Cerro Castillo National Reserve: A Patagonian Jewel

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Discover Cerro Castillo National Park: Untamed Patagonian beauty, world-class trekking, and abundant wildlife await in Chile's Aysén region.

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Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo

Cerro Castillo National Reserve, located in Chile's Aysén region, is a stunning park known for its jagged peaks, turquoise lagoons, and diverse wildlife. Often called the 'New Torres del Paine,' it offers breathtaking Patagonian landscapes with fewer crowds. The reserve provides a range of hiking options, from day trips to multi-day treks, making it an accessible wilderness experience for all levels of adventurers.

A brief summary to Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo

Villa Cerro Castillo,, Aysén, CL
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Monday 7 am-12 pm
Tuesday 7 am-12 pm
Wednesday 7 am-12 pm
Thursday 7 am-12 pm
Friday 7 am-12 pm
Saturday 7 am-12 pm
Sunday 7 am-12 pm

Local tips

Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions in Patagonia can change rapidly. Be prepared for wind, rain, and cold temperatures, even in summer.
Purchase park entrance tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak season (November to April).
Bring appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy boots, waterproof clothing, and layers. Trekking poles are recommended for the steeper trails.
Be aware that the park has limited services. Carry enough food and water for your hike, and pack out all trash.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, but maintain a safe distance. Do not feed the animals, and report any sightings of endangered species to park rangers.

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Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Cerro Castillo National Reserve via public transport, start from Coyhaique, the regional capital. Several daily buses travel south along the Carretera Austral towards Cochrane and Puerto Río Tranquilo. For the Laguna Cerro Castillo day hike, take a bus to Villa Cerro Castillo. Buses typically cost around CLP 6,000-10,000. From Villa Cerro Castillo, it's a short walk to the trailhead. For the Circuito Las Horquetas, take a bus and ask the driver to drop you off at Las Horquetas, about 75 km south of Coyhaique. The bus fare to Las Horquetas will be similar to Villa Cerro Castillo. From the Carretera Austral, it's an 8km walk to the park entrance. Be prepared for potential delays and limited seating, especially during peak season. It's advisable to book your bus ticket a day in advance at the Coyhaique bus terminal.
Driving

To drive to Cerro Castillo National Park, take the Carretera Austral (Route 7) south from Coyhaique. The park is approximately 64 km (40 miles) south of Coyhaique. The road to Villa Cerro Castillo is paved. The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. To reach the Las Horquetas trailhead, continue south on the Carretera Austral past Villa Cerro Castillo. The trailhead is located about 75 km south of Coyhaique. There is a parking area at the Las Horquetas trailhead. Parking is free. Be aware that the Carretera Austral is unpaved in sections, so drive carefully and be prepared for gravel roads.

Discover more about Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo

Cerro Castillo National Reserve, established in 1970 and re-designated as a National Park in 2018, spans over 179,500 hectares of pristine Patagonian wilderness. Located south of Coyhaique, in the Aysén Region, the park is named after the imposing Cerro Castillo (Castle Mountain), whose basalt walls give it a distinctive castle-like appearance. The park's landscape is characterized by hanging glaciers that feed into vibrant turquoise lagoons, extensive forests of lenga and ñirre trees, and the towering Cerro Castillo massif. This diverse environment provides refuge for a variety of wildlife, including the endangered South Andean deer (huemul), pumas, guanacos, and the Andean condor. Cerro Castillo offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is a primary draw, with trails ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day circuits. The most popular trails include the Laguna Cerro Castillo day hike, which leads to a stunning glacial lake at the base of Cerro Castillo, and the Circuito Las Horquetas, a demanding 4-day trek through the park's most scenic areas. Other trails, like the Estero Parada, offer access to remote campsites and panoramic views. The park also holds cultural significance, as it is the only valley that preserves Selknam heritage. Visitors can explore the area's history and natural beauty, making it a unique and unforgettable Patagonian experience.