Entrance Fee
$5,000 CLP (foreigner)
$3,000 CLP (national)
Highlights
Trekking
Cordillera Cerro Castillo
Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo is a national reserve in Aysén, Chile. The reserve has been described as "Torres del Paine without the tourists," and features stunning scenery, a population of huemul, and few visitors. Just over 5,000 people visited the reserve in 2016 compared to over 250,000 people who make the visit to Torres del Paine (according to CONAF).
Although the reserve has gained in popularity in recent years, it's massive size (~1,400 km²) and relative international obscurity mean that while you're in the reserve you'll likely only bump into other trekkers a few times per day. Affordable accommodation and dining options are available in nearby Villa Cerro Castillo, which serves as a great base-camp for excursions in the reserve.
There are two primary access points to the reserve:
- Villa Cerro Castillo village – (Best entrance for bike tourers.) From town, head north on the Carretera Austral for ~50 m before hanging a slight left and following the ripio road for ~1 km. Trailhead coordinates: -46.111446, -72.156962.
- Las Horquetas trek – After registering your trek at Laguna Chiguay (see Sendero info below), head ~7.5 km south on the Carretera Austral for the trailhead. Coordinates: -45.980963, -71.954741
Map & Trekking
Laguna Cerro Castillo
1-2 Day Hike
21 km (7 km to laguna)
Blue Track
This hike can be perfect for a long day hike, or adapted into a multi-day hike. From the Villa Cerro Castillo village entrance, it's ~7 km of steep, rocky trail up to Laguna Cerro Castillo. If you choose to continue the loop, know that the trek follows a gravel road (back to Villa Cerro Castillo) for its final ~5 kilometers. Hours of entry 07:00 - 17:00.
Sendero Las Horquetas
4-5 Day Trek
56 km
Purple Track
Cut through the heart of the reserve, from the Carretera Austral and south to Villa Cerro Castillo. The trek is challenging, but provides spectacular views and high chances of spotting an elusive huemul (South Andean deer). Although the trek can be done in either direction, north-to-south trekkers will enjoy a more favorable elevation profile. The trek begins just off the Carretera Austral at the reserve's northeast entrance (see map for location). You must register with CONAF offices at Laguna Chiguay (~7.5km north of the trailhead on Carretera Austral) before heading out. Payment of $5,000 CLP is issued at the first camp, Primer Puesto de Verano.
For more trekking details including an itinerary, check out Andes Handbook and Mochileros Chile.
