Puerto Montt

Puerto Montt is a medium sized town of approximately 175,000 people, located on the coast of southern Chile. It can be reached by bus from any major northern cities, and is also on the end of the line from the train route. As the name implies, it is a port town, and large ships can be seen entering and leaving the bay.

Puerto Montt was founded in 1853 during the wave of German immigration. There is an excellent market along the coastline that sells arts and crafts, cheese, and has many seafood restaurants with freshly caught fish at prices ranging from reasonable to very expensive. It pays to shop around. Most tourists frequent these restaurants.

Puerto Montt is the end of the line for traveling by road or rail in Chile. In order to proceed to the untouched natural areas of Patagonia, one must take a ferry to the island of Chiloe from Puerto Montt, or fly. In that manner, the town is a connection point to the beautiful southern areas of Chile. In terms of tourist attractions, besides the ocean and coastal market, Puerto Montt is an average town without anything too spectacular.

Frutillar

Frutillar is a small town located in the Lake's Region, in the Province of Llanquihue, and is located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, the largest lake in Chile. The town consists of an upper and lower portion, the lower being largely populated by German settlers who came in the 1850's, and also is the location of all the tourist attractions in the town.

A distinct theme of music is clearly present in lower Frutillar, and is culminated each year by an annual music festival “Semanas Musicales”, held in the newly constructred theatre, which is one of the best theatres of Chile.

If spending the night in Frutillar cabins are by far the best option. During the summer months a full cabin on the beach should cost around $60 to $80 a night, and $40 a night during the rest of the year. Daytime attractions include the beach, water sports, the German Colonial Museum, and German restaurants. No trip to Frutillar is complete without eating Kuchen, a typical German desert.