Trip Overview
This is the Patagonia few have experienced. Over eleven unforgettable days we’ll explore the rugged and remote side of Patagonia and the Aysén, its towering glaciers and meandering rivers.We’ll hike through Cerro Castillo National Park (a more intimate experience than busy Torres del Paine) and be among the first to trek through the new Patagonia National Park, the 752,504 acre brainchild of Doug and Kristin Tompkins (of The North Face).
See our Hiking Itinerary for daily mileage and trail notes. The itinerary below serves as our guide, however circumstances like weather conditions, individual ability, and safety may cause us to deviate or modify parts of our itinerary.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: AIRPORT > COYHAIQUE
Day One! Guests arrive throughout the day on Sunday, November 13, 2022
We’ll organize group transfers from Balmeceda airport to our hotel in Coyhaique (see Travel & Logistics)
Welcome dinner in Coyhaique
Lodging: Hotel El Reloj in Coyhaique
DAY 2: COYHAIQUE > CERRO CASTILLO
Transfer to Cerro Castillo
Begin trek, with 10.5-mile hike past gaucho camps into Cerro Castillo National Reserve
Campsite: Camp Turbio
DAY 3: CERRO CASTILLO
9-mile trek through Cerro Castillo National Reserve
Cross Peñon Pass at 1,300m (4,265ft) and down to Peñon Glacier
Set up camp at El Bosque for evening
Campsite: El Bosque
DAY 4: CERRO CASTILLO
5.5 mile hike past Cerro Castillo lagoon and up to Morro Negro peak (1,700m, 5,575ft)
Set up at Camp Porteadores for night
Campsite: Camp Porteadores
DAY 5: CERRO CASTILLO > VILLA CASTILLO
Hike without packs to Neozelandes
2.6 mile hike down to to Villa Castillo
Sleep in style at guesthouse, hot shower, sit-down dinner
Lodging: Refugio Cerro Castillo in Villa Castillo
DAY 6: VILLA CERRO CASTILLO > PATAGONIA NATIONAL PARK, JEINIMENI SECTOR
Drive to Chile Chico through Argentina, bordering Lago General Carrera
Drive to Lago Jeinimeni
3-mile hike to Lago Verde, with a river crossing at Lago Esmeralda
Campsite: Raleigh
DAY 7: PATAGONIA NATIONAL PARK
5-mile hike along the river bed of the Jeinimeni, before ascending over the Gloria Pass to breathtaking view
Campsite: Hermoso
DAY 8: PATAGONIA NATIONAL PARK
9-mile hike through Hermosa Valley toward Mount Jeinimeni
Campsite: Aviles I or II
DAY 9: PATAGONIA NATIONAL PARK
Our final trekking day (10 miles total)
Descend the Aviles Valley and follow the Pinturas and Aviles rivers
Transfer to panoramic lodging overlooking Lago General Carrera
Lodging: Terra Luna Lodge in Puerto Guadal
DAY 10: PUERTO GUADAL > VALLE CHACABUCO
Learning about Rewilding Project
Farewell BBQ dinner
Lodging: Terra Luna Lodge in Puerto Guadal
DAY 11: PUERTO GUADAL > AIRPORT
Final breakfast
Group transfer to Balmeceda Airport (approx. 4.5 hours)
Departure flights to leave after 6pm
Our Accommodations
Owners Ángel Lara and Adriana Hidalgo have transformed a once-quaint guesthouse into one of the most prestigious, comfortable hotels in Coyhaique. Twenty spacious rooms with views, plus an intimate 'great room' to kick back and relax by a roaring fire. Connected to El Reloj is award-winning restaurant El Ovejero, one of the truly excellent spots for a meal in all of Patagonia.
Backcountry Camping
We'll camp in some of the most stunning—and remote—corners of Patagonia. We provide all the critical gear, including expedition-quality tents and cooking equipment, so we can experience everything the Aysén and northern Patagonia have to offer. Guests will set up their own tents each day. We're experts at making camp life as comfortable and safe as possible.
Refugio Cerro Castillo
Camino Arroyo El Bosque, Villa Cerro Castillo, Aysén, Chile
Tel. +56 9 8248 6928
Refugio Cerro Castillo
Just outside Villa Cerro Castillo, these quiet cabins and guesthouse are tucked along the Ibáñez River, full of charm and glorious gardens. We'll catch our breath here and enjoy the hospitality and home cooking.
From panoramic geodesic domes to "nests" in the trees and "pirate" houses, Terra Luna is famous for its diversity of rooms with views of Lago General Carrera and the mountains.
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSIONS
On a Modern Adventure, we’ve worked out all the details for you. Included in your experience are all accommodations, delicious local food and drink, private transport between destinations, expert local guides, and much more. Here’s what’s included:
Six nights of fully catered camping, with most gear provided (see Gear & Packing)
Four nights of premium hotel/lodge accommodations
Daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners
Expert local backpacking guides
Porters to help carry gear
All ground transportation
Experiences and activities included in itinerary , including all fees
EXCLUSIONS
Roundtrip airfare to/from Chile
Travel insurance (see Get Ready)
Transportation to the trip’s meeting point
Activities not included in the trip itinerary
Lodge incidentals including room service, laundry, etc
Personal gear
Gratuity for Modern Adventure trip leader
Gratuities for local guides and porters