Summer is one of the best times for travellers to discover Puerto Montt and its stunning surroundings. From December to February, the city offers mild weather and extended daylight hours perfect for sightseeing. During these months, the city comes alive with outdoor adventures, local markets, and easy access to nearby fjords, forests, and islands.
Many of these attractions are spread across the region, so renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore. So, if you're drawn to cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, or fresh Patagonian seafood, summer is the perfect time to make the most of it all. In this guide, we’ll explore the top summer activities in Puerto Montt for travellers.
Below are the top summer activities in Puerto Montt for travellers.
Angelmó Market is one of Puerto Montt’s most authentic and atmospheric attractions along the waterfront. This market is renowned for its incredibly fresh seafood, lively atmosphere, and cozy local eateries. As you stroll past the stalls, you’ll often see fishermen unloading the day’s catch – gleaming mussels, oysters, giant crabs, sea urchins, and more. Many vendors will even prepare delicacies such as centolla, oysters, or urchins right in front of you.
Head upstairs to the traditional cocinerías, where small kitchens serve steaming bowls of Chilean favourites like curanto or paila marina, all enjoyed with views of the harbour’s colourful fishing boats. The aromas of smoked salmon, the chatter of vendors, and the salty sea breeze create a welcoming atmosphere. Beyond the food, Angelmó is also a great place to browse artisan crafts, from woollen goods to hand-carved wooden souvenirs. Whether you come to savour a hearty lunch or to soak up the culture, Angelmó Market perfectly captures the spirit of summer in Puerto Montt.
When the sun is shining, Playa Pelluco is the perfect place to unwind by the sea. Just a few kilometres from downtown Puerto Montt, this serene coastal spot is known for its soft golden sand, calm bay waters, and truly unforgettable Pacific sunsets. Locals and visitors flock here in summer to stroll along the shoreline, breathe in the crisp ocean air, and enjoy the coastal mood. As late afternoon arrives, the sky often erupts in vibrant colours, creating some of the most breathtaking sunsets in southern Chile.
Nearby food trucks and seaside restaurants serve fresh seafood and chilled drinks. While the ocean is on the cooler side around 14°C in summer, you’ll still see families splashing at the water’s edge and children playing in the gentle waves. Other small beaches, such as Pelluhuin or the coastal stretch near Chinquihue, are also great for quick seaside walks. Even on cooler days, time by the water is one of the great simple pleasures of summer in Puerto Montt. Bring a light jacket for the coastal breeze and savour the peaceful seaside atmosphere.
If you love nature, visit Alerce Andino National Park. This protected wilderness area shelters a pristine temperate rainforest filled with ancient alerce trees, a Patagonian cypress species that can live for over 3,000 years. Walking beneath these towering giants is like stepping into a prehistoric world. The park offers a network of well-marked trails suitable for all fitness levels. It ranges from gentle forest walks to full-day treks that lead to rivers, waterfalls, and secluded lagoons. One of the most popular short hikes is the route to Laguna Chaiquenes, which includes a stop at the Salto Río Chaica waterfall.
Alerce Andino is a dream for photographers, hikers, and bird-watchers. You may encounter Patagonian foxes, unique birds such as the chucao tapaculo, and countless rainforest plants that thrive in this lush environment. Reaching the park adds a touch of adventure: after the main highway, the final 12 kilometres are along a rough gravel road, so it’s best to rent a car in Puerto Montt or join a guided tour, as public transport is limited. Once inside, the forest envelops you in tranquillity. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a rain jacket. The rainforest climate means light drizzle is always possible, even in summer.
One of the most spectacular day trips from Puerto Montt is a visit to Volcán Osorno and the Petrohué Falls. Both are located in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Osorno is an iconic, snow-capped stratovolcano with an almost perfect cone shape, often referred to as the “Mount Fuji of South America” for its striking symmetry. Standing at 2,652 metres, this dormant giant dominates the horizon and offers extraordinary views of the surrounding lakes and the Andes. You can drive up Osorno’s slope to the ski-centre parking area, then take a chairlift or follow a hiking path for even more panoramic vistas. On a clear summer day, you’ll see glacier-tipped peaks and the vast, deep-blue expanse of Lake Llanquihue stretching below.
Just a short drive away, the Petrohué Falls (Saltos del Petrohué) provide another unforgettable sight. These powerful rapids send vivid turquoise water surging over smooth black volcanic rock, creating a dramatic contrast of colour and texture. A brief walking trail leads to viewing platforms where you can admire the churning emerald water with Osorno rising majestically in the background.
Although it may be warm at lower elevations, remember to pack extra layers, as the wind near Osorno’s upper slopes can be cold, even in summer. A day trip to Osorno and the Petrohué Falls is undoubtedly one of the top summer activities in Puerto Montt. It’s a powerful and memorable introduction to the breathtaking landscapes of Chile’s Lake District.
