Puerto Montt is a fast growing, chaotic city in the south of Chile, just north of Chiloé Island. It boasts great views of the ocean and towering peaks of the Andes, and is a centre for travellers heading further south along the Carretera Austral, or east to Argentina.

Tourist Offices
The Conaf office is at Ochagavía, 458 and there is a Sernatur office on the western edge of the Plaza de Armas.

Sightseeing
The area along the beach near the bus station is pleasant for a walk with things along the way to entertain you. Walking east you'll get great views, especially at sunset, from the hills there.

Getting there
There are flights north to Santiago and south to Punta Arenas. Buses pull in at the large and bustling terminal in the middle of town, close to the harbour. There are many departures to cities in the north, as well as services to Chiloé Island. Cruz del Sur are the fastest, since they own many of the ferries crossing the strait and the bus bypasses the waiting line. Buses to Bariloche in Argentina takes five hours. There are boats to and from Punta Arenas and Puerto Chacabuco. You can take a car across. There are many departures in summer, but often only one per week in winter. The ferry to Chiloé Island leaves from about 50km south-west of town and takes 30 minutes.

Getting around
The thousands of taxis and colectivos that bounce like ping-pong balls along the street are a fast and usually cheap way of travelling across town. Although you'll find that your feet will take you to most places. If walking, take extra care when crossing streets in this city. Colectivos appear out of nowhere!