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Greater Patagonian Trail

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{{borradorIndexed}}[[category:KMZconTrack]]{{RutaForm2RutaForme
|Actividad=Trekking
|País=Argentina, Chile
|CiudadesArgentina=El Bolsón
|CiudadesChile=CuricóSantiago
|BellezaEscenica=Impresionante
|Atractivos=Vistas panorámicas, Glaciar, Bosque, Flora atractiva, Fauna atractiva, Lago, Laguna, Río, Fiordos, Formación Geológica, Cascada, Parque Nacional
|DuraciónDuracion=más de 90 días|Dificultad Física=Exigente|Dificultad Técnica=Alta
|Sendero=Tramos sin sendero
|Señalizacion=Insuficiente
|Infraestructura=Inexistente
|TipoTrekComparteIdayRetorno=RecorridoCruce|Latitud1=-38|Longitud1=-73|Distancia=1311 km3035000|MetrosAscenso=116000|MetrosDescenso=116000|Comentarios distancia=Regular Route (Hiking Option and Packrafting Option without Exploration Sections)|DesnivelAltitudMedia=46.480 metros900
|Primer Autor=Jan Dudeck
|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
|TipoDeMap=HYBRID
|ComentariosMapa=GPT SAMPLE Minimized (NOT FOR HIKING AND PACKRAFTING) {{colores|red|Trail.}}{{colores|blue|Packraft.}}{{colores|blue|Packraft.}}
}}
==General Description==
[[Archivo:Laguna_Los_Hornitos.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Greater Patagonian Trail: Pass 2540 m viewing to Laguna Los Hornitos. Imagen: Jan Dudeck]]
To be issued.
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==Introduction==
[[File:GPT01-P0115.jpg|thumb|500px|right|GPT06: The volcanos Descabezado Grande and Cerro Azul with the Laguna Caracol to their feet. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT08-Arriero.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT09: Arriero at the base of the Vulcano Antuco. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT06-P0005.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT11: Araucaria trees in the Pehuenche homeland. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT13-P0028.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT18: Cross Country walking on volcanic ash at Cordon Caulle after recent eruption. File: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT28-Rio_Palena.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT28: Packrafting the Río Palena. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT_Glaciar_O'Higgins.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT38: Glaciar O'Higgins coming down from the Southern Icefield. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
The Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT) is a long-distance route network in the southern Andes that spans from the outskirts of Santiago all the way to southern Patagonia.
It’s a stunningly beautiful and diverse trail system that guides you from the semi-desert of the Precordillera into scenic Andes valleys. The trails cross numerous dormant and active volcanos with partially healed volcanic scars and fresh open wounds from recent eruptions. You can take a dip in more than a dozen hot springs along the way to draw from this energy.
Continuing, you will dive into the twilight of lush green temperate rainforest lined by snow covered mountains. Numerous passes and high plains get you above the tree line into barren terrain with broad views. Crystal clear rivers descend from these mountains and feed deep blue lakes along the way. If you packraft you can paddle over lakes and float down rivers all the way into the Patagonian fjords where the Pacific Ocean hits the ragged coast.
Eventually you reach the Southern Patagonian Icefield, one of the world's largest extra-polar Icefields. Here giant rock towers stab into the sky and enormous glaciers calve colossal blocks of ice into wind battered lakes.
On the northern part of the route you will meet solitary cowboys (In Chile called arrieros or puesteros) with their animals. Every spring the livestock is moved on higher ground to 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 provide the traditional food for these sometimes shy and sometimes proud people. When going further south you will meet courageous settlers that have ventured into the challenging back-country of Patagonia. If you are interested, you can listen to their stories while sitting around the warm stove and sharing the traditional drink of this region: Mate. These authentic encounters are part of the beauty of this trail.
In countless locations the trail branches into different routes creating a wide network of tracks that gives you many choices. You may either walk the entire distance or you can bring a packraft to float down rivers and paddle and sail over lakes and fjords.
There are also various volcanoes and other summits along the route that can be ascended without rock climbing gear. I have also included optional tracks that 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.
The Main Route currently spans approximately 5'000 km and the entire route network (including all options) contains more than 20'000 km of tracks.
If 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, the Pacific Crest Trail or the Continental Divide Trail) or if you walked on the European pilgrimage trails (i.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.
Since I started publishing the GPT, I consulted and surveyed more than one hundred people that attempted to walk major parts of the trail. 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.
In 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.
'''Statements about the GPT by Hikers and Packrafters:'''
Bethany Hughes and Lauren Reed (Fidgit and Neon): "This trail has been the most punishing and the most magical experience of my hiking career to date.”
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 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."
Brian Tanzman (Buck-30): "Honestly, I wouldn't recommend hiking the GPT to any of my thru hiking friends."
Garrett Martin: "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 extreme care for the land and the utmost respect for the locals living in this area.".
==Images==
[http://www.panoramio.com/user/7876187?show=best Here you find a selection of images from all 16 sections of the Greater Patagonian Trail.]
==Trail Sections==Carla Lange: "The entire GPT is not a hiking trail consists of 16 sections that require between 2 to 10 days each, it's an adventure and words do not do my experience on it justice. Every section connects seamless with Travelling on the following section GPT was everything but easy (or necessarily fun all the time) but it returned it all and starts and ends near a road with public transportationmore. Therefore each section can be hiked as an individual trail or several sections can be combined Essential pieces of equipment to a longer tripbring on the GPT are your brain and intuition as well as humbleness, respect and openness for the land and people."
The sections 2 and 3 can be combined with an lovely optional trial through a pristine area that bypasses the small village and the road at the finish of section 2 and start of section 3. This double section makes a true long distance endurance challange.
{| class="wikitable"! style="text-alignMatgorzata (Gosia) Gmerek and Paul Bostelmann: left;" | Section Name! style="text“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-align: left;" | Number! style="text-align: left;" | Distance! style="text-align: left;" | Ascent! style="text-align: left;" | Descent! style="text-align: left;" | Days! style="text-align: left;" | Time|-| Volcán Descabezado| GPT01| 103 km| 4970 m ↑| 4870 m ↓| 6 - 10 d| 34 h|-| Laguna Dial| GPT02| 144 km| 5390 m ↑| 5430 m ↓| 7 - 10 d| 43 h|-| Volcán Chillan| GPT03| 129 km| 6420 m ↑| 5820 m ↓| 7 - 10 d| 42 h|-| Alternative Long Distance Challange via Las Truchas| GPT02-03| 279 km| 12710 m ↑| 12100 m ↓| 14 - 21 d| 89 h|-| Volcán Antuco| GPT04| 57 km| 1380 m ↑| 1770 m ↓| 3 - 5 d| 15 h|-| Laguna El Barco| GPT05| 43 km| 1490 m ↑| 1500 m ↓| 2 - 4 d| 13 h|-| Guallali| GPT06| 50 km| 2530 m ↑| 2270 m ↓| 3 - 4 d| 17 h|-| Laguna Marinanqui| GPT07| 82 km| 2870 m ↑| 3030 m ↓| 5 - 7 d| 24 h|-| Laguna Icalma reliance and Volcán Sollpulli| GPT08| 96 km| 2600 m ↑| 2800 m ↓| 5 - 7 d| 27 h|-| Curarrehue| GPT09| 70 km| 1860 m ↑| 1680 m ↓| 3 - 5 d| 19 h|-| Volcán Quetrupillan| GPT10| 59 km| 2080 m ↑| 2870 m ↓| 3 - 5 d| 18 h|-| Neltume| GPT11| 57 km| 950 m ↑| 570 m ↓| 3 - 4 d| 14 h|-| Lago Pirihueico| GPT12| 86 km| 2210 m ↑| 2720 m ↓| 4 - 6 d| 24 h|-| Volcán Puyehue| GPT13| 70 km| 2980 m ↑| 2700 m ↓| 4 - 6 d| 22 h|-| Volcán Antillanca| GPT14| 39 km| 1800 m ↑| 2040 m ↓| 3 - 4 d| 13 h|-| Lago Todos Los Santos| GPT15| 83 km| 2100 m ↑| 2190 m ↓| 4 - 6 d| 22 h|-| Cochamo| GPT16| 145 km| 4850 m ↑| 4690 m ↓| 7 - 10 d| 42 h|-| Total| GPT| 1311 km| 46480 m ↑| 46950 m ↓| 69 - 103 d| 389 h|}wilderness experience is a must.”
