Pre-departure Information
Getting to and from your trip
This trip starts and finishes at Balmaceda Airport. From here you'll be taken to Cerro Castillo to commence your Aysen adventure.
How to get to Balmaceda Airport?
From Santiago
There are direct flights from Santiago to Balmaceda 2-4 times per day with either LATAM or Sky Airlines.
From/To the Chilean Lake District
There are several daily flights from Balmaceda to Puerto Montt, or vice versa, every day with LATAM or Sky Airlines. Travelling overland is more complicated, but we can help with this if you are looking for a challenging adventure.
From Torres del Paine
There are two flight options. The best option is the direct DAP flight which operates on a Tuesday (please check the timetable) from Punta Arenas to Balmaceda. The alternative is to fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Montt and then onwards to Balmaceda. This second option involves a full day of travel.
From Los Glaciares (Argentina)
The easiest way is to cross the border by bus to Punta Arenas and then fly north to Balmaceda, but there is a bus from El Calafate to Bariloche and we could arrange a pickup from Los Antiguos on this route (additional cost).
From the Argentinean Lakes
Take a bus from Bariloche to Los Antiguos and we will arrange to pick you up from there.
Packing List
Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared for four seasons in one day during your hikes. Read all our tips about what to pack.
Packing list
- Required equipment
- 40 to 50 litre backpack
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp with new batteries and spare batteries
- 1-litre bottle (ideally Nalgene)
- Sunblock (Factor 35+, or more)
- Sunblock for lips
- Minimum personal hygiene items
- Dry bags to protect your stuff
Required clothes
- Medium trekking/mountain boots (ideally Gore-Tex)
- Crocs or comfortable shoes to rest at campsites
- Gore-Tex waterproof jacket with hood
- Softshell jacket with hood (2nd layer)
- Light waterproof over pants
- Trekking trousers
- Warm underwear - synthetic fabric T-shirt and trousers
- Trekking socks
- Liner gloves
- Waterproof over-gloves
- Warm hat and cap
- Neckerchief or buff for neck protection (optional)
- Light feather, or warm synthetic jacket for nighttime
Your Accommodation
Arrive in Cerro Castillo village
Views from the lounge at Mallin Colorado Lodge
Due to the roadtrip style of this adventure, you will be staying in several different locations and establishments. Please refer to your individual itinerary or speak to your Swoop team member for more detailed information about the amenities/facilities available at each.
Your trip is likely to involve a stay at the following:
B&B Cerro Castillo - only 6 rooms, boutique feel and warm cosy communal areas. Modern rooms with small kitchenette/fridge available. 10-minute walk to Cerro Castillo village.
Mallin Colorado Lodge - Run by seven brothers and sisters you'll have a homely base, with delicious cooked meals, on the shores of Lake General Carerra. An ideal (and picturesque) base for Aysen excursions!