Cerro Castillo
Cerro Castillo
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4.5
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40
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Dan and Beck
Sydney, Australia32 contributions
Feb 2020
Patagonia is jam packed full of amazing hiking! Particularly, the Cerro Castillo day hike starting from the town of Villa Cerro Castillo is a great trail. The 3 pronged peaks of Cerro Castillo lends itself to comparison with its more well known 3 pronged counterpart. That would be Las Torres, which we were lucky enough to see on the W Trek. But with less people and hype, we hold this day hike in similarly high regard.
There is a decent amount of information online about the multi-day Cerro Castillo circuit. But we are here to shed some light on the lesser known day hike option.
Getting to Villa Cerro Castillo
The day hike is easily walkable from the tiny town of Villa Cerro Castillo in Patagonia.
If you are planning on travelling Patagonia south to north, hopefully you have visited Río Tranquilo for the incredible Marble Caves. From here, simply organise a transfer at the main bus station. In Patagonian summer as of February 2020, buses depart 8am daily heading to Coyhaquie via Villa Cerro Castillo for $10,000CLP ($12USD). Unfortunately, whether departing the bus earlier at Villa Cerro Castillo compared to the final destination of Coyhaique didn’t seem to change the price. But admittedly we should have questioned more before paying! The bus arrives into Villa Cerro Castillo around 10-11am.
If you are not departing from Río Tranquilo, buses frequently head north from Cochrane to Villa Cerro Castillo on route to Coyhaquie. They should be easily booked with a day’s notice in town. Otherwise, if your trip is north to south, a bus should be easily organised from Coyhaquie to Villa Cerro Castillo.
The Cerro Castillo day hike
The Cerro Castillo circuit is often completed as a 4 day hiking trip. However, we had limited time in Patagonia. This day hike involves walking from the town of Villa Cerro Castillo to the laguna and back, measuring around 15km. It takes 5-6 hours. There is a steep elevation of 1.1km over 7.5km to reach the laguna
There is varying consensus online as to where the Cerro Castillo day hike starts, and whether you have to pay or just jump the fence. As of February 2020, you must pay an entrance fee of $5,000CLP ($6USD) to landowners. This is because the beginning of the hike is on private farmland. You must also pay a separate $13,000CLP ($15USD) to the Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo. The prices are extortionate for a day hike and may well put people off. However we assure you that the hike is worth it!
In peak season, there are actually national park staff who will explain the trail to you before you set off. To be honest, having someone explain how to follow a trail was fairly unnecessary. It’s not rocket science! Nevertheless, the day hike itself is a very demanding uphill affair. There are phenomenal views back to Villa Cerro Castillo and the surrounding mountainous landscape on route to a stunning lagoon below the Castillo mountain.
There is a decent amount of information online about the multi-day Cerro Castillo circuit. But we are here to shed some light on the lesser known day hike option.
Getting to Villa Cerro Castillo
The day hike is easily walkable from the tiny town of Villa Cerro Castillo in Patagonia.
If you are planning on travelling Patagonia south to north, hopefully you have visited Río Tranquilo for the incredible Marble Caves. From here, simply organise a transfer at the main bus station. In Patagonian summer as of February 2020, buses depart 8am daily heading to Coyhaquie via Villa Cerro Castillo for $10,000CLP ($12USD). Unfortunately, whether departing the bus earlier at Villa Cerro Castillo compared to the final destination of Coyhaique didn’t seem to change the price. But admittedly we should have questioned more before paying! The bus arrives into Villa Cerro Castillo around 10-11am.
If you are not departing from Río Tranquilo, buses frequently head north from Cochrane to Villa Cerro Castillo on route to Coyhaquie. They should be easily booked with a day’s notice in town. Otherwise, if your trip is north to south, a bus should be easily organised from Coyhaquie to Villa Cerro Castillo.
The Cerro Castillo day hike
The Cerro Castillo circuit is often completed as a 4 day hiking trip. However, we had limited time in Patagonia. This day hike involves walking from the town of Villa Cerro Castillo to the laguna and back, measuring around 15km. It takes 5-6 hours. There is a steep elevation of 1.1km over 7.5km to reach the laguna
There is varying consensus online as to where the Cerro Castillo day hike starts, and whether you have to pay or just jump the fence. As of February 2020, you must pay an entrance fee of $5,000CLP ($6USD) to landowners. This is because the beginning of the hike is on private farmland. You must also pay a separate $13,000CLP ($15USD) to the Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo. The prices are extortionate for a day hike and may well put people off. However we assure you that the hike is worth it!
