This is the capital city of the Lakes Region X, the last city in its longitudinal valley. Puerto Montt was founded in 1853 by Vicente Perez Rosales as part of the policy of settling the area promoted by the government of the time. A year before, the first German immigrants to the country had arrived in the area, and the city, along with Valdivia and Osorno, retains much of their influence. The bay of Puerto Montt extends over the northern part of the Seno de Reloncavi, with a view of the distant Corcovado and Michinmahuida volcanoes. The central business and service section of the city lies around Manuel Irrazabal Square, with a nice view of the sea, and the Cathedral located north of the square. From the square westwards is the John Paul II Museum, which commemorates the visit of His Holiness the Pope in 1987, as well as housing articles from the culture of the indigenous peoples and the German settlers. Further on rise the harbor works and the Handicrafts Fair, where a variety of characteristic articles produced by local artists can be seen and purchased. At the end of the street is the Caleta Angelmo, famous for its fair and traditional restaurants, especially those where every sort of fish and seafood, in particular the local "curanto," can be sampled. Along the same coast road eastwards of the city is Pelluco Beach, with its beautiful residences, very good restaurants, discotheques, and pubs.
From Puerto Montt southwards along the Pan American Highway, the Island of Chiloe can be reached by ferry for a visit to Ancud and Castro, in addition to the small rustic towns with their wooden houses over the water and the picturesque, peaceful scenery. The Southern Longitudinal Highway can also be reached from the city. Construction of it began in the 1970s, and after enormous efforts to overcome the huge adversities of climate and broken terrain, the Region of Aysen was joined by land to the rest of the country. Many excursions and trips are now made along this road to admire the beauties offered by its natural parks. Going north twenty kilometers (12 mi) from Puerto Montt is Lake Llanquihue and the beautiful city of Puerto Varas, surrounded by pretty scenery, with good hotels and restaurants and a Casino. Taking the road around the lake southwards, the Rapids of the River Petrohue can be seen and Lake Todos los Santos, with its unmatched view, can be reached. Puerto Montt has a great deal of trade and excellent hotel and restaurant facilities.
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