Outings and excursions · Puerto Montt

Puerto Montt, kilometre zero of the Carretera Austral

Photos: Ivotoledo45 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The road to Patagonia starts at the main square: the first stretch to Hornopirén, with the crossing of the Reloncaví estuary.

Photo: Ivotoledo45, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Carretera Austral starts in Puerto Montt: its kilometre zero is in the city's main square. Many travellers begin their journey to Patagonia here, and the first stretch is an outing in itself.

To Caleta La Arena

The first 46 km follow the sea to Caleta La Arena, where you board a ferry.

Crossing the estuary

The ferry crosses the Reloncaví estuary in about half an hour to Caleta Puelche. From there the road continues to Hornopirén, about four hours from Puerto Montt in total, gateway to the national park of the same name.

Further south

Between Puerto Montt and Chaitén there are some 239 km combining road and three ferry crossings: plan them well ahead.

Tips

  • Check ferry times and bookings before setting off, especially in summer.
  • Fill up with fuel in Puerto Montt.
  • Continue with our full Carretera Austral guide from Coyhaique.

Plan your trip

See alsoHotels and lodging in Puerto Montt

Outings in Puerto Montt

Traditional Lamb Festival A link in the chain of tradition, the Río Chico Lamb Festival is organized by local farming communities offering their delicious typical food and mus… Read more Tenglo Island, Natural Nook Right off the port and behind a narrow channel lies Tenglo Island. Visitors to it may enjoy an amusing day hikingjust sunbathing. Read more Angelmó's Seafood Platters Those who know the variety and quality of Chilean fish and seafood find it essential to go along the ocean drive, visit the handicrafts fair and reac… Read more Flying over the Pacific The airfields located on the coastline invite visitors to take flights that display the geographical features of the vast and rocky Chilean seashore … Read more The Salmon Route Traveling along the Carretera Austral means discovering a land where nature and industry coexist in harmony. Here, the salmon industry, one of the mo… Read more Lake Crossing in the Andes Several Andean lakes connect Frutillar and Bariloche in an excursion that includes traveling by land and water, getting deep into diverse wild scenes. Read more Patagonian Cypress: Ancient and Noble An imposing ancient forest boasts its grandeur and its contribution to science throughout long years. Visitors will learn to love and care for it. Read more Chacao Channel towards Chiloé Chiloé Island is a great tourist attraction reached only by ferry boat across the sea. Read more Essential City Tour Guide Puerto Montt is a city that invites visitors to explore its long waterfront promenade, downtown streets, churches, and museums; however, the most typ… Read more Engraved in Stone The exhibition room of the Monte Verde Museum watches valuable pieces that give evidence of the first Pre-Columbian cultures that dwelled on this con… Read more Surroundings not so far away There are many interesting opportunities to explore the area around the city, whether you start from Angelmófollow the coastline to the Southern Road. Read more

Hotels and lodging in Puerto Montt

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