A Guide to Laguna Cerro Castillo Hike
Here is our guide to Laguna Cerro Castillo, one of the best day hikes along Carretera Austral in Chilean Patagonia. Our blog post includes tips on how to get to Cerro Castillo National Park, a trail description, when to go, what to expect, where to find the trailhead, and much more.
Without any doubt, Laguna Cerro Castillo is one of the most stunning day hikes along the iconic Carretera Austral.
A challenging yet immensely rewarding trail will take you through a typical Chilean Patagonia landscape to a viewpoint of a beautiful turquoise lake and Cerro Castillo peak.
The views along the trail are simply breathtaking, and the area is still not as heavily visited as some other popular places in the Aysen Region.
And the laguna with the massive peak towering above it is one of the most incredible places we've seen on our trip to Patagonia.
The picture-perfect lake sits in Cerro Castillo National Park, one of the most accessible parks in this area.
In our opinion, this is one of the best hikes in Patagonia, which really means something as the competition is very stiff in this region.
So here's everything you should know about the Laguna Cerro Castillo hike before you go.
Cerro Castillo National Park
Cerro Castillo National Park lies just a stone's throw from a small village, Villa Cerro Castillo, and less than 100 kilometers from Coyhaique.
Coincidentally, this is the biggest town on Carretera Austral, popular among all types of visitors.
Due to many reasons, Laguna Cerro Castillo can also be visited from Coyhaique on a day trip, which is convenient for travelers pressed for time.
Cerro Castillo National Reserve was established in 1970 and transformed into a national park in 2018.
Today, the national park that covers 1800 square kilometers is best known for the amazing Laguna Cerro Castillo day hike and Cerro Castillo Circuit (Circuito Las Horquetas), a challenging self-sufficient 4-day trek.
The best part about this park is that the most beautiful viewpoint of the multi-day trek, the sparkling blue glacial lake sitting at the base of towering Cerro Castillo, is easily reachable in only one day from Villa Cerro Castillo!
Why Visit Laguna Cerro Castillo
As we traveled south along Carretera Austral, the weather changed once again. After being in Patagonia for more than a week already, it did not surprise us at all.
From Pumalin National Park, where we experienced sunny and rainy periods every ten minutes, and Queulat National Park, where heavy rain locked us in our room for a whole day, we finally arrived at Villa Cerro Castillo.
Here, blue skies, plenty of sunshine, and annoying horse flies awaited us impatiently.
If you travel along the Carretera Austral and do not plan to continue to Torres del Paine National Park or visit Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, known for Fitz Roy peak and Perito Moreno Glacier, the hike to Cerro Castillo Lagoon should definitely be on your itinerary.
And why is that?
Well, many travelers say it is as good as Torres del Paine or Fitz Roy, only without crowds.
And as we've visited all the places mentioned above, we can only say those rumors are not far from the truth.
Where Does Lake Cerro Castillo Hike Start
Today, Laguna Cerro Castillo has two access points. A private one and the official one, but both can be found on the same road.
The private entrance is closer to the village, while the official entrance is farther down the road.
The situation was a bit more complicated when we visited this place a few years back.
There was a period when the local landowners started to charge a fee for using their property (at the first entrance), only to stop it after the local authorities addressed the issue.
It was a strange experience as even the staff working at the local visitors center avoided many of our questions about the entrance and the trail.
As a result, we were really not sure what is the correct way to see the lagoon.
There used to be a ladder over a fence at the first entrance that you could use to enter the trail, but that should not be possible anymore.
It seems that the complicated relationship between the local landowners and the national park authorities has been resolved, at least to some degree.
A new ticket booth was installed at the private property, so it's no longer possible to hike the Laguna Cerro Castillo for free.
Therefore, you have to pay for the entrance regardless of whether you use the private or official entrance.
The main decision you'll be facing is whether you want to support the local landowner or CONAF (an organization that oversees Chile's forest resources and governs national parks).
As always, the choice is yours.
How to Get to the Trailhead
When in the village, get to the main road (Ruta 7) near the visitors center, turn right and follow it for approximately 150 meters.
Then turn left onto the unpaved X-720 Road (Arroyo El Bosque), follow the road until you reach a bridge, then turn left once again.
Here you will find a parking lot, a campsite, and the first trailhead.
