Cambios

{{borradorIndexed}}[[category:KMZconTrack]]{{RutaForm2RutaForme

|CiudadesChile=CuricóSantiago

|DuraciónDuracion=más de 80 90 días|Dificultad Física=Exigente|Dificultad Técnica=Alta

|TipoTrekComparteIdayRetorno=RecorridoCruce|Latitud1=-38|Longitud1=-73|Distancia=1350 km.3035000|MetrosAscenso=116000|MetrosDescenso=116000|Comentarios distancia=Regular Route (Hiking Option and Packrafting Option without Exploration Sections)|DesnivelAltitudMedia=50.000 metros900

|Tipo de Extensión Imagen=jpg|Imágen Principal=Main IMG Greater Patagonian TrailGreater_patagonian_trail.JPGjpg |ComentariosImagen=Sector Descabezado, View to Laguna CaracolGPT16: [[Volcán Mocho]] on the background. |KMLZ=Greater Patagonia TrailGPT_Minimized_NOT_FOR_HIKING_AND_PACKRAFTING.kmz|ComentariosMapa=<span style="background-color:#808080; color:RED">'''Red:'''</span> Section 1, 3, 5, 7, 9: Regular Trekking Trail (No packraft required) <br><span style="background-color:#808080; color:MAGENTA">'''Magenta:'''</span> Section 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: Regular Trekking Trail (No packraft required) <br><span style="background-color:#808080; color:blue">'''Blue:'''</span> Section 11, 13, 15: Packraft Trail (Packraft recommended, if not avaialble use Alternative Trails) <br><span style="background-color:#808080; color:CYAN">'''Cyan:'''</span> Section 12, 14, 16: Packraft Trail (Packraft recommended, if not avaialble use Alternative Trails) <br><span style="background-color:#808080; color:ORANGE">'''Orange:'''</span> Optional Side Trips i.e. climbs to summits of volcanos <br><span style="background-color:#808080; color:ORANGE">'''Orange:'''</span> Alternative Trails i.e. alternative trails around lakes if no packraft available <br>|width=600|height=1800

<br style==Images==[http"clear:both" //www.panoramio.com/user/7876187?show=best Here you find a selection of images from all 16 sections of the Greater Patagonian Trail.]>

<br style==Expected Duration==Hiking the complete trail requires approx. 90 to 120 days. This inculdes some rest days and resupply bus trips to nearby towns."clear:both" />

==Recommended SeasonIntroduction==If you plan to do the entire trail starting with section 1 you should leave in December.

On the first sections several high passes [[File:GPT01-P0115.jpg|thumb|500px|right|GPT06: The volcanos Descabezado Grande and rivers need Cerro Azul with the Laguna Caracol to be crossedtheir feet. Snow and high riverImage: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT08-waterArriero.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT09: Arriero at the base of the Vulcano Antuco. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT06-levels during snowmelt may make this difficult and dangerous until early DecemberP0005. Therefore leaving before December may put you jpg|thumb|500px|GPT11: Araucaria trees in risk when crossing rivers and passes; if you leave the Pehuenche homeland. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT13-P0028.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT18: Cross Country walking on volcanic ash at Cordon Caulle after December you may be surprised by recent eruption. File: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT28-Rio_Palena.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT28: Packrafting the heralds of the winter before reaching Río Palena. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT_Glaciar_O'Higgins.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT38: Glaciar O'Higgins coming down from the finishSouthern Icefield. Image: Jan Dudeck]]

If you have The Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT) is a packraft and you do not insist in hiking all trail sections long-distance route network in the correct sequence you have more options when and where to start. You may in example set out already in October or November with section 11 in Coñaripe (first packraft section). This also give you southern Andes that spans from the advantage outskirts of floating down Santiago all the river Caucuá with comfortable high river-water-levels during snow melt (section 11). Once your reached the finish of section 16 your can travel by bus way to the start of section 1 and complete the trail without carrying the packraft any moresouthern Patagonia.

==Logistical Considerations==There are no proper shops along It’s a stunningly beautiful and diverse trail system that guides you from the first seven sections semi-desert of the trailPrecordillera into scenic Andes valleys. The first regular food store on the trial comes after 600 km at the finish of section 7trails cross numerous dormant and active volcanos with partially healed volcanic scars and fresh open wounds from recent eruptions. Therefore reaching the finish of a section gives you the opportunity to You can take a bus and to travel to dip in more than a dozen hot springs along the next village or town way to resupply. A true through-hike would require the setup of food depots on strategic points along the routedraw from this energy.

