Coyhaique is the capital of Chile's Aysén Region, in Chilean Patagonia, and a central stop on the Carretera Austral, with 57,823 inhabitants according to the 2024 Census. It was founded on 12 October 1929 under the name Baquedano and has been the regional capital since 1974. Balmaceda Airport (BBA), 55 km away, has direct flights from Santiago.
The Carretera Austral, or Route 7, runs about 1,058 km between Puerto Montt and Villa O'Higgins, according to Chile's Ministry of Public Works, which reported 614.5 km paved (58%) as of April 2026. It has gravel sections and ferry crossings, and links national parks, glaciers, fjords and small towns.
From Coyhaique you can reach Cerro Castillo National Park (64 km south), General Carrera Lake and the Marble Caves (about 5 hours), the Hanging Glacier in Queulat National Park (165 km north) and Puerto Chacabuco, where boats leave for San Rafael Lagoon. The best time is December to March.
The Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) are marble formations carved by water on the shore of General Carrera Lake, which at 1,850 km² is the largest lake in Chile. They have been a Nature Sanctuary since 1994 (Decree 281). Trips leave from Puerto Río Tranquilo, about 223 km south of Coyhaique (about 5 hours), by boat, around 2 hours, or by kayak, 2 to 3 hours. November to March is the busiest season; in spring and autumn the lake is lower and it's easier to get inside the caverns. Sernatur recommends booking only registered operators.
See tours64 km south of Coyhaique on the Carretera Austral, it protects 143,502 ha around Cerro Castillo, a black basalt peak with hanging glaciers. It was a national reserve from 1970 and became a national park in 2018. The Laguna Castillo trail is 14 km (about 8 hours) and the Las Horquetas trek is 53.5 km over 3 to 5 days. Both close from May to September and CONAF only allows them with a certified guide: check before you go. You must register at the park office at Laguna Chiguay (km 57 of Route 7 South).
See toursQueulat National Park, created in 1983, covers 154,093 ha and lies 165 km north of Coyhaique. Its main sight is the Hanging Glacier (Ventisquero Colgante), suspended above the rock with waterfalls pouring from it. From the glacier sector, the hike to the viewpoint takes about an hour and a half. The nearest town is Puyuhuapi, founded by German settlers in 1935, with the Puyuhuapi hot springs, about 3 hours north of Coyhaique.
See toursLaguna San Rafael National Park, created in 1959, covers 1,742,000 ha and has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1979. San Rafael Glacier, flowing from the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, has an ice front of almost 4 km and stands about 60 m high. Boats leave from Puerto Chacabuco and the trip takes 10 to 12 hours; there are also flights from Coyhaique. From Puerto Río Tranquilo a route runs through the Exploradores valley to Puerto Grosse, but CONAF has closed the frontal access to Exploradores Glacier for safety reasons.
See toursAbout 5 km from town, via the road to Puerto Aysén and a gravel track, the reserve has protected 2,150 ha since 1948. It has short trails such as Laguna Verde (1.2 km, 20 minutes) and the Las Piedras trail (6.6 km, about 5 hours), with views over the town and valley. Las Piedras and the cycling trails close from May to September.
About 37 km from Coyhaique, on the road to Puerto Aysén, it protects 41,620 ha along the Simpson River, known for fly fishing. Trails include Los Colonos (3.4 km), a universal-access path (800 m) and Cerro Cordillerano (6 km, moderate). Dogs and fires are not allowed.
In the south of the Aysén Region, near the mouth of the Baker River, Caleta Tortel has no streets: you get around on about 7 km of cypress-wood boardwalks. Boats leave from there to the Jorge Montt and Steffens glaciers and to Isla de los Muertos. It's 6 to 8 hours from Coyhaique by car or bus.
See toursThe route has gravel sections, paving works and ferry crossings, such as Caleta La Arena and Puerto Yungay. Sernatur recommends a 4×4 or a well-equipped camper, a spare tire and extra fuel, and carrying cash: small towns have almost no ATMs and internet is unreliable. Ferries on the bimodal route fill up months before high season, so book early.
