When your Puerto Montt cruise ship docks in Southern Chile’s lake district, situated at the foothills of the Andes Mountains and known as the gateway to Patagonia, you’ll find that Puerto Montt shore excursions offer the best opportunities for experiencing some of Chile’s most exciting and unspoiled landscapes and vistas.

Whether you’re interested in active adventures like river rafting and rainforest hikes, cultural events like rodeo adventures, or serene and scenic drives through the city and countryside, Puerto Montt cruise excursions are an excellent way to experience the best of Chile’s beautiful Lake District. 

Tour the city of Puerto Montt and Frutillar on a scenic drive that captures the essence of this area of southern Chile while on your South America cruise. See the Church of the Sacred Heart, built in the German architectural style, complete with red spires and oak frames. Stop at Plaza de Armas, the city’s beautiful town square with artisan shops, and get a panoramic view of the bay and mountains at a scenic stopping point. In Frutillar, visit the German Colonial Museum. As you drive to Puerto Varas, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Lake Llanquihue, Chile’s largest lake. During clear weather, you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking sight of the snow-capped Osorno Volcano. 

Puerto Montt shore excursions that let you explore the natural wonders of Chile’s spectacularly scenic Lake District are popular with outdoor adventurists. Take a Class III-IV guided rafting trip down the Petrohue River. Paddle downriver, maneuvering through rushing currents, fast rapids, and eddying pools with old-growth forests, waterfalls, and mountains providing a spectacular backdrop. 

Trek through a temperate rainforest on a four-mile hike at Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, Chile’s oldest park. As you walk the Solitario pathway at the foot of the Osorno Volcano, you’ll encounter ancient native trees like the nothofagus, as well as many other native flora and fauna, including many varieties of birds native to the Lake District. At the endpoint of your hike, you’ll arrive at Laguna Verde, a secluded inlet of Lake Llanquihue, and you’ll behold the rushing water of the Petrohue Rapids.

For a fabulous family adventure, book Puerto Montt shore excursions to spend a day with Chilean cowboys (huasos) as they work the horse farm and train for competitive rodeos. In addition to a front-row seat at a rodeo demonstration, you’ll enjoy a barbecue beef lunch and an opportunity to view the magnificent Chilean horses up close.