tour trekking cerro castillo

Hiking Guide: Cerro Castillo Trek in Patagonia

Guide to the Cerro Castillo Trek:

The powerful wind shook my body, snow flurries whipped my face and I used all my concentration to keep my balance as I started to descend from the top of Morro Negro pass, the highest point on the Cerro Castillo trek. I have never felt so inferior to the power of nature as I did climbing this pass. Day three of the Cerro Castillo trek brought some of the most beautiful views I saw in all of Patagonia, but also showed me the power of Mother Nature and humbled me in the process. 

Along the Cerro Castillo Trek

The Cerro Castillo trek is an amazing opportunity to experience the best of Patagonia without the crazy crowds you encounter in Torres Del Paine. Cerro Castillo National Park is one of the least known parks in Patagonia, but I don’t expect it to stay this way for long. The 4 – day, 50+ km trek is one of my favorites. It boasts beautiful rivers, incredible granite peaks, difficult mountain passes, icy lagoons, and amazing views. Cerro Castillo is a must for anyone traveling along La Ruta de los Parques , the Carretera Austral, or anyone looking to do an incredible, crowd-less trek.

Download the Park Map Here

Map of Cerro Castillo

4 Day Cerro Castillo Trek (Las Horquetas Trail) Itinerary 

Day 1 : Coyhaique —> Las Horquetas —> Camping Rio Turbio (16 km) 

Day 2: Camping Rio Turbio —> Camping El Bosque (10 Km, Paso Penon)

Day 3 : Camping El Bosque —> Camping Porteadores (8 Km, Morro Negro Pass)

Day 4 : Camping Porteadores —> Villa Cerro Castillo —> Coyhaique  (13 km)

** Day 2 & Day 3 have high altitude passes that must be completed early in the morning to avoid very high winds 

Icy Blue Lagoon

• The weather changes a lot. Be prepared for anything and check the weather forecast beforehand
• Day 3 is the most exciting, difficult, and picturesque. Plan your trek for optimal weather on this day.
• Visit the ice lagoon that is just up from Camping El Bosque
• The trail is technically called Las Horquetas Trail
• You can extend the trek by a day and camp at Neozelandes or make it there on day 3
• Download Maps.me for navigation
• Begin trekking early. The mountain passes are no joke and high winds can make them very dangerous to cross
• Peñon Pass might have snow
• You can extend your trek by a day and camp at Camping Neozelandes in order to visit Laguna Duff (the weather was bad so we opted out of this)

Las Horquetas Trailhead

How to arrive at Cerro Castillo National Park

The Cerro Castillo National Park is located about 1 hour south of Coyhaique, Chile, and is easily accessible by bus. We took the bus at 8 AM from Coyhaique and paid 6,000 Chilean pesos (price varies by season). There were a few departure times and various bus companies running this route. I recommend visiting the main bus terminal in Coyhaique at least the day before to reserve your ticket. Any of the buses to Villa Cerro Castillo or Puerto Rio Tranquilo will be able to drop you off at the start of the trek. Just tell them that you need to get off the bus in Las Horquetas.  Las Horquetas is no more than a sign and it will look like the bus driver has just dropped you in the middle of the road. 

** This is for trekkers wanting to complete the route from Las Horquetas to Villa Cerro Castillo. You can trek in the opposite direction if you’d like, but I believe the way I did it is a lot easier. 

When can you complete the Cerro Castillo Trek?

The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable and you will experience multiple climates in one day. December to April is the best time to visit Cerro Castillo National Park. I completed the trek at the end of January and still experienced a storm. Bring equipment and clothing for all conditions.

What to Expect on the Cerro Castillo Trek

I would like to highlight some of the best parts of the trek and share my personal experience of hiking it without a guide. 

Rio Turbio Campground Views

Day 1: Mellow Forest Walk

After a couple of weeks of hitchhiking down the Carretera Austral, Jack and I were excited to complete another multi-day trek! We caught the 8 AM bus from Coyhaique. It took an hour and a half to get to the trailhead. The bus driver yelled “Las Horquetas” and 7 people, including us, stood up to disembark. I laughed getting off the bus because we were literally in the middle of nowhere. The only indication that we were at the trailhead was a weathered wooden sign. We quickly came upon the registration tent where the park rangers thoroughly explained the course and collected our money (28,000 clp). They gave us a map and explained the importance of making it over the mountain passes early in the morning. 

The trek began along a small river and led us up a hill into the forest. We spent most of the day cruising through the thick forest with little to no elevation gain. We had to take off our boots and cross 3 streams because the water levels were high.

After Lunch

Jack and I ate lunch on a big fallen log and watched the family of cows nearby. Lunch consisted of salami, cheese, and crackers – a treat compared to the usual tuna wrap. The first day was pretty easy, but by the end of the 15 km my legs were tired of carrying my heavy pack. 

We ended the day along a riverbed with stunning views of the red mountains and forests blanketing the hills in green. We arrived at camp first and selected a spot right next to the river.

Cerro Castillo National Park

Day 2: Snowy peaks and ice lagoons

I had the most fun on Day 2. The weather was great and the trail did not end up being as difficult as we expected. Jack and I were the last to leave camp in the morning (around 8:30). We were excited to see how the mountain pass would be so we charged up through the forest. Someone had carved different smiley faces into the moss at the base of the trees and I enjoyed the friendly support.

Happy Face Trees

We caught up to most of the other groups by the time we exited the tree line. From here it was an unorganized scramble to the top. The trail had metal poles indicating the path in sections where it was not visible. We scrambled up the rocks for a while before we reached the snowfield. There wasn’t much snow, but I liked the change of terrain and I got to chuck a snowball at Jack. I enjoyed looking back on the whole valley we had trekked up.

Snow on Peñon Pass!

After the pass, we had to descend down very steep switchbacks on the same type of rock crumble. We passed a perfect glacier waterfall stream and I refilled my water with the coldest, purest water! We also ate some peanuts with snow-capped mountains looming right next to us. Once we finished the descent, the trail flattened out until the last bit before camp. We entered the forest just short of camp and the trail climbed steeply up a muddy bank. This was a thigh-burning way to end the day. The camp was more crowded

due to the people coming from the opposite direction. We made camp and had a little nap before heading out to explore the lagoon.

Snack break views!

Icy Blue Lagoon!

In the beginning, a ranger told us we could not miss the laguna on day 2. There is not a marked trail to the lagoon. You can find a path behind the toilet. Once you get out of the trees you will see a rocky hill to ascend. We followed the rock piles up to the top and we were completely amazed by our reward. A beautiful turquoise lagoon with massive ice chunks laid before us. The glacier from the mountains stretched into this lagoon, and many ice blocks had come apart. I decided to take an icy dip and climb on one of the floating icebergs. This was a highlight of all of Patagonia for me! 

The coolest Laguna!

Day 3: Stormy Adventure

We knew the weather was going to be a challenge on day 3. We should have left camp by 7 am to tackle the most difficult pass but it was pouring. Jack and I had no desire to pack up camp or hike through the rain so we slept in and hoped to wait it out. By noon we were getting anxious because we needed to start trekking if we didn’t want to spend an extra night here. Around 1 pm the rain stopped and we quickly made moves to pack up. We put on all our rain gear because the weather looked very ominous. I was very nervous about the weather conditions and the ability to make it over the pass.

We started climbing up through the forest. The ground was a slick, muddy terrain. We had to navigate a slippery decent at one point. I was using the tree branches to hold myself up when all of a sudden Jack slips from above and totally takes me down like a bowling pin. We laughed so hard I almost peed. 

Stormy Day Blues

River Crossing Craziness

Next we faced a tricky decision. There seemed to be a river to cross even though there was no river on the map. A lot of water was rushing down this rocky face of the mountain and all we could see was a bent, metal pole sticking up. We initially tried to keep climbing up through the forest but the GPS was showing us farther and farther from the trail. We returned to the place where we saw the pole and Jack braved the crossing first. Thankfully both of us made it safely across and we found the trail on the other side. This was when I first realized the impact of the storm. 

Post River Crossing. Cold but so beautiful

Next up, we needed to cross a flowing creek. Normally we could’ve easily walked across the rock bridge, but this was totally underwater. We took off our boots and tried to find an easy section to cross. The rocks under the water were so slippery and the water was ice cold. It was not a pleasant experience. After the crossing, we came upon another campground that was temporarily closed. At this point we were very close to reaching Laguna Cerro Castillo – the highlight of the trek.

Laguna Cerro Castillo

We approached the shores of the laguna and realized we needed to cross one more river to connect with the trail. I reluctantly took my boots off again and started to cross. The water was flowing out of the lagoon so it was deep and the current was powerful. It is almost impossible to smoothly walk over slippery rocks in ice-cold water. We had to cross a 10-meter wide stream and about halfway across I lost my balance. I swayed to the right a bit, and in an effort to stabilize myself, I accidentally dunked my boots under the water. I was so pissed! 

My feet were freezing, my boots were soaked and we still had the most difficult section of the trek to accomplish. Thankfully, the magnificent blue laguna distracted me. It was a miracle that we got to see the full view of snow-capped mountains and bright turquoise laguna (everyone who left in the morning saw nothing due to the storm). It was very impressive! 

Climbing the Morro Negro Pass

We couldn’t stay long though because we still had a major ascent ahead. At this point the wind didn’t seem too bad, but there were dark clouds pressing against the peaks of Cerro Castillo. I knew everything could change in an instant. I thought we could see the peak we needed to cross from the main viewpoint of the laguna, but I was completely wrong. Once we reached that yellow stake we saw that the mountain stretched a lot higher. The wind kept getting stronger and stronger as we stair climbed to the top. I thought that we were at the top at least 3 times before we actually made it. We spent about 10 seconds looking around before the snow flurries and wind scared us into descending. 

Before the wind hit us

Stormy Mountain Views

Descending Morro Negro Pass

The next hour was the most stressful, dangerous section of trail I have ever encountered. We were basically descending stairs made out of smashed rocky tiles. The wind was so strong we had to sit down not to get blown over. Every step was meticulous and every muscle on my body was ready to react to another wind burst. Jack and I couldn’t communicate with each other because the wind stole our voices immediately. We stayed super close together and took each little section at a time. I started catching snowflakes on my tongue. I wanted to look out across the valley and beautiful river below but needed to focus on my steps.