The product range Continuing, in particular you will dive into the supply twilight of dehydrated trekking food, is limited or non-existing in smaller villages lush green temperate rainforest lined by snow covered mountains. Numerous passes and towns. If high plains get you prefer to have some special stuff that you find only in Santiago or that you bring above the tree line into barren terrain with you broad views. Crystal clear rivers descend from overseas you have the following option: You can pack a box with food these mountains and gear in Santiago and send with one of feed deep blue lakes along the mayor bus companies to yourself to a town where you plan a resupply stopway. The bus company will store your package until pick it up. There If you packraft you can take out of your box what you need paddle over lakes and resend float down rivers all the way into the Patagonian fjords where the box to Pacific Ocean hits the next resupply townragged coast.

==Recommended Equipment==A packraft is a lightEventually you reach the Southern Patagonian Icefield, one of the world's largest extra-weight inflatable boat designed to be carried in backpack when not needed but to carry polar Icefields. Here giant rock towers stab into the backpacker over leaks and rivers when he needs it. A packraft is recommended for sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 sky and 16enormous glaciers calve colossal blocks of ice into wind battered lakes.

==GPS File for Trekking==The KMZ file displayed on On the satellite map above northern part of the route you will meet solitary cowboys (In Chile called arrieros or puesteros) with their animals. Every spring the livestock is optimized moved on higher ground to provide a good overview but does not include waypoints graze on mountain pastures. The trail later crosses the homeland of the indigenous Pehuenche (one of the Mapuche tribes) where majestic Araucaria trees tower above the tribal land and detailed information provide the traditional food for hikingthese sometimes shy and sometimes proud people. Therefore When going further south you will meet courageous settlers that have ventured into the file below should be downloaded and used if challenging back-country of Patagonia. If you actually plan are interested, you can listen to hike a section or their stories while sitting around the warm stove and sharing the traditional drink of this region: Mate. These authentic encounters are part of the entire Greater Patagonian Trailbeauty of this trail.

[[Media:GreaterPatagonianTrail-20140726In countless locations the trail branches into different routes creating a wide network of tracks that gives you many choices.kmz|Greater Patagonian Trail with Waypoints, Options You may either walk the entire distance or you can bring a packraft to float down rivers and Alternatives (kmz file, update from 2014-Jul-26)]]paddle and sail over lakes and fjords.

The file is organized in folders There are also various volcanoes and subfolders for a better overview in particular when viewing and organizing other summits along the trail on a computerroute that can be ascended without rock climbing gear. There is one folder for each section and each section contains a subfolder for waypoints and a subfolder for I have also included optional tracksthat get you literally into the last valley on the border between Chile and Argentina. These remote corners of the southern Andes are of particular interest to hikers that love to venture into remote back-country.

Common items are: StartIf this introduction quickened your appetite to explore this network of trails then don't stop reading here and don't pack your backpack yet. The GPT is quite different from what you might expect. Especially if you have thru-hiked the famous long-distance trails in the US (i.e. the Appalachian Trail, River Crossing, Water, Pass, Camp, Refuge, Bus Stop the Pacific Crest Trail or the Continental Divide Trail) or if you walked on the European pilgrimage trails (Finishi.e. the Camino de Santiago) …don't assume that the GPT will be a similar experience and that you are already prepared for it. This region and this route network is unequal in nature. Some best practices and habits that are important on established trails in the US and Europe would be foolish in Patagonia. Other skills and aptitudes are essential to truly appreciate the Greater Patagonian Trail.

A running number is added in brackets Since I started publishing the GPT, I consulted and surveyed more than one hundred people that attempted to be able to refer in walk major parts of the trail description to specific waypoints. The majority were absolutely amazed by the land, the people and their experience on the trail. But some hikers quickly aborted or changed their plans. In consequence they missed the best parts of the trail. Interestingly, some of these were experienced hikers and athletic walkers.

* GPTIn the [http: //bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers Manual] I try to rectify potential incorrect assumptions and outline the essentials for hiking and packrafting on this trail network. You should also read the publications of other hikers and packrafters to learn from the diverse experiences on the Greater Patagonian Trail.

* WP'''Statements about the GPT by Hikers and Packrafters: Waypoint'''

Used Piia Kortsalo and Oliver Barker: "We’re filled with incredible memories of our time on the GPT, and the landscape and culture of the Chilean Andes will stay with us forever. While hiking the GPT was an incredible experience for us, we don't imagine this as the right trail types for everyone. The GPT is closer to an idea of a route than an established trail; hikers setting out expecting a well-organized, continuous, marked hiking trail will inevitably be disappointed. The GPT really is a route for a very specific sort of hiker, one who's as interested in natural history and cultural experience as they are:in trail miles."

