Isla Jorge Montt is one of the lesser-known islands off the Chilean mainland. With its stunning ocean views, white sand beaches, and lush forests, it makes for a perfect getaway.
Its close proximity to the city makes it easy to explore on foot or by bike, and there are plenty of places to stay in the area. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or a place to unwind after a busy day, Isla Jorge Montt is an excellent choice.
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History
Isla Jorge Montt is named after General Augusto José Erasmo Juan Che Guevara, who was killed in Bolivia while fighting against the Bolivian military junta. The island has been a popular tourist destination since its discovery in the 1930s, and it continues to be one of Chile’s most popular destinations.
Landscape
Isla Jorge Montt is a small island with an area of just under 3 square kilometers. It is relatively flat, making walking easy, and there are plenty of hiking trails available if you want to explore the island further. The island is densely forested, which makes the island quite calm, despite its proximity to the coast. The best thing about Isla Montt Island is that it provides an ideal place for anyone who likes a relaxing and fun holiday on a quiet island.
Is it safe
The island’s remote location and lack of activity make it both tranquil and peaceful; however, this can sometimes attract people looking to break in or steal something (as happened with Fernando Po). Visitors should be aware that not only has there been crime on this island but also information against parts of Chilean law have come from some of the less than law-abiding sailors, who must have felt at home on this island. The island has a guard post and vigilantes patrolling in boats which live off money removals from foreigners during their stay.
Climate
Isla Jorge Montt experiences a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from 12 to 18 degrees Celsius. The island receives a good amount of sunlight, which makes it very pleasant year-round. The island’s flora is composed mainly of eucalyptus and some palm trees, and its fauna is only made up with small birds since the island does not contain a single mammal.
However, there are many different types of crabs available for tourists to enjoy in their mud holes along the beach front from May or June through October or November . It has been suggested that mussels may also be found (perhaps because they grow in association with kelp) within 22 m off shore near La Redonda reef flat on a muddy bottom at 20-22 meters depth away from any yellow or orange colored rock or macro algae, but there has been no observation of shellfish in this area.
Culture
The islanders are subsistence farmers, and many of them still practice traditional artisanal work such as weaving and basketry. There is also a small museum on the island which houses some traditional artefacts.
The island features a Catholic church, many guest houses and beach bars, besides several places where one can get food. There is no electricity on the island and all services including banking are available in igloos that tourists rent for about US$4 per night (as of 2009). All land travel to or from Puerto Montt takes place on foot via eucalyptus walkways.
Politics
Isla Jorge Montt is a possession of Chile. The island’s inhabitants are Chilean citizens, but it is administered as a protected area by the Instituto Chileno de Conservación y Educación Ambiental (ICCEA), an agency within the Ministry of Agriculture. As such, its inhabitants enjoy special protections from exploitation by commercial interests, and their access to land, health care and other public services is restricted in order to ensure that they maintain their traditional way of life.
Government services
Puerto Montt is not connected to the outside world by road. Access to it is only possible via eucalyptus walkways, which make it difficult for large vehicles to reach the island. As a result, municipal services are limited and residents must rely on volunteers from local businesses or hire private vendors who provide essential services such as clean water, garbage collection and road maintenance.
The island’s inhabitants are mainly employed in tourism-related activities, including beach front property rental, food preparation and serving, day labor (mainly in construction), transportation (mostly by llama) and taxicab. They have no access to public housing, but are provided with eucalyptus houses by the government, which they inhabit during at least part of the year. The island’s residents pay some local taxes, including a small beach fee and a tourist tax (US$3 per night for tourists).
Tourism
Isla Jorge Montt is a popular tourist destination, with around 2,000 visitors per day during the summer season. Most visitors are Chileans, but there is a small foreign population of English-speaking retirees and tourists who come to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and relax in its seclusion.
The main economic activity on the island is tourism, largely dependent on access to eucalyptus walkways which restrict commercial development. There are no shops or services available on the island other than basic provisions (such as fresh milk and bread), which are available from local vendors at high prices.
Conclusion
Isla Jorge Montt is an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Nicaraguan mainland. The islands were declared a National Park on October 3, 1990. The park includes Isla Jorge Montt, Cerro Negro, Isla de los Alcatraces, Isla de la Plata and Isla del Ciprés. The park is home to the largest population of exotic parrots in Central America.
FAQs
1 . What Is The Island’s Population?
There are no permanent residents on Isla Jorge Montt, but the archipelago’s total population includes a variety of species of birds and other wildlife.
- How Long Does It Take To Reach Isla Jorge Montt From The Mainland?
It takes around 2 hours by car or bus from Santiago, Chile.
- What Can I See On Isla Jorge Montt?
The island has a range of attractions including beautiful beaches, dense forests, and impressive ocean views. Some popular highlights include Anse Vazquez beach, Picacho Sur viewpoint, and Laguna del Maule.
- What Is The Currency On Isla Jorge Montt?
Chilean pesos are the main form of currency on Isla Jorge Montt.
- Is There A Telephone Service On The Island?
There is limited cellular phone coverage, but most establishments have Wi-Fi.
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