When you think of Chile, Patagonia often springs to mind. The Chilean part of Patagonia covers 256,000 square kilometers, a little bigger than the United Kingdom. Stretching from Puerto Montt down to the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica region, this area is renowned for its breathtaking and diverse landscapes where you can practice outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking. With its expansive steppes, glaciers, fjords, and mountain ranges, Patagonia offers a pristine wilderness to explore.
Villa Cerro Castillo
Located in the Aysen region, about 95 kilometers from the small city Coyhaique, Villa Cerro Castillo is a hidden gem accessible via the winding Carretera Austral. This village is the gateway to the Cerro Castillo National Park and its 4-day trek (53 kilometers/33 miles): Las Horquetas. The trek takes you through stunning turquoise lakes, forests, and glaciers. You'll camp in your tent since the park lacks huts or other accommodations. If you're lucky, you might spot Patagonian wildlife, such as the huemul (the Andean deer) or the majestic condor.
For those looking for a shorter adventure, a day hike to Laguna Cerro Castillo is a good option. This 14-kilometer (8,7 miles) round trip offers a challenging climb with an elevation gain of 1,100 meters, rewarding hikers with views of the glacial lake.
Villa Cerro Castillo has gained popularity post-pandemic and is also an exciting spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Within a 20-kilometer radius, 6 climbing sectors feature 200 to 300 routes of varying difficulty, catering to both beginners and advanced climbers.
Kawésqar National Park
Another spectacular destination is Kawésqar National Park in the Magallanes province. Formerly known as Reserva Nacional Alacalufes, it was designated a national park in 2018 and named after the indigenous Kawésqar people of Patagonia.
Kawésqar National Park is a wild, untouched expanse shaped by tectonic movements and ice ages, resulting in a network of islands, fjords, glaciers, and wetlands. This diverse landscape supports a rich ecosystem teeming with plants and wildlife. Coastal waters are home to dolphins, whales, penguins, and sea lions.
The park is accessible only by water and only with organized tours. If you are interested, you can contact us; we work together with a local partner to offer a visit. Be prepared for rainfall, which is typical for this remote area. It receives more rain than the region around Valdivia, known as Chile's rainiest area.
Pumalín Douglas Tompkins
National Park
In the northern part of Chilean Patagonia, you can visit Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park. Nestled between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, the park is famous for its biodiversity and unique endemic species. It boasts an array of natural wonders, including waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and lush temperate rainforests. Here, you can encounter the endangered alerce milenario tree, the tiny pudú deer, the chucao bird, and Darwin's frog.
The park was part of a conservation effort by Douglas Tompkins, who purchased the land to protect the Chilean forests. It was officially designated a national park in 2018. Pumalín offers a network of 75 kilometers of hiking trails, complete with campsites, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints. If you want to explore it, you can book our 5-day tour in the park.
Navarino Island
Looking for a challenging, active vacation? Head to Navarino Island, located south of Puerto Williams, for a 4-day trek through one of the most rugged and isolated areas in Patagonia. With no campsites or phone signal and few other hikers, you'll have the wilderness all to yourself. Admire the stunning views of the Beagle Channel and surrounding islands, traverse valleys, and explore lakes and mountains.
Navarino Island offers more than just trekking. You can also explore the island on horseback or kayak through the Beagle Channel.
Patagonia National Park
Patagonia National Park comprises three areas: the Tamango sector, the Jeinimeni sector, and the Chacabuco Valley sector. The Chacabuco Valley was formerly a cattle ranch, but its ecological value has been restored through various projects.
This park showcases Patagonia's diverse landscapes, from forests and lakes to expansive steppes and red-hued rocky areas. It is home to wildlife such as guanacos, flamingos, and ñandus.
The park has several entry points, including via Cochrane and Chile Chico. It's an exciting destination for short and multi-day hikes, mountain biking, and bird watching.
Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is the largest park in Chile and a crucial source of fresh water. It features numerous glaciers that are part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, including the impressive Pio XI Glacier, which forms a towering ice wall visible from boat tours.
The park isn't just about ice; it also encompasses forests and peat bogs. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including pumas, huemul deer, kodkod cats (guïñas), cormorants, wild geese, and many other species.
Access to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is by water, with departures from Puerto Montt, Puerto Natales, or Punta Arenas. You can also join our Brush variant of the W Trek, which takes you to the park. For water enthusiasts, kayaking and boat tours are great options.
Cabo Froward National Park:
to be continued
In March 2024, the Chilean government signed an agreement to create a new national park: Parque Nacional Cabo Froward, located about 90 kilometers from Punta Arenas. This area is a crucial habitat for two endangered species: the huemul deer and the ruddy-headed goose.
Details on the park's development are still unfolding. Stay tuned for more updates!
Do you like one of these destinations? Feel free to contact our travel specialists at reservations@cascada.travel to get hooked up with the best adventures these remote places offer!