After an eternity we finally made it to the tree line (was more like a bush line). We weren’t totally protected from the wind, but it died down a lot. The last bit of descent was easier because it was on normal ground. I was so relieved when we safely made it to camp. Everyone else had been hunkered down in their tents for hours. We cooked quickly and then passed out from exhaustion. 

Views on the descent

Views from the descent pt. 2

Back on flat ground

Day 4: The end of the Cerro Castillo Trek

Day 4 was pretty uneventful. The trek down from Camping Porteadores is easy. The trail goes through a pretty forest and you get a couple more views of the valley below. We wanted to complete the trek as quickly as possible because another storm was coming through. After we checked out at the rangers hut, we had to walk 8 km on a small dirt road. If you are incredibly lucky, someone might pass and pick you up. We walked all the way to town. By this point I just wanted a shower and a proper meal. 

We made it to Villa Cerro Castillo around noon and stood on the northbound side of the road to try and hitchhike back to Coyhaique. A few groups were trying to hitchhike in the same direction. A bus showed up ten minutes later and we decided to just pay the 5,000 pesos to get back to town. 

Lush Green Forest Walk

Would I do it again?

The Cerro Castillo Trek was very emotional for me and it really pushed me outside my comfort zone. I came face to face with the power of mother nature and it made me realize I had never been exposed to the elements like this before. Overall, it was a fun and rewarding experience with stunning views and low crowds. Jack and I both enjoyed the trek a lot and if the weather had been perfect I don’t think we would have struggled at all. Cerro Castillo National Park is a highlight along the Ruta de los Parques . I would definitely recommend adding it to your itinerary if you are cruising down the Carretera Austral. 

Check out these other treks in Chile:

• The Villarrica Traverse
• The Condor Circuit

Helpful Resources:

Cerro Castillo National Park Website http://www.parquenacionalcerrocastillo.cl/trekking-parque-nacional-cerro-castillo/?lang=en

La Ruta de los Parques (an incredible resource for everything in Chilean Patagonia!) https://www.rutadelosparques.org/en/

Allie at Cerro Castillo Lagoon

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Hi! Thanks so much for the very detailed and helpful account of your trip. I’m curious how many other hikers were on the trail when you went? I am thinking of doing this trek by myself and am curious about how many other hikers might be out there. I did the O circuit in Torres del Paine and felt fine as there were many groups to check in with each night, but this seems more remote.

Hi Kenzie, Sorry for my delayed response to your question. The Cerro Castillo Trek was amazing! I did not get a chance to do the O circuit because my partner had an injury but from what I hear the scenery is similar with way fewer crowds. It is definitely a remote hike but at camp each night there were probably 20-30 people. During the day we did not see many people unless we were hiking past people. I think most people go the same direction that we did. I loved this hike and definitely recommend it! You check in and out with the park rangers and you will likely arrive by bus so you can meet people that start the trek with you. I think doing this trek solo is definitely doable.

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Cerro Castillo Circuit – a 2022 trekking information

Cerro Castillo Circuit is a 50 km  trek by Cerro Castillo Nationwide Park, among the best Patagonia Nationwide Parks for mountaineering. The surroundings on the trek is gorgeous; indigenous forest, hanging glaciers, mountain rivers, snow peaks, turquoise blue lakes, bizarrely formed mountains – untouched nature mixed with unpredictable Patagonian climate.

There are completely different routes in Cerro Castillo you possibly can discover in a single to 4 days. In comparison with another long-distance treks in Patagonia e.g. treks in El Chalten or backpacking within the well-known Torres del Paine, Cerro Castillo is an off-the-beaten-path trek however it isn’t as wild because the O’Higgins Glacier hike.

Cerro Castillo trek overview

• Complete distance – 51 km/31,6 miles
• Days required – Three to 4, we’d suggest Four with a view to have extra time to benefit from the surroundings however if you happen to’re brief on time you possibly can undoubtedly push it to three days.
• Start line – Valle de la Lima, Ruta 7.
• Ending level – Cerro Castillo village.
• Common altitude – 1000m.
• Highest factors – Cerro Castillo move – 1600m and Portezuelo Peñon move – 1435m.
• Permits – no particular permits or information required, entrance payment – CLP 29 000/US$33 is paid on the gate.

Cerro Castillo climate

Summer time ( December to March ) – is the perfect time for mountaineering in Patagonia usually; good and heat through the day (it not often will get scorching), days are lengthy (you may have daylight until 9pm) although it rains rather a lot in Patagonia any season be ready to experience some rainfalls. We hiked in February and usually, have been very fortunate with the climate on this hike, not a single drop in Four days.

In winter ( June to August ); night time temperatures go right down to -2°C and under, and days are chilly and brief, it’s very seemingly you’ll encounter snow on the trek. April and September are the months with probably the most rain most likely the worst time for mountaineering. March, October, and November are fairly chilly although the temperature even at night time stays above 0°C and it doesn’t rain an excessive amount of. 

Cerro Castillo trek

There are no outlets or eating places inside Cerro Castillo Nationwide Park you have to be self-sufficient and convey all of the gear and meals with you.

Some vacationers take into account the Cerro Castillo trek as a great (much less crowded) various to the W trek in Torres del Paine.

There are 5 designated campsites with primary services within the reserve the place you’re allowed to camp, wild tenting shouldn’t be allowed.

Consuming water could be discovered all over the place (faucets, rivers, lakes, falls), it’s good high quality and drinkable. We didn’t use any purification tablets or a UV filter right here. 

Patagonian climate is unpredictable ; sturdy winds and heavy rains are fairly frequent ensure your gear is correct.

The route is marked fairly nicely all the best way, the one time we have been uncertain about it was firstly of the second day.

In the event you hike in summer time, particularly within the months of December and January convey insect repellent there may be many tabanos (horseflies) in Patagonia this time of the yr, they’re extraordinarily annoying.

Not many individuals in Patagonia communicate English some primary Spanish data can be helpful .

In peak season; January-February there are many individuals touring the Carretera Austral – a highway by Patagonia, typically it’s tough to get on a bus usually they’re full. Hitchhiking within the space could be very fashionable and protected, locals and vacationers cease rather a lot to select up vacationers. We hitched to Cerro Castillo from Pumalin Park and it labored out nice.

How we rank Cerro Castillo trek

• Problem stage – Three out of 5, there are two steep ascents and descents on the best way.
• Surroundings – Four out of 5, pine forest, lakes, glaciers, rivers – fairly spectacular panorama. 
• Touristy – 2 out of 5, we hiked in February which continues to be excessive season however there weren’t many individuals, largely Chileans, and only a few foreigners – nothing in comparison with some hikes in Torres del Paine.

Cerro Castillo vs Torres del Paine

If you need to select between visiting Carro Castillo or Torres del Paine Nationwide Parks I might suggest the second. We’ve been to each parks and loved mountaineering there however for me, the surroundings in Torres del Paine is much extra spectacular than in Cerro Castillo. The sights of Torres del Paine embody a number of the major Patagonia highlights equivalent to Gray Glacier, Mirador Las Torres, Nordenjkold Lake, Mirador Frances, and Pehoe Lake. The surroundings in Cerro Castillo is gorgeous with the Mirador Cerro Castillo being the primary spotlight however I wouldn’t select it over Torres del Paine.

The principle benefit of Cerro Castillo is that it’s simpler to rearrange the hike. Not like in Torres del Paine, you don’t need to e-book campsites upfront to be allowed to enter the park. It’s potential to do the Cerro Castillo trek final minute with out an excessive amount of planning. It’s cheaper to hike in Cerro Castillo than in Torres del Paine as a result of the doorway payment contains tenting. In Torres del Paine you pay the doorway payment + tenting payment.

Journey insurance coverage for the circuit

Cerro Castillo shouldn’t be a high-altitude or harmful hike however some elements of the route undergo distant and difficult-to-access areas of the Pure reserve. Mountain climbing like every out of doors exercise includes dangers of getting an harm, shedding or breaking gear, and different surprising conditions. It’s at all times advisable to have insurance coverage when touring. Be correctly lined for harm, evacuation, gear loss, journey cancellations, or delays.

Out of a number of insurance coverage corporations, we suggest World Nomads, they work everywhere in the world and focus on out of doors actions like mountaineering. A beauty of World Nomads is you could purchase an insurance coverage coverage on-line whereas touring, it takes solely a few minutes. Their coverage could be very versatile it may well cowl the entire interval of your journey or solely the mountaineering a part of it, even when it’s just one or two days. Get a quote proper now!

Observe! All the time ensure you rigorously learn the Phrases and Circumstances half.

Can Cerro Castillo trek be walked in both path?

Sure, you can begin at Estero Prada Entrance (Villa Cerro Castillo) and stroll from west to east or begin at Las Horquetas Entrance and stroll east to west. Whichever path you stroll the itinerary and distances are the identical.

Cerro Castillo Nationwide Park entrances

• Estero Prada Entrance (the beginning of the circuit if you happen to stroll within the west-east path) – from 7 am to Four pm for hikers, from 7 am to 1 pm for day guests.
• Entrance to Mirador Cerro Castillo (day hike) – from 7 am to 12 pm
• Entrance Las Horquetas (the beginning of the circuit, east-west path) – from 7 am to 1 pm.

Cerro Castillo trek price

• Transport – CLP 9000/US$10 bus
• Purchasing (meals, fuel) – CLP 9000/US$10
• Lodging + entrance payment –  it was once separate and actually no one charged for tenting on the path nevertheless it has modified. Now if you happen to do a multi-day hike you pay CLP 29 500/US$33 which contains the entrance payment and in a single day tenting within the park. For extra particulars on value verify the official web site.

Complete : CLP 47 000/US$53

Distances on the circuit

• Las Horquetas – campsite Río Turbio – 15 km/9,Three miles
• Rio Turbio – campsite Estero del Bosque – 12 km/7,Four miles
• El Bosque – campsite Neozelandes – 11 km/6,eight miles
• Neozelandés – Cerro Castillo village – 13 km/eight miles

Campsites on the route

Río Turbio, Day 1

• Bathroom – sure
• Operating water – sure
• Tables, benches – sure

Estero del Bosque, Day 2 (moved 1 km on following the path in 2022)

La Tetera, Day 2 (closed in 2022)

• Tables, benches – no

Porteadores, Day 3

Neozelandes, Day 3

Tips on how to get to Cerro Castillo ?

