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

El Reloj

Gral Baquedano 828, Coyhaique, Aysén, Chile

Tel. +56 67 223 1108
El Reloj

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.

Terra Luna Lodge

Chile Chico, Aysén, Chile

Tel. +56 9 8449 1092
Terra Luna Lodge

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