Day Trips from Puerto Montt. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Accessible Locations

Puerto Varas city (20 km north): "City of Roses" on Lago Llanquihue, views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, German architecture.
Frutillar (45 km north): German colonial town, Teatro del Lago, delicious kuchen.
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park (60 km east): Chile's oldest national park, Petrohué Falls, Lago Todos los Santos.

Chiloé Island (Ancud & Castro): Gotten to by ferry from Pargua (60 km south). Known for unique wooden churches (UNESCO World Heritage), distinct culture, rich mythology.

Transportation Options

Puerto Varas & Frutillar: Frequent public coaches from Terminal de Buses; collective taxis (colectivos) also run.
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park: Pre-arranged tours are common; rental cars allow independent exploration. Limited public bus routes exist.
Chiloé Island: Organized tours depart Puerto Montt city city; public buses to Pargua, then ferry to Chacao for island connections.
Rental Car: Offers flexibility for all destinations. Roads may have unpaved sections, particularly near national parks.

Natural Escapes

The Lochs District features perfectly preserved natural environments, perfect for day trips into untouched landscapes.

Parks and Reserves

Chile's oldest national park, and a region for ancient forests, lie nearby.

Protected Areas

Parque Nacional Alerce Andino: East of Puerto Montt, home to ancient Alerce forests and temperate rainforest trails.
Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales: North of Puerto Varas, includes Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, Petrohué Falls, Lago Todos los Santos.
Reloncaví Estuary: A fjord-like estuary for spectacular landscapes and tranquil boat trips.

Scenic & Rural

Discover the varied landscapes, originating at the lake shores to mountain backdrops and serene rural escapes.

Natural Features

Lago Llanquihue: Offers stunning scenic drives with volcano views.
Pelluco Beach: A local beach just south of The port Montt, good for short escapes.
Rural Areas: Picturesque countryside, small farms, and delightful hamlets for quiet exploration.

Planning Your Visit

Independent Travel vs. Tours

Independent travel: Full flexibility, extended stays at preferred locations.
Independent travel: Potentially budget-friendly with public transport.
Independent travel: More planning, time for transport arrangements.
Independent travel: Less local insight without a guide.

Organized Tour Advantages

Organized tours: Convenient, hassle-free, with transportation and guides.
Organized tours: Efficiently covers multiple sights.
Organized tours: Less flexible itinerary, rushed stops.
Organized tours: Fewer spontaneous discoveries.

Time Required for Excursions

Puerto Varas city & Frutillar:Half-day to full-day.
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park:Full-day (6-8 hours).
Chiloé Island:Full-day (8-TEN hours).
Alerce Andino trails:Ideal in drier months for access.

Seasonal Note: Alerce trees are accessibleSummer/Autumn.
Volcanic Action:Always monitored, sometimes ash/steam.
For thorough Chiloé exploration:Overnight stay recommended.
Organized tours from The harbor Montt city:Available for all sites.

Booking Your Adventures

Locate and reserve day trips and excursions from Puerto Montt with ease. Discover the best tours and activities for a memorable visit to the Lochs District. Explore day trips on GetYourGuide.

Cultural Excursions

Explore the region's rich history and local culture on these enriching day trips.

Churches of Chiloé

Visit numerous unique wooden churches on Chiloé Island, many are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

German Architecture

Puerto Varas city and Frutillar showcase strong German colonial influence in their picturesque wooden houses.

Rural Exploration

Experience the charm of the countryside in Cochamó Valley or the true island life of Dalcahue on Chiloé.

Historical Sites

Explore sites that tell the story of the region's unique past.

Highlights

Chiloé's UNESCO churches, like those in Castro, Dalcahue, and Nercón.
German colonial architecture examples thrive at The harbor Varas and Frutillar.
No major pilgrimage sites of international renown are near Puerto Montt.

Villages & Agriculture

Discover the real character of agrarian areas and agricultural landscapes.

Rural Insights

Cochamó Valley offers spectacular granite peaks and old-growth forests.
Dalcahue on Chiloé Island is known for its traditional fair and UNESCO church.
These areas offer an authentic glimpse into regional lifestyle and culture.

Cultural Experiences Quick Facts

Chiloé churches:UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Frutillar:Famous for German pastries.

Cochamó Valley access:Requires longer travel.

Dalcahue market:Traditional Sunday fair.

Puerto Montt Cultural Center:Casa del Arte Diego Rivera.

Local spiritual centers:Community churches all over the region.

Support Local Culture

Purchase handicrafts directly from artisans.
Visit regional arts centers and museums.
Engage with local communities respectfully.
Attend local festivals and events when it's available.
Consider supporting church preservation efforts on Chiloé.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip from Puerto Montt city to explore more of Patagonia or cross into Argentina.

Island Immersion

Devote more time on Chiloé Island for exploration.

Chiloé Extended

2-3 days on Chiloé Island: Explore smaller towns, local markets, and coastlines.
Enjoy regional seafood and distinct island culture.
Opportunities for kayaking or coastal exploration.

Adventure North

Head north to Pucón/Villarrica for different adventure activities.

Pucón & Villarrica

2-A trio of days in Pucón/Villarrica: Volcano climbing (Villarrica).
Relax in natural hot springs.
Experience white-water rafting.

Andean Crossing

A highly scenic journey across the Andean cordillera into Argentina.

Bariloche, Argentina

2-3 days in Bariloche via Cruce Andino (lake and bus a journey from Petrohué).
Explore Bariloche's stunning lake and mountain scenery.
A popular multi-day excursion connecting two lake districts.

Logical Next Steps

Puerto Montt is the starting point for various exciting destinations.

Travel Connections

Patagonia (South): Navimag Ferry to Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine) or fly to A City in southern chile.
Central Chile (North): Fly or catch a long-distance bus to Santiago for urban or coastal exploration.
Argentine Patagonia (East): Accessible via the Cruce Andino or various land crossings.

Suggested Regional Routes

Lakes District Loop

Puerto Montt city to The harbor Varas, Frutillar, Osorno, Volcán Osorno, Petrohué Falls, Lago Todos los Santos, and Pucón/Villarrica.

Andean Crossing Journey

Begin in Puerto Montt city, travel to Petrohué, then take the Cruce Andino to Bariloche, Argentina.

Seamless Travel Connections

Multi-day tours and convenient transport links connect Puerto Montt to diverse regions. Discover experiences on GetYourGuide for easy booking.

Day Trips from Puerto Montt