Coyhaique became a town only as recently as 1929, when an estancia was expanded and settlement encouraged. It was originally a company town but now has become a pleasant city of 40,000 inhabitants. The weather is pure Patagonian rain and snow for many months of the year, but not even the rough conditions take away from the rugged beauty of the surrounding area.
The
city is now the captital of the region of Aisén; a mind-blowing
area of steep peaks, glaciers, cascading rivers, rolling grasslands and
driving winds. The region is still recovering from the catastrophic arrival
of colonists and companies in the 1930´s and 1940´s, when
more than three million hectares of native forest were burned so the
newcomers could obtain land titles. The charred trunks of massive beech
and lenga are a contant aspect of the landscape, as they grimly stand
among the younger regrowth. Still, it is the environmental beauty and
the possibility of adventure that brings visitors to the area. Coyhaique
is roughly 600 kilometers south of Puerto Montt by road, but this relatively
short distance requires at least two and a half days driving due to ferry
connections, the rugged highway, and stops to take in the fanstastic
scenery. I personally would spend a week or more doing this trip, and
still be forced to pass by numerous spots of interest. The road stretching
north-south, the Carretera Austral, is more than a scenic highway. It
is a rough dirt road passing through some of the most remote and breathtaking
areas in the world. On this road, yet north of the Coyhaique is Queulat
National Park, arguably the region´s most impressive attraction,
with dense temperate rainforest, misty peaks, and hanging glaciers that
create countless icy cascades. To the south, accessible only by boat,
is the Laguna San Rafael, an increasingly famous and visited part of
the continental ice cap that is a remnant from the last ice age. The
region around Coyhaique is also well known as one of the premier fly
fishing spots in the world. For those who want a bit more luxury during
the adventure of there trip, a visit to the Thermas de Puyuhuapi (8 hours
north of the city) is a must. |
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Hotel Termas de Puyuhuapi |  |
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| General Info The most beautiful place in all Chile. Located on the shore of a fjord amidst ancient forests. There are hotsprings outdoors next to the ocean hidden among ferns and towering trees. The resort is pure rustic luxury, with polished wooden floors and furniture. |
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| Accomodation Service Comfortable sitting area with fireplace where guests can mingle. Upstairs pool table with outrageous views across fjord at 500 meter peaks jutting out of the sea. Own water treatment system, all heating and electricity from thermal springs and nearby waterfalls. New full spa with indoor thermal pools and Jacuzzi. Upstairs exercise room, Turkish bath, sauna and massage rooms with newest steambath technology. Full fishing equipment available, as well as zodiacs for excursions. Salmon and trout can be fished from the dock or from boats. Accessible only by boat from village of Puyuhuapi. Luxury catamaran tours to Laguna San Rafael National Park offered. Absolutely top notch service. Worth the difficulty of getting there. |
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El Patagon (Deluxe Lounge) | |
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| General Info Deluxe lodge for the serious fly fisher, Operated by Southern Chile Expeditions. |
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Hosteria Coyhaique |
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| General Info One of the finest choices in town. Accomodation Service Tours, conference room, restaurant, bar, money exchange. |
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