Puerto Montt

I had the honor of passing through the city that Lonely Planet describes as ¨a giant dive bar¨.

And when Lonely Planet calls something a dive, it catches your attention.

Because it's situated at the very end of Chile's main valley, almost every person, animal or piece of merchandise that goes to or from Chilean Patagonia goes through Puerto Montt.  It's a city of mechanics, sailors and truck drivers.  People with character and tough hands.  Puerto Montt reflects that.  It's gritty, but not down.  If Rocky was Chilean, he would be from Puerto Montt.

Situated like Vancouver...

...with all the charm of Philadelphia.

Patagonian wool

Fisherman.

And Patagonian cheese.