This is the private entrance and the one we used when we did the hike a few years back.
The second trailhead can be found about five kilometers from here.
This is the official Cerro Castillo National Park entrance, and it is also possible to drive there. Just be prepared that the last kilometer is for 4WD cars only.
Nevertheless, it seems that it's allowed to leave your vehicle on the side road at the first sign and walk the rest of the way.
Otherwise, you can park the car near the entrance.
Alternatively, you can also easily walk there. Just be prepared that the road is dusty, and you will need more time for the hike.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Cerro Castillo National Park is 18.000 CLP per person per day. And that's not a typo.
The price for hiking in Cerro Castillo National Park went up in the past few years, leaving many visitors with almost no options to see this area on a budget.
Back home, we were arguing whether the hike was worth the money or not.
As we traveled long term on a low budget back then, we would probably be reluctant to pay $20 per person for a single hike, especially when you can do many walks in this region for a significantly lower fee or even for free.
On the other hand, if you're going to Patagonia for a week or two, then 20 dollars for a fantastic hike doesn't sound like a big deal in the end.
Moreover, you also have to pay the entrance fee of 29.000 CLP when staying in the national park for two or more days, for example, when hiking the multi-day Circuito Las Horquetas trek.
Trail Description
The out-and-back trail to the lake with 2675 meters high Cerro Castillo peak (Castle Hill in English) towering above it takes approximately 5-8 hours total (with some time spent on a viewpoint).
Laguna Cerro Castillo hike's length is seven kilometers one way, regardless of whether you go through the private or official entrance.
The altitude gain is over 1000 meters, so be ready that it is not a casual walk in the park.
The hike is quite challenging but very straightforward, and the trail is well-marked. The only thing you need to do is to follow orange trail markers along the way.
Together with a great hike in unspoiled Patagonia National Park, this was definitely our hardest hiking experience on Carretera Austral.
Hiking to Laguna Cerro Castillo
As we did the hike a few years back, we chose the private trail. With the current state of the national park, we would choose the official entrance instead.
Keep in mind that if you decide to use the other entrance, the trail will look different, although we believe that both routes offer a very similar experience.
Anyway, we left the village in the morning and reached the first trailhead in about fifteen minutes.
We tried to leave our hospedaje early to beat the crowd. However, when we reached the trailhead, there were already a few people around.
As soon as we left the starting point behind, we hadn't met that many people along the trail except for a larger group hiking with local guides.
We heard that the trail could get busy in the peak season, but it seemed very quiet today.
The first part of the trail led us through the local farmland and a forested area. But soon enough, it started to climb upward gradually, and not that long after we left the forest.
The first and the last section of the hike to the lake is quite steep, while the middle section is more undulating.
There were some streams along the way where you could refill the water.
The surface at the upper part became more dusty and sandy, with even a steeper section that had exposed rocks and chains.
Nevertheless, this was probably our favorite part as we knew that the main viewpoint was not that far away.
The views opened up along the way, and we could see mountains all around us, Rio Ibanez snaking through the valley, and even lakes near the Chile - Argentina border.
Finally, we made it to the Cerro Castillo mirador. The scenery opened up and finally revealed its well-kept secret.
The lake and the mountain.
When you reach the main viewpoint overlooking the lake and Cerro Castillo mountain, you can either turn back and head to Villa Cerro Castillo.
Alternatively, you can carry on for another hour to a higher viewpoint on your left (when facing the lagoon) for better views of the other side of the national park.
It was worth climbing a bit higher, but it was also pretty windy up there, so make sure you bring proper gear.
Anyway, we had our lunch while enjoying the incredible views of the snow-capped Cerro Castillo peak and the turquoise lake.
As it was a beautiful day, we sat silently on the rocks for a long time, enjoying the moment.
When you turn around, you should be able to spot General Carrera Lake (and Lake Buenos Aires) and even Argentina.
And somewhere in the distance should also be Chile Chico, where you can eventually cross borders from Chile to Argentina in case you don't want to make it all the way down to Villa O'Higgins.
However, you will need a good telephoto lens or binoculars.
By the way, the Cerro Castillo National Park is known for a relatively large population of huemuls, an endangered south Andean deer.
The park is also home to guanacos, condors, pumas, and some interesting fauna species, so keep your eyes open.