* 1Brian Tanzman (Buck-30): Hiking trail or horse trail"Honestly, I wouldn't recommend hiking the GPT to any of my thru hiking friends."

* 3Garrett Martin: Mayor dirt road "This trail is unlike any other trail in the world and requires detailed planning, determination, physical and mental strength and most importantly - respect for the people and environment along the trail. Throughout our 4-month journey, we discovered the beauty of the Andes Mountain range and the incredibly generous people that call this place their home. If you are considering hiking the GPT, please do so with moderate trafficextreme care for the land and the utmost respect for the locals living in this area.".

*?Carla Lange: Not verified "The GPT is not a hiking trail section , it's an adventure and words do not do my experience on it justice. Travelling on the GPT was everything but easy (Remains to be hiked or necessarily fun all the time) but it returned it all and recorded by GPS more. Essential pieces of equipment to update bring on the trail file)GPT are your brain and intuition as well as humbleness, respect and openness for the land and people."

* R: River Matgorzata (PackraftGosia)Gmerek and Paul Bostelmann: “The Greater Patagonian Trail Network is a challenging and rewarding adventure that leads one through diverse and breathtaking scenery. Far from crowds and often without seeing other people for days this experience was without a doubt the highlight of our hiking career. Packrafting and exploring the beautiful lakes and rivers allows to reach even deeper into these wonderful and wild ecosystems. This is no ordinary hike and absolute self-reliance and wilderness experience is a must.”

* S<br style="clear: Sea (Packraft)both" />

* 1The Wikiexplora article comes with one weakness: Trail typeoffline access while being on the GPT. Therefore, the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide GPT Hikers’ Manual] was created in 2017. With this exmaple its a hiking trail or horse trail, the Wikiexplora GPT main article is now neither the only nor the best resource to get ready for an adventure on the GPT but the Wikiexplora articles provides an introduction to anyone “just browsing around”. And the Wikiexplora article gives access to the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual] that can be downloaded from Dropbox.

Example track nameThe Hikers’ Manual is the primary source of information for the GPT and can be downloaded free of charge at: "GPT01-TR007-0-X"http://bit.ly/GPTguide

==Section * 1: Volcán Descabezado==Introduction and General Information, * '''Duration: 6 to 8 days'''* '''Distance: 103 km'''* '''Ascent: 4970 meters ↗'''2 Terrain and Section Information and * '''Descent: 4870 meters ↘'''3 Appendix and Indices.

* ''Option 2: Explore to hidden lakes''** ''Duration: ½ to Chapter 1 day''provides a general overview and a good understanding of the nature of the GPT. You should read the entire chapter 1 thoroughly if you consider hiking on this route network because this part of the Hikers’ Manual guides you through your preparation.

After leaving the forest Chapter 2 familiarizes you will step through endless fields with the geography of pumice, climb three passes the southern Andes and cross a 4 km wide lava riverdescribes each section of the GPT. The struggle This local knowledge is rewarded with amazing outlooks, deep blue lakes essential to thoughtfully select your route on this vast network and lagoons that suddenly pop in a surreal scenery and two thermal springsto prepare yourself for each section while hiking. Here you can soak up heat Therefore, parts of chapter 2 are important during a freezing night the preparation phase while admiring a sky full of stars. You can even cook other parts will become your meal guide when hiking on one of the hot steam ventsGPT.

Chapter 3 goes deep into specific topics. You can will require this expertise for specific tasks e.g. when setting up your GPS or when calculating distances and estimating travel times. The Appendix also explore two hidden lagoons; one contains valuable additional information that fills an ancient crater and contribute to a second one that was dammed up by anothersmaller volcano. Both lakes are not far profound understanding of the trail near a scenic camp siteGPT and the region.

===Expected Duration===The trail can be hiked in 6 days Hikers’ Manual is not available on paper but plan some contingency in case of bad weather only as a PDF document. It is designed to be read on a computer or if you suddenly fall in love with one of the amazing places on the routea smart¬phone while being online or offline. If the climate does not favor youTherefore, than you should not attempt to cross it is issued in the passesscreen-friendly 9:16 page format. In When reading this region bad weather normally does not last long so you are probably better off siting out document it is best to use full screen slide mode in landscape orientation. Normal vertical scrolling is less practical. Install a bad daysuitable app on your smartphone if needed.

