Cerro Castillo Hike

Arrive at Balmaceda Airport and meet the local guide for a private transfer to Villa Cerro Castillo. Travel along scenic roads through Chile’s Aysen region, known for its rugged mountains and glacial rivers. Reach the remote village of Cerro Castillo, a base for trekking and horseback riding. Settle into a local hostel and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring regional dishes. Rest in preparation for the upcoming trekking adventure.

After breakfast, begin the trek at Senderos Patagonia base camp in Villa Cerro Castillo. Transfer by 4x4 to the trailhead, then start an 8-kilometer hike to Neozelandes basecamp. Walk through native lenga and nirre forests with views of Cerro Palo and the Ibanez Valley. Spot wildlife such as the endangered Chilean huemul deer along the way. Reach an alpine valley between Cerro Palo and Cerro Castillo. Set up camp in a high-mountain cirque. Local porters prepare dinner on site. 

Total Ascent: 865 meters (2837 feet)
Hiking Distance: 8 kilometers (4 miles)

Begin the day with breakfast at Neozelandes basecamp before starting a 15.6-kilometer hike toward Laguna Verde and Morro Negro via the Las Horquetas Trail. Climb through native forest and loose rock slopes with views of Cerro Castillo’s glacial face. On clear days, see Cerro San Lorenzo from the summit. The route reaches 1,670 meters in elevation, with a total ascent and descent of 660 meters. Return to basecamp in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at Neozelandes basecamp.

Total Ascent: 660 meters (2165 feet)
Total Descent: 660 meters (2165 feet)
Hiking Distance: 15.6 kilometers (9.6 miles)
Highest Altitude: 1,670 meters (5479 feet)

Begin with breakfast at Neozelandes basecamp, followed by a short 2.5-kilometer hike to Laguna Duff. This glacial lake sits beneath hanging glaciers and granite peaks. After returning to camp, break down tents and descend 12.2 kilometers along the trail to the gravel road. Transfer back to Villa Cerro Castillo. Dinner and overnight stay at a local hostel in the village. 

Total Ascent: 250 meters (820 feet)
Total Descent: 1,115 meters (3658 feet)
Total Hiking Distance: 12.2 kilometers (7.5 miles)

Depart from Villa Cerro Castillo with a one-hour transfer to Balmaceda Airport. Drive through the Aysen region’s scenic valleys and rolling hills. End the Cerro Castillo trekking tour with views of Patagonian landscapes before catching a domestic flight from Balmaceda.