<br style==Trail Types==When planning the trip my first choise were hiking or horse trails. Where possible I avoided roads, in particular roads with some traffic. Paved roads were the last choise."clear:both" />
Cross country routes go only through open terrain. In this parts no technical climbing is reuqired and you do not need ==Information to cut your way with a manchete though a dense forest.the GPT==
{| class="wikitable"! style="text-align[[File: left;" GPT_Manual.jpg| Trail Type! style="text-align: left;" thumb| Distance! style="text-align: left;" 500px| PercentageGPT Hiker's Manual]]! style="text-align[[File: left;" GPT_Settler_(2).jpg| Commentthumb|-500px| Minor Dirt Road| 532 km| 40GPT22: Discussing route options with settlers at the Río Puelo.6%Image: Jan Dudeck]]| No or light traffic only. Can also be an abandoned road or a private road that is not open for public use.|[[File:GPT10-| Hiking or Horse Trail| 486 km| 37Peuenche.1%jpg| Mostly visible trail on any terrain.thumb|-500px| Lake (Packraft)| 95 km| 7.3%| Alternative options available if not carrying GPT09: Being guest at a packraft.Pehuenche family: Fresh milk, fresh cheese, fresh meat! Image: Jan Dudeck]]|[[File:GPT07-Laguna_del_Maule.jpg| Mayor Dirt Roadthumb| 83 kmright| 6.3%500px| Public dirt roads GPT07: Horse riding with moderate trafficDanilo and Jito (the founder and horse riding guide of [http://www.|chile-| Cross Country| 73 km| 5horseriding.6%| Track that pases through open landscape without a visisble trailcom/ www.|chile-| To be verfied| 15 km| 1horseriding.2%| Remains to be hiked and recorded by GPS to update com]) at the trail file. Alternative option available if not in explorers mooddormant Supervolcano Laguna del Maule.Image: Jan Dudeck]]|[[File:GPT09-Laguna_de_las_Lajas.jpg| River (Packraft)thumb| 15 km500px| 1GPT09: Circling the volcano Antuco.1%Image: Jan Dudeck]]| Alternative options available if not carrying a packraft[[File:GPT18-Lago_Pirihueco.jpg|-thumb| Paved Road500px| 11 km| 0.8%| Only few shorter segments GPT18: Camping at the start or finish shore of a sectionsLago Pirihueco.Image: Jan Dudeck]]|[[File:GPT28P-Ferry.jpg| Totalthumb| 1311 kmright| 100.0%500px| |}GPT28P: Patagonian fjords seen from the ferry on the way from Raul Marin Balmaceda to Puerto Chacabuco. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
==Expected Duration==Hiking the complete trail requires approxThe GPT is an informal route network therefore you will not find any “official” information. 90 In the following I list all relevant resources that help to 120 days. This inculdes some rest days, resupply bus trips to nearby towns understand the GPT and an occasional day lost to bad weatherget prepared for an adventure on this trail system.
==Recommended Season==
If you plan to hike the entire trail starting with section 1 you should leave within December.
On the first sections several rivers and high passes need to be crossed. In particular high river-water-levels during snowmelt may make the river crossings difficult and dangerous until early December. Therefore leaving before December may put you in risk when crossing rivers and passes. If you leave after December you may be surprised by the heralds of the winter before reaching the finish. ===This GPT Wikiexplora Article===
If you do not insist in hiking all trail sections in This Wikiexplora article to the correct sequence you have more options when and where GPT is the internet gateway to startthis trail system. If you have a packraft you may in example set out already in late October or November at It is the start of section 11 in Coñaripe (first packraft section). This also give you the advantage of floating down the river Caucuá with a comfortable high riversemi-water-level during snow melt. Once you reached the finish of section 16 your can travel by bus to the start of section 1 official landing point for anyone searching information online and provides an hike introduction to the point GPT. Wikiexplora is the cradle where you the GPT publication started in 2014 and remains the trip“online home”.
==Trekking Direction==
The generally recommended trekking direction is southbound even if most sections can be hiked in either direction.
Some sections require an entrance permit if you hike northboundThe Wikiexplora article comes with one weakness: offline access while being on the GPT. This limitation applies to section 1Therefore, 2-3 and 12the [http://bit. Without ly/GPTguide GPT Hikers’ Manual] was created in 2017. With this, the Wikiexplora GPT main article is now neither the only nor the best resource to get ready for an entrance permit you may be “kicked out” adventure on the GPT but if you walk southbound you may be asked the Wikiexplora articles provides an introduction to leave anyone “just browsing around”. And the property in Wikiexplora article gives access to the direction [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual] that you are hiking anywaycan be downloaded from Dropbox.
Also for section 11 the southbound limitation applies but for a different reason. Only in this direction you can float down the river Caucuá with your packraft. If you want to hike section 11 northbound you need to take a rather boring dirt road with moderate traffic.
For section 15 the recommended trekking direction is also southbound. If you go south you can ask shortly before reaching the Lago Todos Los Santos a local settler for a private boat transfer. In the other direction this may not work as easy. So if you do not have a packraft or if you are unsure that you really want to cross such a rather large lake with a tiny boat than hike the section 15 southbound.===The GPT Hikers Manual===
==Logistical Considerations==The Hikers’ Manual is the primary source of information for the GPT and can be downloaded free of charge at: http://bit.ly/GPTguide
===Food Supply===
There are no proper shops along the first seven sections of the trail. The first regular food store on the trail comes after 600 km at the finish of section 7. But there is a road with public transportation at the end of each section that gives you the opportunity to take a bus and to travel to the next village or town to resupply. A true through-hike would require the setup of food depots on strategic points along the route.
On this trail, in particular on the first seven sections you will meet shepherds on the summer pastures with their annimals (cattle, sheep, goats and horses). Depending on the altutude and the snow melt they migrate up between October and January and return home in April or May. These shepherds, locally called "Postero", live in imporvised permanent shelters, called "Puesto". They bring large quantities The Hikers’ Manual consists of food with their horses and mules up in the mountains. You may ask them for food, in particular for flour and bread or whatever they are willing to sell. If you are desperate for meet they may sell you a goat or a sheep but be aware, the smallest quantity for sale is typically half an annimal. To communicate with the locals you need to be speak Spanish.three parts:
On section 5 to 10 you will cross the Araucania region with plenty of impressive Araucaria trees. What we liked on this trees were not just the imposing figure of these living fossiles* 1 Introduction and General Information, but the nutritious fruits rich in carbohydrates. The indigious Pehuenche people teached us how to harvest * 2 Terrain and Section Information and prepare this food. You can gather these Araucaria "piñoes" between February * 3 Appendix and AprilIndices.
The product range in smaller villages and towns is limited. In particular dehydrated trekking food may not be offered at all. If you prefer to have some special stuff that you find only in Santiago or that you bring with you from overseas you have the following option: You pack a box with food and other gear in Santiago and send the box with one of the mayor bus companies to a town where you plan a resupply stop. To send the box you do not need any address in this town; all you need to do is making yourself the recipient of your own package. The bus company will ship your box to this town in 1 or 2 days and store it until you pick it up (storage of up to 30 days is free of charge). There you can take out of your box whatever you need and resend the box to the next resupply town.
===Visa===As Chapter 1 provides a non-Chilean tourist with general overview and a regular tourist visa you can stay up to 90 days in Chilegood understanding of the nature of the GPT. The easiest way to renew your visa is travelling to Argentina before You should read the entire chapter 1 thoroughly if you complete consider hiking on this route network because this part of the Hikers’ Manual guides you through your 90 days and return a few days later to Chile. On re-entry you will normally be granted another 90 dayspreparation.
==Recommended Equipment==
===GPS and Electronic Map===
To be issued.
===Solar Charger===To be issuedChapter 2 familiarizes you with the geography of the southern Andes and describes each section of the GPT. This local knowledge is essential to thoughtfully select your route on this vast network and to prepare yourself for each section while hiking. Therefore, parts of chapter 2 are important during the preparation phase while other parts will become your guide when hiking on the GPT.
===Packraft===
A packraft is a light-weight inflatable boat designed to be carried in the backpack when not needed but to carry the backpacker and his backpack over lakes and rivers when he needs it. A packraft is recommended for sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16.
Chapter 3 goes deep into specific topics. You 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 contains valuable additional information that contribute to a profound understanding of the GPT and the region.
[http://www.panoramio.com/user/7876187/tags/Packraft Here you find some images of our packraft.]