After some time, we decided to head back to the village via the same trail. Walking downhill is not by any means easier than the ascent, but it's definitely quicker.
We finally reached the village in the afternoon, switched to our flip-flops, and ate a lot of baked beans in the shared kitchen.
We really enjoyed this hike and couldn't wait for what awaited us next as we were slowly making our way all the way down to Ushuaia.
Travel Insurance
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Laguna Duff
While Laguna Cerro Castillo is the main star of the national park, we can't fail to mention that there is another lake worth visiting.
Laguna Duff near Campamento Neozelandes is usually seen only by hikers doing the Circuito Las Horquetas.
Therefore, it's not as heavily visited as Laguna Cerro Castillo, meaning that this is a perfect opportunity to escape the crowds.
Laguna Duff can still be visited on a day hike, but unless you're a strong hiker, you will need an extra day for this 10.5-kilometer out-and-back trail.
Circuito Las Horquetas
A 54-kilometer circuit leading through Cerro Castillo National Park is a top experience in Aysen Region.
This challenging trail will allow you to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the national park.
You will need three to five days to complete the hike, depending on your pace and the places you want to see along the way.
Be prepared that you must carry your own camping gear and food.
Luckily, there are plenty of campgrounds along the way - Puesto Viejo, Guarderia, Campanento Rio Turbio, Campamento El Bosque, Campamento Porteadores, and Campamento Neozelandes.
The east trailhead can be found 29 kilometers north of Villa Cerro Castillo.
When getting there by bus, don't forget to let the driver know you're going to Las Horquetas, not Villa Cerro Castillo.
How to Get to Villa Cerro Castillo
When traveling from the northern parts of Carretera Austral, you need to get to Coyhaique first.
Coyhaique is the capital city of the Aysen Region and gateway to this part of Patagonia. As it is the largest city in this area, it is not difficult to reach it.
Here you have two options.
Either take a day trip to Villa Cerro Castillo and return to Coyhaique the same day or get to Villa Cerro Castillo and stay there overnight.
Public Transport
Either way, you need to take a regular bus from Coyhaique's bus station, which usually leaves between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM every day.
There should also be another bus leaving at 4 PM from a parking lot near Unimarc shopping mall.
To get back to Coyhaique, you must either hitchhike or wait for an afternoon bus coming from Rio Tranquilo, home of Marble Caves (times vary).
Regardless of your decision, always check the current bus schedule before you go.
At first, we considered visiting Cerro Castillo on a day trip from Coyhaique for several reasons.
First, accommodation on booking sites was too expensive in the village.
We also heard that the hike is popular, and it is hard to get from the settlement because of the large number of hitchhikers and crowded buses.
But later, we decided to risk it, and the entire trip turned out beyond our expectations.
Car
By far, the easiest way to get to Cerro Castillo is by car.
Renting a car in Patagonia will also help you to save a lot of time and allow you to see even more places along the way.
The biggest advantage of a rental car is that you don't need to worry about bus schedules.
Another good point for this option is that you will easily reach most of the popular trailheads, which can often be difficult without a car.
Of course, it's a little bit more expensive experience, and you will also need to figure out where to drop off the vehicle.
Still, traveling in a group of friends or with a family cuts down your travel expenses significantly.
The road between Coyhaique and Villa Cerro Castillo is fully paved.
Here you will find the best deals on rental cars in Patagonia.
How to Get From Villa Cerro Castillo
If you are looking for the most up-to-date bus schedule, the best thing you can do is to stop by the small information center in Villa Cerro Castillo.
A bus to Coyhaique usually leaves in the morning, and all passing by minivans from Rio Tranquilo or Cochrane stop here as well.
If you continue south to Rio Tranquilo, two or three minibusses stop in Villa Cerro Castillo between 11 AM and 12 PM (it is better to be there around 10:30 AM).
The village has no traditional bus station, so you must stand on the roadside and wait patiently. It is also not possible to buy a bus ticket in advance.
We tried to hitchhike from Villa Cerro Castillo before one of the buses arrived but were not successful.
There were about ten hitchhikers waiting for their ride, so we hopped on the first minibus that arrived in the village.
The ticket cost 10.000 CLP, and the drive took about three hours to reach Rio Tranquilo.
If you're driving along Carretera Austral, keep in mind that this stretch of the road is still unpaved.
