The first impression of Puerto Montt from the docks of Puerto Angelmo’s fishing cove: a vibrancy of intercontinental cultures.  Indeed, if it weren’t for Spanish signs spread all over the place, you could have sworn that you’ve stepped into a quaint little Bavarian town.  Puerto Montt in Chile has history to thank for this unusual distinction; the buildings are German, and the culture, although predominantly South American, is infused with an irresistible Germanic zest.  This port was named after the Chilean President who established it in 1852, Manuel Montt, and back then, the place was teeming with German immigrants; you’ll still see distinct signs of German culture today in architecture, kuchen (fruit flan), and kuntsmann (beer).

Puerto Montt is one of a cruiser’s must-see destinations, simply because of the immense opportunities for leisure and activity which it offers.  Located at the southern limits of the country’s Lake District, the port is encompassed by lakes and rivers, and it is cradled by snow-capped peaks.  The possibilities wouldn’t fit in even a week’s worth of shore excursions: you can go flyfishing, trek the path to surmount the perfect symmetry of Osorno Volcano, jetski on Lake Llanquihue, take a zip-line canopied tour, traverse the river on kayak or canoe, or just skirt by the beautiful lakeside on a bicycle.  If you’re more of a laid-back tripper, while the day away on a picnic by the lake, and on a Pacific Ocean beachfront, no less; the local artisan market is also within walking distance if you want to catch up on your shopping list.

There are a few local destinations which you just can’t do without, and Puerto Varas is well worth the visit (despite the 12-mile ride northeast of the port).  Make sure you set out early to take in the full beauty of this ‘City of Roses’; the view of the Osorno Volcano’s perfect cone from the shoreline of Lake Llanquihue is breathtaking on a clear morning.  The exquisite craft market in the area also comes alive at the same hours, and you’ll be able to take raspberry kuchen with fresh-brewed coffee at the local cafes fronting the streets.

For afternoon shopping delight, visit Feria Artesenal Angelmo; this craft bazaar stretches out for blocks on end, and the area is allegedly the one place in Chile where you can get the best Chilotan crafts (woven products made out of wool and alpaca).  The market is situated in Chiloe, an off-coast isle near the port.  Even if you’re not good at bargaining, the upfront prices are affordable enough to lure you to go on a shopping frenzy.  You’ll even get a good head start on your Christmas list if you cruise to the area in the late winter months.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a great find, Puerto Montt will sate your desire and more.  With its truly exotic mix of Latin-European cultures, you’ll be lured back to its shores on your next cruise, in an attempt at picking up where you left off and be rest assured that there’s still a lot of ground to cover.