Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Puerto Montt. El Tepual Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 90 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Before heading into Puerto Montt, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Chile vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Puerto Montt is roughly 90 minutes from PMC via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Puerto Montt
You have two main options for getting from El Tepual Airport into town:
- local transport: About 90 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 110 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Luggage Storage at PMC
Specific locker facilities at PMC aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Puerto Montt itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
What to Budget for Your Puerto Montt Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Puerto Montt:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Puerto Montt, two standouts are:
- Angelmó Fish Market & Craft Fair — It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
- Costanera Puerto Montt — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside PMC — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Salones VIP Pacific Club
- Airport Shops & Souvenirs
Where to Eat
In Puerto Montt
If you make it into town, Pa’ Mar Adentro is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Donde El Tato.
Inside PMC
If you’re staying in the terminal, Cafe El Tepual is your main option. Express Food Kiosk works too if you want something quick.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PMC, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Puerto Montt itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Chile that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, PMC has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Puerto Montt exploring the streets or relaxing at PMC, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.