Trekking near Coyhaique: Three Reserves, Your Difficulty Level

You pick the reserve and the hike intensity: the guide adjusts the whole day to match.

A guided trek in one of three national reserves near Coyhaique, Patagonia, where you choose your difficulty level and the reserve itself. The tour includes private transport from your accommodation, park entry, a live guide in English or Spanish, and a snack. The hike runs four to five hours and follows marked paths through native Lenga forest, past lagoons and rivers. Pick Río Simpson for river valleys, Coyhaique for high-altitude views, or Dos Lagunas for alpine lakes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trek in National Reserve near Coyhaique

• Pick up at accommodation
• Travel to selected National Reserve
• Hike on marked paths
• See native forest, lagoons, rivers
• Enjoy unique Coyhaique landscapes

The experience

You get picked up at your accommodation and driven by private transport to whichever reserve matches the difficulty you've chosen: low, medium or high. The guide leads you on marked paths through native Lenga forest, past lagoons and rivers, at a pace that fits your fitness level. The whole trek takes four to five hours, so it slots into a free afternoon or a morning that leaves the rest of your day open.

The three reserves offer different landscapes. Río Simpson runs through river valleys and gorges; Coyhaique climbs to higher elevations and wider views; Dos Lagunas sits in alpine terrain with two lakes as the centerpiece. You name which one appeals to you when you book, and the guide knows the trails well enough to adjust the exact route if the weather or your pace calls for it. Native fauna (birds, guanacos, foxes) move through these reserves, though sightings are never guaranteed.

Park entry and a snack for the day are included. The guide speaks English or Spanish. Bring layers: Patagonian weather shifts fast, and the wind can pick up even on clear mornings. A moderate level of physical fitness is necessary. The hike is not technical, but it is steady walking on uneven ground.

What’s included

• Private transport from your accommodation to the reserve.
• park entry fee.
• a snack during the trek.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• marked hiking paths adapted to your chosen difficulty level.

Options for this experience

3 options

Coyhaique National ReserveGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30Medium-high difficulty (12 km), pickup is included

Dos Lagunas Natural MonumentGuide in English or Spanish · 09:30Medium-low difficulty (6 km), pickup is included

Rio Simpson National ReserveGuide in English or Spanish · 09:30Low difficulty (6 km), includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to FridayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (5 to 80 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Escalada Bagual

Is this one for you?Choose the difficulty level that matches your fitness (low, medium or high), and the guide builds the day around it. If you have a free afternoon and want to see Patagonian forest and terrain without committing to a full-day expedition, this four- to five-hour trek fits the window.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Which of the three reserves should I pick if I've never hiked in Patagonia before?

Río Simpson is the most forgiving for first-timers: the river valleys offer gentler grades and the forest canopy breaks up the wind. You can book it on the low or medium difficulty setting and still see the core landscape that makes the region distinct.

How long is the actual walking, and when do we stop for the snack?

The trek runs four to five hours total, which includes the walking time and a break partway through where the guide provides the snack. The pace depends on which difficulty level you've chosen and how the group is moving that day.

What's the difference between the three reserves, is one better than the others?

Río Simpson follows river gorges and is the most sheltered; Coyhaique reaches higher elevations with panoramic views across the region; Dos Lagunas is alpine terrain centered on two lakes. None is objectively better. It depends whether you want river scenery, high views, or alpine lakes.

Do I need special hiking boots, or will regular shoes work?

The paths are marked and not technical, so sturdy shoes with good grip are enough. Hiking boots are not required, but they do help on wet or rocky sections. Bring layers and a windproof jacket. Patagonian weather changes quickly.

What wildlife might we see on the trek?

Native fauna in these reserves includes guanacos, foxes, and a variety of birds. Sightings depend on the time of day and season, so they're never guaranteed, but the guide knows where animals are most likely to appear.