The Hikers’ Manual is not available on paper but only as a PDF document. It is designed to be read on a computer or on a smart¬phone while being online or offline. Therefore, it is issued in the screen-friendly 9:16 page format. When reading this document it is best to use full screen slide mode in landscape orientation. Normal vertical scrolling is less practical. Install a suitable app on your smartphone if needed.
The packraft made our trip much more diverse. It was so great to walk to the shore of a lake or river, take the backpack down, inflate the boat, store the gear, take a seat and row off.
At the two larger lakes you can alternatively take a daily ferry (Lago Pirihueco) or a private boat transfer (Lago Todos Los Santos)The Greater Patagonian Trail is an informal trail network that grows and changes regularly. For all other lakes And creating and rivers alternative trails, that circumvent updating the water are included in the GPS File for Trekking below. So you can bypass documentation to this evolving trail network relies on food all water sections if you do voluntary work only. Therefore, this Hikers’ Manual is not have a packraft or if wind and weather does not permit expected to be completed in the crossing of foreseeable future and will remain a lake growing and evolving document. This unfinished nature has been made intentionally visible by displaying empty chapters with a rather tiny boatred “To be issued.” remarks and similar comments in red. This shows what topics are planned to be covered with future updates and where contributions and reviews are welcome.
==Dangers and Annoyances==
To be issued.
==GPS File for Trekking==The KMZ file displayed on the satellite map above is optimized Updates and additions to provide a good overview but does not include waypoints chapter 1 and detailed information for hikingchapter 3 are made first in the Hikers’ Manual and not simultaneously copied to the Wikiexplora main article. Therefore , the file below should be downloaded last published version of the Hikers’ Manual is the most current and used if you actually plan to hike a section or 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 are also advertised on the entire Greater Patagonian TrailFacebook group.
You can download the GPT Hikers' Manual from Dropbox: [[Mediahttp:GreaterPatagonianTrail-20140726//bit.kmz|Greater Patagonian Trail with Waypoints, Options and Alternatives (kmz file, update from 2014-Jul-26)]ly/GPTguide Hikers Manual on Dropbox]
===The file is organized in folders and subfolders for a better overview in particular when viewing and organizing the trail on a computer. There is one folder for each section and each section contains a subfolder for waypoints and a subfolder for tracks.Wikiexplora GPT Section Articles===
===Waypoints===The waypoints are named GPT route network (with the item currently more than 20’000 km of interest at the waypoint. A running number tracks) is added in brackets divided into approx. 90 sections. Collecting and updating all essential information to all these sections can’t impossibly be able to refer in done by a single author but requires the trail description to 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 waypointsinformation and are open for edits and additions by all GPT hikers. The GPS normally displays So hikers that enjoy writing can become a co-author by editing the section descriptions after their return from the entire waypoint nameGPT.
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align: left;" | Item
! style="text-align: left;" | Comment
|-
| Border
| Point where the trail crosses the actual border between Chile and Argentina. The border control is typically in a different location.
|-
| Border Control
| Location where the police performs the exit and entry control. If you plan to cross the border you need to actively seek the police at the border control. You will not be given an entry step without getting the exit stamp first.
|-
| Bridge
| Pedestrian or vehicle bridge. May be in poor state.
|-
| Bus Stop
| Marked or unmarked bus stop. In most places buses will stop at any location if you clearly signal the driver that want to take a ride. Ask locals for the bus frequency and times.
|-
| Cable Car River Crossing
| style="vertical-align:top" | At larger rivers that cannot be crossed by food cable cars may be installed. Ask the locals how to operate the cable car to cross the river.
|-
| Camp
| Location suitable for camping. If not stated otherwise water and fire wood is available nearby.
|-
| Carabineros
| Chilean local police. To control the border small partly improvised police posts are setup and manned during the summer in remote areas. Whenever you reach such a police post report to them and explain your plans. We were always treated very nicely.
|-
| CONAF
| Corporación Nacional Forestal. Conaf is the governing body of all National parks of Chile, including those without forest or major vegetation.
|-
| Diversion
| Location where the trails splits or where attention is needed to no miss the correct trail.
|-
| Ferry
| Public ferry.
|-
| Food
| Location where you may get food or a meal.
|-
| Gate
| Gate that may be locked. We several times climbed over such gates.
|-
| Hot Spring
| Natural geothermal hot spring.
|-
| Hotel
| There are not many hotels along the trail so if you get there is rare opportunity to pamper yourself.
|-
| Lake
| Fresh water lake.
|-
| Lodging
| Accommodation of any type that is not a hotel. May be a simple room in a private house with a family (hospedaje familiar) or a bungalow (cabaña).
|-
| Mini Shop
| Small shop or kiosk with a limited product range. If closed ask at the houses nearby for attention.
|-
| Pass
| Mountain pass. The pass elevation is normally added.
|-
| Puesto
| Improvised shelter or house in a remote area that is temporary used during the summer. If locked do not enter except in emergencies. If open you may use the shelter if needed with the appropriate respect.
|-
| Refuge
| Shelter that is open for public use.
|-
| Restaurant
| Restaurant but not expect a sophisticated cuisine but a meal that fills.
|-
| River Crossing
| River crossing without a bridge or a cable car. Water levels may change significant with snow melt, rain and daytime. If the river is feed by snowmelt water levels are normally lowest in the morning. Since rivers can change their bed look for the optimal spot where to cross and do not rely on the waypoint but your own judgment.
|-
| Sea
| Access to the sea.
|-
| Settlement
| Group of permanently inhabited houses.
|-
| Settler
| Single permanently inhabited house.
|-
| Shop
| Shop with a wider product range. If closed ask at the houses nearby for attention.
|-
| Start
| Starting point of a section.
|-
| Summit
| Summit of a volcano along the trial that can be climbed on an optional side trip.
|-
| Trail Head
| Location where a trail starts on a road. Attention is needed to no miss this trail.
|-
| w/o Water
| Camp or Puesto without drinking water near by. If you plan to camp at such a location you should carry sufficient water for one night.
|-
| w/o Wood
| Camp or Puesto without drinking fire wood. If you plan to camp at such a location you should either carry a camping stove or sufficient fire wood for one night.
|-
| Water
| Location where you can get drinking water. The water may need to be filtered, boiled or chemically treated to be fit for drinking.
|-
| $
| Camp or Hot Spring where you need to pay.
|-
|?
| Not verified waypoint. The unconfirmed waypoints are based on satellite images, maps or tales from locals. Whenever you can confirm or correct such a waypoint, you are welcome to send the waypoint with a comment to the author of this trail for update of the GPS File.
|}
The informal and unpredictable nature of the 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 Wikiexplora section articles, hikers can post such alerts and advices. Additionally, hikers can provide any other beneficial information and suggestion that is not yet included in the section description.
Example waypoint name: “Start (GPT01-WP001)”
* Start: Item of interest, in this case 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 1documentations). But all hikers are advised the check the corresponding Wikiexplora GPT section articles before starting a section to read the latest updates and alerts of fellow hikers.
* GPT: Greater Patagonian Trail
* 01: Section 1To promote an active collaboration, all GPT hikers must sign up in Wikiexplora in order to get access to the GPT track files.
* WP: Waypoint
* 001: Running number===The GPT Track Files===
===Tracks===The track of each section Greater Patagonian Trail is broken into smaller segments composed of existing routes that were mainly made by the local settlers to differentiate between different trail typesserve their purposes. Each section consists Hikers are unexpected guests on many of these trails. Only smaller parts of these routes have some kind of up to 20 such trail segmentsmarkers.
Used trail types 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.
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align: left;" | Trail Type
! style="text-align: left;" | Number/Letter
! style="text-align: left;" | Comment
|-
| Cross Country
| 0
| Track that pases through open landscape without a visisble trail.
|-
| Hiking or Horse Trail
| 1
| Mostly visible trail on any terrain.
|-
| Minor Dirt Road
| 2
| No or light traffic only. Can also be an abandoned road or a private road that is not open for public use.
|-
| Mayor Dirt Road
| 3
| Public dirt roads with moderate traffic.
|-
| Paved Road
| 4
| Only few shorter segments at the start or finish of a sections.
|-
| Lake (Packraft)
| L
| Alternative options available if not carrying a packraft.
|-
| River (Packraft)
| R
| Alternative options available if not carrying a packraft.
|-
| Sea (Packraft)
| S
| Alternative options available if not carrying a packraft.
|-
| Ferry
| F
| Alternative ferry over lakes if not carrying a packraft.
|-
| To be verfied
|?
| Remains to be hiked and recorded by GPS to update the trail file. Alternative option available if not in explorers mood.
|-
| Options and Alternatives
| X
| A "-X" is added to the track name for optional side trips or alternatives i.e. trails around lakes.
|}
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”.
Example track name: "GPT01-TR006-1"
* GPT: 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.
* 01: Section 1
* TRThe 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 TrackFiles. Review these conditions and read why they were put in place. Should you agree all Terms and Conditions, follow the instructions in Hikers’ Manual.
* 006: Running number
* 1: Trail type, in this exmaple its a hiking trail or horse trail===The GPT Facebook Group===
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.
A "X" is added to the track name for optional side trips or alternative trails.
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 description and suggestions to the relevant Wikiexplora GPT section article. Then either duplicate this information in the Facebook group or simply refer and link to your update in the Wikiexplora article.
Example track name: "GPT01-TR007-0-X"
The "X" at the end means that this GPT Facebook Group is an optional side trip. In this example its also the optional climb to the summit location where I now notify hikers when a new version of the volcano Descabezado GrandeHikers’ Manual is published, when updated track files are available and where I share other news regarding the GPT.
===Distances, Ascent, Descent and Walking Time===
This trail description contains plenty of numbers for distances, altitudes, ascents, descents and even walking times. All these numbers are based on the "cleaned" GPS track without our occasional seek and search detours. Also all altitudes, ascents and descents are based on a digital map with a quite precise altitude profile.
These numbers are therefore also free To become member of accumulated "GPS noise" and "barometric altimeter noise" that increase the measured distances, ascents and descents when recording the track by GPS while hiking[http://bit. So, don't be surprised if your GPS will always indicate longer distances, more ascents ly/GPTfacebook GPT Facebook Group] you need a Facebook account and decents even if you stay on the trail. A deviation of 10% is typicalrequest access: http://bit.ly/GPTfacebook
The walking times provided here are estimated moving times without any breaks and rests. When evalutating our GPS records I was surprised that we did not move nearly one third of the time between leaving the camp in the morning and stopping again in the evening. It did not appear to us that we make such long breaks but the GPS record does not lie. So a walking time of 6 hours means more or less a 9 hour hiking day adding normal breaks to to eat, take pictures, verify navigation, chating with the locals on the trail or harvesting some piñoes.
The estimated walking time is calculated purely based on distances, ascents and descents. I opted to use such a calculation because it removes the unnecessary seek and search detours and the factor of having a good day or a bad day. I developed and verified this calculation method based on all our GPS records and was surprised myself that such a simplified calculation provides quite reliable estimates. The calculated times correspond closely with our actual walking time. If applied ===Publications to our actual GPS records the average deviation per day is 15 minutes GPT by other Hikers and never more than 50 minutes.Packrafters===
The used calculation factors are:* 12:23 minutes per km (corresponds with 4.8 km/h With this Hikers’ Manual and the article on Wikiexplora I aim to create a level systematic introduction and comprehensive documentation of the GPT. I intentionally try not to overload these documents with personal stories from the trail)* 11:26 minutes per 100 m ascent* 3:44 minutes per 100 m descent.
These factors resulted in the smallest average deviation to our actual moving time.
==VerificationsThere is another reason why my writing is rather technical. I’m an Engineer by trade, Additional Options I work as an inspector and Extensions=====Verifications===The GPS File for Trekking above contains issue inspection reports on a few not verified track regular base. For this I need to carefully choose my words to be factual and waypoints because we did not hike all the options and alternativesprecise but also legally sound. This unconfirmed tracks and waypoints Storytelling is neither needed nor welcome in my inspection reports. When numbers are based on satellite images, maps available or tales from locals and have a question mark “?” 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 name. So you know on what items you can rely on Hikers’ Manual and where your explorer’s skills are needed. Tracks that need to be explored can also be recognized on unnatural straight linesthe Wikiexplora article.
Whenever you walk such a not verified trial, you are welcome to record the trail by GPS and send the file with a comment to the author of this trail for update of the GPS File.
===Additional Options===If you know Keeping my personal stories mostly out and maintaining this documentation rather technical benefits a better or simply an interesting alternative trailsystematic preparation but makes the Hikers’ Manual and the article on Wikiexplora a bit bland. But for most hikers, that fits well into and this Greater Patagonian Trail you are invited to be become co-author by sending your proposal with a GPS File to includes me, the personal experience of the land and with the people are the dominating motives for such an endeavour. I will review it To tap on more personal experiences during your preparation watch some videos and incorporate it read some blogs that were issued by GPT hikers in recent years. In these publications you find the master filediverse individual perceptions of the GPT. This applies also to helpful new waypointsSome blogs openly describe mishaps and lessons learned and hopefully help other in avoiding the same mistakes.
===Extensions===
This trail is not finished yet. There is plenty of terrain left till this trail finally reaches the southern tip of Patagonia and ends either on the shores of the Magellan street or even on Tierra del Fuego. So, if you hiked a section that extends this trail further south or that simply covers an area that is not included yet you are more than welcome to become a co-author by contributing your trail.
The trail should get you further south on a route that is worthwhile hikingHikers' Manual provides in chapters 3. It should consist mainly of horse trails or minor dirt road with no or insignificant traffic7 Distinct Contributors and 3. Walking i.e. long distances on 8 Publications to the Careterra Austral seams not tempting GPT a collection of links to me. If I take the Careterra Austral, than videos and blogs that I rather do it by bicycleconsider particularly useful.
The route should be passable without a manchete, technical climbing or superman skills. Cross country through of an open landscape is great but I do not want to fight me tree by tree through dense tampered rainforest.<br style="clear:both" />
It does not matter at all if the trail is on the Argentine side or the Chilean side as long as it does not depend on clandestine border crossings. If you get catched in particular by the Chilean carabiñieros without a valid stamp you may get expelled and this makes not a nice finish of such a trip.==The GPT Route Network==
==Creation of the Greater Patagonian Trail==[[File:GPT36H-Ruta_de_los_Pioneros.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT36H: Poorly maintained historic horse trail "Ruta de los Pioneros". Image: Jan Dudeck]]To be issued[[File:GPT16-Quetrupillan.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT16: Circling the volcano Quetrupillan with the volcano Villarica in the background.Image: Jan Dudeck]]
==Section 1The Greater Patagonian Trail is not a hiking trail. Yes, you read correctly so let me repeat one more time: Volcán Descabezado==* '''Duration: 6 to 8 days'''* '''Distance: 103 km'''* '''Ascent: 4970 meters ↑'''* '''Descent: 4870 meters ↓The GPT is not a hiking trail.'''
* ''Option 1: Climb to the summit of the volcano Descabezado Grande''** ''Duration: 1 to 2 days''** ''Distance: 16 km''** ''Ascent: 2030 meters ↑''** ''Descent: 2030 meters ↓''So, what is it then?
* ''Option 2: Explore 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 hidden lakes''** ''Duration: ½ serve their purposes, e.g. to 1 day''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:
===Summary===The first stage of the Greater Patagonian Trail gets you right into a mind-blowing volcanic theatre. The landscape is transformed * horse trails that are frequently used by numerous powerful eruptions of the volcano Descabezado Grande and it’s equally potent smaller brothers local cowboys (in the surrounding. During the last major outbreak Chile arriero or puestero, in 1932 the Quizapu; 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 parasitic crater 6 km south few short stretches of the main crater; vomited an estimated 25 cubic kilometer of lava bush bashing through thick growth* and volcanic ashwhere 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.
After leaving the forest you will step through endless fields of pumice, climb three passes and cross a 4 km wide lava river. The struggle is rewarded with amazing outlooks, deep blue lakes and lagoons that suddenly pop in a surreal scenery and two thermal springs. Here you can soak up heat during a freezing night while admiring a sky full of stars. You can even cook your meal on one of the hot steam vents.
As an option your may climb to This diversity makes the 3900 m high summit of the “Great Decapitated”; this is what Descabezado Grande means. It’s a demanding long GPT so authentic but technically uncomplicated ascentalso inconsistent and in parts challenging.
You can also explore two hidden lagoons; one that fills an ancient crater and a second one that was dammed up by another
smaller volcano. Both lakes are not far of the trail near a scenic camp site.
