Coihaique
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Coihaique Coyhaique |
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  Coihaique
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | Chile |
| Region | Aisén |
| Province | Coihaique |
| Founded as | Baquedano |
| Founded | 1929 |
| Government | |
| - Mayor | David Sandoval Plaza (2004-2008) |
| Area | |
| - Total | 7,290.2 km² (2,814.8 sq mi) |
| Population (2002) | |
| - Total | 50,041 |
| - Density | 6.86/km² (17.8/sq mi) |
| Website: http://www.coyhaique.cl | |
Coihaique, also known as Coyhaique, is the capital city both of the Coyhaique Province and the Aisén Region of Chile. It is also the capital of the homonymous Commune. Founded in 1929 by settlers, this is a relatively young city. Until the twentieth century, Chile never showed much interest at all in exploiting the hard-to-reach Aysén region. It was not until the second half of the twentieth century that the region's spectacular natural setting began to attract the attention of significant numbers from the outside world. The opening of the Carretera Austral in the 1980s helped put Coyhaique 'on the map'.
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[edit] Geography
Coihaique has some of the most beautiful scenery in Patagonia. It is surrounded by rivers (Simpson river and Coihaique river) and by mountains, which may be snow-covered throughout the year (Coihaique is sometimes called the city of eternal snow). On some days, it is said, you can experience all four seasons in a single day: rain, snow, wind, and then bright and warm sunshine. Note that Coihaique is sometimes also spelled "Coyhaique."
[edit] Politics
Coihaique's incumbent major is Mr. David Sandoval Plaza (UDI), who served for the 2000-2004 term, and reelected in 2004 for the 2004-2008 term. Hacendados (land owners) are very influential and are well represented on the City Council.
[edit] Society and culture
One of the most special things about this city is its town square, which is laid out in the shape of a pentagon in honor of the Carabineros, the national police force (a Carabinero general was one of the town's founders). Just off the main plaza is the Café Ricer, a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors, with some of the best coffee and pastries in the city.
The city serves as a regional service center and provides drugstores, supermarkets, gas stations, pubs, gyms, internet cafés, travel agencies, radio stations, a post office, a museum, automobile rental and repair services, hardware stores, book stores, medical support, construction and do-it-yourself stores, and many other similar activities.
[edit] Tourism
The best time to visit Coihaique is during the months of November through April, when the temperatures are quite moderate. From May until October, temperatures can be comparatively cold with the possibility of snowfall. Tourists can arrive by a number of means, including by air through the local airport, by sea through ships that dock at Puerto Chacabuco (near Puerto Aisén, about one hour to the west of Coihaique), and by road. There are two principal border crossing points near Coyhaique to allow entry into Argentina.
Of interest to many foreigners are the "fly fishing lodges" which are located next to rivers or lakes. Their services are around USD 1000 - 2000. A full range of simpler lodging is available within the city itself and nearby, though for its location in a rather scenic region, there are comparatively few "deluxe" hotels.
Coihaique has only one ski resort, called "El Fraile", which possesses 2 ski lifts and a couple of tracks. Lodging in this resort is not available; only private lodging in clubs, like CAE or the Army Lodge.
LAN has three daily flights from Santiago to Balmaceda Airport, located 40 km from Coihaique. Other airlines also provide services. Connections from Balmaceda airport to points further south in Chile will often require a connection in Puerto Montt.
[edit] Hotspots
- Simpson and Coihaique river, well known rivers for fly fishing
- Piedra del Indio, an Indian shaped rock besides Simpson river
- Happy Stone, a big rock in the middle of a plain where people go to party
[edit] External links
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