Cerro Castillo Nationwide park is about 75km from Coyhaique, the capital of the area. To get there you possibly can catch a day by day bus from the Coyhaique terminal , it leaves between 9.00-9.30am for CLP 9000/US$10. The hike begins at Las Horquetas , about 30km earlier than (if you happen to drive from Coyhaique) Villa Cerro Castillo. In the event you go by bus simply ask a bus driver to cease there, if you happen to hitch ask the identical.

To get to Las Horquetas entrance from Villa Cerro Castillo you may get on a bus to Coyhaique that leaves at 7 am and get off at Las Horquetas.

We had some additional baggage and didn’t wish to stroll for Four days with two backpacks every so we needed to go first to Villa Cerro Castillo and ask to retailer our additional baggage in one of many campsites (without cost), we promised to remain there once we’re again. You are able to do the identical and both begin strolling from Villa Cerro Castillo to Las Horquetas or catch a journey from the city to Las Horquetas. 

As an possibility you possibly can hitchhike, relying in your luck and the way many individuals are on the route, you possibly can wait for a very long time or get a journey in 15 minutes.

Cerro Castillo trek – a 4-day itinerary

Day 1. las horquetas – campamento río turbio, 15 km/9,three mi.

Trek begins at Las Horquetas a flip from Carretera Austral to the gravel highway, between Coyhaique (75km) and Villa Cerro Castillo (30km). From the flip to the park entrance about 13km; simple stroll, largely flat, on the gravel highway by fields and forest.

On the entrance, you register, pay CLP 29 000/US$33 entrance payment and get a free map.

• Indigenous forest
• The attractive valley of Río Turbio
• It was a simple day of strolling with out steep ascents or descents.

Day 2. Río Turbio –  El Bosque, 12 km/7,Four mi

To start with good simple stroll by the forest alongside the river for about 4km at some stage, we misplaced the path however discovered it rapidly. Then just one lengthy steep up on the hike to El Peñon move, on high of it you’ll get an opportunity to stroll on snow/ice in the midst of summer time.

After the up at all times comes down; steep and rocky, watch out, don’t rush, and watch your step. Stroll from the campsite to the move and over it takes about 5 hours. As soon as down, it’s 1,5 hours extra to tenting El Bosque. Observe! In 2022 the campsite El Bosque was moved deeper into the forest. It’s a 40-minute stroll from the unique campsite that’s closed for restoration.

There was once one other campsite La Tetera, about 1-hour stroll from El Bosque however as of August 2022, it’s closed for restoration.

• Gorgeous views from the highest of El Peñon move
• Snow and ice on the highest of the move
• A steep ascent from the valley to El Pañon move, +600m
• A steep and rocky descent from the move, -700m

Day 3. El Bosque/La Tetera – tenting Neozelandes, 11 km/6,eight mi

Firstly of the day after a 1-hour stroll you arrive on the lake – Laguna Cerro Castillo (you begin there if you happen to camped at La Tetera), probably the most spectacular sceneries on the hike; turquoise shade lake, hanging glacier, and mountains round. From the lake, you’ll begin ascending to Cerro Castillo move, 1600m.

Don’t overlook to show round occasionally to verify the view, from the highest of the move it’s much more spectacular. As soon as on the high you begin a steep lengthy descent, be very cautious it’s actually steep, rocky, and will get very windy.

After about 1,5 hours you’ll end up on the river, tenting Los Porteadores. Right here you may have a number of choices; to camp at Los Porteadores and stroll to Neozelandes with out your backpack, to skip Neozelandes and go right down to Cerro Castillo village, or to maintain strolling together with your backpack, about 1,5 hours, to  Neozelandes and camp there. We selected the final possibility and actually loved it, the realm across the campsite is completely stunning; a inexperienced valley with a river surrounded by bizarre-shaped mountains. Tenting Neozelandes was the least crowded, we have been 6 individuals tenting there .

If for some reason you don’t need or can’t proceed the hike you possibly can take an emergency route. From La Tetera stroll as much as the Mirador Cerro Castillo the place you’ll see Sendero de Emergencia, a route that may take you straight to Villa Cerro Castillo. This route is utilized by day hikers to get from the city to Laguna Cerro Castillo and again in sooner or later. The descent could be very steep, about 900m down.

• Turquoise blue lake Laguna Cerro Castillo
• Hanging Cerro Castillo Glacier
• Gorgeous views from the highest of the move
• A phenomenal valley at Neozelandes campsite
• A steep rocky ascent to Cerro Castillo move, +700m
• A really steep and rocky descent from the move, -800m

Day 4. Neozelandes – Villa Cerro Castillo, 13 km/eight mi

Final bit and solely down, all the best way to the highway, about 3,5 hours and from there 1,5 hours to the village and campings.

On the exit, you could be requested to indicate your ticket, and hold it until the top. The trekking shouldn’t be very tough however could be if the climate is dangerous, the trail is nicely marked, no harmful animals or toxic snakes, and you stroll between 6-7 hours day by day.

• Strolling by the forest
• An extended descent to Villa Cerro Castillo, -800m

What to pack for the Cerro Castillo trek?

There aren’t any lodging choices, eating places, or outlets contained in the Nationwide reserve convey with you all you want for 3 nights of tenting.

Tent – for tenting in Patagonia we’d suggest having a great high quality dependable tent that’s waterproof and wind-resistant. After 5 years of touring, mountaineering, and tenting typically in very dangerous climate situations we purchased an MSR Hubba Hubba NX tent . It’s mild, pack small, simple to pitch, waterproof, and really secure in sturdy wind. They may be not the most cost effective tents however will serve you for years with out failing.

Tenting mat – we’re each solely for an inflatable tenting pad . It’s small and lightweight, simple to scrub, match inside a backpack, delicate and cozy.

Sleeping bag – if you happen to’re going to Patagonia in summer time 0 ° C consolation sleeping again can be ok, in different seasons we’d suggest bringing a bag with consolation to -5 ° C . I favor down sleeping baggage. They are lighter, pack smaller, heat, very delicate, and cozy but when they get moist it’ll be an issue.

Cooking gear (range, pots, fuel) – we suggest bringing a range to have the ability to cook dinner scorching meals and boil water for tea. Trendy tenting stoves are very mild and small and can hardly add 500 grams to your backpack weight. Purchase a range with Piezo Ignition to have a backup in case you lose a lighter or matches get moist.

As for pots we at all times take two pots with lids (that we use as plates); one for cooking and one for boiling water. You’ll be capable of purchase fuel in nearly any city in Patagonia. You should purchase a cooking set with a range, pots, and utensils.

Extra particulars on mountaineering and tenting gear for Patagonia you will discover in our Patagonia packing listing publish.

Mirador Cerro Castillo – sooner or later hike

It’s potential to do a one-day hike to the Mirador Cerro Castillo from the place you possibly can see the lake and Cerro Castillo glacier. In my view, it’s among the best day hikes in Patagonia.

• Beginning and ending level – Villa Cerro Castillo
• Distance – 12km return
• Altitude acquire/loss – 900m ascent to the Mirador (viewpoint) with subsequent 900m descent again to the valley.
• The time required – 6-7 hours
• Permits – no particular permits are required. The doorway payment is CLP 18 000/US$20 is charged on the entrance. For a day hike entry to the path is from 7 am to 12 pm. It’s finished to make sure you’ll have sufficient time to descend earlier than it will get darkish.

In the event you take pleasure in day-hikes with gorgeous surroundings and breathtaking lookout factors take into account together with a number of the stunning day-hikes in Torres del Paine in your Patagonia itinerary.

Tips on how to get to Mirador Cerro Castillo hike?

The trek begins at Villa Cerro Castillo, take a bus or hitchhike from Coyhaique. As soon as there discover a signal “Sendero de Chile” and observe the highway till you attain a check-point. There you pay admission CLP 18 000/US$20 and begin a steep ascend all the best way to the Mirador.

Day hikers to Mirador Cerro Castillo need to ascend and descend following the identical path. It’s not allowed to enter or exit by Estera Prado Entrance (the doorway for the circuit). Day hikers are usually not allowed to descend to the lake because it takes an excessive amount of time.

• Laguna Cerro Castillo
• Cerro Castillo Glacier
• Views from the Mirador
• A really steep and lengthy ascent from Villa Cerro Castillo to the Mirador, +900m
• A steep and lengthy descent again to the city, -900m

Mirador Cerro Castillo trek packing listing

• Water bottle
• Snacks, sandwiches – it’s a 7-hour hike you’ll get hungry.
• Rain jackets
• Mountain climbing poles can be helpful on the best way down, it’s steep and lengthy.
• Sunscreen – on a sunny day it’s a should.
• Insect repellent – there may be sandflies, they’re very annoying.

The place to remain earlier than the trek?

For Patagonia, Coyhaique is sort of an enormous place the final correct city with good infrastructure on the best way down south until El Chalten in Argentina or Puerto Natales in Chile. If it is advisable improve your gear, purchase fuel, draw money –  it’s the place to do it. There are a few gear and second-hand outlets (Ropa Americana) within the city, which was fairly essential for me as a result of on the best way to Coyhaique I misplaced my backpack with all my garments, it fell out of the automobile whereas we have been hitchhiking. 

You may mix the Patagonia mountaineering experience with exploring the large San Rafael glacier, there are excursions to the glacier that depart from Coyhaique day by day.

Coyhaique services

• Motels – sure
• Campsites – sure
• Grocery store, outlets – sure, large Unimark and one or two out of doors gear outlets
• Eating places, cafes – sure
• ATMs – sure
• Data workplace – sure

Lodging in Coyhaique

There are a lot of visitor homes, accommodations, hostels, and campsites within the city. In case you are on a decent finances convey a tent – tenting is the one finances lodging possibility on this a part of Patagonia. We are able to suggest El Tenting, a bit exterior of the city. It has good services; scorching bathe, wi-fi, energy shops however no kitchen you want your personal cooking gear, value CLP 9000/US$10 per individual. 

