Coyhaique — Cerro Mackay and Reserva Nacional Coyhaique Viewpoint

Reserva Nacional Coyhaique sits directly above town at elevations up to 1,200m and offers the best overhead perspective of the Coyhaique valley that most overlanders are rolling through. The dirt road access from the north side of town leads into lenga beech and coigüe forest, opening up at higher clearings to views over the Simpson River drainage, the regional capital, and the surrounding Andean ridges. It’s a good orientation stop before you push south on the Carretera. The reserve has basic infrastructure — trails, a small CONAF post — but the real draw is the elevated vantage.

Access road from Coyhaique is mostly dirt and manageable in a high-clearance 2WD in dry conditions. The reserve sits within 5km of the city center, making it a practical stop before or after fueling and resupplying in town. Cell signal drops out quickly once you’re up in the trees. Best visited October through March when the upper trails are snow-free.

Bird's-eye view over Patagonia's main hub.