Laguna Cerro Castillo
The region's signature trek. Panoramic views and an unreal turquoise lagoon, surrounded by hanging glaciers.
Total distance
13 km
Duration
7 - 8 hours
Elevation gain
1,100 m
Difficulty
Medium / High
Group size
Minimum 3 people
Why Laguna Cerro Castillo?
It's the region's signature trek and the most iconic postcard image of Cerro Castillo National Park: an unreal turquoise lagoon, fed by hanging glaciers that drop straight from the massif's walls.
At 13 kilometers round trip, it's shorter than Laguna Duff but no less demanding — the final stretch to the lagoon's viewpoint is steep and rocky, capping off a classic day of Patagonian trekking.
Key facts to know
Iconic turquoise lagoon
The park's most photographed view, with hanging glaciers in the background.
Demanding final stretch
The climb to the viewpoint is steep and rocky — the most demanding part of the day.
Minimum group of 3
Departures are coordinated with a minimum of 3 travelers. If your group is smaller, message us and we'll find a way.
Intermittent cell signal
Not continuous along the route. Backed up by radio communication for the whole trip.
Hike summary
- Distance 13 km
- Duration 7 - 8 hours
- Elevation gain 1,100 m
- Difficulty Medium / High ▲▲
- Group size Minimum 3 people
Price per person
| Origin | Chilean | Foreign |
|---|---|---|
| V. Cerro Castillo | $85,000 | $90,000 |
| Coyhaique | $105,000 | $110,000 |
Departures require a minimum of 3 people.
Day itinerary
The schedule depends on your city of origin
- 8:00Pickup at your accommodation (within Villa Cerro Castillo's urban area)
- 8:20Arrival at the park entrance
- 8:30Safety and route briefing
- 8:40Hike begins toward Laguna Cerro Castillo
- 1:00 PMReturn from the lagoon
- 4:00 PMArrival at the trailhead and return to your accommodation
Schedule adjusted to the 7-8 hour duration — we'll confirm it with you when booking.
-
🚐
8:00 AM · Departure from Coyhaique
Transfer to Villa Cerro Castillo (~1h30)
-
🥾
~9:30 AM · Trek begins
Hiking and time at Laguna Castillo
-
🚐
~6:00 PM · Return to Coyhaique
Estimated arrival, depending on group pace
Reference schedule — we'll confirm it with you when booking.
What's included?
- Certified local guide
- National Park entrance fee
- Energy snack on the trail
- Local transport (based on city of origin)
- First aid kit
- Radio communication throughout the route
- Lunch (bring your own or arrange it with us)
- Personal gear (trekking poles, daypack)
- Transport outside Villa Cerro Castillo or Coyhaique
- Tips
What to bring
The essentials for your daypack
- 🎒 20-30L daypack
- 🥢 Trekking poles
- 🧥 Layered clothing (rain shell included)
- 🥾 Waterproof hiking boots
- 💧 At least 1.5 liters of water
- 🍎 Your own lunch and snacks
- 🧤 Gloves, beanie and sunglasses
- 🧴 Sunscreen
💡 Tip from our guides: The final stretch to the viewpoint is rocky and steep — trekking poles make a real difference on your knees during the descent.
Photos from the hike
⚠️ Park rules — mandatory compliance
- 🚫 No swimming in the lagoon (glacial meltwater)
- 🚫 No drones
- 🚫 No open fires
Before you book
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for beginners?
It's medium-high difficulty: 13 km with a steep final climb, but manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness and some hiking experience. No technical mountaineering experience is required.
Why does the price change depending on the city of origin?
Because the transfer and timing are different: departing from Villa Cerro Castillo means a short trip to the trailhead, while departing from Coyhaique adds a round-trip transfer to Villa Cerro Castillo (~100 km, about 1 hour 30 minutes each way).
Is there a price difference between Chilean residents and foreign visitors?
Yes. We apply a local rate and a rate for foreign visitors, both with a minimum group size of 3 people per departure.
What if we're fewer than 3 people?
Departures are coordinated with a minimum of 3 people. If your group is smaller, contact us and we'll see if you can join another departure, or we can quote a private trip.
Can you swim, use drones, or make fire?
No. All three are completely prohibited inside the park: swimming in the lagoon (the water is glacial meltwater), flying drones, and lighting fires. These rules are mandatory.
Keep exploring Cerro Castillo National Park
Book your spot
Departure subject to a minimum group of 3 people.
Prices per person
| Origin | Chilean | Foreign |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Cerro Castillo | $85,000 | $90,000 |
| Coyhaique | $105,000 | $110,000 |
Minimum group: 3 people per departure.
How to book
- 1 Tell us your city of origin and whether you're traveling in a group of 3 or more.
- 2 We confirm your spot and date, and arrange payment based on where you're writing from (see options below).
- 3 You make the payment and you're confirmed for the departure.
Book with total peace of mind — pay however works for you
🇨🇱 From Chile
Bank transfer or Mercado Pago
🌎 From abroad
Mercado Pago or PayPal
100% secure payments, with immediate confirmation of your spot.
We reply within 24 business hours.
Request your spot
We reply within 24 business hours.