The hike finishes at Villa Cerro Castillo, a small city with a few eating places, a store or two, and small visitor homes/cabins and campsites. We are able to suggest Baqueanos de la Patagonia campsite, 10 minutes away from the park exit, a pleasant place with good services; scorching bathe, kitchen, electrical energy, shops, and wi-fi. Value CLP 9000/US$10 per individual. To have extra lodging and restaurant choices moderately than return to Coyhaique. 

Villa Cerro Castillo services

• Resort – sure, a few visitor homes and cabins (cabañas)
• Campsite – sure, a number of by the city
• Store – sure, a few smallish outlets
• Restaurant – sure, a number of native eating places
• Data – sure

Lodging in Villa Cerro Castillo

Tenting Rustik Patagonia | Tenting Araukaria | Tenting El Mirador| Hostal El Rodeo | La Casona | B&B y Cabañas Cerro Castillo |

Tips on how to get from Villa Cerro Castillo to Coyhaique?

In the event you arrive within the city early you’ll have an opportunity to catch a bus again to Coyhaique the identical day. There are two or three day by day buses from Cochrane to Coyhaique however within the season they may be full. Go to the vacationer data workplace only a block away from Carretera Austral. You may attempt to hitchhike however it may be tough as a result of many individuals on the highway – dozens of backpackers locals and foreigners hoping to get a journey. 

Tips on how to get from Villa Cerro Castillo to Puerto Río Tranquilo? 

If hitch-hiking shouldn’t be your cup of tea you possibly can catch a bus simply must know that public transport could be very scarce within the space. There was a bus at 11am to Cochrane, value CLP 9000 pesos/US$10. In our experience the bus was already full when arrived, some individuals might get in. We hitched all the best way to Puerto Río Tranquilo, 120km south of Villa Cerro Castillo, and have been very wish to get a journey rapidly .

Really useful books and guidebooks

Please observe and like us:

The gorgeous half of Stingy Nomads, chargeable for all our land adventures (mountaineering, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a baby, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack moderately than to do a 10 000 km highway journey (really any highway journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.

Hey! A bit about us - we’re John & Maria and we're a couple that loves to travel the world and document our adventures! We enjoy writing, blogging, exploring and sharing our adventures. We’re always embarking on new journeys and here you’ll find articles covering many travel destinations, and topics, such as culture, history, art and cuisine. Our goal and mission is to present compelling stories, photography and personal opinions, as well as serve as an online resource for anyone who wishes to plan their own trips and visit the destinations we've been to. We genuinely love meeting new people, mingling with locals, listening to their amazing stories and trying new travel experiences.

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Trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit

One of the highlights of my travels along Patagonia’s Carretera Austral was trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit. The diverse terrain of the Cerro Castillo trek features jagged mountain peaks, hanging glaciers, rugged passes, dense forests, and the famous bright blue Laguna Cerro Castillo.

Far less crowded and cheaper than trekking in Torres del Paine National Park or to Fitz Roy in Los Glaciares National Park, trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit is a great alternative and offers some of the most impressive landscapes Chile is known for.

Trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit Guide

Cerro castillo weather.

The summer months to early fall from December to Mach provide the best weather to trek Cerro Castillo. Snow is sometimes present in the early season, but it’s usually manageable.

Before December, the trail often has more snow. Travel is more difficult and the risk of rockfall increases. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and a greater chance of rain and early-season snow.

Always prepare for rapidly changing weather. Patagonia is known for wind and rain moving in quickly, even during the warmest summer months.

Can Cerro Castillo be walked in either direction?

The Cerro Castillo trek is a point-to-point trail. The northeastern trailhead starts an hour south of Coyhaique off Route-7 at Las Horquetas. The southwestern trailhead starts in Villa Cerro Castillo.

From Villa Cerro Castillo, it’s about 4 mi, 6.5 km, of walking on a dirt road to reach the park entrance.

It’s possible to trek Cerro Castillo in either direction. There are pros and cons to both.

Cerro Castillo Circuit Map

Starting at Las Horquetas

Most hikers start trekking Cerro Castillo at Las Horquetas and end in Villa Cerro Castillo. Along the way many hikers become friends. There are no services at the trailhead, just a parking lot.

This route has slightly less elevation gain than the opposite direction; however, the descents over the two passes are steeper while the ascents are slightly more gradual.

This route ends with a 4 mi, 6.5 km hike back to Villa Cerro Castillo. From there you can take a bus or hitchhike to your next destination.

**Note that you must enter the Las Horquetas park entrance before 1:00 pm to allow enough time to get to the first campground. Cerro Castillo National Park employees strictly implement the park entrance rule at registration.

Starting at Villa Cerro Castillo

Trekking Cerro Castillo backward is less popular, however, it was my preferred choice. I wanted to climb up the steeper ascents and descend the more gradual parts.

In the end, it didn’t make much of a difference, but hiking in this direction allowed plenty of time on my first day to hike up to Laguna Duff (my favorite part of the hike). Exhausted hikers usually pass on Laguna Duff on their last day at the end of the trek.

I finished trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit at Las Horquetas and easily hitchhiked back to Coyhaique.

**Note that you can enter through the Estero Parada entrance (the Villa Cerro Castillo park entrance point) from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Park officials strictly forbid entry after 4:00 pm.

How to Get to Cerro Castillo

Because the Cerro Castillo hike starts just over an hour from Coyhaique, the city is a popular base point. You can stock up on food and rent gear in town if needed. If you are flying in, Balmaceda Airport is the closest airport – about 45 minutes from Coyhaique.

The bus is the most popular option for reaching the trailheads of Cerro Castillo National Park.

Coming from Coyhaique, a bus leaves every morning at 8 am and passes through both Las Horquetas and Villa Cerro Castillo. It’s 8,000 Chilean pesos one way per person. You’ll reach Las Horquetas around 9:30 am and Villa Cerro Castillo around 10:30 am.

When you finish trekking Cerro Castillo, you can hang out along the side of the road in Las Horquetas or at the bus stop in Villa Cerro Castillo and wait for the next bus.

There are a couple of buses that come from Cochrane and nearby southern cities each day. The bus will likely pass through the towns between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm but timing varies, so prepare to wait around.

Your other option is hitchhiking back, and one of the most popular options when finishing the trek. 

Many travelers rent cars along the Carretera Austral. Coyhaique is a popular rental car pick-up or drop-off destination. A car provides flexibility in your travels, but in this case, it will sit unused at a trailhead for a few days.

If you choose to reach the trailhead by car remember that you’ll still have to bus back around or hitchhike back to your car at the end of the trek.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is very common along the Carretera Austral and thankfully, the stretch from Coyhaique to Villa Cerro Castillo receives decent traffic, so it’s easy to hitch a ride.

I was often picked up within 5 minutes around the city of Coyhaique and I only had to wait 20 minutes once in that area.

Cerro Castillo Camping

There are 4 main campsites along the Cerro Castillo trek. While still listed on maps, La Tetera Campground is closed for restoration.

Cerro Castillo National Park requires all hikers to camp in the established campgrounds. All campgrounds have accessible water sources and toilets. All campgrounds, except Porteadores, have picnic tables. Other than a camp stove, open fires are prohibited along the Cerro Castillo Circuit.

Campamento Rio Turbio

Rio Turbio is the first campsite you’ll pass when hiking from east to west. Most people camp here their first night when trekking Cerro Castillo. It’s located alongside the rushing Rio Turbio, a glacially sourced river surrounded by high mountain peaks.

There are plenty of campsites spread out along the river here.

Campamento Rio Bosque

Rio Bosque Campground is a beautiful campground located in a dense forest alongside a rushing river with falls. It’s another stunning spot along the trail, with many campsites available.

Campamento Porteadores

Portedores Campground is one of 2 campgrounds people spend their last night at when heading from east to west, or their first night when heading west to east. This campground sits next to a small stream that flows year-round and is surrounded by trees providing shade.

It’s a convenient spot if you’re tired on your last day (or first if you hike in the opposite direction). It’s the closest campground option to Villa Cerro Castillo.

Porteadores Campground is more crowded and farther from Laguna Duff than the upper campground Neozelandes.

Campamento Neozelandes

Campground Neozelandes was by far my favorite campground when trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit. It’s less crowded than the nearby Porteadores Campground and offers some of the best views.

The campground itself is well-shaded by trees and just a couple hundred feet away a valley opens up with a gentle river flowing through and 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

The hike up to Laguna Duff from here is only 1.5 miles each way (2.5 km) making it the perfect option for an evening hike.

Trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit in 3 or 4 Days?

The Cerro Castillo trek is most commonly completed in 4 days, however, if you’re in a time crunch and you’re a fit hiker, it’s possible to complete it in 3 days.

Trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit 4 Days

Most people spend 4 days trekking Cerro Castillo. You can take your time, form friendships on the trail, and enjoy an extra night in the backcountry. Here is an ideal 4-day Cerro Castillo trek itinerary:

Day 1: Las Horquetas to Río Turbio Camp

10 mi, 1500 ft, gain, 1000 ft loss | 17 km, 450 m gain, 300 m loss

From Las Horquetas to Rio Turbio campsite is about 10 mi or 17 km. The trail is relatively flat, winding through the forest and crossing streams. It’s considered the easiest section of the trail and takes about 5 hours on average.

Day 2: Rio Turbio Camo over Penon Pass and to Rio Bosque Camp

6.5 mi, 2400 ft, gain, 2100 ft loss | 10.5 km, 730 m gain, 640 m loss

Rio Bosque Campground isn’t too far from Rio Turbio Campground however the steep ascent and descent over Penon Pass lie between. Many people camp at Rio Bosque on their second night as it’s a long tough day and it’s nice to take your time enjoying the views along the way.

Day 3: Rio Bosque Camp to Porteadores or Neozelandes Camp over Morro Negro

To Portedores: 4.8 mi; 7.7, 2100 ft, gain, 2700 ft, loss | 7.7 km, 640 m gain, 820 m loss

To Neozelandes: 7 mi, 3100 ft gain, 2800 ft, loss | 11 km, 940 m gain, 850 m loss

Day 3 is the long steep ascent and descent over Morro Negro. Along the way enjoy the impressive views of Laguna Cerro Castillo and if your timing works out, have a snack break or lunch there.

