Cerro Castillo Trek

Best Hikes of Patagonia
Trip Length: 3 Days
Group Size: 1-12
Difficulty
From: 1,355 USD
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Let's step away from the modern world and get immersed in the untouched realm of Cerro Castillo, a trekking wonderland seen by few outsiders.

Make the journey from one of the world’s most isolated and stunning highways, the Carretera Austral, deep into the forgotten paradise that is Northern Patagonia. This 3-day hike over mountains and through the dense forest is perfect for intrepid trekkers looking to experience a side of Chile that few have seen before.

Cerro Castillo Trek - Carretera Austral (11)

 

Highlights

Highlights

  • Challenge yourself to an incredible hike through one of Patagonia’s lesser-known corners
  • Explore Cerro Castillo Mountain and discover Portezuelo El Peñon
  • Enjoy the pristine scenic beauty of the Aysen Region

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Aysen Region and Transfer to Cerro Castillo National Park. Trek begins.

Balmaceda and Villa Cerro Castillo, Chile

Welcome to Patagonia! Following a two and a half hour flight from Santiago to Balmaceda Airport, we will pick you up and take a scenic drive to the town of Cerro Castillo in Northern Patagonia.

Here we'll begin the adventure by hiking approximately 15 kilometers along the trail known as “Las Horquetas.” We'll follow an old logging road for about two hours, which gently winds through the mountain valley and passes the camps of local gauchos who used to take their livestock into the mountains in the summer months. We will make the first stream crossing here and get a glimpse of the crystal clear waters of Patagonia.  

At the reserve entrance, we will register our details with the park administration and then continue hiking 2 km, until reaching Camp Turbio and setting up tents for the night.

Overnight at Camp Turbio

Day 2: Challenge: Portezuelo El Peñón

Cerro Castillo National Park, Chile

After a restful sleep, the second day of trekking begins! We'll the Turbio River through the valley until the ascent into the mountains. We’ll then cross Pinon Pass, which has an altitude of 1,300 meters and has a challenging descent along loose, steep rock scree and even a small amount of snow (except February and March).  

After making our way past the hanging Pinon Glacier and over the pass, we will arrive at the campsite, La Tetera Camp, where we can settle in and rest until the next day.

Overnight at La Tetera Camp

Day 3: Cerro Castillo Lagoon and transfer to Balmaceda Airport.

Cerro Castillo National Park, Chile

After an early start, we'll continue to the famous lagoon of Cerro Castillo. We can take a short break here to take in the scenery and marvel down at the valley we've spent the last two days hiking through.

Afterward, we'll descend down the mountain back to the trailhead and make our way to Villa Cerro Castillo. After a yummy lunch, we'll have time for a shower before heading back to the airport.

Accommodation

During this trek, you will sleep in either a campsite or a local guest house. While you shouldn't expect luxurious facilities, these options are comfortable and add to the charm of sleeping in one of the world's most remote and awe-inspiring regions.

Typical mountain tents are used with enough room for two people overnight in comfortable conditions. We provide all the camping gear but you have to bring your own mat and sleeping bagOur team will set up the tents at the camping site.

Included

Included

  • All ground transport indicated in the itinerary
  • 2 nights camping
  • Park fees at Cerro Castillo National Park
  • One expert English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porters
  • Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners and plenty of snacks along the trail

*Note: Please be aware you will have to carry your own backpack, daily snack, mat and sleeping bag.

Not include

  • Flight tickets
  • Insurance (appropriate insurance is mandatory for this trip)
  • Tipping to guides and staff (voluntary)
  • Mat and sleeping bags
  • Personal items

Facts

Departures

Regular Departures are available every Friday* from November to March.
*Recommended departure day.

Starting / finishing point

The trip starts on Friday and finishes on Sunday with a pick-up and drop-off at Balmaceda Airport. Flights should arrive between 7 and 9 AM and should depart after 4:30 PM.

Physical demands

Active travelers with an adventurous spirit and a positive attitude will enjoy this trek. To have the best experience possible it is essential to be in good physical condition before you arrive. It is not recommended to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a program of conditioning well before departure.

Group size guiding staff

Minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 12 people.

Transport

Transport is in minivans that normally seat 8 to 14 people.

Weather

During the summer months (December to March), you can expect to have some nice weather and warm days. However, you also need to bear in mind that it may rain a lot, no matter the season. Please prepare accordingly.

Remember: the weather in Patagonia is unpredictable and may move between all 4 seasons in one day. It is recommended to come prepared.

  • Max. Temperature average: 15°C (59°F)
  • Min. Temperature average: 7°C (44°F)

Children

Minimum age is 15 years old and they are considered adults.

What you need to bring

Passengers need to be prepared for fluctuating weather that can move from summer to winter in a day.

Essential equipment includes:

  • Day pack. (30 liters maximum)
  • Trekking or hiking boots
  • Sandals to cross some rivers
  • Waterproof jacket
  • 2 pairs of wool socks
  • Fleece jacket
  • Sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen)
  • Optional Capilene underwear for the upper/lower body and gaiters

Itinerary modifications

The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to deal with at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.

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We are a Chilean owned adventure tour operator, based in Santiago de Chile, operating adventure tours in Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. Our base prices are in Chilean Pesos (CLP), but we charge prices in USD based on the exchange rate valid on the day of payment.

Destinations | Chile

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