===Recommended Season===This traverse The Greater Patagonian Trail is best be hiked between December an informal trail network that grows and Aprilchanges regularly. After And creating and updating the documentation to this evolving trail network relies on voluntary work only. Therefore, this Hikers’ Manual is not expected to be completed in the foreseeable future and will remain a mild winter growing and evolving document. This unfinished nature has been made intentionally visible by displaying empty chapters with less snow than usual you may already set out in November but red “To be aware that some rivers may be impassible high during snowmelt (in particular GPT01-WP018 issued.” remarks and GPT01-WP019)similar comments in red. If you plan to get up This shows what topics are planned to the summit of the Descabezado Grande without carrying crampons you should have better chances at the end of December or later when most of the snow is gonebe covered with future updates and where contributions and reviews are welcome.

===Permits Updates and Entrance Fees===CONAF does register all trekkers at Parque Ingles (GPT01-WP004) but does not charge an entrance fee. Camp fires additions to chapter 1 and chapter 3 are made first in the Hikers’ Manual and not permitted within simultaneously copied to the national park Wikiexplora main article. Therefore, the last published version of the Hikers’ Manual is the most current and comprehensive document available of the GPT. Note the publish date on the cover page in the bottom right corner and check occasionally for updates that reaches from Radal (GPT01-WP001) to are also advertised on the Laguna las Ánimas (GPT01-WP013)Facebook group.

If you wish to hike this trail in reverse from South to North you need to request a entrence permit in advance from You can download the hydropower station Cipreses. If you hike the trail as described GPT Hikers' Manual from North to South you will enter the property “from behind” without noticing it. Once you reach one of the permanentely manned gates they can’t send you back over the mountains but need to let you leave the compound. In contrast, if you try to enter without a permit you are probably turned backDropbox: [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers Manual on Dropbox]

===The Base Camp Descabezado Grande is frequently visited by national and international tourists coming from Vilches Alto. Also horseback tours often stop and rest here.Wikiexplora GPT Section Articles===

Hardly any The GPT route network (with currently more than 20’000 km of tracks) is divided into approx. 90 sections. Collecting and updating all essential information to all these sections can’t impossibly be done by a single author but requires the continuous collaboration of the community. To enable such a collaboration one Wikiexplora article was created for each section of the GPT. These wikies collect all the section specific information and are open for edits and additions by all GPT hikers take . So hikers that enjoy writing can become a co-author by editing the scenic trail section descriptions after their return from the Base Camp Descabezado Grande via GPT.  The informal and unpredictable nature of the Laguna Caracol GPT makes it also relevant that hikers quickly exchange updates and advices while travelling on this evolving route network. This can be information to temporary unpassable trail sections, volcano alerts, river conditions or anything that makes you think in hindsight: “I should have known this before!”. In the hydropower station CipresesWikiexplora section articles, hikers can post such alerts and advices. It’s Additionally, hikers can provide any other beneficial information and suggestion that is not yet included in the section description.  It is my intention to transfer the updated section information into the Hikers’ Manual before the start of each season to make this information available offline (chapter 2.5 Sections with the section documentations). But all hikers are advised the check the corresponding Wikiexplora GPT section articles before starting a hidden gemsection to read the latest updates and alerts of fellow hikers.  To promote an active collaboration, all GPT hikers must sign up in Wikiexplora in order to get access to the GPT track files.  ===The GPT Track Files=== The Greater Patagonian Trail is composed of existing routes that were mainly made by the local settlers to serve their purposes. Hikers are unexpected guests on many of these trails. Only smaller parts of these routes have some kind of trail markers.