Continuing on you’ll ascend the high point of the trek Morro Negro before the long descent down to your camp of choice.

Porteadores Camp to Neozelandes Campground is an additional 2.3 mi, 3.7 km gaining 970 ft, 300 m. Compared to the rest of the Cerro Castillo Circuit, this gain feels very moderate.

Add on to Laguna Duff (Day 3 Evening or Day 4 Morning)

Laguna Duff is an additional 1.5 mi, 2.4 km from Neozelandes Camp. The elevation gain is approximately 1000 ft or 300 m. The trail starts moderately winding through a forest until it quickly ascends across steeper rocks for the last third of the trail.

Day 4: Camp Porteadors or Camp Neozelandes to Villa Cerro Castillo

From Porteadores: 6.4 mi, 420 gain, 2100 loss | 10.3 km, 130 m gain, 640 m loss

From Neozelandes: 8.7 mi, 440 gain, 3100 loss | 14 km, 135 m gain, 945 m loss

The final day of trekking Cerro Castillo in 4 days is pretty much all downhill. The descent from Camp Porteadores is steep but maintained, compared to the rough and rocky descents over the last few days.

The final 4 mi, 6.5 km are along the road from the park entrance back to Villa Cerro Castillo. If you’re lucky, a local will pick you up for the final section on the road! If not, it’s flat and offers great views of the high peaks of Cerro Castillo National Park.

Trekking Cerro Castillo in 3 Days

It’s possible to complete the Cerro Castillo trek in 3 days however, it requires a big push, likely on day 2. Like the 4-day trek, you can complete it in either direction.

I completed the trek in 3 days starting in Villa Cerro Castillo and ending in Las Horquetas because I figured I’d rather have a shorter hitch back to Coyhaique on my last day, and the descents going from west to east were slightly more gradual.

Here is the route breakdown I created:

Day 1: Villa Cerro Castillo to Neozelandes Camp & Evening Hike to Laguna Duff

12 mi, 4100 ft gain, 1400 loss | 19.3 km, 1250 m gain, 430 loss (including Laguna Duff)

After getting dropped off in Villa Cerro Castillo I walked the road to the trailhead and hit the trail. I was eager to get up to Neozelandes Camp because I heard it had great views.

After arriving early in the day I took a nap, bathed in the river, and hung out at camp.

That evening I hiked up to Laguna Duff. I had Laguna Duff all to myself. An evening hike was a great option since I spread out my day well.

Day 2: Neozelandes Camp to Rio Bosque Camp (going over Morro Negro & Penon Pass)

13.6 mi, 4900 ft gain, 5500 ft loss | 22 km, 1500 m gain, 1700 m loss

This day was tough. The hike from Neozelandes Camp to Porteadores Camp is a relaxing warm-up to start the day. Then the ascent and descent from Morro Negro, later followed by Penon Pass is tiring, however, if trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit during the summer, the long days with sunlight make it possible.

Day 2 took me about 9 hours from start to finish, including a relaxing hour-long lunch break at Laguna Cerro Castillo. I’m a fast hiker, but I was exhausted at the end of the day.

Day 3: Rio Turbio Camp to Las Horquetas

10 mi, 1000 ft, gain, 1500 ft loss | 17 km, 300 m gain, 450 m loss

Day 3 was pretty relaxing. My feet were a bit tired from the day before, but the gradual descent out of the park was a nice way to end my three-day Cerro Castillo trek.

Walking at a comfortable pace, I was out in less than 4 hours.

Highlights Along the Trek

While trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit, I found 4 locations that I’d note to spend a little extra time at, whether it’s a lunch break or a visit for sunrise or sunset!

Laguna Cerro Castillo

This is a giveaway; Laguna Cerro Castillo is the most iconic spot on the Cerro Castillo Circuit trek. The bright turquoise-blue water is like no other. Waterfalls flow from the hanging glaciers down into the lake.

Laguna Cerro Castillo is also regularly completed as a day hike because it’s so impressive. While backpacking it’s a great spot to take a break from climbing all the rugged and rocky terrain.

Note that this area is very exposed to the sun with no shade until you descend into the forest. Swimming is not allowed in Laguna Cerro Castillo and a new trail diverts away from the shoreline of the lake for restoration purposes. The nearest drinkable water is at the outflow east of Laguna Cerro Castillo.

Laguna Duff

Laguna Duff was my favorite part of trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit. It’s often overlooked because most people reach the nearby camp on their last day and are too tired to hike up. The trail from Campamento Neozelandes to Laguna Duff starts gradually until reaching a rocky area where you follow rock cairns.

I went up to Laguna Duff in the evening for sunset (however, the sun really didn’t really set since it was the middle of summer and light for so long). I was the only person at Laguna Duff and enjoyed the incredible landscape of jagged peaks while the sun lowered behind the mountains. It was a great way to end my day.

Laguna Duff is a bit off the main trail, adding about 3 mi, 5 km roundtrip from Campamento Neozelandes but it’s well worth the visit!

Morro Negro

Morro Negro is the highest point when trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit. Sitting at 5540 ft, 1690 m high, it offers incredible views of Cerro Castillo, the river valley below, and distant glaciated mountains. Another great lunch or rest spot!

The ascent and descent to Morro Negro are challenging. You’ll hike across lots of loose rock on its east side and larger rocks on the west side. Morro Negro is steep and exhausting going up and down, but very rewarding.

I’d highly recommend crossing over Morro Negro early in the day as bad weather is more common to move in during the afternoon. It’s dangerous to cross Morro Negro in foggy and rainy weather with how steep and slippery the trail gets.

If trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit from east to west and bad Cerro Castillo weather rolls in, park rangers recommend hiking out via the day hiking trail that joins Laguna Cerro Castillo.

The second-highest point you’ll cross when trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit is Penon Pass. Like Morro Negro, the ascent and descent is steep on both sides and requires careful footing, but the views at the top of the pass are stunning.

The west side of the pass has ropes spanning a few hundred feet to assist with footing and the steepness. Like Morro Negro, I’d recommend ascending and descending Penon Pass earlier in the day, in prime weather conditions.

Snow remains at the top of Penon Pass longer than anywhere else on the Cerro Castillo Circuit. It’s not overly steep but requires careful footing. If you’re hiking in the early spring, microspikes are a great idea if snow levels are high.

What to Pack for Trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit

Like planning any remote backpacking trip , trekking Cerro Castillo requires all camping, cooking, and personal gear because there are no refugees or lodging to stay in and you must prepare all your meals.

This is my personal Cerro Castillo Circuit packing list:

Backpacking Gear

• 55 – 65 L backpack
• 15 – 30 degree F sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• 3-season tent
• Trekking poles

Kitchen Gear

• Lighter or fire starter
• Pocket Knife
• Water filter
• Puffy jacket
• Rain jacket
• Fleece jacket
• Athletic shorts
• Hiking boots or trail runners
• Sandals or camp shoes

Other Items

• Toilet paper
• Plastic bag
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Toiletries – tampons/pads
• Personal prescriptions
• First aid kit – over-the-counter medicines (Benadryl, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen), blister kit ( Compeed , moleskin), band-aids, triple antibiotic ointment, medical tape or KT tape, medical scissors
• Small repair kit – duct tape, tent pole splint, paracord, patches
• Garmin InReach Mini

Cost of Trekking Cerro Castillo

Overall, trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit is one of the cheapest multi-day treks for a Patagonia national park. Because there are no fees for campgrounds and you must pack all your food, it’s a great option for those traveling on a budget or if you prefer trekking without backcountry amenities.

I had all my camping equipment with me but it’s possible to rent any camping and cooking gear in Coyhaique.

Prices are listed in Chilean Pesos

Bus from Coyhaique to Trailhead: $8,000

Park Entrance Fee: $30,000 (3 – 4 days)

Hitchhike back to Coyhaique: Free

Food: $25000 (3 days of hiking)

Fuel: Free from a free bin at a hostel

Cerro Castillo vs Torres del Paine

Both Cerro Castillo Circuit and the W-Trek in Torres del Paine offer incredible hiking experiences in Chilean Patagonia however, they are very different. This guide can help you determine which trek is right for you.

Other notes

• Coyhaique is a great starting city for the Cerro Castillo Circuit. Buy your food, rent gear if needed, and pick up a map when in town.
• Don’t carry more than you need on hikes. Most accommodations allow you to store your other travel items while you’re out trekking.
• The Estero Parada entrance (the Villa Cerro Castillo entrance point) is open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Enter the Las Horquetas entrance from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm to allow enough time to get to Camp Turbio. 
• Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance! Sometimes the rangers ask for proof before you start your Cerro Castillo hike.
• If you’re limited on time, it’s also possible to do a Cerro Castillo day hike up to Laguna Cerro Castillo. It’s tough but it’s one of the best day hikes in the area.

Trekking in Cerro Castillo National Reserve was one of my favorite adventures on my recent South America trip. The stunning vistas, pristine lagoons, and dense forests showcased some of the best that Patagonia offers.

So whether you’re road-tripping along the Carretera Austral or exploring around Coyhaique, make sure you add trekking Cerro Castillo Circuit to your Patagonia national park bucket list.

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Hiking In Cerro Castillo National Park

Chile's most spectacular hikes and treks.

Marcela Torres

• In this guide
• Torres Full Circuit trek
• Mirador Base Las Torres
• Lake District
• Cerro Castillo
• Atacama Desert
• Jeinimeni National Reserve
• Where to go

Located in the heart of Aysen Patagonia, this jagged mountain peak is getting more attention from hikers and is said to be the next Torres del Paine. Located 60 miles south of Coyhaique just off the Carretera Austral, the Cerro Castillo National Park offers exciting trails and mountain biking.

There are two main routes at Cerro Castillo—a four-day hike to the mountain’s base and a day-trip to the meltwater lake of Laguna Castillo, which follows part of the bigger trek.

Both routes offer constant views of Cerro Castillo and its glaciers. There are panoramic views of the Turbio River and the Ibáñez River and you can even spot huemules , a native deer-like animal hidden in the trees along the path. Whichever option you choose, it’s worth travelling with a guide.

