Puerto Montt - Culture

Puerto Montt is the capital of the Tenth Region of Los Lagos and is the last city in Chile's longitudinal valley. The city was founded in 1853 by Don Vicente Pirez Rosales, as a part of the colonization policy the government had at the time. A year before German immigrants had arrived to that area of the country, and like Valdivia and Osorno, the city shows their influence.

The Bay of Puerto Montt is on the northern part of the Sound of Reloncavν. Puerto Montt is protected on the west side by the Island of Tenglo. You can cross from the main land to the island in a row boat for about 50 cents. On the Island you can hike to the cross at the top of the hill and see the deep blue bay, the city of Puerto Montt and several beautiful snow covered volcanos.

You can take a boat ride through the Tenglo Canal which lies between Chiloe island and the main land. One of the great things about Puerto Montt is its close proximity to many lakes, waterfalls, national parks, and Chiloe Island.  Puerto Montt also offers cruises for the tourist who wants to go out for the day or be out on the sea for a couple of weeks.

From Puerto Montt you can also access the Carretera Longitudinal Austral. Construction of this highway began in the seventies, and required a gigantic effort to overcome the climatic and geographical challenges of the territory. Today many people travel this road to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.

Next to Puerto Montt (20 km) is lake Llanquihue and the city of Puerto Varas, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Puerto Varas has good hotels, restaurants and a Casino. Following the highway that goes around the lake to the south, are the falls of the Petrohue, and farther on, Todos los Santos.

The Plaza Manuel Irarrazaval with its beautiful view of the ocean, is the commercial center of the city. City services are also located there. The Cathedral is just to the north of the Plaza.

Along the Costanera to the west is the Museo Juan Pablo II, which commemorates the Pope's visit in 1987. Further west are the port installations and the Feria Artesanal, where you can admire and purchase typical objects made by local craftsmen. At the end of the Costanera is Caleta Angelmo, famous for its fish market and its traditional restaurants whose specialties are all kinds of seafood and fish, among them the typical "Curanto". Following the same Costanera to the east of the city is Pelluco beach, with its beautiful residences and excellent restaurants and pubs.