A good part the trails and cross-country routes remained undocumented until recorded and published digitally for the GPT. Therefore, suitable paper maps are often not available, and the few existing maps are inconsistent, of variable quality and insufficient to follow major parts the GPT.  The only reliable way to navigate on the GPT is therefore a GPS with the digital track and waypoint documentation that was specifically created for the GPT. This digital documentation with the relevant geographic information consists of multiple files in different file types and is called in the following “GPT Track and Waypoint Documentation” or in short “Track Files”.   Hikers that feel uncomfortable being guided by a GPS need to learn and adapt to this form of navigation or discard the idea of hiking the Greater Patagonian Trail. Such hikers may resort to the established public trails in Patagonia that are better signposted and more suitable for classic navigation with paper maps.   The track files are provided on personal request by the author free of charge but not unconditionally. Read Chapter 1 of the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual] where you find the Code of Conduct on the GPT and the Terms and Conditions for Using the Hikers’ Manual and the Track Files. Review these conditions and read why they were put in place. Should you agree all Terms and Conditions, follow the instructions in Hikers’ Manual.  ===Water SupplyThe GPT Facebook Group===Refill The GPT Facebook Group is a communication platform for past, present and prospective GPT adventurers. Here all hikers can announce their intended plans, seek other hikers to form small groups, post brief summaries after completing a section or simply ask questions.  And what is more important: use the Facebook group to alert other hikers after running into a problem that may also affect others. Do this by first adding your water supply at description and suggestions to the marked river crossings relevant Wikiexplora GPT section article. Then either duplicate this information in the Facebook group or simply refer and link to your update in the campsWikiexplora article.  The GPT Facebook Group is also the location where I now notify hikers when a new version of the Hikers’ Manual is published, when updated track files are available and where I share other news regarding the GPT.  To become member of the [http://bit.ly/GPTfacebook GPT Facebook Group] you need a Facebook account and request access: http://bit.ly/GPTfacebook  ===Publications to the GPT by other Hikers and Packrafters=== With this Hikers’ Manual and the article on Wikiexplora I aim to create a systematic introduction and comprehensive documentation of the GPT. I intentionally try not to overload these documents with personal stories from the trail.  There is another reason why my writing is rather technical. I’m an Engineer by trade, I work as an inspector and issue inspection reports on a regular base. For this I need to carefully choose my words to be factual and precise but also legally sound. Storytelling is neither needed nor welcome in my inspection reports. When numbers are available or when information can be structured into tables or charts than this is always preferred over well phrased verbal descriptions. You will notice these writing habits in the Hikers’ Manual and the Wikiexplora article.  Keeping my personal stories mostly out and maintaining this documentation rather technical benefits a systematic preparation but makes the Hikers’ Manual and the article on Wikiexplora a bit bland. But for most hikers, and this includes me, the personal experience of the land and with the people are the dominating motives for such an endeavour. To tap on more personal experiences during your preparation watch some videos and read some blogs that were issued by GPT hikers in recent years. In between these waypoints publications you find the diverse individual perceptions of the GPT. Some blogs openly describe mishaps and lessons learned and hopefully help other in avoiding the same mistakes.  The Hikers' Manual provides in chapters 3.7 Distinct Contributors and 3.8 Publications to the GPT a collection of links to videos and blogs that I consider particularly useful. <br style="clear:both" /> ==The GPT Route Network== [[File:GPT36H-Ruta_de_los_Pioneros.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT36H: Poorly maintained historic horse trail "Ruta de los Pioneros". Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT16-Quetrupillan.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT16: Circling the volcano Quetrupillan with the volcano Villarica in the background. Image: Jan Dudeck]] The Greater Patagonian Trail is not a hiking trail. Yes, you read correctly so let me repeat one more time: '''The GPT is not a hiking trail.'''   So, what is it then?  The GPT is an informal route network that consists mostly of trails, roads and cross-country routes that were not created with hikers in mind. Most of the trails were made by the local population to serve their purposes, e.g. to drive animals to summer pastures, to get to remote settlements and outposts or to extract wood from the forest. The routes that the GPT is composed of include: * horse trails that are frequently used by the local cowboys (in Chile arriero or puestero, in Argentina gaucho),* poorly maintained and neglected trails that are washed out, trenched and blocked by fallen logs,* minor roads and simple car tracks that are occasionally used by all-terrain vehicles,* trail-less cross-country routes in barren open terrain,* a few short stretches of bush bashing through thick growth* and where no more adventurous route was found also public roads with moderate transit traffic.* Additionally, packrafters can cross mountain lakes, float down generally calm rivers and paddle in the Patagonian fjords.  This diversity makes the GPT so authentic but also inconsistent and in parts challenging.  