The day began with great news for Puerto Montt and the Los Lagos Region, as Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font, along with Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde and Transport Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz, officially inaugurated the new International Passenger Terminal for cruise ships and the City-Port Link Center. These two major infrastructure projects, developed by the state-owned Empresa Portuaria de Puerto Montt (Empormontt), symbolize the government’s commitment to decentralizing public works and fostering development in every corner of the country.
With an investment of over 4.3 billion Chilean pesos, these projects are poised to significantly enhance regional tourism, improve connectivity between Puerto Montt and international destinations, and generate new opportunities for local gastronomy, artisans, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.
A Gateway to the World
Puerto Montt has always been a key maritime hub, and now with the new International Passenger Terminal, the city is better equipped to welcome the increasing number of cruise ships that dock there. For the 2024–2025 season, 43 cruise ships carrying more than 71,000 passengers and crew are expected to visit the port, making the Los Lagos Region the second most important region in Chile in terms of cruise passenger traffic.
President Boric emphasized the broader impact of the terminal during the inauguration:
“This new passenger terminal is not just about infrastructure or public works — it’s about strengthening our connection with the port city. It offers better arrival conditions for cruise passengers, protecting them from wind and rain, and giving them a stunning view of the Tenglo Channel, the bay, and the surrounding volcanoes.”
The terminal was built by refurbishing and expanding an old gymnasium, transforming it into a modern, world-class facility. Key features of the new terminal include:
- A covered walkway along the coastline, connecting the disembarkation gates to the terminal next to the new coastal park.
- Embarkation and disembarkation areas for passengers and crew.
- Offices for government services such as Customs, the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), and the Investigative Police (PDI).
- A café with a terrace and scenic viewpoint.
- Spaces for local crafts and traditional products, promoting regional culture and supporting artisans.
Strengthening Local Economies and Culture
In tandem with the terminal, the City-Port Link Center (Centro de Vinculación Ciudad Puerto) was also inaugurated. This multipurpose space is designed to increase the utility of the cruise terminal by acting as a hub for events, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the Los Lagos Region.
Inspired by cultural centers such as Santiago’s Estación Mapocho or Metropolitan Santiago, this venue will serve as a strategic platform for supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, it will host cultural activities that reflect the identity of the region, becoming a beacon for community engagement and creativity.
President Boric noted the positive economic impact of both projects:
“Here we are strengthening tourism, the service chain in the regional capital and nearby towns such as Frutillar and Puerto Varas. We are promoting access to natural attractions like Petrohué Falls, Alerce Andino National Park, Lake Llanquihue, and beyond. This is great news for the regional economy — for tour operators, commerce, crafts, and gastronomy, especially for small enterprises that provide employment.”
A Vision for Regional Development
The inauguration of these two facilities is part of a larger vision to revitalize Puerto Montt and surrounding areas, ensuring that infrastructure development also supports social and economic inclusion. By focusing on both the needs of international tourists and local communities, the government is demonstrating a model of sustainable, decentralized development.
These new spaces not only enhance the visitor experience but also empower local producers and entrepreneurs to thrive in a growing tourism ecosystem. With its improved facilities, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture, Puerto Montt is now more than ever a welcoming gateway to the wonders of southern Chile.
