Coyhaique
| Coyhaique | ||
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Coordinates: 45 ° 34 ′ S , 72 ° 4 ′ W Coyhaique on the map of Aysén
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| Basic data | ||
| Country | Chile | |
| region | Región de Aysén | |
| City foundation | 1929 | |
| Residents | 60,494 | |
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| Detailed data | ||
| surface | 7755 km 2 | |
| Population density | 6.45 inhabitants / km 2 | |
| Waters | Río Coyhaique, Río Simpson | |
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Coyhaique (also Coihaique ) is a city in the south of the South American Andean state Chile and the capital of the Región de Aysén (Region XI). It has 49,968 inhabitants (2017) and is located around 1650 km south of Santiago .
geography
The city is located at the confluence of the Río Simpson and Río Coyhaique in a wooded valley. The Carretera Austral road runs through it.
The climate is characterized by sub-polar winters, maritime weather from the nearby coast and continental climate from the Andes side.
history
The city, founded on October 12, 1929, quickly became the most important place in the region. The port of Puerto Aysén could easily be reached via the Río Simpson . This has now silted up. The ships dock in Puerto Chacabuco today.
Before colonization , indigenous people from the Chonos and Alacalufes tribe lived in this area. From 1900 the new settlers cleared huge forest areas and large pastures for cattle and sheep were created.
economy
Coyhaique is the economic center of the region. The city owns the Aereopuerto Teniente Vidal regional airport seven kilometers south of the city.
The forests provide plenty of wood for forestry. Zinc is extracted in the mines around Coyhaique . Otherwise tourism is the most important source of income.
The 'Alumysa' project by the Canadian company Noranda Holding Ltd. is controversial. and the Alumysa joint venture. They want to build a huge aluminum plant in the Coyhaique area . Chile itself does not have any bauxite for aluminum production, which would then have to be imported. Environmentalists fear serious environmental damage from the sewage from this large industrial plant.
tourism
Around Coyhaique there is a national park and national reserves. Mention should be made here of the Rio Simpson (national park) , as well as the national reserves Coyhaique and the Cerro Castillo . Many lakes invite you to visit, such as Lago Castor y Pollux, Lago Caro, Lago Frio, Lago La Paloma, Lago Elizalde, Lago Caro and Lago Atravesado.
The Museo Regional de la Patagonia museum shows the history of Patagonia with its Indian past. At the Río Simpson is the "Piedra del Indio" - a rock with a profile that resembles an Indian.