Cerro Castillo National Reserve

Where to hike in Cerro Castillo

Cerro castillo laguna trek.

This popular day trek starts from Villa Cerro Castillo and is well signposted. The roundtrip takes about 6-7 hours and with an altitude gain of 1,100m, this isn’t an easy hike, although it is simple to follow as orange markers show the way. Starting in farmland, the path ascends sharply through forests, offering views of rivers, mountains and lakes bordering Chile and Argentina. The viewpoint from the lagoon is spectacular, with Cerro Castillo shining in the background.

Cerro Castillo circuit trek

This famous 4-day hike takes walkers on a 53km jaunt through the Cerro Castillo National Reserve. This is a wild trek, with no shops or refuges along the way. Consequently, you’ll have to be self-sufficent, carrying all your camping equipment, cooking gear and clothing. Drinking water is plentiful, but use purification tablets to sterilise stream and lake water.

The trail starts from Las Horquetas, a turning off the Carretera Austral between Coyhaique and Cerro Castillo. Day one consists of a gentle, flat meander to the National Reserve through woodland and field until your reach the valley of Rio Turbo and a campsite.

Day two is a steep hike up to El Peñon pass, which stays snowy even in summer. There are great views over the entire reserve from here, before a rocky descent to either El Bosque camp in the forest or the slightly further La Tetera near the turquoise Cerro Castillo Lake.

Day three sees walkers travel up the Cerro Castillo pass, which offers even better views of the lake and valley below. It can get very windy on the pass, so take care with the descent. Here, you have three options: Stay at Los Porteadores camp, hike an extra hour to the more remote Neozelandes camp, or head straight back to Cerro Castillo village. Your final day is a simple hike down back to the road.

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About the author.

Born in Santiago, Chile, Marcela is a journalist and local expert on outdoor travel. She’s earned a master's degree in tourism with an emphasis on ecotourism, operated a tour company, and co-authored a Spanish-language guidebook about Chile’s national parks. Her travel career has taken her all over South America, and she has also lived in Australia, Costa Rica, and the United States. Follow her coverage of tourism in Chile at tourism-people-nature.blogspot.cl

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• Patagonia Tours
• Best Chile Hikes

The Cerro Castillo Trek: An Alternative to Torres del Paine

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• ~ mins read

If you are planning a Chile tour you would be crazy to miss the Cerro Castillo trek. Located in the lesser known Cerro Castillo National Reserve, Cerro Castillo or 'Castle Hill' is a mountain adorned with sharp basalt cliffs that make it look a bit like a castle. Described by some as the ‘new Torres del Paine ’, completing this trek is certainly no easy task, but is an incredibly gratifying experience. Those who take it on will have a range of different landscapes to admire as they walk, from gentle green hills to magnificent craggy, basalt cliffs, dusted with snow.

Those willing to undertake the Cerro Castillo trek can expect vivid turquoise lakes, dense pine forest, irregularly-shaped mountain peaks and some exceptional panoramic views. Be sure to charge your camera up and take a spare battery pack before you head off, you’re going to want to capture this.

• Gwendolyn Thorne

Now that you’ve decided you want to do this circuit, here are some key facts you should know before you head off.

Cerro Castillo trek standard itinerary: 4 days

Day 1 : Leave Villa Cerro Castillo and get to Las Horquetas either by bus or private car. From here, the national reserve entrance is about 13km of easy, flat walking. When you get to the entrance, pay the entry fee and then walk 2 more kilometres until you get to Campamento Portezuelo. Camp here. There is also an option to camp at the very entrance of the park but very few people choose to camp there because of the lack of water source.

Day 2 : From Campamento Portezuelo you will then walk for about 4km before climbing the El Penon pass, which reaches a height of 1676m. After completing the pass, it is just under 2 hours to the El Bosque campsite and another hour from there to Laguna Castillo campsite. You can choose where to camp. Laguna Castillo tends to be a more popular choice because of its proximity to the lagoon. 

Day 3 : Take some time to admire the beautiful Laguna Castillo before heading off. After some ups and downs, you will eventually get to Campamento Neozelandes. From here you can check out the Glacier de Circo – a magnificent glacier.

Day 4 : Today is nice and easy, with just a few hours of downhill walking back to Villa Cerro Castillo. Challenge completed.

Alternative itinerary: Cerro Castillo hike

If a four-day hike seems like a bit much for you or you’re running low on time then don’t panic. There is still a way for you to experience the Cerro Castillo. Not many people are aware of this but there is actually a day hike you can do in Cerro Castillo. The day hike takes around 6 hours and shows you some of the highlights of the Cerro Castillo trek.

The ascent can be pretty tricky, especially given the sections of exposed cliff that have high winds and nothing but loose rocks to walk across. Nevertheless, at the top you will get to see the stunning lagoon (Laguna Cerro Castillo) and it will make all that precarious walking worthwhile. Naturally, the descent is much easier.

Getting there

You will first need to fly from Santiago down to Coyhaique. LAN and Sky Airline provide regular flights for this route. From Coyhaique, catch a bus heading south towards Cochrane and tell them you want to get off at Villa Cerro Castillo. This is where you will base yourself and buy your supplies before starting the trek.

Good to know

• Be sure to bring plenty of sun cream and bug spray. You will need both of these things whether you do the full trek or just the day hike. For more information, read our guide to equipment needed when trekking .
• While you don’t need a special permit, you will need to pay 5,000 pesos to enter the national park.
• Having a basic level of Spanish will help you a lot, particularly if you want to do this trek without a guide, as you may need to ask for directions and plan your route in the town before you set off.
• The weather can change in a heartbeat so prepare for blazing sunshine and torrential rain as well as strong winds and potential sleet.
• The only accommodation option is camping so make sure you have a strong tent that can withstand the extreme conditions.
• The infrastructure hasn’t been fully developed yet so you will need to be as independent as possible.

The Cerro Castillo Trek is one of Chile’s, or perhaps, one of Patagonia's most formidable trekking routes . It is tough and exhausting, but those who can cope with it will reap the benefits. Glorious scenery, fresh mountain air and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment are just some of the perks of this trek. This is sure to be an experience of a lifetime.

Since Patagonia is notorious for unpredictable weather, do check up on the  best time to visit Patagonia  before planning your tour. Click on the link for more information on  tours available in Patagonia . You can also include the trek to your custom trip to Chile . Contact our local travel expert to do just that!

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• M Marie Bookmundi Staff Dec 21 2018 Hi Amanda, Thank you so much for dropping by. We hope you enjoyed the article and that it was helpful. Since, this trek isn't very sought after; meaning it isn't the most-crowded, we don't think it is absolutely necessary to book the campsites in advance. You can pay for the campsites at the entrance of the park. The cost of the campsites is USD 8 per night per tent and around USD 24 for 3 nights. Do write to us, if you need more information on the trek or with arranging the trek. :)

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Tour con trekking a laguna cerro castillo, desde coyhaique..

El tour comienza en Coyhaique alrededor de las 06:30 de la mañana. Emprenderás un viaje por la Carretera Austral en dirección hacia el sur, al Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo Durante el camino, es posible apreciar el majestuoso Cerro Castillo, así como a veces también es posible el avistamiento de huemules y cóndores. Luego de una pequeña charla introductoria, se inicia el ascenso hacia la  Laguna Cerro Castillo , alrededor de las 9 AM. El trekking completo tiene una duración aprox de 6 a 7 horas, dependiendo de las condiciones físicas de los pasajeros. Por lo que estaremos terminando el recorrido completo, alrededor de las 3 pm. El regreso a la ciudad de Coyhaique es aproximadamente entre las 6 a 7 de la tarde.

Funcionamiento:    Desde diciembre a fines de marzo  Duración Estimada :     12 horas

Salida:                           6:00 h, Desde el lugar donde alojaron

Llegada:                       18:30 h - 19:00 h, en el lugar de alojamiento

Idoneidad:                  Para realizar el tour, los pasajeros deben contar con buen estado físico, al menos aceptable para realizar una caminata exigente de 6 h aprox. 

Dificultad:                  3 de 5.

Tiempo de caminata: 6 horas 30 min a 7 horas. 

Grupo Mínimo : 2 pers.

Grupo Máximo : 7 pers.

DESCUENTOS Sin descuento disponible. 

Reservas y Anulaciones

Para reservar este tour el pasajero debe abonar el 60% del precio total del tour para tu grupo, además  deberás completar un formulario de inscripción.   El pago del saldo se deberá realizar el día antes del tour a más tardar las 13:00H Es obligación del pasajero leer toda la información del tour publicada en esta página, incluyendo leer y aceptar la información de política de reservas y anulaciones contenida en esta sección,  ANTES de contratar el tour. 

Causales de Anulación o Cancelación

1. Cancelación por determinación del operador:  .  El Operador asignado  anulará la reserva de una excursión cuando las condiciones climáticas sean adversas, impidiendo realizar el traslado y/o el trekking en el Parque Nacional, o en caso de que el número de pasajeros inscritos sea inferior al grupo mínimo informado para garantizar la realización de este tour, o en caso de que por restricciones de CONAF no sea posible visitar el Parque o en caso de que no sea posible reservar cupos para el mismo.

En caso de cancelación por determinación del operador:

a. Se dará aviso al cliente a lo menos 12 h antes del horario de inicio de la actividad/excursión. b. Se dará la posibilidad de reagendar la excursión, sujeta a la disponibilidad de la empresa.

c. Si el operador anula por falta de grupo mín y el pasajero así lo desea, derivaremos su reserva en otro tour disponible de otro operador para la misma fecha 

 d. Si no es posible reprogramar ni derivar su reserva, o el pasajero no desea reagendar la excursión, se realizará un reembolso del 100% de lo abonado a través de una transferencia bancaria.

2. Anulación por solicitud del Cliente:

El cliente podrá solicitar la reprogramación o anulación de su reserva, según prefiera,  hasta 4 días hábiles antes  de la fecha de la excursión contratada. En tal caso, podrá: a. Solicitar la reprogramación de la excursión por cualquier otra fecha programada, hasta a 12 meses de la fecha original que hubiese reservado. En este caso deberá pagar un recargo adicional de $2.000 por pasajero. 

b. Solicitar la anulación de su reserva, en tal caso  El operador asignado  realizará la devolución del abono MENOS $7.000 por cada pasajero, monto que el operador conservará por concepto de gastos administrativos y de procesamiento de reserva. 