===Images===[http://wwwSince 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.panoramioThe national parks contain some marked trails, though these signs are often unmaintained and inconsistent.com/user/7876187/tags/GPT%20Section%2001 Here Outside of parks you find a selection of images of section 1 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 Greater Patagonian Traillandlords that regularly use these trails rarely need signposts as they know their trails inside-out and nobody else is expected to come.]
===Expected Duration===
The trail can be hiked in 6 days but plan some contingency in case of bad weather or if you suddenly fall in love with one of the amazing places on the route. If the climate does not favor you, than you should not attempt to cross the passes. In this region bad weather normally does not last long so you are probably better off siting out a bad day.
If On many of these trails a customary right-of-way applies but some routes cross private land and you are tempted to get up to often can’t distinguish the summit of difference. Therefore, when you venture onto the Descabezado Grande (GPT01-WP028) add two more daysGPT you are mostly an unexpected guest on trails that were not made for you, and you will trespass over private property. The climb can So be done in one long day or split up in two days when camping one night at least a bit further uprespectful and friendly trespasser that can explain in Spanish what you are doing there.
===Recommended Season===
This traverse is best be hiked between December and April. After a mild winter with less snow than usual you may already set out in November but be aware that some rivers may be impassible high during snowmelt (in particular GPT01-WP018 and GPT01-WP019). If you plan to get up 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 gone.
===Trekking Direction===The treck can be hiked in either direction but doing it from South to North requires an entrence permit from Unlike many long-distance hiking trails, the hydropower station Cipreses (See Permits and Entrance Fees). Therefore southbound GPT is the recommended direction. ===Permits and Entrance Fees===CONAF does register all trekkers at Parque Ingles (GPT01not a single-WP004) line trail but does not charge an entrance fee. Camp fires are not permitted within the national park that reaches from Radal (GPT01-WP001) to the Laguna las Ánimas (GPT01-WP013). If you want to see the cascades Siete Tazas about 7 km after the start in Radal you are charged a rather high entrance fee depending if you are a national or a foreign touristwide route network with countless options. If you don’t want to spend the money and the time don’t worry; you will see plenty more cascades for free When hiking on the Greater Patagonian Trail. If GPT you wish to hike this trail in reverse from South to North you need to request a entrence permit in advance from have the hydropower station Cipreses. If you hike the trail as described from North to South you will enter the property “from behind” without noticing it. Once you reach one privilege and task of composing your own personal route by making your choices along the permanentely manned gates they can’t send you back over the mountains but need to let you leave the compoundway. In contrast, if you try to enter without a permit you are probably turned back. ===Inhabitation and Tourism===The last settlement This makes every hike on the trail is Parque Ingles about 10 km after Radal. This is also the last opportunity to spoil yourself with a good meal in GPT a restaurant unique and to buy some goodiesincomparable experience. On The number of options becomes evident when comparing the trail that follows are only two occasionally used puestos; one at length of the Termas de Azufre Main Route (GPT01-WP020approximately 5'000 km) and a second one at with the Base Camp Descabezado Grande total length of all tracks (GPT01-WP024more than 20’000 km).The first 20 km from Radal to El Bolson are a popular hiking destination for national tourists. Some go up to the Laguna las Ánimas but few continue beyond this point. 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. Hardly any hikers take the scenic trail from the Base Camp Descabezado Grande via the Laguna Caracol to the hydropower station Cipreses. It’s a hidden gem. ===Food Supply===You need to carry all the food for the entire trail. There is no food supply after Parque Ingles. If you meet arrieros at one of the Puestos you may ask for some goat or lamb meet but if you are not ready to take an entire or at least half an animal they may be reluctant to sell.
===Water Supply===
Refill your water supply at the marked river crossings and the camps. In between these waypoints your will find only ocasinally some trinking water because water trickles away easily into the volcanic soil.
Drinking the water of the hot springs is not recommended because it can upset your stomach. Better take fresh water from the river or a cold spring nearby.
When climbing The GPT route network starts in the Descabezado Grande take plenty outskirts of water from the base camp in particular if you plan Chilean capital Santiago de Chile and reaches all the way to spend one night higher upTierra del Fuego and Isla Navarino on the southern tip of the continent. You The actual length that someone may refill your supplies with snow near walk and paddle on the summitGPT depends highly on the chosen route, the start and the finish point and the method of travel (hiking or packrafting).
===Maps===
The electronic map Topo Chile Deluxe from Garmin shows the contours precisely but some lakes and smaller river are incorrect displayed. Only few trail sections are integrated. Some of the “Alleys” of this electronic map are far off the true position or inexistent. You should use the Greater Patagonian Trail data files for navigation.
The paper trekking map “Condor Circuit” with GPT is not a scale of 1:50’000 shows the trail that can be hiked efficiently. The trail will change your plans without asking and inevitably stop you from Parque Ingles time to time or even turn you around. Also, the Base Camp Descabezado Grande. This map period of suitable hiking weather is a useful supplement to the electronic map in particular if you need to abort parts quite short. Some sections become traversable December or January after most snow has molten and the triprivers calmed down and can be forded safely. In this case this map can guide on late March or during April fierce snowstorms may make the shortest possible trail out of this isolated volcanic area i.e. to Vilces Altoroute impassable again.
===Difficulty===
The isolation and the high passes make this a rather difficult but rewarding trail. Good orientational skill are required because hardly any signposts are placed and some parts of the trail are cross country.
===Access to Start===The trail starts in recommended pace on this route network is the tiny village Radal near the cascade "Siete Tazasappreciation 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 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.
During the main season in January and February several buses go from Molina and Curico to Radal and some even go all the way to Parque Ingles. Outside of the main season there is only one daily bus from Molina to Radal leaving in the afternoon from the rural bus station in Molina.
===Return from Finish===This trail section finished at the Route 115 is therefore not suitable for hikers who are out to Talcarace 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 spring and summer run four buses per day on the route 115 between La Mina and Talca. La Mina is about 4 km up the road from the hydropower station Cipreses. In La Mina is the Chilean border control post and a thermal spring. Simply wait at the main road at one of the unmarked bus stops for the bus to Talca and call the attention of the bus driver when he approaches (GPT01-WP043 or GPT01-WP045). You may also try to hitchhike.
From where to return best depends if you want to connect with the next section of the Greater Patagonian Trail without leaving any gap. If you insist on hiking every step of the trail you should take the bus stop at the El Melado junction (GPT01-WP043). At '''All this junction starts makes the section 2 GPT a discovery network with a good portion of this long distance trailunpredictability but an impressive authenticity.'''
If you don’t mind to skip the less atractive 10 km streach along the Maule River then you can go straight to the Route 115 and take the closest bus stop (GPT01-WP045). You may also try to get a lift with one of the hydropower station workers from main gate to Talca or to San Clemente (GPT01-W044). From San Clemente leave frequent minibuses to Talca.<br style="clear:both" />
===Suggested Stages=The GPT Terrain: Greater Patagonia==
{| class="wikitable"! style="text-align[[File: left;" Pat_map.PNG|Stage! style="text-align: left;" thumb|Days! style="text-align: left;" 400px|Stage End Point! style="text-alignLimits of Patagonia. Image: left;" |Stage End Waypoint! style="text-align[https: left;" |Distance//es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonia Wikipedia]]]! style="text-align[[File: left;" Historic_Map_Patagonia.jpg|Ascent ↑! style="text-align: left;" thumb|Descent ↓! style="text-align: left;" |Time|-| A| 1| (Start to) El Boslon| Refuge (GPT01-WP011)| 20 km| 1180 m| 140 m400px| 06Historic map of Patagonia. Image:10|-| B| 1| Laguna Mondaca| Camp (GPT01-WP016)| 16 km| 1000 m| 1210 m| 05[https:20|-| C| 1| Termas de Azufre| Hot Spring, Camp & Puesto (GPT01-WP020)| 8 km| 690 m| 180 m| 03:00|-| D| 1| Base Camp Descabezado Grande| Camp & Puesto (GPT01-WP024)| 19 km| 920 m| 1010 m| 06:00|-| E| 1-2| Optional: Climb to Summit Descabezado Grande| Camp & Puesto (GPT01-WP024)| 16 km| 2030 m| 2030 m| 08:00|-| F| 1-2| Laguna Hornitos and optional side trip to hidden lakes| Camp (GPT01-WP036)| 16 km| 1010 m| 900 m| 05:40|-| G| 1-2| Finish| Bus Stop (GPT01-WP043) or Bus Stop (GPT01-WP045)| 25 km| 170 m| 1430 m| 06:00|}//es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonia Wikipedia]]]
'''Stage A: Start If you are considering exploring the Greater Patagonian Trail and wish to El Bolson'''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:
If you leave in * the morning in Radal you can reach in one day national park Torres del Paine,* the camp glacier Perito Moreno and refuge * the surrounding of El Bolson. Parque Ingles is a good place for a lunch breakChalten with Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
'''Stage B: El Boslon to Laguna Mondaca'''
From El Bolson you get in one day to the Laguna Mondaca. If you partition this stage differently be aware that there These are no inviting camp sites between three truly amazing spots on the Laguna las Ánimas and eastern edge of the Laguna MondacaSouthern Patagonian Icefield and are internationally known highlights of Patagonia. This stage should But these three frequently pictured attractions do not be attempted represent the Patagonian diversity. If your primary interest is visiting the heavily trod, famous places of Patagonia then stick to the national parks in bad weatherthe south and bus in between.
