Puerto Montt is an ideal base for a road trip in southern Chile. This port city lies at the head of the Reloncaví Sound and is wrapped in the heritage of early German settlers. It’s the northern terminus of the famous Carretera Austral, meaning you can start epic journeys right from town. Many attractions in Puerto Montt are close to the centre, and renting a car lets you explore attractions that lie beyond walking distance. This guide will help you discover the best places to visit in Puerto Montt.
In this section, we’ll cover the Puerto Montt's must-see spots, from a bustling seafood market to historic landmarks and waterfront promenades.
One of Puerto Montt’s most iconic places is the Angelmó Market, a seaside market famous for fresh seafood and local crafts. Angelmó is a waterfront market where fishing boats unload their daily catch. You can feast your eyes on piles of fish, mussels, oysters, sea urchins, and the spiky southern king crab called centolla.
Beyond food, Angelmó also has a handicraft market around its periphery. You’ll find stalls selling knitted wool sweaters, wooden carvings, and other souvenirs, many coming from the Chiloé Island traditions. Prices can be a bit high here, so feel free to bargain. The market’s location on a small bay gives you lovely harbour views. Colourful fishing boats bob at anchor. The tide here is significant, causing boats to lie aground for a few hours each day. There’s also a Museo Náutico Basg Marine, a nautical museum and art gallery near Angelmó’s docks.
Just across the water from Angelmó is Tenglo Island, a small forested island. Reaching Tenglo requires taking a local boat that departs every 5 to 10 minutes from Angelmó pier. After the boat trip, you will reach Tenglo’s shore, where a short hike awaits. The path up is a semi-steep climb through greenery. In about 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll reach the summit marked by a giant white cross, the Cruz de Tenglo. At the top, you’re rewarded with a 360-degree viewpoint. From here, you can gaze out over Puerto Montt city, the bay, and on clear days, even see distant volcanoes like Calbuco and Osorno.
In the heart of downtown Puerto Montt, you will find the Plaza de Armas. It is the main square of the city, and the historic Cathedral of Puerto Montt stands right in front of it. The cathedral’s full name is Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, and it is the oldest building in the city. It was first built in 1856 using local alerce wood, a strong Patagonian cypress known for its long life.
The design was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, but everything was made from wood. The structure has survived many earthquakes. The copper-covered dome above the front gives the cathedral a simple but beautiful look. Inside, you will see warm wooden columns and a wooden ceiling. Plaza de Armas is a lively open area where locals and travellers relax. You will also find the Monument to German Colonization near the plaza. This bronze sculpture shows German and Chilean pioneer families and reflects the strong German influence in the city’s past.
Puerto Montt’s waterfront is shaped by the Costanera, a long and scenic promenade that follows the bay. It runs beside the ocean and gives wide views of the Reloncaví Sound, a large bay that reaches distant islands and green peninsulas. On clear days, you may see the snow-covered Osorno Volcano and Calbuco Volcano in the distance. The city’s Parque Costanera is a linear park where people walk, jog, or relax by the water. There are walking paths and bike lanes that reach the Pelluco beach area, so you can enjoy the sea breeze.
One popular stop here is the Monument to Lovers, a large sculpture of a couple sitting and looking out to the sea. Many travellers take photos here because it is a fun and romantic landmark. Another key spot is the Muelle de Paseo, a short pier with a tent-shaped roof. You can walk to the end and see the city skyline, the calm bay, and dolphins if you get lucky.
Along the Costanera, you will also find a modern shopping mall. It has many shops, food options, and places to rest. The park areas also have playgrounds for children and spaces for families. The whole Costanera is free, open all day, and a great place to enjoy the waterfront views during your Puerto Montt road trip.
Near the center of town, by the Plaza de Armas and Costanera, you’ll find the Muelle de la Costa (Muelle de Paseo). Historically, this 140-meter pier was where ships docked to unload passengers and cargo in the late 19th century. Today, it’s been revamped into a modern boardwalk with sleek wooden planks and canvas awnings. It serves as a viewing platform and a small market.
There are local crafts sold nearby. Right at the entrance to the pier and in the adjacent small artisan fair, you’ll see vendors with stands selling souvenirs and handmade goods. Try shopping for Mapuche jewelry, crocheted and woven items, and carved wood ornaments. It’s a convenient spot to pick up a keepsake, especially if you missed something at Angelmó. The prices can sometimes be tourist-oriented, but the quality is often good.
Beyond the city streets, Puerto Montt boasts natural spots where you can reconnect with nature. In this section, we’ll guide you through beaches, coastal drives, and riverbanks that lie within or just on the edge of the city. These scenic drives in Puerto Montt and short excursions are perfect for those travelling by car, letting you experience tidal shores, quiet forests, and tranquil water views close to town.
To enjoy the seaside inside the city, you can visit Playa Pelluco. This beach is located east of the centre. Pelluco is a small neighbourhood with golden sand and calm water. The beach is in a sheltered cove, so the waves are gentle. The water is cold, so most people do not swim, but it is a great place for a quiet walk. At high tide, the waves reach close to the road. At low tide, the water pulls back and reveals wide flats of sand and mud. You'll see small tide pools, tiny sea creatures, and seabirds searching for food. Some locals explore the seabed during low tide, so it is important to watch the tide times.
