Best of Aysen Roadtrip

Day 1: Arrive at Balmaceda Airport; Transfer to Cerro Castillo

You will be met at Balmaceda Airport and your driver will take you south through mountainous terrain on your way to Cerro Castillo village.

This scenic drive will take you through an area where the endangered Huemul deer lives, and you may be lucky enough to spot them on your journey. 

If arriving on an early flight, you can visit the museum and see the hand paintings near town. 

Transfer duration: 90 minutes

Meals: Welcome dinner in town

Accommodation: B&B Cerro Castillo or similar

Day 2: Day Hike - Cerro Castillo

There are a few accessible routes for your day hike. Today we expect you to be able to hike to the iconic viewpoint of the national park: The Mirador Laguna Cerro Castillo. This hike will take you on well-marked forested trails, before clearing the tree line and arriving at one of Patagonia's most spectacular viewpoints, with the glacial lagoon and the majestic jagged peaks of Cerro Castillo as a backdrop. 

Weather permitting you will have great views of the castle-like peaks (the reason behind the name Cerro Castillo).

The hike is moderately demanding as it climbs constantly upwards to the viewpoints, zig-zagging back and forth. You’ll follow the same route down afterwards. 

Length of hike: 13km total: there and back route, 7-8 hrs approx, about 1000 metres height gain. 

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch and dinner

Accommodation: B&B Cerro Castillo or similar

Day 3: Day Hike - Cerro Castillo

Enjoy a second full-day hike in Cerro Castillo today as you head up the Estero Parada Valley to take in the stunning forested river valley leading you to New Zealand camp. The trail begins through pasture land before entering the native forest and follows the gushing river, fed from the numerous small glaciers found further up the valley. You’ll stop at a series of viewpoints as you get further into the valley, before stopping at Porteadores camp for a short rest. Onwards from here, the trail is less intense, but even more rewarding as you’ll be surrounded by the stunning rugged peaks of Cerro Palo and Punta Duff. This remote, yet accessible glacial valley is one of the region’s most rewarding day hikes you can experience. 

The trail leads for about 9km in total, to the Laguna Duff, from where you will return via the same route. You will always have the option to head back sooner if the weather, or your legs, decide so! 

Length of hike: 18-20km total, 800 metres height gain, 8-10hrs 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: B&B Cerro Castillo or similar

Day 4: Puerto Tranquillo and the Marble Caves

You'll leave Cerro Castillo at around 8am heading to the quaint town of Puerto Río Tranquilo. You'll then head out on a kayak excursion to Aysen's famous marble caves. Kayaking you will be about 2hrs on the water, for a leisurely group paddle, where your guide will interpret the singular sights of the Magnificent Marble Chapel, Cathedral and Caves that you’ll approach within touching distance. All Kayaking equipment - kayak (single or double)/paddle/skirt and splash jacket/life vest will be provided. Alternatively, take a small boat ride to the site, and explore these wonders from the comfort of a bigger vessel. 

Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch in town before a leisurely drive south as you border the continent’s second largest lake—General Carrera—to your accommodation for the evening at Mallin Colorado. You will then have a free afternoon to rest and recover before dinner. The self-guided trails around the lodge are a wonderful way to take in the beautiful surroundings if you have the energy. If you prefer you can sit back and relax by one of the lodge’s huge windows and simply bask in the lake’s mesmerising vistas. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch (at a local restaurant) and dinner

Accommodation: Mallin Colorado or similar

Day 5: San Rafael Glacier adventure

The day starts early in the morning with a 1.5hr drive north to Bahía Exploradores. The drive itself is spectacular, as you’d expect as you intern yourself up this truly spectacular glacial valley from where you will be privileged to see numerous glaciers pouring off the Ice Field. From there you'll take a boat for around 60km travelling through vast fjords to the secluded San Rafael Lagoon. 

Once here you'll have plenty of time to soak up the fantastic views of the constantly moving San Rafael Glacier and witness the calving of huge chunks of ice. If you’re lucky you might get a glimpse of one of the resident Leopard Seals that call this bay home. Enjoy a box lunch before returning via the same route to Bahía Exploradores, and taking to your vehicle once more to Puerto Tranquilo and finally to your accommodation in time for your evening meal.

Today's day is long, but provides a unique opportunity to cross the Andean mountain range to Pacific waters and back again, simply magnificent.  

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Mallin Colorado or similar

Day 6: Baker River rafting and transfer to Cochrane

Today you'll drive south along the famous Carretera Austral to the end of Lake General Carrera and get to know the emerald blue waters of the River Baker.

Your rafting adventure will begin on the shores of Lake Bertrand with a breathtaking backdrop of forested mountainsides, icy, snowy peaks and alluring azure waters. All gear is provided, and your guide will instruct you as to what is required. The rafting is grade 3, and you will be on the water for 1.5hr to 2hrs.

Lunch is taken by the edge of the river, and in the afternoon your vehicle will take you onwards to the small town of Cochrane, or into the immense Patagonia National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch (box lunch/snacks) and dinner

Accommodation: Ultimo Paraiso Cochrane or similar. 

Day 7: Day Hike - Patagonia Park

We suggest the Lagunas Altas Hike for this day and it's a real highlight with views of the entire Chacabuco valley. 

It's strenuous, but not technically difficult, the majority of the steep is in the first 8km and then you get a more relaxed hike.  

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Ultimo Paraiso or similar.  

Day 8: Day Hike - Patagonia Park (Tamango side)

We suggest the Aviles Valley Hike for this day—you'll spot tonnes of guanacos, take lunch at the hanging bridge and enjoy beautiful views throughout this moderate-level hike.

For both days 7 and 8 it’s worth noting that these days' hikes can be modified or tailored to suit your desires and the weather conditions of that day. 15 trails within the park can be explored, and by being vehicle-based you will have the opportunity to do as much or as little activity as you want. Your guide will be flexible and able to suggest the best option for you. 

A must-see sight during your time in Patagonia National Park will be the Park’s museum at the entrance, which provides one of the best showcases for the region’s conservation, natural history and flora and fauna of this part of the world. Entrance is optional and incurs a small extra cost.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Ultimo Paraiso or similar

Day 9: Drive to Coyhaique 

You'll travel 6 hours by road to Coyhaique over the same route that you followed southwards first. You’ll make a couple of programmed stops for coffee and the viewpoints that you want. 

It's a chance to take in the stunning scenery one last time.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner, and snacks are provided for the drive/stops at coffee shops.

Accommodation: Los Raices Hotel Coyhaique or similar 

Day 10: Transfer to Balmaceda Airport

You will be driven back to Balmaceda Airport (30 minutes).