Job Discussion Forums

[Alitas]

Anyone know anything about this fair city?

[vell_bruixot]

Not sure if your question on Coyhaique is still timely but here are some observations on the little city: it is in a very picturesque part of Patagonia, near the converging of two rivers, on gently rolling hills and a backdrop of a dramatic cliff which appears to be of basalt. The city is not very old but neither does it appear to be a modern sort of place, save for the telecommunications system, which might place it above many North American towns. Except for the Carretera Austral, most roads do go far without turning to dirt/gravel. It can stay cold (below freezing) for some time in the winter, and heavy snows occasionally cause problems and losses of livestock. Summer days are long and delightful. The region has the feeling of "wilderness nearby" though much of the area is privately owned in large and small ranches that remind one of Wyoming in the US. Coyhaique is the regional Chilean center for supplies, administration, services, and government support, and has a decent clinic (call it a hospital if you will.) There are two decent "supermarkets" (locally called hipers) if that is any measure of the size and quality of the place. For foreigners the principal attractions are in tourism, with trout fishing being near the top. I have been going there for many years and would count it among the top 10 places in the world where I would live. Costs are higher there than in "mainland" Chile, which is to say from Pto Montt northward, in part because o the remoteness of Coyhaique and the costs of transportation. Not sure how much demand there might be for an ESL teacher, if that is what you have in mind, but it would certainly be a pleasant place to work. For getting there, the Balmaceda airport is about 45 minutes out of town, with somewhat regular bus service. It is more interesting to arrive from Pto Montt via ferry ship, to the Puerto Chacabuco port near Pto Ays�n and then take the additional 45 minutes by road "up the hill" through what will look a lot like a Swiss valley -- very well watered and green. Hope that helps. If you have more specific questions, just ask.