In peak season, there are actually national park staff who will explain the trail to you before you set off. To be honest, having someone explain how to follow a trail was fairly unnecessary. It’s not rocket science! Nevertheless, the day hike itself is a very demanding uphill affair. There are phenomenal views back to Villa Cerro Castillo and the surrounding mountainous landscape on route to a stunning lagoon below the Castillo mountain.
Written 26 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flouse2000
Villers-la-ville, Belgium49 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
From Coyhaique you can take a combi from 7 am. If you want to do the 4 days hike, you will need to be dropped before villa cerro castillo! Anyway we did the day hike so I'll explain it.
In Villa cerro Castillo you can buy food and then start the day hike. At the beginning of the trail, you cross a private property owned by some farmer and they make you pay 10000 pesos for it !!! In exchange they keep your stuff (backpack) until you come back. If we didn't need this service, we would have avoided this trail and started the trek without paying!!
Anyway the hike is nice, you get great view on the valley. Takes 2-3.5 h to reach the mirador on cerro castillo and the laguna. It's incredible over there, really windy but wonderfull!!! You can't miss it!
In Villa cerro Castillo you can buy food and then start the day hike. At the beginning of the trail, you cross a private property owned by some farmer and they make you pay 10000 pesos for it !!! In exchange they keep your stuff (backpack) until you come back. If we didn't need this service, we would have avoided this trail and started the trek without paying!!
Anyway the hike is nice, you get great view on the valley. Takes 2-3.5 h to reach the mirador on cerro castillo and the laguna. It's incredible over there, really windy but wonderfull!!! You can't miss it!
Written 31 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelReviewer1983
Sde Eliezer, Israel5,411 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
This one day trek is very beautiful and is medium-hard in difficulty level.
It took us 2 hours 20 minutes to go up, and 1h 40m to go down.
You must pay 5,000 Entrance fee for the private land owner plus another fee to Conaf who charge 2,000 on top. HOWEVER, you can avoid the Conaf charge if you come early as they only open around 8:30am (the private guy is unavoidable.
The views are spectacular all along the hike and the glaciers and lake are even more rewarding.
Simply unmissable!
It took us 2 hours 20 minutes to go up, and 1h 40m to go down.
You must pay 5,000 Entrance fee for the private land owner plus another fee to Conaf who charge 2,000 on top. HOWEVER, you can avoid the Conaf charge if you come early as they only open around 8:30am (the private guy is unavoidable.
The views are spectacular all along the hike and the glaciers and lake are even more rewarding.
Simply unmissable!
Written 19 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoisDeZweed
Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands852 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
It is possible to do a day hike at Cerro Castillo. Even though the tourist information says that this is not possible. They will give you directions to a longer Conaf controlled route. Do not take this one.
If you stay at Villa Cero Castillo, walk towards on the mainroad towards Coyhaique and exit the main road to a gravel road to left of the road just before exiting the village.
After a 10 minute walk you will cross a bridge and see a cabin which sells entry to a privately owned trail (5.000 per person). You have to follow the orange poles/markings to the top. Just before the top, the markings stop but the trail is clear.
The hike starts quite easy but it will get more uphill after the forest. The last hour is a very steep climb on the mountain (this part has no vegetation, so you can recognize it easily).
The total climb for people who are quite sporty is about 3 hours. But it says that it is 4 hours. Total time is 7 a 8 hours they say. It really depends per person.
You will be rewarded with spectacular views! The lake has a beautiful colour and the mountains have such a nice shape. Make sure that you will get there at +/- 12 o clock. The clouds will have most likely disappeared and the winds which usually come during the day are not present yet.
Have fun. Enjoy this marvelous spot.
If you stay at Villa Cero Castillo, walk towards on the mainroad towards Coyhaique and exit the main road to a gravel road to left of the road just before exiting the village.
After a 10 minute walk you will cross a bridge and see a cabin which sells entry to a privately owned trail (5.000 per person). You have to follow the orange poles/markings to the top. Just before the top, the markings stop but the trail is clear.
The hike starts quite easy but it will get more uphill after the forest. The last hour is a very steep climb on the mountain (this part has no vegetation, so you can recognize it easily).
The total climb for people who are quite sporty is about 3 hours. But it says that it is 4 hours. Total time is 7 a 8 hours they say. It really depends per person.
