What to do near Coyhaique if you have only one day? (Part 1)
Not everyone travels to the Aysén region with enough time to travel the Carretera Austral in its full dimension. There are those who must travel to Coyhaique for work, for example, and have limited time to take a pleasant taste of what this area is.
That is why we wanted to make a list of the main attractions that we find close to the regional capital, and that you can travel by car or traveling by bus.
Some of our recommendations
Devil's Lookout
Half an hour before arriving at Villa Cerro Castillo from the north, we are surprised by one of the most famous viewpoints on the Carretera Austral, the Cuesta del Diablo Viewpoint, where you have not only spectacular views of the Ibañez River valley, but also of the summit of Cerro Castillo in case of a clear day.
From Coyahique the journey is approximately 2 hours to this point, and the place has ample parking for all types of vehicles.
Cerro Castillo National Park
If you only have one day to explore the area, on the way to the Cuesta del Diablo Viewpoint you will pass through the national park, in a natural environment full of forested hills and snow-capped mountains. The road is also accompanied by the Blanco River and this natural environment has the particularity of being one of the main habitats of the Huemul in Chile. That is why you must be attentive, because sometimes these mammals come close to the road, in what is a unique encounter between man and nature.
For those who have more time, the Cerro Castillo park has various trekking trails and allows you to spend the night in campsites.
Puerto Aysén
The second largest city in the Aysén region is only an hour from Coyhaique when traveling north on the Carretera Austral. The road there runs through an evergreen forest environment where the presence of the Simpson River stands out. The city of Puerto Aysén is rich in restaurants and hotels, and a visit for the day is essential.
It is highly recommended to visit the Presidente Río Ibañez bridge, an attractive red color that crosses the Aysén river. From there there is a route that connects with Puerto Chacabuco, from where tours to Laguna San Rafael leave. In the vicinity of Puerto Aysén there are various natural attractions, such as lakes and lost waterfalls.
Aiken del Sur Park
Paths that zigzag through the evergreen forest, beautiful waterfalls and viewpoints towards the imposing landscape of the south, as well as a rich gastronomy where lamb on stick is king. That and much more is what this park offers.
Categorías - Photo - Parks - Roadtrip - Adventure - Nature - Route Patagonian Parks - Trekking