Coyhaique and Port Aysén
Lagoon of San Rafael
Not every day is granted to the one who travels the possibility of discovering the lands that he travels. The Puyuhuapi Austral Route - Queulat National Park is undoubtedly a place that offers this opportunity. Both the varied forms of relief (volcanoes, islands, hills, snowdrifts), as well as its abundant rivers, beautiful lakes and the presence of mansions almost intact since their colonization, make this area an obligatory point for those who intend to undertake a crossing through Patagonia.
The port of Puyuhuapi concentrates in itself the aforementioned characteristics. In this bay, the architecture preserved since the time of the German settlers, allows the visitor to move in time, so that even an activity such as the manufacture of carpets is presented as a tourist attraction, since it allows to have an idea of the great vision that the settlers had when undertaking their own adventure in this place.
This land of? Puyes? (fish that gives the name to the place) and its surroundings, is characterized by offering the variety of activities in the various places that crosses the route of this section of the austral route.
The port of Puyuhuapi concentrates in itself the aforementioned characteristics. In this bay, the architecture preserved since the time of the German settlers, allows the visitor to move in time, so that even an activity such as the manufacture of carpets is presented as a tourist attraction, since it allows to have an idea of the great vision that the settlers had when undertaking their own adventure in this place.
This land of? Puyes? (fish that gives the name to the place) and its surroundings, is characterized by offering the variety of activities in the various places that crosses the route of this section of the austral route.
Not of these is precisely the National Park Queulat, where you can access a landscape that has beauties such as a hanging snowdrift, a diverse flora and little intervention by man, with coihues, tepúes and tepas. The black-necked swan, the pudú, the coipo and the wink, are species that seduce and allow a space of contemplation for tourists who enjoy the calm of these landscapes and sports activities for those who want adventure. In addition to the contemplation, this place allows you to enjoy a restful rest, since in it there are areas of thermal springs such as the classic Termas de Puyuhuapi, which reach very high temperatures (85º C, although the therapies are at 47º C). In this area, the necessary moments of stillness can be combined with activities such as trekking and water sports, such as rafting and kayaking.
One of the beautiful places of this park is the Risopatrón Lake, 15 kms. to the north of Puyuhuapi, forming a narrowness in its central zone that coincides with the camping place of the park. The dense vegetation that surrounds it does not allow the formation of wide beaches, forming a place where you can find ideal species for recreational fly fishing, such as salmon and trout.
For those who enjoy more with the combination of adrenaline with water activities, the River Cisnes allows the practice of sports such as river kayaking or rafting ..
One of the beautiful places of this park is the Risopatrón Lake, 15 kms. to the north of Puyuhuapi, forming a narrowness in its central zone that coincides with the camping place of the park. The dense vegetation that surrounds it does not allow the formation of wide beaches, forming a place where you can find ideal species for recreational fly fishing, such as salmon and trout.
For those who enjoy more with the combination of adrenaline with water activities, the River Cisnes allows the practice of sports such as river kayaking or rafting ..
Attractions
For those who have decided to undertake a trip through Patagonia, the Puyuhuapi Austral Route - Queulat National Park, offers an ideal place for the most varied interests and hobbies. First of all, you can not go to this area without a camera in hand. In addition, the area remains a perfect place for daily adventure, remaining some years of its forests and maintaining the spirit of preservation of natural landscapes. Thus, the alternatives offered for trekking, horseback riding, rafting, fly fishing, among others, always maintain the spirit of "sanctuary" in its implementation, avoiding damage to the ecosystem.
Activities
The activities that can be carried out in the Austral Route Puyuhuapi- Queulat National Park, adapt to the interests and tastes of any visitor. In this area, you can camp, test your physical skills and enjoy practicing trekking and walking the trails marked by the flora and fauna of the place. You can even cross the austral paths of the route by bicycle or on horseback, since there are places (such as the Queulat National Park) that have routes and crossings proposed to be done in a guided tour. Here also a great diversity of aquatic sports is realized like the recreational and sport fishing, where the fish returns to its natural habitat, as well as more extreme activities like the rafting or the kayak, as much of river as of sea.
Nature gives the area the possibility of observing different types of landscapes, such as the Patagonian Andes mountain range, hanging glacier of Queulat National Park, among others. It also presents the opportunity to observe species of fauna such as he could, culpeo fox and birds such as the chaco, black-necked swan and black carpenter. As the flora changes according to the physical conditions of the region, you can find species such as the dwarf maitén and the arrayán, as well as the coihue de Chilo and Magallanes.
Nature gives the area the possibility of observing different types of landscapes, such as the Patagonian Andes mountain range, hanging glacier of Queulat National Park, among others. It also presents the opportunity to observe species of fauna such as he could, culpeo fox and birds such as the chaco, black-necked swan and black carpenter. As the flora changes according to the physical conditions of the region, you can find species such as the dwarf maitén and the arrayán, as well as the coihue de Chilo and Magallanes.
Information of interest
1When to go
The adventurous traveler can go at any time of the year. However, we must take into account certain seasonal specifications for those who look at other types of travel details. The climate according to the seasons varies, being the low season, especially in winter months, one in which the precipitations are persistent. But, the route and the attractions are available to tourists throughout the year.
2Location
The Austral Route Puyuhuapi- Queulat National Park is located in the XI Region of Aysén.
3How to get
There are several accesses for different needs. It can be reached through Chaitén (capital of the province of Palena, X Region), a town where ferries arrive from Puerto Montt and Quellón. During the summer it is possible to arrive from Caleta Gonzalo and Hornopirén, route that gives continuity at this time to the austral route. By air there is also access, existing airfields in Chaitén, Llanada Grande, Futaleufú, Hornopirén and Palena; these have a connection to El Tepual Airport in the city of Puerto Montt. Another possible access is by land, through the network of internal roads that lead to localities and to the border crossings of Palena and Futaleufú, communicating the Austral Route Puelo - Futaleufú with Argentina. In addition, Ruta Austral R7, between Chaitén and the city of Coyhaique, is still under construction, which will allow new access to the area.
4Weather
The climate of the region is characterized by humidity, and the maritime and Patagonian quality means that temperatures are rather low, without observing a relevant thermal amplitude. The rains increase considerably in winter, observing about 2,500 mm. of water. However, the Mediterranean gives a warm climate to the summer. The average annual temperature is about 8.5 C, with January being the hottest month (12 C) and July being the coldest.
5Servicios
You can find most of the basic services necessary for the tourist such as accommodation, food places, hygienic services, drinking water, communications; as well as the comforts for a pleasant trip such as SPA services, transportation, and much more.
6Surroundings
Camino La Junta, Lago Verde, Lago Verde Circuit - La Mellizas - Tapera, James Island, Kent Island, Puerto Raíl Marín Balmaceda, Isla Jechica and Canal Puyuhuapi.
Destinations
Austral Park
Queulat National Park
Termas of Puyuahuapi
Puyuhuapi
Risopatron Lake
River Swans