Pelluco has a soft resort feel and is a great place for weekend outings. A coastal promenade runs along the beach and is perfect for a walk. On one side, you'll see the Pacific Ocean and Tenglo Island. On the other side, you'll see low cliffs and green hills with houses. The air feels fresh and the area stays peaceful. Sunsets in Pelluco are famous for strong orange and pink colours.
For a quiet and scenic drive, you can head to Chinquihue, a coastal area west of the city centre. The road follows the Tenglo Channel, so you get views of calm water and passing boats. Many travellers see this as one of the most relaxing coastal drives in Puerto Montt. The coastline here is rugged and less built up. One special feature is the long stone beach made of smooth grey pebbles instead of sand.
Along the Chinquihue road, you will find small pull-off spots where you can park and enjoy the view. If you want to walk along the pebble shoreline, wear sturdy shoes because the rocks can feel uneven. Children often enjoy throwing stones into the water, but do watch them since there are no lifeguards here. A key landmark in this area is the Estadio Chinquihue, a football stadium close to the water. You may also see signs of the local seafood industry, such as boats, shipyards, and mussel farming platforms in the water.
If you drive about 10 minutes southeast of the centre along the Carretera Austral, you will reach the Chamiza Estuary. This semi-rural area sits where the Chamiza River meets the sea. The estuary is open and easy to reach by car. There are no gates or official park signs. It is simply a natural area where the river flows into wide wetlands before reaching the Reloncaví Sound.
When you arrive, the view opens into marshes, reeds, and a slow winding river. The wetland habitat is rich with birds. If you enjoy birdwatching, consider bringing binoculars. You might spot herons searching for food or flocks of ducks resting near the water. There is also a small viewpoint called Mirador Coihuín, which overlooks the wetlands. The riverbank is a great spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic. You can park near the Chamiza Bridge and then walk a short distance to find a grassy spot. This is not a developed park, so there are no benches, playgrounds, and restrooms.
The Reloncaví Sound is the wide inlet of the Pacific that borders Puerto Montt. It offers many scenic spots along its long coastline. If you feel like taking a longer drive, you can follow the roads that run beside the sound. One route begins south of the city, along Route 7, also known as the start of the Carretera Austral. You will pass small coastal communities like Piedra Azul, Metri, and Caleta La Arena.
Short boat tours leave from the harbour and take you around the bay. These tours sometimes include wildlife viewing or simple sightseeing. From the boat, you can see small islands, hidden coves, and the fjord-like coastline that marks the beginning of Patagonia. Inside the city, you can admire the sound of the Costanera. For a higher view, you can go to Mirador Manuel Montt, a hilltop viewpoint near the centre. From there, you see Tenglo Island, the city skyline, and the full spread of the Reloncaví Sound.
Puerto Montt’s culture is a rich blend of indigenous roots, settler history, and contemporary arts. In this section, we’ll explore the city’s museums, historic streets, and creative spaces.
The Museo Juan Pablo II is the best place to learn about the history of Puerto Montt. The name originates from Pope John Paul II's visit to the city in 1987. However, the museum focuses on local heritage. It first opened in 1967 and later moved to its current spot on the waterfront. It is located near the centre and easily accessible by car along Antonio Varas Avenue.
Inside, you will find about 1,800 items that explain the story of Puerto Montt and the wider Reloncaví area. The exhibits cover everything from pre-Hispanic cultures to German immigration and modern city life. You will see maps, photos, tools, and objects used by the Mapuche and Huilliche people, along with equipment from early German settlers.
To feel the old charm of Puerto Montt, take a walk or slow drive through the Antonio Varas district. Avenida Antonio Varas is one of the main historic streets running through downtown. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Puerto Montt experienced growth due to German immigration and its port status. Along Antonio Varas and adjacent streets, such as Urmeneta or Guillermo Gallardo, you can still spot heritage houses and buildings from that era, often made of wood with distinctive balconies and roofs.
One prominent example is Casa Pauly, a neoclassical mansion built in 1903 by a local businessman. It’s a pale-colored house with columns and a grand presence. Today, it serves cultural purposes. This house, along with others like Casa Yunge and Casa Wetzel, is considered an architectural treasure of Puerto Montt. Strolling here is like visiting an open-air museum of late 19th-century southern Chilean town life.
Puerto Montt’s Mercado Municipal Presidente Ibáñez is a covered market, located a bit south of downtown on Av. Presidente Ibáñez. You will find stalls brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, meats, and plenty of seafood (merluza, congrio, and clams). However, beyond food, the Mercado Municipal also has sections dedicated to artesanía (handicrafts). As you wander through, you’ll come across vendors selling items like hand-knitted wool sweaters and ponchos, wooden carvings of local wildlife, or kitchen utensils made of alerce wood, and other souvenirs.
A road trip in Puerto Montt gives you a clear way to explore the city’s markets, coastal paths, and quiet nature areas. Driving helps you connect these places smoothly, without relying on fixed routes or long waits. It also lets you understand the city’s layout better as you move at your own pace.
When you rent a car in Puerto Montt with Final Rentals, you can pick up your vehicle at El Tepual International Airport. Choose from compact cars, SUVs, or premium models, all listed with transparent pricing and flexible cancellation. Final Rentals offers instant confirmation and well-maintained vehicles suited for city streets and longer drives. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
