Coyhaique, Aysen capital, is a city that clearly differs from the rest of Chile: customs, landscapes, architecture and people, all seem have emerged from a postcard that still wait to be discovered.

The main feature of Coyhaique and Aysen is its varied landscapes that composes it. From shores filled of fjords and channels of Chilean Patagonia, to lush pampas closer to Los Andes.

In Coyhaique there is a benchmark for this more than 45 000 inhabitants city: the huge and majestic Mount Mackay, that offers a breathtaking view of Coyhaique and various attractions that surround it. In its huge cliffs can be done climbing or trekking.

Its rivers, like Simpson, Nirehuao and La Paloma, are ideal for sport fishing (fly fishing), while Coyhaique River is an excellent choice for adventure sports and kayaking. In Simpson River National Reserve can be disconnected from rest of the world and enjoy pleasant walks along beautiful trails. In addition, El Fraile ski resort allows to its visitors enjoy winter sports in Los Andes. North of Coyhaique,  Villa Ortega town is especially helpful to visit other nearby attractions.

Amazing differents ecosystems from few distance. From Coyhaique to Pacific Ocean, on road to Puerto Aysen and Puerto Chacabuco, approximately 20 km is enough to find rainforest. Or from Coyhaique to the east to reach Coyhaique Alto, a sector where are vast steppes of Patagonia.

Warm character inhabitants who deal with cold winters keep alive the Coyhaique identity. This can be seen at Main Square Craft Fair. On its stores can be found handmade goods and gifts made by native materials such as wood, leather, stone and wool. Wool has a privileged seat in Patagonia due to large sheep ranches in the area.

How to get there

By plane. From Santiago and Puerto Montt there are daily flights to Balmaceda Airport, located about 55 km from Coyhaique. It is shuttle service and city transfers.

In Bus. Bus services from Osorno and Castro (Chiloe Island) to Coyhaique.

By Car. Manly from Argentina, or by Austral Highway through barge services.

Ren a Car. Reserves or booking to ren a car must be done with advance for travel to Austral Highway and Coyhaique. Rent a car offer is limited for its large demand. To travel around Aysen a 4x4 is necesary.

Activities and Attraction

On outskirts of this city is Coyhaique National Reserve. This attractive emerges as an important Coyhaique destination, although is so close to this city, can be seen beautiful native vegetation of the area through different paths. This national reserve is special for hiking and mountainbiking.

Fly fishing. Coyhaique is one of the best cities in Chile for sport fishing with a great range of destinations and accommodation. That is why we strongly recommend visiting  town shops before going fishing.

In Coyhaique Alto, less than an hour from Coyhaique city, huge mountain walls are preferred home of condors. These rock walls are ideal for climbing and birdwatching.

Between June and September, El Fraile Ski Center, 29 km south of Coyhaique, has five powder snow fields surrounded by lenga and ñirre forests. In El Fraile there is ski equipment rental.