The Las Horquetas Traverse is a multi-day route through the heart of Cerro Castillo National Park . It crosses native forests, glacial valleys, and viewpoints with breathtaking vistas. Along the way, you'll find five campsites , mountain passes, and sections with bridges installed by CONAF (National Forestry Corporation) to cross turbulent rivers. Keep in mind that all times are approximate and depend on your physical condition and the Patagonian weather.
⛰️ Estimated total distance: ~42–54 km*
*The total varies depending on access/variants.
*The total varies depending on access/variants.
🕒 Recommended days: 3–4
📈 Approximate total elevation gain/loss: +2,000 m / -2,500 m
🎯 Difficulty: Medium–High (challenging in adverse weather)
🧭 Access and Exit
- Entrance: via CONAF administration. Signposted with yellow posts.
- Possible exits: Estero Parada or Mirador Laguna .
- Fees: are paid upon departure from the crossing.
- Entry times: 08:00–12:00 hrs. (Aysén Region maintains UTC-3 all year round; check local time).
🥾 Suggested itinerary (3–4 days)
| Day | Stretch | Distance | Approximate difference in elevation | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Las Horquetas Hut (758 m) → Río Turbio Nursery (945 m) | 15.4 km | +440 m / −250 m | 5–6 h | Low |
| Day 2 | Río Turbio Daycare (945 m) → El Bosque Camp (937 m) via Portezuelo Peñón (~1,300 m) | 9.8 km | +570 m / −554 m | 5–7 h | High |
| Day 3 | Camp. El Bosque (937 m) → Camp. Porteadores | 9 km | +440 m / −374 m | 7–8 h | High |
| Day 4 (optional) | Porters Camp → New Zealand Camp (1,162 m) | 3.6 km | +285 m | ~2 h | Average |
| Exit | New Zealand Camp → Estero Parada Hut | 7.7 km | −865 m | ~4.5 h | Average |
Note: From Laguna del Castillo, there is an alternative route down the Mirador de la Laguna trail . Choose according to the weather, the group's energy level, and the time of day.
📌 Description of sections
Section 1 — Las Horquetas Booth → Río Turbio Daycare
- Terrain: fairly flat logging road; lenga forest.
- Landscape: wide valleys, rivers and footbridges.
- Tip: Good day to "get into a rhythm" and adjust the weight of your backpack.
Section 2 — Río Turbio Daycare → El Bosque Camp (via Portezuelo Peñón)
- Terrain: sustained ascent to the mountain pass; descent with sections of loose terrain.
- Caution: When descending on snow/ice, use trekking poles and steady footing.
- Views: spectacular views of the Turbio Valley and snow-capped mountain ranges.
Section 3 — El Bosque Camp → Porters Camp
- Highlights: pass close to Laguna del Castillo ; option to continue to Porteadores or go down via Mirador Laguna.
- Effort: longer day; managing time and water.
Section 5 — Porters Camp → New Zealand Camp (1,162 m)
- Landscape: ancient forests and glacial cirque; high mountain environment.
- Climate: exposed to wind; always have a waterproof layer on hand.
Section 6 — New Zealand Camp → Estero Parada Hut
- Terrain: rapid descent; you reach a booth and then a gravel road to Villa Cerro Castillo (~6 km).
- Botany: mature lenga trees and saplings; wild strawberries and orchids can be seen in season.
🏕️ Official Campsites
- Río Turbio — daycare and tent area.
- The Forest — natural shelter among lenga trees.
- Porters — strategic point prior to lagoon/circus.
- New Zealand — amphitheater of mountains; base for exploring Duff Lagoon.
🎒 Recommended equipment
- Backpack 50–65 L, sleeping bag 0 to −5 °C , sleeping mat and 4 season tent (ideal in windy conditions).
- Thermal base layer, fleece, windproof/waterproof, hat and gloves.
- Trekking shoes with good grip; trekking poles .
- Purification filter or tablets; map/GPX and headlamp.
- Sunscreen, personal first aid kit, waste bag (Leave No Trace).
⚠️ Safety and good practices
- Check the forecast; with snow/ice, assess with park rangers whether it is passable.
- Do not leave the designated path; respect closures and signage.
- Manage your schedule to avoid walking at night; stay constantly hydrated .
- Do not feed wildlife or leave any waste: Leave No Trace .
Altimetric profile: at the end of this article you can insert the image of the red graph with the elevation profile of the entire journey.
