5 reasons to visit Coyhaique

  1. Coyhaique one of Chile's youngest cities, only founded in 1929, and you can still feel the innovative spirit
  2. A bustling oasis in this remote region, stock up on craft beers and local delicacies, or wander the markets in the central square
  3. Head to nearby rivers and lakes, packed with trout in the summer, to kayak or fly fish
  4. Drive straight out on the Carretera Austral, north to the rainforest, south to the mountains, or east to the ice cap, glaciers and fjords
  5. Spend a day exploring the huge nature reserve on the edge of town

Places to visit

Plaza de Armas: This pentagonal plaza is the historical centre of Coyhaique, where ten straight roads converge. It is a peaceful place to enjoy a pisco sour or a coffee, except on market days where the whole square is bursting with colour and sound as local artists and craftsmen showcase wood carvings, leather goods, basketry works and pottery. 

Patagonia Regional Museum: Located a little out of the city centre, this museum exhibits the heritage of the settlers and ancient inhabitants of this fascinating region. There are samples of housewares, texts and photographs which help bring the history and culture of Aysen to life.

Coyhaique, Aysén, Chile

Coyhaique

Coyhaique reserve: Just 5km south of the city is a nature reserve covering 2676 hectares of protected forest. Over 12km of trails wind through thick pines and mature lenga forest, including the most popular Laguna Verde trail which snakes around a crystal clear lake full of rainbow trout. A more strenuous hike takes you all the way up to the summit of Cinchao at 1361m. Here you'll get views of the entire city and all the surrounding mountains that tower above it.

Things to do

Carretera Austral

Coyhaique sits right in the middle of the Carretera Austral, and given the town's size and proximity to Aysen's main airport, it is one of the best places to start your self-drive adventure. The Carretera Austral is one of the most famous 'road trip' roads in the world, a 1,200km route that connects the most remote areas in Chile and passes through rainforests, plains and valleys, past fjords, hanging glaciers, snow-capped peaks and sparkling glacial rivers.

To the north lies the magnificent Queulat National Park, where you can drive, trek or kayak through the rainforest in search of hanging glaciers and waterfalls. Drive south from Coyhaique and you'll head into the Cerro Castillo mountain range, full of jagged peaks which can be explored in day or multi-day treks. 

Coyhaique

A glacier meets the rainforest in Aysen

How to get there

Coyhaique's local airport is in Balmaceda, 34km away. Most international flights to Balmaceda will go via Santiago.

You can also drive to Coyhaique along the Carretera Austral, it is 345km from Cochrane and 1646km from Santiago. 

If you have a little more time, it is possible to sail from Puerto Montt to Puerto Chacabuco, a merchant port 79km from the city. This route takes 22 hours, but you will see some beautiful remote scenery along the way. This is a 22 hour trip. 

Coyhaique

Where to stay

The benefit of building a city at the bottom of a mountain is that the steep streets leading up the hillside give the opportunity for some fantastic views. Our favourite hotels in Coyhaique sit a little way up and out of the centre, where you can see the whole town and the Simpson valley from your hotel room.

If you'd prefer to be closer to the action, more central hotels are often a little easier on the budget, and will give you quicker access to all the cafes, restaurants and the central plaza.

Coyhaique

Explore more of Aysen

Kayaking in Aysen

Kayaking in Aysen

Aysen's rivers are forces of nature; immense bodies of water that carry glacial melt from the ice cap to the ocean. Kayaking along these rivers gives you access to some wildly …

Discover More
Hiking in Aysen

Hiking in Aysen

Dramatic snow-capped mountains, glistening glacial lakes and lush forested valleys make for superb trekking in this unsung region. Explore the fantastic hiking routes in Aysen's …

Discover More
Queulat National Park

Queulat National Park

The Queulat National Park is located in the Aysen Region, and offers over 1500 km2 of immaculate scenery, forested landscapes and distinct wildlife.  Among …

Discover More
Things to do in Aysen

Things to do in Aysen

Aysen's magic lies in its variety. This region is blessed with mountains, rivers, forests, rainforest, steppe, fjords, and even the North Patagonian Ice Cap. Trek through pristine …

Discover More

Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.

1-855-369-7866