When to Go
The best time to visit Laguna Cerro Castillo is during the summer, usually between December to February.
Spring and autumn are good alternatives to the busy peak season. In winter, chances are there will be snow on the trail, especially in the higher elevations.
It's better to start early in the morning, so you have plenty of time to hike at your own pace and fully enjoy the scenery along the way.
The weather in this mountainous part of this vast region is unpredictable, and relying on a weather forecast is not something we would completely recommend.
Make sure to be prepared for all seasons, as the weather can change in a matter of minutes.
For more information on this topic, don't forget to check out our post on when to visit Patagonia.
What to Pack
Laguna Cerro Castillo is a difficult day hike in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, so make sure to come here well-prepared.
As Patagonia is all about exploring the wilderness, you will also use most of the gear on this list for other hikes.
A good and comfortable daypack is a great companion for every hike. A solid daypack should be designed to carry all the essentials you will need along the trail.
Another must-have piece of gear that you should have for this trail is sturdy hiking boots.
They should help you maintain your balance on uneven surfaces and even keep your feet dry on rainy days.
Don't forget to break in your brand new shoes before you go to prevent blisters and become more comfortable.
Never leave your home without a good rain jacket and rain pants when heading out to the mountains.
We also bring a trusty rain poncho with us as it keeps you and your daypack dry.
Don't forget that staying dry and warm is the most crucial thing when hiking in Patagonia (and anywhere else).
Staying hydrated is especially important for every hiker, regardless of your pace or current weather conditions. We usually use our trusty and reusable water bottles wherever we can.
On a sunny day, make sure to have strong sunscreen with you.
Also, a good insect repellent might come in handy at certain times, as there might be bugs along the way.
Lastly, you might consider using trekking poles for this trail. As the track has plenty of elevation gain, you might find them helpful not only on the way up but also on the way down.
For more information, see our guide on what to pack for Patagonia.
Where to Stay in Villa Cerro Castillo
We had a bad feeling about arriving in Villa Cerro Castillo without reservation.
Fortunately, our fear of expensive accommodation turned out to be unfounded as we were able to find a cheap homestay in the village without a prior reservation.
If you prefer to have everything arranged before your trip, there are only a very few accommodations to reserve in Villa Cerro Castillo in advance.
Even now, the list of accommodations you can book online is still very short.
Some of the best accommodations are located outside the village, so make sure to bring your own food to save money on eating out.
Alternatively, you can always stay in Coyhaique, about 95 kilometers north of the village.
So here are our tips on the best accommodation in Villa Cerro Castillo.
Budget | Hostel BaseCamp Cerro Castillo - This new hostel, focused on budget travelers, offers cozy rooms, dormitories, and good facilities. It has an excellent location close to the trailhead.
Mid-range | Cabanas Cerro Castillo - One of the best and most popular accommodations in Villa Cerro Castillo, this lovely bed and breakfast offers great value for the price. It's located in a quiet area outside the village on the access road to the Cerro Castillo trailhead. Rooms are simple, rustic, and offer stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Mid-range | Casa Cerro Castillo - If you're traveling in a group, Casa Cerro Castillo might be a great choice for you. The chalet is located outside the village in a private park, which means you will have an opportunity to enjoy a tranquil stay. It has central heating and free parking, the rooms are nice and cozy, and the views are superb.
Is Laguna Cerro Castillo Worth Visiting?
As mentioned at the beginning of this blog post, Laguna Cerro Castillo is one of the best day hikes to do when road tripping Carretera Austral.
The final viewpoint left us speechless, and we were delighted that we included this hike in our Patagonia Itinerary.
The trail is fairly challenging, but that makes the reward for your effort even sweeter.
And even though the scenery was absolutely breathtaking, there were far fewer people on the trail compared to other popular hikes in Patagonia, such as Las Torres or Laguna de Los Tres.
On the other hand, the entrance fee is really expensive for a day hike, especially when it's fairly easy to find much cheaper (or even free) hikes in this region.
So it all comes down to your travel budget and personal preferences.
If you're willing to pay the steep entry fee to the park, then we believe Laguna Cerro Castillo is worth visiting.
The scenery is simply that good.
And if you've made it all the way down here, then paying $20 for access to this amazing location is not something that will not break the bank.
However, we completely understand that you might have valid reasons to avoid this place.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
