Why Coyhaique Is Known As Chile's Cow Town

Over time, humans have put up settlements across the globe to be closer to good water sources, procure a strategic location and to have good land for cultivating food. The city of Coyhaique, which was founded on all three of those needs, has prospered and yet remains a humble cattle town—both a surprise and a blessing.

The lush, green southern territory of Chile’s Los Lagos Region could not be more different from the dry, brown northern areas of the country—it’s only because of Chile’s tremendous length that both types of ecosystems can even reside within the same border. Chile’s southern city of Coyhaique, which is surrounded by the mountains of the Simpson River National Reserve, sees sunny summers and rainy winters during which its earth is rehydrated. Though it has a prime location and all the qualities of a bustling town, Chile’s seeming lack of interest in making Coyhaique more accessible until recent years resulted in Coyhaique never becoming more than what it had always been—a cattle town.

As recently as the 19th century, this area of Chile was relatively unexplored. Back then, the province of Aysén, in which Coyhaique is located, was inhabited by German and Argentinian farmers who settled there to establish businesses in raising cattle, fishing and farming. With so much land and such little community or government, farmers were able to do as they pleased with the land and, in order to make pastures for raising cattle, they burned much of the native forest, creating what is now known as the Pampa del Corral. As the 19th century came to a close, the Chilean government ordered the expansion of this area and gave land grants to societies in Chilean Patagonia and to 100 families that decided to settle, cultivate and establish the area. These new settlers were also asked to map out routes between their settlements and the established cities to the north, like Puerto Montt.

Because of its slow progress, the Coyhaique region of Chile still has a very remote feel, though it’s much more accessible than even a decade ago. It more than begs to be explored and with recent growth in its cattle, fishing and farming industries, you’ll be able to indulge in a mouthwatering steak or stout beef burger on any corner. Step into any of the restaurants in Coyhaique advertising a parilla (mixed grill) and you’ll enjoy a platter of succulent local meat that rivals anything Argentinians brag about.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.