'''Stage C: Laguna Mondaca to Termas de Azufre'''
Going from the Laguna Mondaca to the Termas de Azufre makes The GPT offers much more than this. The Greater Patagonian Trail is rather like a short relexing day and gives gourmet menu of different courses that allow you pleanty of time to enjoy Laguna Mondaca in experience the morning before leaving different tastes and textures of Patagonia. It connects the hot springs in afternoon semi-desert of Precordillera with the Patagonian Icefields and evening when arriving. If the sulfor smell at barren volcanos with the hot spring bothers you, than you can camp on one of the meadows a bit further updamp green rain forest.
'''Stage D: Termas de Azufre to Base Camp Descabezado Grande'''
The rather long day hike from Greater Patagonian Trail crosses most of Patagonia and the hot springs adjacent regions to the base camp Descabezado Grande requires reasonable good weather as you cross a 2700 m passnorth. 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.
'''Optional Stage E: Summit Descabezado'''
The climb can be done in one day or split up in two. The disavantage limits of doing 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 two days is throwing range of Patagonia at the leak end of a reliable water supply further up towards section GPT05 where you can look over the summit once Argentinian border into the snow is goneprovince Neuquén. If But with a different understanding you do the climb in one day enter Patagonia on section GPT13 where you may desire a rest day either before or after ford the climbRío Biobío. An extra day gives 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 also a buffer if arrive at the first Patagonian fjord: the weather is not optimal for an ascentEstuarió de Reloncaví.
'''Stage F: Base Camp Descabezado Grande to Laguna Hornitos'''
This stage For me this discussion about the limits of Patagonia is irrelevant if I can be hiked in one daywalk and paddle through pristine and varied terrain. Actually, the less known regions north of Patagonia more attractive for hiking. Alternatively Here you may partition this stage walk more distance high up in two if you want to explore the hidden lakes after the Laguna Caracol or if mountains with broad views, here you simply need a find the more relaxing day after attractive trails and cross-country routes and here you got up to meet the summit of arrieros and the Descabezado Grandenative Pehuenche people. There is a suitable camp site about 2 km after Also, the Laguna Caracol in a wide open treeless valleyclimate is more favourable for hiking. The pass between this camp site During summer, rain is infrequent, and the Laguna Hornitos should not be done in poor you can mostly enjoy sunny weather.
'''Stage G: Laguna Hornitos to Finish'''
From the Laguna Hornitos you can In contrast, when reaching Patagonia, get ready for frequent and enduring rain. Also, don't expect to walk high up in one short day to the hydropower station Cipreses and mountains in the first bus stop on the Route 115heartland of Patagonia as there is simply no continuously high mountain range. To In Patagonia high mountains are rather like islands that are surrounded by dense temperate rainforest in the regular finish at west and a semi-desert-like Pampa in the second bus stop on the Route 115 it’s a rather long dayeast. If you do not want to arrive in Talca late 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 evening Patagonian fjords. Therefore, “real Patagonia” is best traveled by packraft because a packraft gets you may opt to camp near the finish on the banks of the river Maule these lakes, rivers and take the a bus in morningfjords.
===Section 1 Waypoints==={| class="wikitable"! style="text-align: left;" |width="270" | Waypoint Name and Waypoint Code! <br style="text-alignclear: left;both" |Comment|-| Start (GPT01-WP001)| Start in Radal at final bus stop. Only in January and February some busses continue to Parque Ingles.|-| Shop (GPT01-WP002)| Small shop with basic supplies in Radal. Good to get a beer and some extra goodies for the night but not to supply you for the trip.|-| Camp $ (GPT01-WP003)| Nice, reasonable priced camp site in Radal. Recommen¬ded place for the first night if arriving in the evening.|-| Shop & Restaurant (GPT01-WP004)| Parque Inglés with kiosk and a cosy restaurant about 10 km after the starting point. Last chance to enjoy the pleasures of civilisation before heading into the wilderness.|-| Diversion, CONAF & Camp $ (GPT01-WP005)| The hiking trail starts left. You should register at the CONAF office. There is a camp site nearby.|-| River Crossing (GPT01-WP006)| Easy river crossing.|-| River Crossing (GPT01-WP007)| Easy river crossing.|-| River Crossing (GPT01-WP008)| Easy river crossing.|-| River Crossing (GPT01-WP009)| Easy river crossing.|-| Camp (GPT01-WP010)| There are some nice camp sites on the meadows of El Bolson. Inside the national park CONAF does not permit camp fires.|-| Refuge (GPT01-WP011)| Basic refuge in El Bolson that can shelter for up to 4 persons.|-| Pass 2260 m (GPT01-WP012)| First pass with nice view back into the Valle del Indio. After this pass comes a 2 km levelled section before ascending to the second pass.|-| Lake (GPT01-WP013)| Laguna Las Ánimas. You may camp at the lake but there is little shelter from wind.|-| Water (GPT01-WP014)| Clear fresh water.|-| Pass 2560 m (GPT01-WP015)| Second pass with nice view towards Laguna Mondaca.|-| Camp (GPT01-WP016)| Probably the best camp spot near Laguna Mondaca with water, fire wood and some wind protection.|-| Lake (GPT01-WP017)| Laguna Mondaca.|-| River Crossing (GPT01-WP018)| Difficult river crossing during snowmelt and after heavy rain. The river often changes it's bed therefore look for the optimal place to cross. Yon need to cross the river to avoid rocky terrain ahead.|-| River Crossing (GPT01-WP019)| Difficult river crossing during snowmelt and after heavy rain. The river often changes it's bed therefore look for the optimal place to cross.|-| Hot Spring, Camp & Puesto (GPT01-WP020)| Termas de Azufre. Excellent hot spring with several small pools. You may need to adjust the temperature by regulating the hot water inlet flow. No fire wood but you may heat water and food at the hot steam vents (follow the noise). Good camp site if you tolerate the sulphur smell. The posteros arrive in January.|-| River Crossing (GPT01-WP021)| Moderate difficult river crossing. Yon need to cross the river to avoid steep loose pumice fields ahead.|-| River Crossing (GPT01-WP022)| Easy river crossing.|-| Pass 2700 m (GPT01-WP023)| The highest point of the entire Greater Patagonian Trail (apart from the summit of the Descabezado Grande).|-| Camp & Puesto (GPT01-WP024)| Base Camp Descabezado Grande. Probably the best camp spot in this area. You best take water from the spring on the right side of the river about 20 to 30 m from this waypoint. Frequently visited area. Base camp for climbing the Volcan Descabezado. Basic stone shelter occasionally used by local posteros and horseback guides.|-| Hot Spring (GPT01-WP025)| One lukewarm pool at the Base Camp Descabezado Grande.|-| Water ? (GPT01-WP026)| Possible access to water on the way to the summit. May be unreliable and depending on snowmelt. Please verify and report to trekking guide author.|-| Cross (GPT01-WP027)| Cross near the summit.|-| Summit 3900 m (GPT01-WP028)| Summit of the Descabezado Grande.|-| River Crossing & Camp (GPT01-WP029)| Astonishing oasis in the middle of a volcanic desert. Good camp site with water, fire wood and wind protection.|-| Lake (GPT01-WP030)| Nearly 3 km long drainless lake Laguna Caracol in the middle of pumice and lava.|-| Lake (GPT01-WP031)| Hidden lake in volcanic crater that can be seen from the next pass.|-| Camp (GPT01-WP032)| Camp site without fire wood and wind protection. Water is probably best taken from the spring 300 m upstream.|-| Water (GPT01-WP033)| Clear fresh water spring.|-| Lake (GPT01-WP034)| Hidden lake that can be seen from the next pass.|-| Pass 2540 m (GPT01-WP035)| Pass with impressive view.|-| Camp (GPT01-WP036)| Probably the best camp site in this area and the only one with a meadow. Sufficient water and fire wood. The lake further down is dusty and without fire wood.|-| River Crossing (GPT01-WP037)| Easy river crossing.|-| Lake (GPT01-WP038)| Laguna Hornitos that is dammed up by the Crater Hornitos. You can easily ascent to the summit of the crater (60 m climb).|-| Trail Head (GPT01-WP039)| Trail head (or end). Turn right onto the hydropower station road.|-| Water ? (GPT01-WP040)| Possible access to water.|-| Gate (GPT01-WP041)| Unmanned gate that may be locked. Pedestrians may pass on the right side of the gate if locked.|-| Gate ? (GPT01-WP042)| Gate of hydropower station that was not used by trekking guide author. Please verify and report to author. You probably can leave anytime but you need a permit from the hydropower station for entering.|-| Bus Stop (GPT01-WP043)| Unmarked bus stop on the Route 115 to Talca.|-| Gate (GPT01-WP044)| Manned main gate of hydropower station Cipreses. You can leave anytime but you need a permit from the hydro¬power station for entering. You may ask the leaving employees for a ride to Talca.|-| Bus Stop (GPT01-WP045)| Unmarked bus stop on the Route 115 to Talca.|}/>
'''Start (GPT01-WP001)'''==[https: Start in Radal at final bus stop//en. Only in January and February some busses continue to Parque Ingleswikipedia.org/wiki/Thru-hiking Thru-Hiking] the GPT==
'''Shop (GPT01[[File:GPT09-WP002Familia_Carrileo1.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT09: The summer outpost ("puesto")'''of the Pehuenche family Carrileo near Guallalí. Image: Small shop with basic supplies in RadalJan Dudeck]][[File:GPT09-Familia_Carrileo2. Good to get a beer and some extra goodies for jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT09: Being guest of the night but not to supply you for the tripfamily Carrileo.Image: Jan Dudeck]]
'''Camp $ (GPT01This trail was not created to thru-WP003)''': Nicehike Patagonia, reasonable priced camp site in Radal. Recommen¬ded place it's a route network for the first night if arriving in the eveningimmersion-hiking.The GPT does not get you through Patagonia but gets you deep into Patagonia.'''
