The capital of Chile’s Lake District, Puerto Montt acts as a gateway to both the Patagonian fjords and Andes Mountains. As it is a bustling port city, most visitors invest their energy in exploring all the nearby volcanoes, woodlands, and waterways.
Set at the mouth of the Central Valley with the colossal Volcan Osorno rising in the distance, it was founded in 1853 by German pioneers. While a handful of landmarks and houses of worship feature the city’s heritage, in truth, its traffic-gagged streets are very unremarkable. There are anyway a couple of vibrant markets and malls where you can search for trinkets, attempt some seafood or get supplies for a trip further south.
1. Alerce Andino National Park
The feature of anyone’s time in town however has to investigate the untouched and pristine Alerce Andino National Park. Set simply under an hour’s drive southeast of the middle, its wild reaches offer all kinds of fun open-air activities.
Named after the endangered alerts tree that dominates the park, it was established back in 1992 to safeguard the region’s pristine fauna and flora. Amidst its vast tracts of virgin woodland are around fifty sparkling lakes and lakes for you to find. Waterfalls also abound with hiking trails weaving their way to a great extent.
2. Petrohué Waterfalls
With the snow-capped Osorno volcano rising in the background, the Petrohué Waterfalls don’t half make for a spectacular sight. Lying along the waterway of the same name, the churning chute-type rapids can be reached in around about an hour from Puerto Montt.
Part of Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, the falls are situated halfway between Todos los Santos Lake and Llanquihue Lake. Bordered by black basalt shakes, the shade of its teeming waters fluctuates from emerald green to foamy white and blue.
3. Muelle de Paseo
Back by the landmark and Plaza de Armas is the popular and pleasant Muelle de Paseo that sticks out into the bay before it. Instantly recognizable thanks to its distinctive tent-topped canopy, the dock boasts beautiful perspectives on Puerto Montt and its intelligent waters.
Originally inaugurated in 1888, the 140-meter-long dock was once where boats unloaded their passengers and cargo. As of late, its wooden walkway has finally been replaced with the smooth, straightforward construction and awnings we see today.
4. Monumento a la Colonización Alemana
Further along, the waterfront is one of Puerto Montt’s standout images and locales: the Monumento a la Colonización Alemana. Located right close to Plaza de Armas, it pays recognition for the initial 200 or so German pioneers who migrated to the area in 1852.
First disclosed to people in general in 2002, the landmark depicts an as-of-late-arrived German family speaking to a local guide. While the mother holds a baby and the father a satchel, the Chiloen native points the way they ought to go. Roosted upon his shoulder is an ax and at his feet a canine.
5. Visit Puerto Varas
Not far away is the beautiful city of Puerto Varas. Set along the south shore of Llanquihue Lake, it is famed for its charming German buildings and exceptionally old traditions. It also boasts phenomenal perspectives on the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes rising dramatically in the distance.
Located just half an hour’s drive directly north of town, the ‘city of roses’ was settled back in 1853 by German immigrants who come to colonize Chile’s Lake District. While ambling around its historic focus, you’ll go over various sights that mirror this fascinating past.
6. Mall Paseo Costanera
Simply a stone’s toss from all the striking figures is the stylish and upscale Mall Paseo Costanera. The largest shopping place in southern Chile, its innumerable stores display almost everything you might at any point want.
Overlooking the waterfront, the massive mall and its two tall tower blocks were worked back in 2001. As well as the usual shops like Adidas, Nike, and Skechers, its gigantic, gleaming interior contains a vast food court and a cinema showing all the latest releases.
7. Volcan Osorno
Towering dramatically above the lakes, timberlands, and waterways about it is the phenomenal Volcan Osorno. One of the Lake District’s high-priority locates, the conical stratovolcano lies ninety minutes northeast of town, in between the two large lakes referenced above.
Topped by glimmering glaciers, the majestic mount stands 2,652 meters tall with ancient lava streams scarring its lower slants. Considered an image of the local landscape, its soaring highest point marks the northern boundary of Chilean Patagonia for many.
Read also: Top 7 Best Things to Do in Iquique, Chile