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Valle de Aguas Calientes vía Plateau (english)
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Season
- Trekking: October to May. October and November are the months possibly optimal, while still not too hot and there is some snow in the valley, to enjoy the best hot springs.
- Randonnée: June to late September. In midwinter, it is not necessary to carry skis.
Vehicle Access and State of the Road
From Chillan, it is 82km to Termas de Chillán. The first 72km are paved, and the last of a 8 dirt road in Good state. (The map mapa de turistel, shows it erroneously paved to the end).
Public Transportation and Hitchiking
From Chillán, Montecinos Buses will take you to Termas de Chillán. You can find them in Sargento Aldea 646, Chillán. Phone: 042-221105, Fax: 042-218511
- email: busesmontecinos@123mail.cl
The trek begins at the public hot springs, 1.3 km higher than the Grand Hotel Casino. If you go by car, you can park it by the access control by the pools (the public hot springs cost 3.000 CLP, totally recommended).
Route description
The walk starts from the administration building and restaurant of the ski area, located near the public baths, 1.3 miles up the Grand Hotel Casino, to 1832. In case of driving, this can be left parked next to the access control pools (the baths are $ 3,000 - U.S. 5.5, totally recommended)
From this point, there are two possibilities: directly up the slope of the lift towers along the Don Otto, or ascend gradually through the tracks: a short piece in "The Donkey", then "Huemul 2" and then "Huemul. In randonnée may be advisable to avoid the second option Canteo and complicated slopes. After about two hours of walking, it will reach the end of the lift Don Otto, where there is a shelter that operates as an infirmary. From this point, continue east, away from the ski resort, moving to the left of a large metal sign. It is a flat area at about 2400 m that gives the name of Plateau in the path. The temptation is to go right to the pass, but need not depart north to encircle the top of the ravine of Pirigallo. In winter, this route is usually well marked by the passage of snow plows that carry tourists walk by this remote area of the tracks. Once it has weathered the upper end of the gorge, the route turns gradually to the south, continues a gentle climb, reaching the highest point at 2547 meters. If you are on skis, is the place to get the skins (although there is a brief rise little later).
It should then continue slowly down the slope. A little further on is a route clearly defined in the mountainside, and that is the only way liable for barrenieve. It must pass a curve where you have to climb a few feet (take off the skis), followed by an abrupt drop something. Then it reaches a new level sector point where you first seen the valley of Aguas Calientes and initiates the real decline. As we begin the descent, it is important
Later, a third stream thermal hot water so that in its origin, even allows you to cook (with patience). It is also safe, so lets drink tea and coffee directly, without using stove. Only 630 meters to the east, the valley ends, and is a splendid Pozón, fueled by a generous hot jet, a small icy stream and an outcrop of warm water (in one), allowing the temperature gauge "to taste ". Next to it there are good places to camp. This section gives an end to the trek even though the trail continues through the Rio Ñuble.
Expected Time
Consider 4 to 5 hours from the car
Permits and fees
The route does not require permission or payment.
Waypoints in Google Earth and Map Source
- Google Earth Waypoints trekking format of Aguas Calientes.
- Map Source format Waypoints trekking Aguas Calientes.
To download the file right-click and then select "Save file as" (IE) or "Save link as" (Firefox, Chrome). By trying to open it directly, some browsers will show the raw code with the coordinates.
Horsemen and guides
Luis Avila Gomez offers guided services and cargo transportation by mules through your agency
- Phone number: 97,846,597.
- Mail: eltranqueroaventura@gmail.com
- Web: Chile Valle Las Trancas
External Links
Weather:
Lodging:
