Trip Overview
This is the Patagonia few have ever experienced, created exclusively in partnership with Backpacker magazine. Over eleven unforgettable days we’ll explore the rugged and remote side of Patagonia and the Aysén mountains, its towering glaciers and meandering rivers. We’ll hike through Cerro Castillo National Reserve (a more intimate experience than busy Torres del Paine) and be among the first to trek through the new Patagonia National Park, the 10-million-acre brainchild of Doug and Kristin Tompkins (of The North Face fame).
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 Monday, November 15, 2021
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 Pinon Pass at 1,300m (4,265ft) and down to Pinon Glacier
Set up camp at La Tetera for evening
Campsite: La Tetera
DAY 4: CERRO CASTILLO
Optional sunrise viewing
7-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
Time available to swim in Lake Yagan
5-mile hike down to to Villa Castillo
Sleep in style at guesthouse, hot shower, sit-down dinner
Lodging: Hospedaje La Casona in Villa Castillo
DAY 6: VILLA CASTILLO > JEINIMENI
2.5-hour ferry ride from Puerto Ibáñez along placid Lago General Carrera
Drive to Lago Jeinimeni
3-mile hike to Lago Verde, with a river crossing at Lago Esmeralda
Campsite: Lago Verde
DAY 7: JEINIMENI
6-mile hike through Gloria Pass, Valley Chacabuco and Patagonia National Park
Campsite: Patagonia National Park
DAY 8: JEINIMENI
9-mile hike through Gloria mountains and Hermosa Valley in Patagonia National Park
Campsite: Patagonia National Park
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 domes overlooking Lago General Carrera
Lodging: Terra Luna Lodge in Chile Chico
DAY 10: CHILE CHICO > BAKER RIVER
Rafting on River Baker
Farewell BBQ dinner
Lodging: Terra Luna Lodge in Chile Chico
DAY 11: CHILE CHICO > 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.
We're experts at making camp life as comfortable and safe as possible.
Hospedaje La Casona
Sector Bajada Ibañez, Villa Cerro Castillo, Aysén, Chile
Tel. +56 9 9138 9084
Just outside Villa Cerro Castillo, this quiet guesthouse is tucked along the Ibáñez River, full of bright-pink charm and glorious gardens. We'll catch our breath here and enjoy some of the owner's famous homemade cooking.
This is glamping as good as it gets. Terra Luna is famous for its panoramic geodesic domes with views of Lago General Carrera and the mountains. Each dome gives the full wilderness experience with the comforts of private decks and private bathrooms, comfortable beds, nightstands, heat and electricity. Watch the breathtaking sunset reflect off the glacial backdrop. There's no better way to connect with nature, in style.
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
Gratuities for local guides and porters
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