Si el cliente anula bajo esta causal su reserva con  menos anticipación  de la estipulada en este apartado, NO TENDRÁ derecho a devolución de lo abonado.

Otras Consideraciones: En cualquier caso en que corresponda una devolución, por cualquier causal, el operador turístico tendrá un plazo de 12 días hábiles para realizar la devolución. Toda anulación por solicitud del cliente  debe ser solicitada única y exclusivamente  por correo electrónico al correo desde el cual se le envío el comprobante de reserva.  Para efectos de estos términos y condiciones, se considerarán días hábiles solo los días lunes a viernes, excluyendo aquellos días festivos

Modalidad de Reserva : Reserva asistida. VIAJEROAUSTRAL.COM participa en el proceso de reserva de este tour como agente de venta o gestor de ventas del operador.

Servicio prestado directamente por Operador Local a Asignar. Tour Operador de Coyhaique. Viajero Austral es un catalogo digital de servicios turísticos. Pudiese actuar, en algunos casos, también como agente de venta o gestor de ventas de este tour, por encargo del operador. El contrato es entre el cliente y el Operador titular MPT. 

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• Traslado terrestre entre la Ciudad de Coyhaique y el Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo
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• Ración de Marcha (frutos secos, yugurt, galletas)
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Hiking | Nature Photography

• Cerro Castillo Circuit – Patagonia: Multi-day Hike

This is post 9 of 13 in the series “Patagonia 2017”

Posts relating to my Patagonia hiking travels in 2017

• The 5 Things I Learned When Travelling in Patagonia – A Review of My Trip
• The Long Journey Begins! – Santiago Chile Sightseeing – Patagonia
• Pucon Hikes and Sightseeing – Patagonia
• Villarrica Traverse – Patagonia: Multi-day Hiking Trip
• San Martin de Los Andes & Bariloche – Patagonia 2017
• Mount Tronador Hike – Patagonia: Multi-day Hike
• Bariloche and El Bolson Hiking – Patagonia: Day Hikes
• Futaleufú White Water Rafting & Coyhaique – Patagonia
• Puerto Rio Tranquillo and the Marble Caves in Chile – Patagonia
• Villa O’Higgins Border Crossing – Patagonia: Overnight Hike
• El Chalten Hikes: Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre – Patagonia
• Huemul Circuit & Perito Moreno Glacier – Patagonia

The Cerro Castillo Circuit – A Stunning Range of Patagonia’s Best!

06/02 ~ 10/02, introducti o n.

Cerro Castillo is a 2675m peak in a cathedral-like range with many pointed spires. It’s regarded as one of the best multi-day hikes in Patagonia and it certainly lived up to that. The intention was to hike the Cerro Castillo Circuit, which ventures near this mountain. We had mixed weather, with some extended cloud cover over the peaks, but it was mostly fine. It was a damn good hike!

The Cerro Castillo Circuit

Mon (06/02).

The bus from Coyhaique dropped myself and a few other Chilean travellers at the northern trailhead. Cam, Conrey and Ben (also on the bus) were all dropping excess items in Villa Castillo, a tiny village at the end of the trail. 

They planned to rejoin me the next morning, as I was going to camp at the beginning of the trail. Keren, Jeff, Nathan and Rumbles all were coming the following day and meeting us at the first major campsite the following night. Alicia (who I met on the same bus to Coyhaique) also planned to find us there the same night but had alternate travel plans.

I still had my box full of groceries to sort out at this point. So I very quickly removed bulky packaging, and threw the food in my food bag. The rum I transferred to my foldable poptop water bottle which kind of just became a permanent rum bottle haha. I left the box and packaging with a 5000 peso tip jammed in a coke bottle top for whoever picked it up. I figured it wasn’t littering this way.

The start of the hike was 500m of crossing a paddock with cows, and I then camped on the other side of the gate. As i began to pitch my tent, the herd of cows and calves all came over an watched me. 

It was pretty funny as one moment they were on the other side of the paddock, and then  boom , they were   right there! It was a nice quiet night by myself, and good to be back in my tent again. I saw a fox scurry across the paddock before closing my tent. Sleep came with ease.

Tues (07/02)

After coffee and breakfast, I packed up and sat  waiting for Cam, Conrey and Ben to arrive on the Cerro Castillo Circuit. They came around 8:30am, and we all set off. They said there was no box on the road, so my plan worked! 

The initial part of the hike was flat and largely uninteresting as it was all farmland. After several hours, the trail became smaller and started to wind uphill, becoming more vegetated into forests. We passed the rangers station where we were meant to pay 5000 pesos, but there was no one there, so we moved on.

We reached the next campsite – a beech forest by a glacial river, and set up camp. Another guy from the US joined us, called Toby, whom Cam and Conrey had met earlier. A few hours later Jeff and Keren also found us in the evening. They told us Nathan and Rumbles didn’t make it because Rumbles had food poisoning  but they aimed to meet us from the opposite side of the trail the next day.

We cooked dinner and had some drinks, and then four of us went out onto the riverbed and made s small fire and took some night shots. Toby also brought out his ukulele and strummed a few tunes. It was a great evening!

Wed (08/02)

Most of the walk had been flat and easy do far, bit today we had to cross through a pass and into the glacial valley. The climb was rocky, and the pass was a V shape off rocky scree, and we were walked in the apex. 

Jeff mentioned that according to his lonely planet guide, there should be a hanging glacier here. We asked him how old the book was and he said it was 14 years old! It was pretty funny, we all had some laughs haha. We realised that we actually were walking on the buried remains glacier when we found deep holes in the rocks and visible ice.

As we exited the pass into the next valley, the view opened up – a side view of Cerro Castillo, and a huge glacier on the right with hundreds of cascading flows of glacial water streaming down the rock face below. 

To date, it was the most beautiful thing I had seen in my life and a photo couldn’t capture the moment. We timed it well with the sun beaming through right above and the fast moving clouds streaming overhead.

We reached the river and followed it around the other side of Cerro Castillo into a forested area. We were almost at Camp, but the last kilometer was a steep uphill and we were all fairly drained by this point. It was reliving to see the campsite at this point. It was small, and because we arrived quite late, there want much room. 

We decided to camp out in the open on a somewhat grassy area behind a moraine just below the lake. It turned out to be a great choice with no wind that evening (and it was much flatter than the campsite). However, before we set up, we decided a glacial lake swim was a fantastic idea. We all went in, and I don’t think anyone lasted thirty seconds! Damn it was beautiful!

We all made dinner, mine being a cheesy salami pasta (kind of a hiking staple now). Toby offered me some of his conglomeration of mackerel, pasta, lentils and who knows what else. I told him the mackerel was basically cat food, but tried it anyway. Yep, cat food! Whilst intoxicated, Cam found wood from somewhere (there were no trees?) and we had a small campfire sharing some beverages at the side of the camp until midnight before heading to bed.

Thurs (09/02)

I awoke early, and could hear the rustling in the tent nearby. Someone was also up – Jeff. I opened my tent and boom, there the view was. There’s something magical about camping below glaciers, especially when shrouded in mist. A brew of coffee whilst taking in the view is one of my favourite things to do on a hike. You’re all warm and snug in your sleeping bag, yet outside is icy cold.

After breakfast I looked at my InReach GPS. I had previously been expecting a message from Nathan and Rumbles, who also had an InReach. I never got one  but I checked again, and there it was from 11pm the night before. 

Nathan and Rumbles had made it, and were camped close to the lake! I messaged him back and he found us shortly after. ‘ Damn it’s handy when multiple people have InReach devices ‘, I thought to myself. There’s no other way to communicate out here in the mountains. I packed up camp and headed over to where the UK boys were camping. Luckily, Rumbles was feeling much better now.

Eventually we all arrived and started the hike up the mountain. We didn’t plan for a long day of hiking, but it was tough. The usual rocky scree slopes, but added strong winds this time, making it bone chillingly cold.

The downhill climb was long and I was still cold. I was hiking fast by this point. I stopped for lunch about half way down and the others caught up and joined in. The campsite wasn’t far from this point – nestled amongst trees with only limited spots we set up before others could take over.

Our plan was to head the Lake Duff that afternoon, but only a few went. Toby had to pick up his motorbike, so we planned to head out early and meet us in town later the next day. Most of us chilled out and planned to do the hike in the morning. 

That evening we ran into Alicia – the girl I met on the bus three days earlier! She was also camping there with a few people she met. We all gathered wood and made a huge campfire and shared beverages again. ‘ Are we drunks? ‘, was a common thought for a lot of us, but we decided that alcohol was a great social tool at the end of a days hike haha. You never drink as much when hiking alone, that’s for sure!

Fri (10/02)

An early rise for a big day ahead. We were heading to Lake Duff, then backtracking to the campsite for lunch; then we’d pack up and head to Villa Castillo, the small town near the end of the trail. The walk to the lake was easy, but coming over the boulders and moraines was tedious. The lake was nice, and we had periodic views of the spire peaks there.

After the Lake it was downhill for the rest of the day until the road. We met Jeff on the way down who slept in. The realisation that it was probably the last time we’d all see him became apparent, as he had different plans. 

So, we farewelled and parted ways and had lunch back at the campsite.  Nathan and Rumbles decided to camp there another night too, so we also had to farewell them. Alicia had also gone by this point, which meant all the UK guys/gal have left us it seemed.

We packed up and continued on down the hill. My knees were sore by the end, and Cam was in a similar state. We took it slower than the others. When we got the road we had to jump over a fence and head to town. The road took forever and it was monotonous! Luckily, a trail angel appeared! A bike with a scruffy recognisable character on board – Toby! He brought us beer and cake! What a legend! We thanked him, and the four of us trudged on.

Cam, Conrey, Keren and myself arrived in town and booked into the campground where Toby and Ben were waiting. We visited a local brewer and ate some food. I had a massive completo which was a huge sandwich that was super filling.

That evening we chilled out drinking beer and Pisco (a type of spirit)  with some others at the campsite. We were all pretty drunk! A victory drink from the trail!

