🐎 Coyhaique and the Carretera Austral: the untamed soul of southern Chile
🕰️ History of the place
The Carretera Austral , officially called Route CH-7 , was inaugurated in 1988 as a strategic and epic project: to open a way to the most isolated regions of Chile.
With more than 1,200 km between Puerto Montt and Villa O'Higgins, it crosses some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet.
Coyhaique , founded in 1929, is its nerve center: a small city, surrounded by mountains, that combines modernity with a rural spirit and outdoor life.
Patagonian history is intertwined with livestock colonization, the lives of pioneers, and the Mapuche-Tehuelche worldview, still present in the local culture.
🌿 Flora and fauna
Patagonia is a natural sanctuary.
Among the lenga and coigüe forests live huemul deer, foxes, Magellanic woodpeckers and condors , while in the crystal clear lakes and rivers there are trout, salmon and black-necked swans .
The Cerro Castillo, Queulat and Patagonia national parks protect unparalleled biodiversity.
The landscape changes with every kilometer: from rainforest to windy steppe, from blue ice to deep green.
🌎 Destination description
Coyhaique is the ideal starting point for exploring the Carretera Austral .
Its surroundings are marked by the Simpson River , the Mackay Hill and a network of glacial valleys that open up towards the Pacific.
Along the route, towns like Puerto Río Tranquilo, Puyuhuapi, Villa Cerro Castillo and Cochrane offer unique experiences: glacier navigation, natural hot springs and contact with local communities.
Southern hospitality, fire, mate, and silence are all part of the journey.
🎒 Main activities
🏔️ Adventure and nature
-
Cerro Castillo National Park: trails, viewpoints and turquoise lagoons.
-
Marble Cathedrals (Puerto Río Tranquilo): rock formations on General Carrera Lake, navigable by kayak or boat.
-
Queulat National Park: the imposing Hanging Glacier, waterfalls and Valdivian rainforest.
-
Patagonia Park (Cochrane): trails, steppes, guanacos and endless skies.
🛶 Rivers and lakes
-
Sport fishing: trout and salmon in the Simpson River or General Carrera Lake.
-
Rafting on the Baker River: turquoise waters and pure adrenaline.
-
Kayaking in fjords and hidden lagoons.
🍲 Patagonian culture and life
-
Rural stays: horseback riding, spit-roasted meats and country life.
-
Craft fairs: textiles, sheep's wool, cutlery and native wood.
-
Coyhaique Regional Museum: natural and cultural history of Patagonia.
📸 Featured tourist attractions
-
Cerro Castillo: the “Torres del Paine of Aysén”.
-
Marble Cathedrals: a natural icon of Patagonia.
-
Queulat Glacier: a jewel suspended in ice.
-
Baker River: the most voluminous and colorful river in Chile.
-
Patagonia Park: conservation, wildlife and starry skies.
🏡 Types of accommodation
-
Mountain lodges and eco-lodges: sustainable and with Patagonian design.
-
Rural hostels and family cabins: local experiences with fireplace and firewood.
-
Boutique hotels: Patagonia House, Loberías del Sur, Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa.
🍽️ Gastronomy
Patagonian cuisine is based on natural and fresh products.
Lamb on a spit, trout, southern hake, king crab, homemade bread and calafate berries are the stars of the table.
In Coyhaique, pubs and restaurants combine traditional flavors with modern cuisine.
Nothing compares to a red wine or a craft beer in front of a wood-burning stove.
“The Carretera Austral is not just a road: it’s a journey into the wild soul of Patagonia, where every kilometer leaves a mark on your heart.” ✨