Since the GPT is an informal route network, few signposts and trail markers facilitate route finding and none of these signs and markers refer to the GPT. The national parks contain some marked trails, though these signs are often unmaintained and inconsistent. Outside of parks you may sporadically see chopped off bark, sun faded strips of plastic, beer cans or even cattle skulls hanging in a tree. That’s no vandalism or littering but how locals occasionally mark a route. But the landlords that regularly use these trails rarely need signposts as they know their trails inside-out and nobody else is expected to come.  On many of these trails a customary right-of-way applies but some routes cross private land and you often can’t distinguish the difference. Therefore, when you venture onto the GPT you are mostly an unexpected guest on trails that were not made for you, and you will trespass over private property. So be at least a respectful and friendly trespasser that can explain in Spanish what you are doing there.  Unlike many long-distance hiking trails, the GPT is not a single-line trail but a wide route network with countless options. When hiking on the GPT you have the privilege and task of composing your own personal route by making your choices along the way. This makes every hike on the GPT a unique and incomparable experience. The number of options becomes evident when comparing the length of the Main Route (approximately 5'000 km) with the total length of all tracks (more than 20’000 km).  The GPT route network starts in the outskirts of the Chilean capital Santiago de Chile and reaches all the way to Tierra del Fuego and Isla Navarino on the southern tip of the continent. The actual length that someone may walk and paddle on the GPT depends highly on the chosen route, the start and the finish point and the method of travel (hiking or packrafting).  The GPT is not a trail that can be hiked efficiently. The trail will find only ocasinally change your plans without asking and inevitably stop you from time to time or even turn you around. Also, the period of suitable hiking weather is in parts quite short. Some sections become traversable December or January after most snow has molten and the rivers calmed down and can be forded safely. In late March or during April fierce snowstorms may make the route impassable again.  The recommended pace on this route network is the "appreciation pace". This pace gives you the time to make an attractive detour, in example to climb a summit next to the trail without worrying about your schedule. This adequate rate of advance permits you to accept the invitation of a poblador (settler) to share some trinking cups of mate or to sit out a day of torrential rain in a puesto (improvised shelter) with an arriero (Chilean cowboy, also called puestero). This adaptable pace permits you to wait in front of a pass if the weather is too volatile or to spend a day or two waiting at a lake if it is too windy to paddle with your packraft.  This trail is therefore not suitable for hikers who are out to race a clock, or those that need full control and measure their success in kilo¬meters or miles. It's for hikers for whom completion is irrelevant, and instead count their enjoyable and eventful days in a pristine and diverse environment. It’s a trail for thoughtful discoverers who can accept being guests and not dominators.  '''All this makes the GPT a discovery network with a good portion of unpredictability but an impressive authenticity.''' <br style="clear:both" /> ==The GPT Terrain: Greater Patagonia== [[File:Pat_map.PNG|thumb|400px|Limits of Patagonia. Image: [https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonia Wikipedia]]][[File:Historic_Map_Patagonia.jpg|thumb|400px|Historic map of Patagonia. Image: [https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonia Wikipedia]]] If you are considering exploring the Greater Patagonian Trail and wish to enjoy the experience, you must be open to experiencing the unknown diversity of this region. If your imagination of Patagonia is based on TV documentaries and travel magazine than you probably have seen primarily these three heavily hyped tourist magnets: * the national park Torres del Paine,* the glacier Perito Moreno and * the surrounding of El Chalten with Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.  These are three truly amazing spots on the eastern edge of the Southern Patagonian Icefield and are internationally known highlights of Patagonia. But these three frequently pictured attractions do not represent the Patagonian diversity. If your primary interest is visiting the heavily trod, famous places of Patagonia then stick to the national parks in the south and bus in between.  The GPT offers much more than this. The Greater Patagonian Trail is rather like a gourmet menu of different courses that allow you to experience the different tastes and textures of Patagonia. It connects the semi-desert of Precordillera with the Patagonian Icefields and the barren volcanos with the damp green rain forest.  The Greater Patagonian Trail crosses most of Patagonia and the adjacent regions to the north. For this reason I named the trail “Greater Patagonian Trail” when I started publishing in 2014. I coined the term "Greater Patagonia" to combine Patagonia in its traditional limits with the adjacent regions like "Greater London" includes the city of London and the surroundings.  The limits of Patagonia are somewhat blurry. This makes it impractical to state where exactly the GPT gets into Patagonia. If taking the administrative limits of Argentina, than you get in throwing range of Patagonia at the end of section GPT05 where you can look over the Argentinian border into the province Neuquén. But with a different understanding you enter Patagonia on section GPT13 where you ford the Río Biobío. Others argue that Patagonia starts with the Chilean administrative region XIV (Región de los Ríos) what makes section GPT16 the gateway into Patagonia. You can be certain to have reached Patagonia on section GPT22 where you arrive at the first Patagonian fjord: the Estuarió de Reloncaví.  For me this discussion about the limits of Patagonia is irrelevant if I can walk and paddle through pristine and varied terrain. Actually, the less known regions north of Patagonia more attractive for hiking. Here you walk more distance high up in the mountains with broad views, here you find the more attractive trails and cross-country routes and here you meet the arrieros and the native Pehuenche people. Also, the climate is more favourable for hiking. During summer, rain is infrequent, and you can mostly enjoy sunny weather.  