Trip Summary

• The hanging glaciers were breathtaking
• Beautiful lakes and forests
• The Cerro Castillo Circuit was a challenging yet accessible hike
• Great company!
• The first day was kind of boring walking through farm land
• The last road walk sucked!

~ Continue my Patagonian travels with ‘ Puerto Rio Tranquillo, Marble Caves & Cochrane – Patagonia ‘ ~

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FanBloodytastic Matt, Those shots are excellent, I feel it, Thankyou.

“5000 peso tip jammed in a coke bottle top” “meant to pay 5000 pesos” The Ranger picked up your fee and will charge you for the rubbish disposal at a later date.

“I don’t think anyone lasted thirty seconds!” Yeh, but I bet you felt clean! Something cleansing about ice water.

Haha yeah most likely in this area! They want money for everything! The ice water is damn nice, it isn’t even hard to jump in it anymore. I have a photo of me a fee days ago hugging a giant ice chunk haha!

So apart from the ranger station do you need to book this hike and or pay for camping permits and such?=

You need to book the bus to drop you off along the highway. I don’t think any other bookings were required. I think they introduced fees recently, but they aren’t a lot. None were for camping specificity.

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Full Trekking Cerro Castillo National Reserve

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15 Best Places in Patagonia To Visit in 2024

Posted: February 24, 2024 | Last updated: February 24, 2024

Patagonia, a region shared by Argentina and Chile, is a land of awe-inspiring natural beauty. Known for its rugged landscapes, towering mountains, and pristine glaciers, Patagonia is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike. This guide takes you through the most breathtaking destinations in Patagonia, each offering a unique experience of this wild and untamed region. Patagonia’s diverse landscapes promise an unforgettable journey from the iconic Torres del Paine to the remote Tierra del Fuego.

1. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park, a highlight of Chilean Patagonia, is renowned for its dramatic peaks, bright blue icebergs, and vast pampas. The park’s network of trails, including the famous W Trek and the O Circuit, offers some of the world’s best trekking experiences. Hikers are treated to stunning views of the park’s namesake towers, the Paine Massif, and the Grey Glacier. The diverse ecosystems within the park, from steppe to subpolar forests, are home to an array of wildlife, including guanacos and condors.

Insider’s Tip: Book refugios or campsites well in advance if you plan to trek.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from November to early March.

How To Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas in Chile and then take a bus or a rented car to the park.

2. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The Perito Moreno Glacier, part of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, is one of the most accessible and dynamic glaciers on the planet. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of ice calving from the glacier into Lake Argentino. The park offers various viewing platforms and boat tours for different perspectives of this natural wonder. Unlike many other glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno is one of the few still growing, making it a particularly fascinating site for glaciology enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Take a guided glacier walk on the ice for a memorable experience.

When To Travel: Visit between October and April for milder weather.

How To Get There: Fly to El Calafate in Argentina, and then it’s a short drive to the glacier.

3. Fitz Roy Mountain, Argentina

Fitz Roy Mountain, near the small town of El Chaltén, is a paradise for experienced hikers and climbers. The mountain’s iconic jagged peaks present one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding climbs. For those seeking less strenuous activities, numerous trails like Laguna de los Tres offer breathtaking views of Fitz Roy and the surrounding Patagonian landscape. The town of El Chaltén itself is a charming base for exploring the region, with cozy accommodations and local eateries.

Insider’s Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.

When To Travel: Trekking season runs from November to April.

How To Get There: Fly to El Calafate and then take a bus to El Chaltén.

4. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina and Chile

Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago off the southern tip of South America, is a land of stark contrasts and extreme beauty. Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is the gateway to this remote region. Here, visitors can explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, take boat trips along the Beagle Channel, or embark on expeditions to Antarctica. The region’s unique flora and fauna, including Magellanic penguins and Andean foxes, make it a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the End of the World Museum in Ushuaia to glimpse the area’s history.

When To Travel: The best time is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Ushuaia from major cities in Argentina or Chile.

5. Marble Caves, Chile

The Marble Caves on Lake General Carrera are a breathtaking natural formation. Millennia of waves washing against calcium carbonate have sculpted these caves into stunning formations. The caves’ walls, with their swirling patterns of blue and grey, are a photographer’s dream, especially when reflected in the lake’s azure waters. Accessible only by boat, the caves offer a serene and otherworldly experience.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat or kayak tour for the best views of the caves.

When To Travel: Visit between September and February for the best weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda, then drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo, where tours to the caves are available.

6. Valdés Peninsula, Argentina

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Natalia Di Marco The Valdés Peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its unique marine wildlife and rugged coastline. It’s one of the best places in the world to see Southern Right Whales, which come close to shore between June and December. The peninsula also hosts large colonies of sea lions, elephant seals, and various bird species. Its steppe-like interior and dramatic coastline offer stunning landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Insider’s Tip: Take a whale-watching tour between June and December to see Southern Right Whales.

When To Travel: Wildlife viewing is best from September to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Puerto Madryn or Trelew, then drive to the peninsula.

7. Cerro Castillo, Chile

Cerro Castillo, less crowded than Torres del Paine, offers equally stunning scenery for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The trek around Cerro Castillo takes you through diverse landscapes, including forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes, with the castle-like peaks of Cerro Castillo as a constant backdrop. The trek is challenging but rewards hikers with incredible views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the Patagonian wilderness.

Insider’s Tip: Pack for all weather conditions, as the weather can change rapidly.

When To Travel: The trekking season is from November to April.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda and then drive or take a bus to Villa Cerro Castillo.

8. Cape Horn, Chile

At the southernmost tip of the South American continent, Cape Horn is a legendary location known for its challenging sailing conditions and rich maritime history. Cruises to this remote area offer a unique opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the southern seas and the sense of adventure that comes with reaching the “end of the world.” The area is also significant for its unique flora and fauna adapted to harsh conditions.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a cruise that includes lectures on the region’s history and wildlife.

When To Travel: Cruises run during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Cruises to Cape Horn typically depart from Ushuaia.

9. Los Alerces National Park, Argentina

Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Argentina, is known for its ancient Alerces trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. The park’s lakes, rivers, and forests offer a serene setting for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The park is a testament to Argentina’s commitment to conservation, with well-maintained trails and minimal-impact tourism practices. The park’s diverse ecosystems are home to various wildlife, including deer, pumas, and several bird species.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Arrayanes Forest for a magical walk among unique cinnamon-colored trees.

When To Travel: Visit from October to April for the best weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Esquel and then drive to the park.

10. Pumalín Park, Chile

Pumalín Park, one of the largest private parks in the world, is a testament to conservation efforts in Chilean Patagonia. Created by conservationist Douglas Tompkins, the park spans over 400,000 hectares of temperate rainforests, fjords, and waterfalls. Visitors can hike through pristine forests, kayak along untouched fjords, and witness the park’s commitment to environmental preservation firsthand. The park’s infrastructure, including trails and campgrounds, is designed to minimize human impact on the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the park’s environmental information centers to learn about its conservation efforts.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Puerto Montt, then drive or take a ferry to the park.

11. El Chaltén, Argentina

El Chaltén, often called Argentina’s trekking capital, is the gateway to some of Patagonia’s most iconic trails. The town offers a range of trekking options, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions. The surrounding landscapes of glaciers, lakes, and mountains provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. In addition to trekking, visitors can enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, and fishing.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Los Condores viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the town and surrounding peaks.

When To Travel: Trekking season is from October to April.

12. Laguna San Rafael National Park, Chile

Laguna San Rafael National Park is home to the San Rafael Glacier, one of the largest and most actively calving glaciers in the Chilean Patagonia. The park offers boat tours that provide close-up views of the glacier and the icebergs in the lagoon. The park’s remote location and stunning ice landscapes make it a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the surrounding rainforests and spot wildlife such as sea lions and dolphins.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat tour that includes visiting the hot springs at Quitralco Fjord.

When To Travel: The best time for boat tours is from October to April.

How To Get There: Access is mainly by boat or plane from Coyhaique or Puerto Chacabuco.

13. King Penguin Colony, Tierra del Fuego, Chile

The King Penguin Colony on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic birds. Located at Parque Pingüino Rey, the colony is one of the few places outside Antarctica where you can see king penguins in their natural habitat. The park provides a respectful and sustainable way to observe the penguins, with designated viewing areas to minimize disturbance.

Insider’s Tip: Respect the penguins’ space and observe them from a distance to avoid disturbing them.

When To Travel: Penguins can be seen year-round, but the best time is during the breeding season, from September to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas, take a ferry and drive to the park.

14. Bariloche, Argentina

San Carlos de Bariloche, known simply as Bariloche, offers a unique combination of stunning natural landscapes and a lively city atmosphere. Bariloche is located in Argentina’s Lake District, a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. The city’s Swiss-style architecture and renowned chocolate shops add to its charm, making it a popular destination year-round. In winter, Bariloche transforms into a ski resort, while the summer months are perfect for exploring the surrounding lakes and mountains.

Insider’s Tip: Take the cable car to Cerro Campanario for one of the best views in the region.

When To Travel: Visit from December to March for outdoor activities and pleasant weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Bariloche Airport, with regular flights from Buenos Aires.

15. Aysén Region, Chile

The Aysén Region in Chilean Patagonia is a secluded paradise for adventurers. Less crowded and largely untouched, it offers a wilderness experience that includes the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and numerous fjords. The Carretera Austral, a scenic route through the region, leads to remote beauty spots ideal for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Aysén’s rugged terrain and pristine landscapes are perfect for those seeking an immersive nature experience away from tourist trails.

Insider’s Tip: Plan a road trip along the Carretera Austral for a unique way to explore the region’s diverse landscapes.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda Airport and rent a car for the best exploration experience.

The Bottom Line

Patagonia is a land of endless natural wonders, offering experiences that range from witnessing colossal glaciers to trekking through pristine forests. Each destination in this vast region presents an opportunity to connect with nature and witness the raw beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. As you plan your journey through Patagonia, remember that the true essence of this place lies in its wild and untamed spirit, inviting you to explore and discover its many treasures.

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The post 15 Best Places in Patagonia To Visit in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olga Danylenko.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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