Cerro Castillo National Park

Cerro Castillo National Park, located in Chile’s Aysén Region, spans over 143,000 hectares of pristine Andean landscape, including deciduous forests, high-altitude steppes, clear glacial lagoons, and the iconic Cerro Castillo massif (2,318 m). It is one of Chile’s most breathtaking natural protected areas.
The park is home to flagship wildlife such as the endangered huemul deer, as well as pumas, guanacos, condors, and abundant birdlife including the Magellanic woodpecker and chucao tapaculo. Vegetation includes coigüe and ñire forests, transitioning to alpine steppe dotted with southern shrubs.
The most famous hike is the Las Horquetas Trek, a 53 km multi-day route ending at Laguna Cerro Castillo surrounded by soaring peaks. Shorter trails like the lagoon viewpoint or the Estero Parada circuit are ideal for comfortable day hikes.
Accessible via the Carretera Austral (km 70), the park offers rustic refuges, designated camping areas, and well-marked trails. Its conservation-focused management has been praised for its environmental stewardship. Cerro Castillo is perfect for visitors seeking remote wilderness, high-mountain trekking, and wildlife in a rugged, under-visited Patagonian setting.