Glacial lake
Below the spires.
Roberto Araya Barckhahn — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Manxuc — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Felipe.Alarcon — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Manxuc — CC BY-SA 4.0
A national park since 2017, centred on Cerro Castillo, «Castle Mountain», whose jagged rock spires look like the towers and walls of a castle, capped with snow and small glaciers above the forests, plains and rivers of southern Aysén. Its best-known hike goes to Laguna Cerro Castillo, a turquoise glacial lake right at the foot of the rock towers, fed by a glacier hanging from the mountain. The trail is hard and demanding, a full day from the village there and back, with a steep scramble over rock at the end. Experienced hikers cross the park on a multi-day route through valleys, mountain passes and lakes, considered by many one of Patagonia's most beautiful and least crowded treks. Near the village is a site of ancient handprint rock art. Mountain weather changes fast, so carry warm layers and enough food, and register at the park entrance. The Carretera Austral is long and partly unpaved, with big distances between villages, so carry enough fuel and cash.
Below the spires.
Days in the peaks.
Near the village.
Near Villa Cerro Castillo, about an hour and a half south of Coyhaique
Yes, a full day with a steep rocky scramble at the end, needing good fitness and suitable weather.