Car Rental in Puerto Montt

Where to drive

• Drive the scenic Carretera Austral: Begin your adventure on this iconic route, heading south towards Hornopirén (≈3 hours, 100 km) for ferries to explore further into Patagonia.
• Visit Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park: Explore Petrohué Falls and Osorno Volcano, a roughly 1.5-hour drive (≈90 km) from Puerto Montt.
• Discover Frutillar and Puerto Varas: Enjoy the charming German-influenced architecture and lakefront views of these towns, both within an hour's drive (Frutillar ≈40 km, Puerto Varas ≈20 km) north of Puerto Montt.
• Explore Chiloé Island: Drive to Pargua (≈1 hour, 60 km) to catch the ferry to Chiloé, where you can discover unique wooden churches and a distinct culture.
• Hike Alerce Andino National Park: Access this ancient forest reserve, home to millennia-old alerce trees, within a 1-hour drive (≈45 km) from the city.
• Tour the Llanquihue Lake Loop: A full day's drive (≈200 km) around Chile's second-largest lake, offering panoramic views of volcanoes and picturesque towns.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Chile, you typically need a valid passport, a national driving license from your home country, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Drivers must generally be at least 21 years old, and some companies may require drivers under 25 to pay a young driver surcharge. A credit card in the main driver's name is essential for the security deposit.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Puerto Montt vary significantly by season and vehicle type. Economy cars might start from around 30-40 USD per day during the low season, while SUVs or larger vehicles could range from 60-90 USD or more. Peak summer months (December-February) see prices increase by approximately 30-50% across all categories.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Chile, drivers must adhere to speed limits: typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways, unless otherwise posted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day, on interurban roads. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 12 or shorter than 1.35 meters must use appropriate child safety seats in the rear of the vehicle.

Parking

In Puerto Montt, parking in the city center can be challenging. There are both paid street parking zones and private parking lots. Street parking often uses a system where attendants (often identifiable by vests) collect a small fee per hour. Always check for signage. Outside the immediate city center, free parking is more readily available, especially near attractions or larger shopping areas.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available in Puerto Montt and along major routes. Prices are regulated nationally and are generally higher than in North America but comparable to many European countries. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some Chilean pesos (cash) on hand, especially in more rural areas. Diesel (petróleo) and various octane levels of gasoline (bencina) are available.

Which car to choose

For exploring the paved routes around Puerto Montt and the Lake District, a standard economy or compact car is perfectly suitable. However, if you plan to venture onto unpaved roads, such as sections of the Carretera Austral or into more remote national parks, an SUV or a 4x4 vehicle with higher ground clearance is highly recommended for comfort and safety. Manual transmission cars are very common, but automatics are available, often at a slightly higher price.

Frequently asked questions