroll, but avoid wandering alone in very quiet or poorly lit areas late at night. If you go out for drinks or dinner, moderate your alcohol and plan how to get back.
Staying in a hostel or guesthouse can be great for solo travellers. Puerto Montt has a few hostels and many family-run hospedajes (B&Bs) where you can meet other travellers or get local advice from the owners. If you prefer more privacy, there are also hotels. Just choose central locations so you don’t have to walk far at night. In nearby Puerto Varas, there are more hostels and a backpackers. You might consider splitting your stay between Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, as the latter has a social vibe.
English is not widely spoken in Chile, except among tour operators and some hotels. In Puerto Montt, it's helpful to know some basic Spanish phrases. Carry a phrasebook or use a translation app for tasks such as ordering food or purchasing bus tickets. Also, having an offline map on your phone will help you navigate confidently on your own.
Chileans are generally polite and will greet you with “Hola, buenos días” (hello, good day) in shops. As a foreign visitor, you might stand out slightly since Puerto Montt is not as touristy as some places. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask. Approach someone at a store or an official-looking person if possible.
If you’re solo, you are your own guardian, so take care of your health and logistics. The tap water in Puerto Montt is generally safe to drink, but if you have a sensitive stomach, you can stick to bottled water. Always carry some cash (Chilean pesos), as small vendors and buses typically do not accept cards. There are plenty of ATMs (“cajeros automáticos”) in the city.
Puerto Montt is easy and rewarding to explore on your own. You can walk along the waterfront, enjoy local markets, and take simple day trips to lakes, volcanoes, and waterfalls at your own pace. With good roads, public transport, and nearby highlights, travelling independently here feels relaxed, flexible, and more personal than joining a tour.
Rent a car in Puerto Montt with Final Rentals and start your journey at El Tepual International Airport. Choose from compact cars to comfortable SUVs, enjoy clear pricing, instant confirmation, flexible cancellation, and 24/7 support. With a wide range of well-maintained vehicles, Final Rentals helps first-time travellers explore Puerto Montt and southern Chile comfortably and on a budget. For extra convenience, download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