You will be rewarded with spectacular views! The lake has a beautiful colour and the mountains have such a nice shape. Make sure that you will get there at +/- 12 o clock. The clouds will have most likely disappeared and the winds which usually come during the day are not present yet.
Have fun. Enjoy this marvelous spot.
Written 2 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicolasprompt
Munich, Germany154 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
After 1 month of trekking all over Patagonia we was a little bit tired and decided to climb the Cerro Castillo by horse until the last part, and you finish by foot just 1h 30/2 h with an amazing view of the lake and the valley! The top is really beautiful and you can see the glaciar and the blue lake!! Definitely a good option!! I recommended it
Written 3 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony M
Melbourne, Australia6 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
The trek up to the viwe point is a bit of a slog but well worth the view, not only of the mountain, lake and glacier but also the valley beyond Villa Cerro Sastillo.
I feel the vista around El Chalten is more stunning so not rated at 5 star.
The same can't be said for our accomodation, a tent site at Senderos Patagonia.
Located immediately on the left as you descend into town (if aproaching Villa Cerro Castillo from the south), this place is a real dump and should be avoided. Better to camp further up the road at Laguna Chiguay if the extra distance is not an issue.
I feel the vista around El Chalten is more stunning so not rated at 5 star.
The same can't be said for our accomodation, a tent site at Senderos Patagonia.
Located immediately on the left as you descend into town (if aproaching Villa Cerro Castillo from the south), this place is a real dump and should be avoided. Better to camp further up the road at Laguna Chiguay if the extra distance is not an issue.
Written 18 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bezi
London, UK662 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Allow plenty of time, sunblock and water for this hike. We did the whole thing in around 7 hours including a picnic and a few breaks (it is steep!). It was a hot day with no clouds and there is no shade for a lot of the way. It is pretty much solid uphill from the start and it gets steeper towards the end. We had to go through snow patches and boggy bits so I would definitely take poles if you have them.
There was no horse option when we did it and oddly enough the guy who charges 10k pesos was shut. We heard a rumour that CONAF have taken an issue with him. Probably not surprising as you bypass their check point and at the peak of the season about 200 people a day will do the walk.
There is water from springs on the route, the best one being just after where the horse trail would end if they were working.
Take a packed lunch to eat at the top. The lake was still frozen when we went there but it is still a great view. It's a tough 16km round trip and quite a few people don't make the top either because of the steepness of the hike or because on a hot day it is tiring.
There was no horse option when we did it and oddly enough the guy who charges 10k pesos was shut. We heard a rumour that CONAF have taken an issue with him. Probably not surprising as you bypass their check point and at the peak of the season about 200 people a day will do the walk.
There is water from springs on the route, the best one being just after where the horse trail would end if they were working.
Take a packed lunch to eat at the top. The lake was still frozen when we went there but it is still a great view. It's a tough 16km round trip and quite a few people don't make the top either because of the steepness of the hike or because on a hot day it is tiring.
Written 7 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen W
Springfield, MO28 contributions
Aug 2017
The town isn't much unless you're there for the festival. There is a trail to the mountain that I haven't taken but folks really like it.
Written 10 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luistapiasanchez
Newton, MA36 contributions
Mar 2018
During my travel trough the Carretera Austral it has been one of the most beautiful sightseeing, the majestic of the Cordillera de los Andes, the nature, rivers, lakes and imponent mountain Cerro Castillo. It will remain in my mind for ever an ever
Written 21 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juan Eduardo U
Santiago, Chile2 contributions
Feb 2023
Casa Cerro Castillo, best lodging on the area, superb!
A great experience, superlative service, unparalelled property -We love it!
A great experience, superlative service, unparalelled property -We love it!
Written 24 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, can we buy bus tickets in advance (from Puerto Rio Tranquilo to Villa Cerro Castillo)? We will have 5 people and want to make sure everyone gets in a bus.
Written 4 October 2022
Hola! una pregunta. Subiste por tus propios medios? sin guia?
De ser así, fue complejo? el sendero es visible en general?
Gracias!!
Written 12 September 2018
Hola, también quiero hacer el trekking por el día y necesito saber como llegar hasta el inicio del sendero desde Coyhaique, ¿hay locomoción o fuiste en tour?
Written 28 June 2018
Is there a Catholic Church in Cerro Castillo? We are looking for an Easter Sunday Mass. Thank you
Written 25 January 2018
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