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Laguna Cerro Castillo: A Patagonian Jewel

Hike to a stunning turquoise lagoon beneath the majestic Cerro Castillo peak in Chilean Patagonia's hidden gem.

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Laguna Cerro Castillo, nestled within Cerro Castillo National Park in Chile's Aysén region, is a stunning turquoise glacial lake beneath the towering Cerro Castillo peak. This challenging day hike offers breathtaking Patagonian landscapes, rivaling better-known trails with its serene beauty and fewer crowds.

A brief summary to Laguna Cerro Castillo

  • Río Ibáñez, Aysén, CL

Local tips

  • The best time to visit is during the Patagonian summer (November to April) for favorable weather conditions.
  • Wear appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy boots, layers of clothing, and sun protection.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no services available on the trail.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly in Patagonia.
  • Consider starting the hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and have ample time to complete the trek.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Coyhaique, take a bus towards Cochrane and disembark at Villa Cerro Castillo. Buses typically depart in the morning, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours. From Villa Cerro Castillo, walk along the Carretera Austral (Route 7) and then onto the unpaved X-720 Road (Arroyo El Bosque) to reach the trailhead. The private entrance is closest to town. Bus fare from Coyhaique to Villa Cerro Castillo is approximately 10,000 CLP. Entrance fee to the park is around 20,000 CLP for foreign adults.

  • Walking

    From Villa Cerro Castillo, the most common approach to the Laguna Cerro Castillo trailheads is on foot. Head west out of town on the Carretera Austral (Route 7), turning onto the unpaved X-720 Road (Arroyo El Bosque). The private entrance is roughly 150 meters down this road. Walking from the center of Villa Cerro Castillo to the private entrance takes about 20 minutes. Note that the final kilometer to the official National Park entrance requires 4WD; otherwise, it's an additional kilometer of walking.

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Discover more about Laguna Cerro Castillo

Laguna Cerro Castillo, located in the heart of Cerro Castillo National Park, is a breathtaking alpine lake renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters and the dramatic Cerro Castillo massif that looms above. The lake sits at an elevation of 1300 meters (4265 feet) in a deep glacial basin, surrounded by forests of Lenga and Ñirre trees that paint the landscape in vivid colors, especially during the fall. The area is steeped in history, having been traversed by indigenous Tehuelche people long before European explorers arrived in the late 19th century. The town of Villa Cerro Castillo, officially founded in 1966, has become a popular base for exploring the park. The park itself was established as a national reserve in 1970 and later upgraded to a national park in 2018, recognizing its ecological significance. The Laguna Cerro Castillo day hike is a challenging but rewarding trek, covering approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) with an elevation gain of over 1000 meters (3280 feet). The trail winds through Patagonian forests and ascends to a mirador (viewpoint) offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. For those seeking a longer adventure, the Cerro Castillo Circuit (Circuito Las Horquetas) is a multi-day trek that explores the park's diverse landscapes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including Huemules (South Andean Deer), condors, and other native bird species.

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