Introduction[]
Coyhaique is the largest town in the Aisén region, with a population of over 40000.
Beneath the basaltic barricade of Cerro Macay, Coyhaique sits at the confluence of the Río Simpson and the Río Coyhaique, 455 kilometres South of Caleta Gonzalo and 566 kilometres North of Villa O’Higgins. It is 634 kilometres from Puerto Montt via the Carretera Austral.
Originally known as Baquedano, today’s regional capital was once so remote and obscure that letters addressed here often ended up in an Atacama Desert rail junction of the same name. After a decade of confusion following its 1929 founding, its name became Coyhaique, but it did not become the provincial capital until it succeeded Puerto Aisén in 1973.
Founded as a service centre for the Sociedad Industrial Aisén, its growth spurred by the colonists who flooded the region in its wake. Coyhaique is a mostly modern city whose infrastructure hasn’t quite matched its growth—in heavy rain, downtown streets drain poorly and the flow of water is so broad that city workers set out impromptu pedestrian bridges across the gutters. Recent improvements, though, include a rehabilitated Plaza de Armas and conversion of congested Calle Horn into Paseo Horn, a pedestrian mall that’s become a popular gathering place.
Still the region’s only substantial city, Coyhaique has a complete array of services, including fine restaurants, pubs, and travel agencies. The virtual midpoint of the Carretera Austral, it also offers an alternate route into Argentina.
Location[]
Weather[]
The mountains may be snow-covered throughout the year, thus Coyhaique is sometimes called the city of eternal snow. Temperatures are moderate during the months of November through April. From May until October, temperatures can be comparatively cold and accompanied by the possibility of snowfall. Precipitation also increases during the colder months of May to October.
Getting There & Away[]
Coyhaique has its own airstrip served by air-taxis, but is also served by the airport at Balmaceda, 50 kilometres Southeast of town. LAN Airlines and Sky Airline fly from Puerto Montt to Balmaceda daily.
Coyhaique is very much the centre of communications and transport throughout the central Aisén region and the Carretera Austral. Buses go to Cochrane ($13.000 Chilean Pesos), Chaitén ($16.000 Chilean Pesos), Puerto Cisnes, Mañihuales, Puerto Aisén and Puerto Chacabuco.
Accommodation[]
Salamandras, Hostal Español, El Reloj, Hotel Coyhaique.