"Hiking in RN Cerro Castillo" Villa Cerro Castillo by Trekki

Villa Cerro Castillo Travel Guide: 35 reviews and 118 photos

inside Cerro Castillo - the main mountain massif

Coyhaique, a little town in Chile's province Aisen (Aysen) is starting point for a lot of exciting hikes, for fishing, for kayaking and so much more of any kind of outdoor activities you can imagine.
We did a spectacular hike here, through the pristine landscape of Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo.

As it seems that Coyhaique is not a popular spot here in VT, I have decided to describe the full trek in the "Things to do" tips.
Hopefully, it will encourage the hikers among you to visit this place one day - as for me it was a wonderful alternative to the constant overflowing National Parks of Patagonias' south.

Last visit to Villa Cerro Castillo: Dec 1999
Intro Written Sep 24, 2005
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Reviews (35)

the trail - scan of the Lonely Planet book - Coihaique

The trekking trail - Cerro Castillo Favorites (1)

The whole trail is around 65 km, one way (so no roundtrip trail). Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo in total is located on... more travel advice

the starting point, just off the Carretera Austral - Coihaique

How to get to and from the trail Transportation (1)

.To Las Horquetas Grandes: . By the time, we have been there, there were daily buses going from Coyhaique to Puerto... more travel advice

Lonely Planet - Trekking in the Patagonian Andes - Coihaique

The one and only hiking book ? L. Planet Warnings and Dangers (3)

If you plan to do this trek, I even would warn you not even think of buying any other book than Lonely Planet's Trekking... more travel advice

it can be dangerous - so let someone know - Coihaique

Let someone know that you are hiking Warnings and Dangers (3)

We were extremely confused when trying to check with CONAF (Chile's National Park Organization). Usually, when you hike... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All Campgrounds on the trail
Things to Do (23)
See All 21 Never in my life I would have...

Comments (40)

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MalenaN Jan 20, 2012 at 11:24 PM

What a wonderful trek you did, well, maybe except the "Murderous Descent". Beautiful mountain views, starlit nights, the moon, condors and tranquility sounds to have been lovely!
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hunterV Aug 7, 2010 at 11:54 AM

Hello, Ingrid! I see it was a wonderful hike! Good for you! Thanks for sharing! ><><><><
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deecat Jan 20, 2010 at 2:01 PM

Oh, Ingrid, I just love your journal format that makes it so that we are going along with you on your adventure. No wonder you are "Trekki"! Superior photographs.
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lynnehamman Dec 16, 2009 at 4:53 AM

I just finishes this wonderful mountain trek - and what an adbenture, dear Ingrid. Thanks for being my guide. I wonder of those red flowers (mitraria coccinea) are what they use to make red food colouring called coccineal??
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willy_wonka Sep 4, 2009 at 12:09 AM

i visited this page many moons ago, but felt like revisiting and reading about your hike. this sure looks like amazing countryside as well. chile has sooo much to offer the hiker! im in love with chile :) great page ingrid.
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nomorewars Apr 8, 2009 at 1:22 AM

One of the best pages I have read on VT concerning the great outdoors. You've inspired me to get off my a$$ and go hiking. Now, unlike you, I must first overcome my battle with the bulge before doing anything.
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Jan 20, 2008 at 12:11 AM

Outstanding hiking and brilliant page! It reminded me once more my hikings in far 70th and 80th around the Northern Caucasus. Yes, how often I thought "never in my life" and came back again. I'm delighted you overcame these 65km with 27kg on your back!
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toonsarah Jan 16, 2008 at 7:16 AM

Wonderful page Ingrid! I love the way you tell the story of your hike & the photos are stunning, especially of course that moonrise :)) Las Salamandras looks a great accommodation find - & how great to have spotted that deer :)
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ant1606 Jun 16, 2007 at 9:38 PM

Wish I could have time off in Dec/Jan to explore the end of the world in the lower hemisphere :( A very well written summary of your remarkable adventure! Keep going! Ciao - Ant :)
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Jim_Eliason Dec 5, 2006 at 5:36 PM

Nice page!