'''Shop & Restaurant (GPT01-WP004)''': Parque Inglés with kiosk and a cosy restaurant about 10 km after the starting point. Last chance to enjoy the pleasures of civilisation before heading into the wilderness.
'''Diversion, CONAF & Camp $ (GPT01-WP005)''': The hiking trail starts leftWith the 2021 extension the GPT spans about 5000 km in often difficult and slow terrain. You should register at This makes the CONAF officeGPT too long to be safely thru-hiked in one season . There An experienced thru-hiker may disagree as 5000 km is a camp site nearbyjust 15% longer than the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) but the varied and unpredictable terrain makes this comparison inadequate.
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP006)''': Easy river crossing.
'''River Crossing (GPT01Therefore, I do not recommend attempting a thru-WP007)''': Easy river crossinghike of the 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 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.
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP008)''': Easy river crossing.
'''River Crossing (GPT01From a thru-WP009)hiking perspective the GPT is less than a long-distance trail.''': Easy river crossingThere 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 benefit thru-hiking as they do not make a traverse faster.
'''Camp (GPT01-WP010)''': There are some nice camp sites on the meadows of El Bolson. Inside the national park CONAF does not permit camp fires.
'''Refuge (GPT01And what might be the biggest disappointment for some thru-WP011)'''hikers on the GPT: Basic refuge There is no trail community and thru-hikers do not receive any special admiration because nobody along the trail distinguishes between thru-hikers, section-hikers, day-hikers, or tourists in El Bolson that can shelter for up to 4 personsgeneral.
'''Pass 2260 m (GPT01-WP012)''': First pass with nice view back into the Valle del Indio. After this pass comes a 2 km levelled section before ascending to the second pass.
'''Lake (GPT01For respectful explorers the GPT is much more than a long-WP013)distance trail.''': Laguna Las ÁnimasIt’s a wide network of routes with many hiking options and packrafting in a diverse landscape. You may camp at A unique blend of people lives along the lake but there is little shelter 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 windand where you are walking to. On this trail your willingness and capability to immerse yourself in this culture will be more relevant than the weight of your backpack.
'''Water (GPT01-WP014)''': Clear fresh water.
If you find Triple Crown Thru-Hikers more credible to speak about thru-hiking the GPT than read in the Hikers'''Pass 2560 m Manual how Lauren Reed (GPT01-WP015Neon)''': Second pass and Christine Thürmer (German Tourist) experienced the GPT in comparison with nice view towards Laguna Mondacathe 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).
'''Camp (GPT01-WP016)''': Probably the best camp spot near Laguna Mondaca with water, fire wood and some wind protection.
'''Lake (GPT01-WP017)''': Laguna MondacaSomeone 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 some of the more demanding but rewarding options.
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP018)''': Difficult river crossing during snowmelt and after heavy rain. The river often changes it's bed therefore look for the optimal place to cross. Yon need to cross the river to avoid rocky terrain ahead.
'''River Crossing (GPT01There is one more reason why a thru-WP019)''': Difficult river crossing during snowmelt 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 after heavy rainfinish point. The river often changes it's bed therefore look for the optimal place This simply does not apply to crossthe GPT.
'''Hot Spring, Camp & Puesto (GPT01-WP020)''': Termas de Azufre. Excellent hot spring with several small pools. You may need to adjust the temperature by regulating the hot water inlet flow. No fire wood but you may heat water and food at the hot steam vents (follow the noise). Good camp site if you tolerate the sulphur smell. The posteros arrive in January.
'''River Crossing (GPT01Attempting to thru-WP021)''': Moderate difficult river crossinghike 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. Yon need 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 cross the river GPT by adding your part to avoid steep loose pumice fields aheadthis unfinished story.
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP022)''': Easy river crossing.
'''Pass 2700 m (GPT01Michael Deckebach summarized this conclusion after his 5-WP023)'''months adventure on the GPT with the following words: "The highest point of the entire Greater Patagonian Trail is awesome, but (apart ...) not designed for “purists” who get satisfaction from the summit completing every inch of the Descabezado Grande)trail or touching every white blaze. Can it be done? Probably, but why try and fit a square peg into a round hole?”.
'''Camp & Puesto (GPT01-WP024)'''<br style="clear: Base Camp Descabezado Grande. Probably the best camp spot in this area. You best take water from the spring on the right side of the river about 20 to 30 m from this waypoint. Frequently visited area. Base camp for climbing the Volcan Descabezado. Basic stone shelter occasionally used by local posteros and horseback guides.both" />
'''Hot Spring (GPT01-WP025)''': One lukewarm pool at ==Packrafting the Base Camp Descabezado Grande.GPT==
'''Water ? (GPT01-WP026)'''[[File: Possible access to water on GPT_Fjord_Packrafting.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT28: Reaching the way to sea after paddling down the summit. May be unreliable and depending on snowmelt. Please verify and report to trekking guide authorRío Palena.Image: Jan Dudeck]]
'''Cross When I started planning my first long hike through Patagonia in 2013 I could not find a continuous hiking route south of Coñaripe (GPT01-WP027GPT16)''': Cross near because dense forest hides most of the summittrails on satellite images. But I could see calm rivers and lakes that bridged the gaps and I wondered if there existed a light enough boat to be carried in a backpack to traverse these waters. I googled and found the packraft. So, the initial cause for incorporating packrafting options were insufficient information about the existing trails and not my fascination for amphibious travel. It was not until after our first hike that I could add additional hiking routes that now render a packraft expendable but not less beneficial.
'''Summit 3900 m (GPT01-WP028)''': Summit of the Descabezado Grande.
'''River Crossing & Camp (GPT01-WP029)''': Astonishing oasis 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 middle 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 volcanic desertbrilliant deal. Good camp site with water, fire wood Further north (on sections GPT01 to GPT16) a packraft is more burden than benefit and wind protectionI would only recommend packrafting if you specifically plan to explore a certain lake and the surrounding area.
