Barb and Lloyd's Adventures: Day 13: Puerto Montt, Chile

Thursday, March 29

Puerto Montt is located on large inlet near Lake Llanguihue, South America’s third largest natural lake. It was established by German settlers who colonized the area in the 1850s. As the ship anchored in the bay, we used tenders to get onshore.

You have no idea how wonderful it was to feel the warmth of the sun and see flowers in bloom!

Our first stop was the town of Frutillar, which is situated on the shore of Lake Llanquihue.

We visited the German colonial museum - the old manor house with all the old-time tools and instruments, water mill, and the blacksmith’s shop.

The town is the site of an annual music festival and has a beautiful new opera house. Our local guide told us that the German culture is well preserved in the area, and that the German private schools were very popular.

We then headed towards Puerto Octay, and stopped on the road for a beautiful view of the Osorno Volcano. Chile is a country of many active volcanos.

On the way to Puerto Octay

Orsono Volcano

Our lunch stop was at the Hotel Centinela, a lovely small hotel with only 12 rooms, and a colorful history.

It was originally known as the Three Roosters, built by three businessmen, apparently a favorite place for gentlemen to gather, and it had a discrete back entrance for their lady friends.

They tell the story of a visit by Edward, Prince of Wales, February 1931. That night a local band entertained. On their way home across the lake, their boat sank and every member of the band perished.

We enoyed our introduction to Chile’s national drink, pico sour. It made with lemon juice, powdered sugar and ice cold pisco – a liquor made from Muscat grapes – served in a champagne glass.

We headed back to the ship, and although the day remained sunny and clear, the wind had picked up, giving us a lively ride in the tender back to the ship.

As we waited for the last of the tenders to arrive, the sunset was magnificent.