In contrast, when reaching Patagonia, get ready for frequent and enduring rain. Also, don't expect to walk high up in the mountains in the heartland of Patagonia as there is simply no continuously high mountain range. In Patagonia high mountains are rather like islands that are surrounded by dense temperate rainforest in the west and a semi-desert-like Pampa in the east. These island-like mountains are separated by wide valleys that were carved by giant glaciers during past glacial periods. The wide valleys are now partly filled with lakes that drain their water in powerful rivers into the Patagonian fjords. Therefore, “real Patagonia” is best traveled by packraft because water trickles away easily a packraft gets you on these lakes, rivers and fjords. <br style="clear:both" /> ==[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thru-hiking Thru-Hiking] the GPT== [[File:GPT09-Familia_Carrileo1.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT09: The summer outpost ("puesto") of the Pehuenche family Carrileo near Guallalí. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT09-Familia_Carrileo2.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT09: Being guest of the family Carrileo. Image: Jan Dudeck]] '''This trail was not created to thru-hike Patagonia, it's a route network for immersion-hiking. The GPT does not get you through Patagonia but gets you deep into Patagonia.'''  With the volcanic soil2021 extension the GPT spans about 5000 km in often difficult and slow terrain. This makes the GPT too long to be safely thru-hiked in one season . An experienced thru-hiker may disagree as 5000 km is just 15% longer than the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) but the varied and unpredictable terrain makes this comparison inadequate.Drinking  Therefore, I do not recommend attempting a thru-hike of the water GPT. This focus would require rushing and taking less attractive short cuts, in example deviating from GPT to walk on main roads instead of following the hot springs trails. It inhibits slowing down to fully appreciate the land and share time with the people along the route. And more importantly, someone who tries to thru-hike the GPT in one season is forced to hike some sections off season. This results in unreasonable risks by attempting to cross torrential rivers and climbing to high elevations when fierce blizzards can kill. And remember, when walking these trails, you are just a guest on the land of others. Just the idea of racing through strangers’ backyards is regarded a rude in these remote regions.  '''From a thru-hiking perspective the GPT is less than a long-distance trail.''' There is no clearly defined and well-marked single trail to blaze along, there is no thru-hiking community to trail talk and there are no “trail angels” providing “trail magic”. On the GPT hikers have no domiciliary rights; they are just unexpected guests. Also, the packrafting options do not recommended benefit thru-hiking as they do not make a traverse faster.  And what might be the biggest disappointment for some thru-hikers on the GPT: There is no trail community and thru-hikers do not receive any special admiration because it can upset nobody along the trail distinguishes between thru-hikers, section-hikers, day-hikers, or tourists in general.  '''For respectful explorers the GPT is much more than a long-distance trail.''' It’s a wide network of routes with many hiking options and packrafting in a diverse landscape. A unique blend of people lives along the trails making the hike more of a cultural experience. If approached with respect and interest, then these welcoming people will share much more than just the right-of-way regardless where you are coming from and where you are walking to. On this trail your stomachwillingness and capability to immerse yourself in this culture will be more relevant than the weight of your backpack. Better   If you find Triple Crown Thru-Hikers more credible to speak about thru-hiking the GPT than read in the Hikers' Manual how Lauren Reed (Neon) and Christine Thürmer (German Tourist) experienced the GPT in comparison with the renowned US long distance trails. Lauren was the first hiker to walk the entire length of the GPT in two seasons together with Bethany Hughes (Fidgit).  Someone who wants to explore the entire length of GPT should split this adventure into various seasons. This also facilitates hiking lightly where a packraft would just be a burden and to packraft were the extra weight really pays off. Having more than one season also gives the extra time to take fresh water some of the more demanding but rewarding options.  There is one more reason why a thru-hike of the GPT in the literal sense is not viable. Thru-hiking means walking a complete long-distance trail with connecting footsteps from start to finish typically in one season. This is only possible on a well-defined trail with a set start and finish point. This simply does not apply to the river GPT.  Attempting to thru-hike the GPT is like trying to memorise every word of a book that is still in the making with the first drafts informally shared for peer reviews. It’s pretty pointless and assigns this evolving route network far too much authority. But this unfinished nature of the GPT makes it possible to investigate new routes and become co-authors of the GPT. This is a unique difference to established long-distance trails. You are not limited to just follow a given trail, but you can contribute to the GPT by adding your part to this unfinished story.  Michael Deckebach summarized this conclusion after his 5-months adventure on the GPT with the following words: "The Greater Patagonian Trail is awesome, but (...) not designed for “purists” who get satisfaction from completing every inch of trail or touching every white blaze. Can it be done? Probably, but why try and fit a cold spring nearbysquare peg into a round hole?”. <br style="clear:both" />

