Experience the breathtaking landscape of Cerro Castillo National Park on this 9-day tour, and enjoy the remote Patagonia wilderness while staying in comfortable cabins overlooking Lake General Carrera. Begin your adventure with a two night trek through National Park Cerro Castillo, walking among the towering rugged peaks and turquoise lakes hidden along the trail. Continue on to visit the famed Marble Caves by kayak and learn geological theories about the formation of these unique cliffside wonders. Ice trek on the Exploradores glacier, tame the rapids on a rafting tour in the Baker River, explore many trails to the viewpoints of Lake Bertrand and Plomo, or go to Mallin Colorado beach. Experience all of this and immerse yourself in all of the adventure that the vast Aysen region has to offer.
Highlights
Enjoy horseback riding around National Park Cerro Castillo.
Kayak the famous Marble Caves and Cathedrals of Lake General Carrera
Hike in Patagonia National Park and learn about it's conservation mission
Raft down the Baker River surrounded by high mountains & lush vegetation
Explore the many trails to the viewpoint of Lake Bertrand
Visit the mountains and pristine landscapes of Cerro Castillo
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your cozy accommodation in Coyhaique, the capital city of the Aysen region. The hotel is located on the banks of the Coyhaique River with views of the forests and mountains, only a short distance from the city center. This evening, after dinner, stretch your legs by exploring the city's artisan markets or local Patagonian brewery. Rest up tonight and prepare for your trekking trip ahead!
Day 2: Cerro Castillo National Park Trek
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, your guide will meet you and you will head out to Villa Cerro Castillo, about 2 hours south of Coyhaique. The town is your jumping off point for your 2 night trek in Cerro Castillo National Park. It boasts a strong gaucho culture and Patagonian heritage. Here, your guide and porter will help you double check your gear before beginning your trek.
Over the next two days you will tackle the rugged trails and continuous inclines to reach rewarding viewpoints looking out over the glacial valleys and turquoise - hued alpine lakes hidden amongst the towering peaks of Cerro Castillo. Your trekking guide will help determine the best campsites to stay along the way depending on your comfort and hiking speed. Your guide and porter will set camp and prepare warm meals at the end of each day. Potential Campsites you will visit along the way are Neozealandes, Porteadores and Campamento el Bosque. Each location affords different views of mountain peaks, hanging glaciers, and crystal clear lagoons to take in while you relax in the evening.
Day 3: Cerro Castillo National Park Trek
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Over the next two days you will tackle the rugged trails and continuous inclines to reach rewarding viewpoints looking out over the glacial valleys and turquoise - hued alpine lakes hidden amongst the towering peaks of Cerro Castillo. Your trekking guide will help determine the best campsites to stay along the way depending on your comfort and hiking speed. Your guide and porter will set camp and prepare warm meals at the end of each day. Potential Campsites you will visit along the way are Neozealandes, Porteadores and Campamento el Bosque. Each location affords different views of mountain peaks, hanging glaciers, and crystal clear lagoons to take in while you relax in the evening.
After breakfast on the final day of your trek, visit Laguna Cerro Castillo at the pinnacle of the mountain before begin your descent back to the town of Villa Cerro Castillo, all the while enjoying the panoramic views of the valley below you with the Rio Ibanez snaking through. If lucky, you may spot an Andean condor or two gliding above you. After finishing the trek, your guide will transfer you directly to Mallin Colorado Ecolodge, along the most scenic road in Patagonia, the southern Carretera Austral. Sit back and relax after your grand adventure while taking in the scenery as you drive south.
After breakfast, meet your guide and head north towards Puerto Tranquilo to Mansa Bay. Prep your kayak and begin your paddle of General Carrera Lake to see the famed Marble Caves. Learn geological theories about the formation of these unique cliffside architectural caves created along the shores of Lake General Carrera. See how the stone has been eroded by the movement of water and strong wind throughout the years as you kayak the calypso-blue waters. Once back on shore, head back to the lodge for a well-earned lunch and an afternoon of exploring the grounds around you.
After breakfast, you will begin a scenic drive to Puerto Bertrand, stopping along the way to see the confluence of the two rivers, Rio Baker and Rio Nef. The confluence is a dramatic intersection of the two rivers where the different colored waters meet, forming a powerful waterfall. Observe how the colors blend and hear the force behind the rushing waters as they crash over the falls. After this break, continue south to Cochrane, the entrance to the newly established Patagonia National Park. visit the National Park museum to learn about it's creation and the conservation mission behind it's establishment. The park is home to a variety of endemic species including the abundant herds of guanacos, elusive huemul deer, and the Chilean Flamingo, which can be observed floating the lagoons of the park. Return to the Mallin Colorado Lodge this evening for dinner after your day exploring.
This morning is the perfect time to stretch your legs and enjoy the Mallin Colorado and its many trails to viewpoints such as Lake Bertrand and Plomo. If a lower-paced morning is preferred, stroll to the shore of the lake and take in the panoramic views from the beach over coffee or tea. This afternoon, fill up on a delicious lunch at the Mallin Colorado before heading south for your next adventure. Head South along the Carretera Austral to the Baker River to raft the region's most prominent river. Gear up and tackle the class II- III rapids as you paddle down the river with enough time to float and swim in the icy blue-green waters. Return to the lodge for dinner and a rest.
After your intense adventure days in Patagonia, your guide will transfer you to Coyhaique for an evening to explore the Capital of the region. Explore the local handicraft markets in the town center or take in the busy city around you. Enjoy your night in a cozy boutique hotel downtown with a wonderful dinner sourced from local ingredients and flavors to end your time in the Aysen region.
Day 9: Balmaceda | Return Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, you will travel back to the Balmaceda airport to connect with your return flights home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.9 | 334 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 334 reviews on
6 days ago
My tour operator was helpful. Unfortunately she was unable to get my single-supplement canceled. Not too many tours charge for that anymore and I almost canceled my trip because of that.
Joel
1 month ago
Excellent communication and coordination for our proposed trip. It couldn't have been smoother, and any question we did have was rapidly addressed. It has made the whole process nearly seamless.
Quinn Johnson
1 month ago
Great suggestions. Knowledgeable about the area and options. Flexible. Taking time to understand the experience we are looking for.
Mark Esposito
5 months ago
This is at least the fifth trip we have booked with AdventureLife. Jess has always had excellent ideas.