'''Lake (GPT01-WP030)''': Nearly 3 km long drainless lake Laguna Caracol in the middle of pumice and lava.
'''Lake (GPT01-WP031)''': Hidden lake in volcanic crater that can be seen from When packrafting on lakes and rivers we normally do not exceed hiking speed so the next passpackraft 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.
'''Camp (GPT01-WP032)''': Camp site without fire wood and wind protection. Water is probably best taken from the spring 300 m upstream.
'''Water (GPT01-WP033)''': Clear fresh water spring.==Questions and Feedbacks==
'''Lake (GPT01-WP034)'''If you read this article to this point then you should definitely download the [http: Hidden lake that can be seen //bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual from Dropbox] now. Should you have questions that are not answered in the Hikers’ Manual than you may write the next passauthor an email. Also feedbacks are welcome.
'''Pass 2540 m (GPT01-WP035) '''Email of author: Pass with impressive viewgpt.jan.dudeck@gmail.com
'''Camp (GPT01-WP036)''': Probably the best camp site in this area and the only one with a meadow. Sufficient water and fire wood. The lake further down is dusty and without fire wood. '''River Crossing (GPT01-WP037)''': Easy river crossing. '''Lake (GPT01-WP038)''': Laguna Hornitos that is dammed up by the Crater Hornitos. You can easily ascent to the summit of the crater (60 m climb).  '''Trail Head (GPT01-WP039)''': Trail head (or end). Turn right onto the hydropower station road. '''Water ? (GPT01-WP040)''': Possible access to water. '''Gate (GPT01-WP041)''': Unmanned gate that may be locked. Pedestrians may pass on the right side of the gate if locked. '''Gate ? (GPT01-WP042)''': Gate of hydropower station that was not used by trekking guide author. Please verify and report to author. You probably can leave anytime but you need a permit from the hydropower station for entering. '''Bus Stop (GPT01-WP043)''': Unmarked bus stop on the Route 115 to Talca. '''Gate (GPT01-WP044)''': Manned main gate of hydropower station Cipreses. You can leave anytime but you need a permit from the hydro¬power station for entering. You may ask the leaving employees for a ride to Talca. '''Bus Stop (GPT01-WP045)''': Unmarked bus stop on the Route 115 to Talca. ===Tracks==='''GPT01-TR001-2''': Take the public gravel road from Radal to Parque Ingles. Only few vehicles use this road but traffic increases in January and February. '''GPT01-TR002-1''': The track starts left at the entrance of Parque Ingles. The national park trail from Radal to El Bolson is well main¬tained and clearly visible with some signposts and marks. After El Bolson the trail occasionally splits and peters out so try to follow the GPS trek when in doubt until reaching the 2560 m high pass. At the pass do not descent the well visible trail that keeps right but follow the GPS trek that descents directly towards the Laguna Mondaca. During the descent the trail is partially only vaguely visible. '''GPT01-TR003-0''': From the camp side (GPT01-WP016) you can cross the vast sediment field to the Laguna Mondaca. '''GPT01-TR004-1''': Return 1.4 km on the same trail as you arrived. '''GPT01-TR005-0''': Cross the pumice field and look for a suitable location to cross the smaller valley ahead. There is not trail clearly visible nor required. Keep going over the pumice and sediment field until reaching the first challenging river crossing (GPT01-WP018). The river seams to change frequently its bed so look yourself for a suitable location to cross the river and do not trust on the waypoint. Continue on the sediment field until the second crossing (GPT01-WP019). Look again for a suitable location to cross the river yourself. After the second river crossing you need to head up the ridge in front of you. The first few meters of the trail on this ridge were lost during a recent landslide. Therefore you need to find your way up to ridge and trail yourself. '''GPT01-TR006-1''': Follow the generally well visible trail until reaching the hot springs (GPT01-WP020). Continue on this trail until getting to the river crossing (GPT01-WP021). Do not evade the river crossing by continuing on the trail on the same side. This trail will later disappear in a steep pumice slope. Follow the mostly well visible trail on the other side until crossing the river again (GPT01-WP022). The trail now rises to the 2700 m high pass and slowly descents after the pass. The generally well visible trail will lead you eventually to the base camp of the Descabezado Grande. If you want to make a campfire you may collect some firewood in the sediment field starts about 1 km before the camp. There is little firewood at the camp. '''GPT01-TR007-0-X''': Several trails lead up to the summit of the Descabezado Grande. During the ascent you should generally prefer the the more solid rocky parts. During the descent the loose pumice fields allow you to slide down with less effort. '''GPT01-TR008-1''': A good trail heads into the 4 km wide lava river. You need to leave the main trail at the oasis in the middle of the lava flow after crossing the small river (GPT01-WP029). Get up the hillside towards your left. A vaguer trail continues through the remaining lava field to the Laguna Caracol. Pass the Laguna Caracol on the right side and follow the meandering river the feed the lake. After the spring of this river turn left and cross the wide open area. Here the trail peters out until the trail forms again at the ascent towards the pass (GPT01-WP035). Just before the pass leave the main trail and follow the GPS track towards the left. '''GPT01-TR009-0''': From the pass (GPT01-WP035) several vague tracks lead down. You may either look for the regular trail or follow the GPS track. The GPS track keeps on the left until it descents in a steep pumice slope towards the river. Here the GPS track joints the regular trail. '''GPT01-TR010-1''': The trail continues on the left side of the river until reaching the Laguna Hornitos. The trail crosses the river in a wide sediment field. Pass the lake and the crater Hornitos on the right and decent until reaching the hydropower station road in the valley far down. '''GPT01-TR011-2''': Follow the rarely used gravel road towards the hydropower station Cipreses. Once you reach the now unpopulated settlement you have to choose between two options. '''GPT01-TR012-2''': Option 1: You can take the 10 km dirt road to the regular trail section end where the next part of the Greater Patagonian Trail starts. This gets you to the more distant bus stop (GPT01-WP043). '''GPT01-TR013-2-X''': Option 2: Alternatively you can take the shortest way to the Route 115 if you want to return early. This gets you to the closest bus stop (GPT01-WP045). Alternatively you can wait for lift at the power station main gate (GPT01-WP044). '''GPT01-TR014-4-X''': Option 2: If you took the short way to the Route 115 and you still want to complete the entire trail than you need to walk 9 km on the paved Route 115. Not recommended! ===Image Gallery===<gallery> Imagen:01 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, El BolsónLago Bergues y al fondo se ve el Glaciar Lucia.jpgJPG|El BolsónImagen:02 Greater Patagonian TrailLago Bergues y al fondo se ve el Glaciar Lucía, Volcan Descabezado, Leaving El Bolsón.jpg|Leaving El Bolsónpor Meylin UbillaImagen:03 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan DescabezadoGlaciar_Lucia.jpgImagen:04 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Las Ánimas.jpgJPG|Laguna Las ÁnimasImagen:05 Greater Patagonian TrailGlaciar Lucía desde el Lago Bergues, Volcan Descabezado, Pass 2560 m.PNG|Pass 2560 mImagen:06 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Approaching Laguna Mondaca.PNG|Approaching Laguna MondacaImagen:07 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Mondaca.jpg|Laguna MondacaImagen:08 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, that bypasses Laguna Mondaca.PNG|Bypasses Laguna MondacaImagen:09 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:10 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:11 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Termas de Azufre.jpg|Termas de AzufreImagen:12 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:13 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:16 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:17 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:18 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNGImagen:19 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNGImagen:20 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNGImagen:21 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:23 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNGImagen:24 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:25 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:26 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Leaving the Base Camp Descabezado Grande.jpg|Leaving the Base Camp Descabezado GrandeImagen:27 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Hot springs at Base Camp Descabezado Grande.jpg|Hot springs at Base Camp Descabezado GrandeImagen:28 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:29 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:31 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:32 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNGImagen:33 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:34 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNGImagen:35 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNGImagen:37 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:38 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNGImagen:39 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:40 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNGImagen:41 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNGImagen:43 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Camp near Laguna Los Hornitos.jpg|Camp near Laguna Los HornitosImagen:44 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Los Hornitos.PNG|Laguna Los HornitosImagen:45 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Los Hornitos.PNG|Laguna Los HornitosImagen:46 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:47 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgImagen:48 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpgpor Meylin Ubilla
</gallery>
 ==Section 2: 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== {{GaleriaInicioTrekkings Chile}}{{GaleriaFin}}[[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]][[category:Parche Greater Patagonian Trail]]
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