When climbing ==Packrafting the Descabezado Grande take plenty of water from the base camp in particular if you plan to spend one night higher up. You may refill your supplies with snow near the summit. GPT==

===Maps===The electronic map Topo Chile Deluxe from Garmin shows the contours precisely but some lakes and smaller river are incorrect displayed[[File:GPT_Fjord_Packrafting. Only few trail sections are integrated. Some of jpg|thumb|500px|GPT28: Reaching the “Alleys” of this electronic map are far off the true position or inexistent. You should use sea after paddling down the Greater Patagonian Trail data files for navigationRío Palena.Image: Jan Dudeck]]

The paper trekking map “Condor Circuit” with When I started planning my first long hike through Patagonia in 2013 I could not find a scale continuous hiking route south of Coñaripe (GPT16) because dense forest hides most of 1:50’000 shows the trail from Parque Ingles to the Base Camp Descabezado Grandetrails on satellite images. This map is But I could see calm rivers and lakes that bridged the gaps and I wondered if there existed a useful supplement light enough boat to the electronic map be carried in particular if you need a backpack to abort traverse these waters. I googled and found the trippackraft. In this case this map can guide on So, the shortest possible trail out of this isolated volcanic area iinitial cause for incorporating packrafting options were insufficient information about the existing trails and not my fascination for amphibious travel.e. to Vilces AltoIt was not until after our first hike that I could add additional hiking routes that now render a packraft expendable but not less beneficial.

===Access to Start===The trail starts In retrospect I’m so glad that I lacked the information about the hidden routes. Otherwise I would probably not have discovered the packraft as the ideal hiking partner for Patagonia. A packraft does not only carry your backpack, it carries you! What matters in this “partnership” is a good balance. You don’t want to carry your packraft most of the tiny village Radal near time but benefit from it as much as possible. And this is the case on sections GPT17 to GPT39. Here the packraft carries you on more than 50% of the distance and this makes it a brilliant deal. Further north (on sections GPT01 to GPT16) a packraft is more burden than benefit and I would only recommend packrafting if you specifically plan to explore a certain lake and the cascade "Siete Tazas"surrounding area.

===Return from Finish===This trail section finished at When packrafting on lakes and rivers we normally do not exceed hiking speed so the Route 115 to Talcapackraft does not make us faster. In contrast, all the packing and unpacking and the extra weight slows us down. But speed is not our objective. What we seek is diversity and a packraft opens up some of the most epic routes in Patagonia.

If you don’t mind read this article to skip the less atractive 10 km streach along the Maule River this point then you can go straight to should definitely download the Route 115 and take [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual from Dropbox] now. Should you have questions that are not answered in the closest bus stop (GPT01-WP045). You Hikers’ Manual than you may also try to get a lift with one of write the hydropower station workers from main gate to Talca or to San Clemente (GPT01-W044)author an email. From San Clemente leave frequent minibuses to TalcaAlso feedbacks are welcome.

==Section 2Email of author: Laguna Dial====Section 2-3: Alternative Long Distance Challange via Las Truchas====Section 3: Volcán Chillan====Section 4: Volcán Antuco====Section 5: Laguna El Barco====Section 6: Guallali====Section 7: Laguna Marinanqui====Section 8: Icalma and Volcán Sollpulli====Section 9: Curarrehue====Section 10: Volcán Quetrupillan====Section 10-12: Alternative via Liquiñe====Section 11: Neltume====Section 12: Lago Pirihueico====Section 13: Volcán Puyehue====Section 14: Volcán Antillanca====Section 15: Lago Todos Los Santos====Section 15: Cochamo==gpt.jan.dudeck@gmail.com

{{GaleriaInicio}}==Gallery==<gallery>Lago Bergues y al fondo se ve el Glaciar Lucia.JPG|Lago Bergues y al fondo se ve el Glaciar Lucía, por Meylin UbillaGlaciar_Lucia.JPG|Glaciar Lucía desde el Lago Bergues, por Meylin Ubilla</gallery>{{GaleriaFinTrekkings Chile}}[[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]][[category:Parche Greater Patagonian Trail]]