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| Month | High | Low | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18°C 65°F | 8°C 47°F | 15.2 h |
| Feb | 19°C 66°F | 8°C 47°F | 13.9 h |
| Mar | 16°C 61°F | 6°C 43°F | 12.4 h |
| Apr | 12°C 54°F | 4°C 40°F | 10.8 h |
| May | 9°C 48°F | 2°C 35°F | 9.4 h |
| Jun | 6°C 42°F | -1°C 31°F | 8.8 h |
| Jul | 5°C 42°F | -1°C 30°F | 9.1 h |
| Aug | 7°C 45°F | 0°C 32°F | 10.3 h |
| Sep | 9°C 49°F | 1°C 34°F | 11.8 h |
| Oct | 12°C 54°F | 3°C 37°F | 13.4 h |
| Nov | 15°C 59°F | 5°C 41°F | 14.9 h |
| Dec | 17°C 63°F | 7°C 45°F | 15.6 h |
2015–2024 averages calculated from Open-Meteo historical data (ERA5 reanalysis). They may differ by one or two degrees from the local weather station.
The best time is December to March, with long days and all services open, according to Sernatur. It rains even in summer and the wind on the southern lakes is strong and cold: pack layers and a rain jacket. Several CONAF trails close from May to September.
December to February
High season: long days, boat trips to the Marble Caves and San Rafael Lagoon, and all trails open. Book ferries and accommodation early.
March to May
March is still a good time, with fewer visitors. General Carrera Lake drops and it's easier to enter the marble caverns. In May the Cerro Castillo and Las Piedras trails close.
June to August
Cold and snow; several trails are closed, and the glacier trail at Laguna San Rafael closes from May to August. Temperatures in Cerro Castillo National Park drop to -15 °C. A 4×4 and chains are recommended at the border crossings.
September to November
Days get longer and trails reopen from October. With the lake still low, it's a good time to enter the Marble Caves. The weather is changeable.
There are direct flights from Santiago to Balmaceda Airport (BBA), 55 km from Coyhaique. To start the Carretera Austral from the north, fly to El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt. Sernatur suggests flying into one airport and out of the other.
Route 7 leaves Puerto Montt, crosses the Reloncaví Estuary by ferry and continues through Hornopirén, Chaitén, Puyuhuapi and Queulat to Coyhaique. Sernatur suggests a 7-day trip to Balmaceda covering 1,089 km. Some sections can only be crossed by barge.
Coyhaique has two nearby border crossings: Coyhaique Alto (795 m), on Route 240, and Huemules (523 m), near Balmaceda, on Route 245. Both are open to all types of vehicles. In winter they may close due to weather: check the daily status on Chile's Pasos Fronterizos site.
4 days based in Coyhaique cover Cerro Castillo, the Marble Caves and Coyhaique National Reserve. To drive the Carretera Austral from Puerto Montt, Sernatur suggests 7 days.
Arrive in Balmaceda. Coyhaique: the Shepherd Monument, the main square and Coyhaique National Reserve (Laguna Verde).
Cerro Castillo National Park: register at Laguna Chiguay and stop at the viewpoints on Route 7. Continue to Puerto Río Tranquilo.
Marble Caves by boat or kayak from Puerto Río Tranquilo. Drive back to Coyhaique.
Río Simpson National Reserve and, time permitting, Puerto Aysén.
Boat trip to San Rafael Glacier from Puerto Chacabuco (10 to 12 hours).
North to Queulat National Park and the Hanging Glacier.
Puyuhuapi and its hot springs, or back to Balmaceda.
In the Aysén Region of Chilean Patagonia. It's the regional capital and a central stop on the Carretera Austral, with 57,823 inhabitants according to the 2024 Census. Balmaceda Airport (BBA) is 55 km away.
About 1,058 km between Puerto Montt and Villa O'Higgins, according to Chile's Ministry of Public Works. As of April 2026, 614.5 km were paved (58%); the rest is gravel, and some sections require ferries.
Drive the Carretera Austral to Puerto Río Tranquilo, about 223 km south (about 5 hours). Boat trips of about 2 hours and kayak trips of 2 to 3 hours leave from there. There are also tours from Coyhaique.
December to March, with long days and better weather, according to Sernatur. It still rains in summer: pack layers and waterproof clothing.
Sernatur recommends one, or a well-equipped camper, because of gravel sections and roadworks. Carry a spare tire, extra fuel for side roads and cash.
64 km south on the Carretera Austral. The park office is at Laguna Chiguay, at km 57 of Route 7 South, where you must register before starting a trail.
By boat from Puerto Chacabuco, on a 10 to 12 hour trip, or by small plane from Coyhaique. The glacier has an ice front of almost 4 km and stands about 60 m high.
Sernatur suggests 7 days between Puerto Montt and Balmaceda. If you only visit Coyhaique and its surroundings, 4 days cover Cerro Castillo, the Marble Caves and the nearby reserves.