[kmundnic]

It's easier if you come from the Chilean side. There are buses coming directly from Coyhaique to Puerto Río Tranquilo, and there are flights from Santiago or Puerto Montt to Coyhaique (Balmaceda airport).

However, it is true that in general it is not an easy area to travel through (and that's part of what makes it raw and unique). If you don't have a car, hitchhiking can be a lot more reliable and faster and the local buses between small towns.