Cerro Castillo is a jagged basalt massif in Aysen, southern Chile — dark spires and hanging glaciers that rival Torres del Paine in drama but receive a fraction of the visitors. The Cerro Castillo National Park, upgraded from a reserve in 2023, protects the peak and the surrounding forests, lakes, and huemul deer habitat along the Carretera Austral.

The Trek

The Cerro Castillo Circuit is a four-day trek around the massif, passing through lenga forests, across mountain passes, and past the glacial Laguna Cerro Castillo — a turquoise lake directly beneath the basalt towers. The trail has gained popularity as the "next Torres del Paine" and now has basic campsites and improved signage, though it remains far less crowded.

  • Day 1: Las Horquetas entrance to Campamento Neozelandés. Through forest, gaining altitude steadily.
  • Day 2: Over the pass to Laguna Cerro Castillo. The highlight — the lake appears suddenly below the towers. Steep descent to Campamento Laguna.
  • Day 3: Through the valley past smaller lakes to Campamento Porteadores.
  • Day 4: Descent to Villa Cerro Castillo on the Carretera Austral.

The trek is moderate to challenging — roughly 60 kilometers with significant elevation changes. Navigation is straightforward in good weather but the pass can be tricky in fog. No refugios — camping only, self-sufficient with food and gear.

Day Hike to the Laguna

If you do not have four days, a day hike from Villa Cerro Castillo to Laguna Cerro Castillo is possible — roughly 16 kilometers round trip with 1,000 meters of elevation gain. It is a long, hard day but the payoff — the turquoise lagoon beneath the dark towers — is one of the best views in Patagonia. Start early.

Huemul Deer

Cerro Castillo is one of the best places in Chile to spot the endangered huemul — a stocky Andean deer that appears on the Chilean coat of arms but has been reduced to an estimated 1,500 individuals. The park's population is one of the healthiest. Sightings are most likely in the early morning in the forested sections of the trek. They are shy but not panicked by hikers who keep their distance.

Villa Cerro Castillo

The small village at the base of the massif on the Carretera Austral. A handful of guesthouses, a campground, a general store, and a couple of restaurants. The village has a pioneering gaucho culture — horseback is still a common mode of transport. A good place to arrange horses for gear transport on the trek.

Practical Information

Getting there: Villa Cerro Castillo is on the Carretera Austral, about 95 kilometers south of Coyhaique (1.5 hours by car). No public transport directly to the village — drive or hitchhike from Coyhaique.

When to go: November through March. The pass may have snow into December. February-March tends to be the most stable weather window.

Registration: CONAF requires trek registration at the park entrance. Entry fee approximately $8 for foreigners. Campsite reservations may be required in peak season — check current requirements.

Gear: Bring everything — tent, sleeping bag, stove, food for four days. No refugios, no supplies on the trail. Weather can turn quickly — waterproof layers and warm clothing essential.