Hiking in Aysen
Dramatic snow-capped mountains, glistening glacial lakes and lush forested valleys make for superb trekking in this unsung region. Explore the fantastic hiking routes in Aysen's …
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Reasons to go
- If you're looking for off-the-beaten-track hiking, you'll love the peace to be found on the trails
- The reserve is remarkably untouched, making for breathtaking views of forests, valleys, waterfalls and hanging glaciers
- You can see the highlights in day hikes, or take on a more challenging multi-day trek
- The famous Carretera Austral passes through the park, making it easily accessible during a road trip
Trekking to the lagoons of Cerro Castillo National Park
Cerro Castillo horizon
Cerro Castillo
Trekking to the lagoons of Cerro Castillo National Park
Things to do
Trekking
Numerous trails weave around the park, but no matter which you choose, you're likely to have the path to yourself. Although its reputation as a trekking destination is growing, Cerro Castillo remains a hidden gem, where the trails are blissfully quiet. Start in Coyhaique or Cerro Castillo Village and take a day or join a multi-day trek where you'll camp among the peaks, waking up to the rocks bathed in pink and orange.
Our favourite route is the Cerro Castillo Trail, a 45 km trail that takes four to five days to complete. You'll hike deep into the forest, crossing cool streams on foot and seeking out hanging glaciers. Keep an eye out for eagles and the elusive native Patagonian deer which make their home here.
Cerro Castillo National Park Trek - Route and Elevation Map
Cerro Castillo National Park Trek
Distance:
49.4km | 30.7 miles
Time:
4 days
Elevation gain: +7,577ft/2,309m
Elevation loss: -9,139ft/2,786m
Horse riding
The people of Aysén are incredibly proud of their gaucho culture, and you can still explore the old mountain paths the way they were originally travelled, on horseback. Travelling this way means you can cover more ground and reach the truly undisturbed areas, where the forests, mountains and rivers stretch as far as you can see.
You can even do a half-and-half trek, riding partway up the 1,600m climb towards the Cerro Castillo Lagoon before completing the last part of the ascent on foot.
Riding to the Avellano Valley
On this five-day trip, you can travel on horseback, just like a gaucho, into one of Patagonia's wildest, most remote locations.
You'll be able to explore the huge granite wall of the Avellano Towers, hanging glaciers and remote landscapes of Aysén that very few other travellers get to experience.
This is a fully-supported trip that is guided by gauchos and bilingual guides and make for a perfect equestrian expedition.
Riding in the valley on day one
Road trips
The Carretera Austral stretches all the way from Puerto Montt down to Villa O'Higgins, and passes through the Cerro Castillo National Reserve. This famous highway is mostly a dirt and gravel road, but offers some wonderful sights and scenery along the way.
It's a great way to explore the Aysén region, but do make a stop off in the park to trek to Cerro Castillo.
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Carretera Austral
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What to do in Aysen
Aysen's magic lies in its variety. This region is blessed with mountains, rivers, forests, rainforest, steppe, fjords, and even the North Patagonian Ice Cap. Trek through pristine …
Discover MoreWhere to Stay in Aysen
Aysen offers a variety of charming lodges, all set in beautiful scenery with some spectacular views. With lodges throughout the region there are plenty of places to base yourself during your stay, or to stop of on your road trip. Many of these lodges also offer daily excursions including hiking, kayaking, fishing and horse riding.
Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?
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Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
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