Before you go

Your trip to Coyhaique.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Coyhaique – Aysén do General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Capital

How to get there

Aeródromo Balmaceda (BBA) Balmaceda · 55 km
Terminal de Buses de Coyhaique 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

By plane, via Aeródromo Balmaceda, about 55 km to the southeast, with transfers, taxi or rental car to the city. By bus, there are lines along Ruta 7 coming from the north and south of the region and from Puerto Aysén, which arrive at the terminal downtown. You can also reach by sea at Puerto Chacabuco, about 80 km away, on ferries coming from Puerto Montt.

How many days

Two days cover the town and the two nearby reserves. With three days you can include a full day in Cerro Castillo. Those continuing along the Carretera Austral often spend one or two nights in Coyhaique on arrival to organize the trip.

When to go

Summer, from December to March, brings long days and the highest temperatures, around 20°C and sometimes above. Autumn, in April and May, colors the forests. Winter is cold, with snow and temperatures that can drop well below zero; the town functions normally, but high trails are closed. It rains throughout the year.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

For the town itself, no: the center is walkable and there are taxis and shared taxis. For the reserves and Cerro Castillo, a car helps a lot; without one, use regular buses and agency tours. To travel the Carretera Austral independently, a rental car in Coyhaique or Balmaceda is the most common option.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Coyhaique

Morning
Reserva Nacional Coyhaique
Head up early to the Reserva Nacional Coyhaique, north of the town, and hike to Laguna Verde. If the weather allows, follow one of the trails to a viewpoint overlooking the valley.
Afternoon
Valley of the Río Simpson and waterfalls
Take the road to Puerto Aysén, stop at the bridge to see Piedra del Indio and continue through Reserva Nacional Río Simpson to Velo de la Novia and Cascada de la Virgen.
Late afternoon
Downtown and Plaza de Armas
Back in Coyhaique, walk around the Plaza de Armas and the diagonal streets that lead away from it. It's the time to take care of shopping and reservations for the coming days.
Evening
Patagonian dinner
Dine downtown and look for roasted lamb or river fish on the menu. In summer the day gets dark late, so dinner can be after sunset.

2 days in Coyhaique

Day 1

Morning
Trails north of the city
Start at Reserva Nacional Coyhaique, with time for a longer hike to viewpoints over the town and the Simpson valley.
Afternoon
Río Simpson
Descend through the Río Simpson valley, take the short trail along the river and stop at the waterfalls beside the road.
Evening
Downtown Coyhaique
Stroll around the Plaza de Armas and dine downtown, getting everything ready to leave early the next day.

Day 2

Morning
Road to Cerro Castillo
Leave early heading south on Ruta 7 to Villa Cerro Castillo, with stops to view the massif and the Río Ibáñez valley.
Afternoon
Hike and Paredón de las Manos
Take a hike in Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo or, if you prefer something easy, visit Paredón de las Manos near the settlement.
Evening
Return or overnight
Return to Coyhaique in daylight or stay overnight in Villa Cerro Castillo if you plan to continue south toward Lago General Carrera.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Why use Coyhaique as a base on the Carretera Austral?

It is the largest city on the route and the most complete in services: a nearby airport, rental companies, markets, banks and tour agencies. For that reason, those arriving by plane often start here. To explore the far south, other bases such as Puerto Río Tranquilo and Cochrane are included in itineraries.

What is the distance between Aeródromo Balmaceda and Coyhaique?

About 55 km on paved road, in less than an hour by car. There are transfers that meet the flights and take you to the center.

Is it very cold in Coyhaique?

In winter, yes: temperatures can fall well below zero and it snows frequently. In summer afternoons are pleasant, but mornings and nights are cool and the wind is constant. Bring layered clothing at any time of year.

What local words will I hear in Coyhaique?

On the road you'll hear 'ripio' a lot, the gravel of unpaved tracks, and 'barcaza', the ferry that crosses fjords and lakes. In the countryside, 'puestero' is the ranch hand who looks after the animals on an estancia.

Can you see the Capillas de Mármol on a day trip from Coyhaique?

It is possible but demanding: Puerto Río Tranquilo is about 220 km away, with part of the road on ripio, which means several hours of driving each way. The most common approach is to stay overnight in Puerto Río Tranquilo or Villa Cerro Castillo. Check the distance and road conditions before setting out.

Back to Coyhaique