Cerro Castillo National Park: A Hiker's Paradise

Cerro Castillo National Park, established in 2018, protects 138,164 hectares of Patagonian wilderness. The park's centerpiece is the majestic Cerro Castillo, a 2,675-meter mountain whose jagged peaks resemble a castle. The park is located 64 kilometers south of Coyhaique, making it accessible via the Carretera Austral.The park boasts a diverse landscape of hanging glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and lush forests of Lenga and Ñirre trees. It is a sanctuary for the endangered South Andean deer (Huemul), as well as pumas, Magellanic woodpeckers, and other native species.The Cerro Castillo Trek, also known as the Las Horquetas Trek, is a 4-day, 50-kilometer circuit that rivals Torres del Paine in beauty but with fewer crowds. The trek takes hikers through stunning scenery, including the iconic Laguna Cerro Castillo, a glacial lake with turquoise waters. Day hikes are also available, including the popular Laguna Cerro Castillo trail and the Neozelandes Trail.The park's history dates back to 1970 when it was established as a national reserve. It was upgraded to national park status in 2018 as part of an agreement between the Chilean government and Tompkins Conservation. The area is also part of the ancestral lands of the Aonikenk people, whose history is passed down through oral tradition.Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the park, including trekking, mountaineering, horseback riding, wildlife observation, and photography. The best time to visit is from November to mid-April, when the weather is milder and the fall colors are at their peak.