International arrival
Arrive through Santiago (SCL)
Most international travelers will arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, Chile.
After landing
- Proceed through immigration and customs
- Collect your luggage
- Follow signs for domestic connections
Tip: Allow at least 2-3 hours for connection time, especially if arriving from long-haul international flights.
Alternatively, you may prefer to make a stop-over in Santiago. The Santiago transfer contact below is for SCL airport transfers and can be useful for overnight stays before the domestic flight to Puerto Montt. A curated list of hotels near Santiago airport will be added once confirmed by the organizing team. It is also possible to book day trips to diverse destinations, close to, or in Santiago.
Domestic connection
Fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt (PMC)
From Santiago, take a domestic flight to El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt.
- Flight duration: approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
- Airlines operate multiple daily flights
Tip: Puerto Montt is the main gateway to the Los Lagos region and Puerto Varas.
Airport transfer
Connect from Puerto Montt Airport to Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is located approximately 20-30 km from the airport, with a travel time of about 25-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will find several transportation options.
Private or Shared Transfer
- Pre-booked or available at the airport
- Drop-off directly at your hotel
- Travel time: ~30 minutes
- Approximate amount: 15-25 USD
For the Puerto Montt to Puerto Varas route, participants can review the Survip transfer. For participants spending a night in Santiago, the SCL transfer service is available through Airport Transfer, WhatsApp +56976053701, or reservas@trasladoaeropuerto.cl.
Taxi
- Available directly outside the terminal
- Travel time: ~25-30 minutes
- Safe and widely used
- Estimated cost: 20-30 USD
Bus / Shuttle
- Budget-friendly option
- Travel time: ~30-40 minutes depending on route
- Estimated cost: 2 USD
- Departures from Puerto Montt bus terminal
Taxis and transfers are the most convenient options for international travelers.
Final destination
Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is a scenic lakeside city located in southern Chile, known for:
- Lake Llanquihue
- Osorno Volcano
- Easy access to national parks and research sites
Travel Tips
- Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
- Most taxis and services accept cards, but carrying some cash is recommended
- ATMs usually offer foreign-language menus and dispense Chilean pesos. Cash withdrawal limits are commonly around US$200 equivalent per transaction.
- Weather can change quickly - bring appropriate clothing
- Spanish is the local language, but basic English is commonly understood in tourism services
