Experience the breathtaking landscape of Cerro Castillo National Park on this 9-day tour, and enjoy the remote Patagonia wilderness while staying in comfortable cabins overlooking Lake General Carrera. Begin your adventure with a two night trek through National Park Cerro Castillo, walking among the towering rugged peaks and turquoise lakes hidden along the trail. Continue on to visit the famed Marble Caves by kayak and learn geological theories about the formation of these unique cliffside wonders. Ice trek on the Exploradores glacier, tame the rapids on a rafting tour in the Baker River, explore many trails to the viewpoints of Lake Bertrand and Plomo, or go to Mallin Colorado beach. Experience all of this and immerse yourself in all of the adventure that the vast Aysen region has to offer.
Highlights
Enjoy horseback riding around National Park Cerro Castillo.
Kayak the famous Marble Caves and Cathedrals of Lake General Carrera
Hike to Exploradores Glacier & explore immense ice caves
Raft down the Baker River surrounded by high mountains & lush vegetation
Explore the many trails to the viewpoint of Lake Bertrand
Visit the mountains and pristine landscapes of Cerro Castillo
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your cozy accommodation in Coyhaique, the capital city of the Aysen region. The hotel is located on the banks of the Coyhaique River with views of the forests and mountains, only a short distance from the city center. This evening, after dinner, stretch your legs by exploring the city's artisan markets or local Patagonian brewery. Rest up tonight and prepare for your trekking trip ahead!
Day 2: Cerro Castillo National Park Trek
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, your guide will meet you and you will head out to Villa Cerro Castillo, about 2 hours south of Coyhaique. The town is your jumping off point for your 2 night trek in Cerro Castillo National Park. It boasts a strong gaucho culture and Patagonian heritage. Here, your guide and porter will help you double check your gear before beginning your trek.
Over the next two days you will tackle the rugged trails and continuous inclines to reach rewarding viewpoints looking out over the glacial valleys and turquoise - hued alpine lakes hidden amongst the towering peaks of Cerro Castillo. Your trekking guide will help determine the best campsites to stay along the way depending on your comfort and hiking speed. Your guide and porter will set camp and prepare warm meals at the end of each day. Potential Campsites you will visit along the way are Neozealandes, Porteadores and Campamento el Bosque. Each location affords different views of mountain peaks, hanging glaciers, and crystal clear lagoons to take in while you relax in the evening.
Day 3: Cerro Castillo National Park Trek
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Over the next two days you will tackle the rugged trails and continuous inclines to reach rewarding viewpoints looking out over the glacial valleys and turquoise - hued alpine lakes hidden amongst the towering peaks of Cerro Castillo. Your trekking guide will help determine the best campsites to stay along the way depending on your comfort and hiking speed. Your guide and porter will set camp and prepare warm meals at the end of each day. Potential Campsites you will visit along the way are Neozealandes, Porteadores and Campamento el Bosque. Each location affords different views of mountain peaks, hanging glaciers, and crystal clear lagoons to take in while you relax in the evening.
After breakfast on the final day of your trek, visit Laguna Cerro Castillo at the pinnacle of the mountain before begin your descent back to the town of Villa Cerro Castillo, all the while enjoying the panoramic views of the valley below you with the Rio Ibanez snaking through. If lucky, you may spot an Andean condor or two gliding above you. After finishing the trek, your guide will transfer you directly to Mallin Colorado Ecolodge, along the most scenic road in Patagonia, the southern Carretera Austral. Sit back and relax after your grand adventure while taking in the scenery as you drive south.
After breakfast, meet your guide and head north towards Puerto Tranquilo to Mansa Bay. Prep your kayak and begin your paddle of General Carrera Lake to see the famed Marble Caves. Learn geological theories about the formation of these unique cliffside architectural caves created along the shores of Lake General Carrera. See how the stone has been eroded by the movement of water and strong wind throughout the years as you kayak the calypso-blue waters. Once back on shore, head back to the lodge for a well-earned lunch and an afternoon of exploring the grounds around you.
After breakfast, head south for a 2-hour drive to the edge of the Northern Ice Fields, where your ice trek on the Exploradores Glacier will begin. The remote Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields are the largest icefields remaining on earth, aside from Antarctica and Greenland, and span this region along the Carretera Austral. Your excursion will begin with a 2-hour trek through brush and low growth forest and over boulders to reach the glacier's edge. Once arrived at the glacier, spend the next 3-hours trekking on the ice plateau. Explore the immense ice structures and take in the otherworldly views of the ice field with time to enjoy your lunch before your return journey. After the trek back to the trailhead, return to the lodge to relax and get ready for dinner.
This morning is the perfect time to stretch your legs and enjoy the Mallin Colorado and its many trails to viewpoints such as Lake Bertrand and Plomo. If a lower-paced morning is preferred, stroll to the shore of the lake and take in the panoramic views from the beach over coffee or tea. This afternoon, fill up on a delicious lunch at the Mallin Colorado before heading south for your next adventure. Head South along the Carretera Austral to the Baker River to raft the region's most prominent river. Gear up and tackle the class II- III rapids as you paddle down the river with enough time to float and swim in the icy blue-green waters. Return to the lodge for dinner and a rest.
After your intense adventure days in Patagonia, your guide will transfer you to Coyhaique for an evening to explore the Capital of the region. Explore the local handicraft markets in the town center or take in the busy city around you. Enjoy your night in a cozy boutique hotel downtown with a wonderful dinner sourced from local ingredients and flavors to end your time in the Aysen region.
Day 9: Balmaceda | Return Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, you will travel back to the Balmaceda airport to connect with your return flights home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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