Just 20 minutes north of Puerto Montt is the charming town of Puerto Varas, beautifully set along the shores of Lake Llanquihue. With its neat German-stle architecture, flower-filled gardens, and a backdrop of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, Puerto Varas is one of the prettiest towns in Chile’s Lake District. In summer, you can stroll along the rose-lined lakefront promenade, relax on the small black-sand beaches, or take a refreshing dip in the cool freshwater. The town’s character reflects a blend of Mapuche-Huilliche traditions and German settler heritage. It is seen everywhere from local handicraft markets to cafés serving kuchen and pastries.
A scenic drive around Lake Llanquihue takes you to nearby gems, such as Frutillar and Puerto Octay. Frutillar, in particular, stands out for its renowned summer music festival and the impressive Teatro del Lago, a modern concert hall right on the water. Spend an afternoon wandering Frutillar’s lakefront or exploring the German Colonial Museum. Throughout these lakeside towns, you’ll find restaurants offering Chilean seafood, German-inspired dishes, and craft breweries for beer enthusiasts. Puerto Varas is also a popular base for outdoor adventure. If you haven’t yet visited Osorno Volcano or the Petrohué Falls, excursions can be easily arranged here. With a rental car, it’s easy to hop between these quaint lakeside villages.
For a truly unique adventure, consider a day trip to Chiloé Island, an enchanting world of folklore, wooden architecture, and wildlife just off the coast of Puerto Montt. To get there, you’ll drive about 60 kilometres south to Pargua before boarding a ferry for the 30-minute crossing of the Chacao Channel. Keep your eyes peeled during the journey: it’s common to spot sea lions and dolphins swimming alongside the boat, and during the summer migration season, you might even catch sight of whales in the distance.
Once on the island, the town of Ancud makes an excellent first stop, known for the historic San Antonio Fort and a lively local market. Nearby, you can join a boat trip to the Puñihuil Islets, one of the only places in the world where Magellanic and Humboldt penguins nest side by side. Further south, the island’s capital, Castro, blends culture with postcard-worthy scenery. Its brightly painted palafitos, which are wooden houses on stilts along the waterfront, are Chiloé’s most iconic sights. Castro is also a great base for visiting some of the island’s 16 UNESCO-listed wooden churches, remarkable for their centuries-old timber construction and distinct Chilote stle.
While here, make sure to try curanto, a traditional feast of shellfish, meats, potatoes and dumplings, often cooked in an earthen pit known as curanto al hoyo. Its smoky, earthy flavours are unique to the island’s culinary heritage. With its misty green hills, grazing sheep and legends of ghost ships and woodland spirits, Chiloé exudes a magical, otherworldly charm.
For adventure seekers, the Puerto Montt region offers outstanding opportunities for kayaking and rafting during the summer months. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, and fjords, the area is perfect for travellers looking to combine adrenaline with spectacular scenery. One of the most thrilling summer activities in Puerto Montt is white-water rafting on the Petrohué River, near the famous Petrohué Falls. The river features lively Class III rapids that are exciting yet suitable for beginners.
If you prefer something calmer, sea kayaking in the Reloncaví Sound is a beautiful way to explore the region. The fjord’s gentle waters allow you to glide past hidden coves and observe sea birds or even a playful sea lion up close. For equally stunning views, kayaking on Lake Llanquihue or Todos Los Santos Lake allows you to paddle across tranquil, blue water framed by majestic volcanoes.
Local tour operators offer kayak rentals and guided excursions ranging from short outings to full-day journeys. Early morning trips are especially magical, with mist rising from the water and the calls of native birds echoing through the stillness. If you’re lucky, you may spot a condor soaring high above the Andean landscape. Always wear the provided life jacket, follow the guide’s instructions, and protect yourself from the sun, which can be strong even when the air feels cool.
Travelling in Puerto Montt during the summer is enjoyable, but a bit of preparation will help your trip go smoothly. Below are some practical tips to ensure you have a safe and comfortable journey:
Puerto Montt may be the starting point for Patagonia and the Lakes Region, but it’s also a rewarding destination during the summer. With comfortable weather, diverse attractions, and warm local hospitality, the city has something for every traveller. Lounge on the beach, trek through ancient forests, and sample local dishes at the market to get an authentic experience of southern Chile’s charm.
Rent a car in Puerto Montt with Final Rentals to make the most of your trip and explore the region at your own pace. Final Rentals makes the process fast and stress-free, offering a pick-up option at El Tepual International Airport. With easy online booking, transparent pricing, and instant confirmation, you can select the perfect vehicle for your journey. Choose from compact cars ideal for city driving or spacious SUVs for Chile’s rugged landscapes. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
