The Cerro Castillo National Reserve in Coyhaique is a paradise for trekking and nature lovers, offering an unforgettable experience for those who want to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of Chilean Patagonia.
A land of islands, archipelagos, channels, glaciers, fjords, and ancient forests, the Aysén region has an interesting history of gradual settlement and colonization. In fact, Aysén was one of the last areas in Chile to be explored, colonized, and incorporated. Hernando de Magallanes was the first to arrive in the area, through the strait that bears his name.
In terms of geography and natural landscapes, the region offers unparalleled attractions. One of them is the Cerro Castillo Reserve, which has held this status since 1970. In this article, we share some of its attractions and guidelines on how to get there.
What to Visit in the Cerro Castillo National Reserve?
The Cerro Castillo National Reserve is located in the Aysén Region, in the municipalities of Coyhaique and Río Ibáñez. With an area of 138,164 hectares, this large park protects species such as the huemul, condor, puma, guanaco, Patagonian skunk, red fox, and the Magellanic woodpecker, among many others. As it is a protected area, visitors must follow certain rules to help preserve it and know how to act around wildlife.
The reserve's flora includes forests with various species that lose their leaves during the winter. Among the varieties you can find are lenga, ñirre, notro or ciruelillo, and calafate. Tradition says that anyone who eats calafate fruit will surely return to Patagonia.
The reserve is currently managed by CONAF, which is responsible for the protection, promotion, and restoration of this ecosystem. Since 2018, the Cerro Castillo National Park concessionaire has been supporting CONAF in enhancing and creating tourist services so that the state entity can focus on conserving and restoring the area's flora and fauna.
The reserve offers visitors trekking and hiking trails leading to its main summits: Cerro Castillo (2318 m) and Cerro Las Cuatro Cumbres (2273 m). However, there are other lower hills, such as Morro Negro (1689 m), that also offer unique challenges and experiences.
Currently, there are marked sections with varying lengths, difficulty levels (low, medium, and high), and different geographical and climatic conditions. It is crucial to review this information before embarking on the journey to the park.
Additionally, the reserve has camping facilities approximately every 10 kilometers. Each area has designated spaces for tents, rustic tables, and shelters. When visiting the reserve, it's important to camp only in the designated areas to help protect the native flora and fauna.
How to Get to the Cerro Castillo National Reserve?
The Cerro Castillo National Reserve is located 64 kilometers south of Coyhaique, in the municipalities of Coyhaique and Río Ibáñez. The nearest towns to the reserve are Villa Cerro Castillo and Balmaceda.
You can access the reserve via the CONAF entrance on the Carretera Austral (Route 7 South), at kilometer 64. The travel time from Balmaceda Airport is approximately 30 minutes.
You can also enter through private land in the Las Horquetas and Estero Parada areas, where there are registration booths operated by the Cerro Castillo Park concessionaire. If you plan to access the reserve through the Estero Parada entrance, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
Rent a Car in Coyhaique, Chile
In Coyhaique, MITTA offers the best Rent a Car service. Located in a strategic part of the city, we provide a complete service so you can explore every corner of Coyhaique, reach the Cerro Castillo National Reserve, and discover the surroundings of the Aysén Region.
Travel simply and safely with our top-level 2022-2023 vehicle catalog. We also offer special deals and optional services. All of this ensures your leisure trip will be unforgettable. Get a quote and plan your trip in advance by visiting our website, writing to reservasnac@mitta.cl, or calling 22 360 8666.