Cambios

====Zone H: Zona Aysen Sur====

This zone provides a perspective of the quintessential spirit and landscape of Patagonia, from open windy passes and glaciers to deeply wooded valleys that channel the glacier melt into turquoise rivers and lakes. Cerro Castillo and the route between Cochrane and Villa O’Higgins called “Ruta de los Pioneros” are highlights of the trail network, in particular if you are aware of the historic relevance of this trial and meet the few people that make their living on this harsh land. Expect to approach both landscape and people with patience and respect.

Challenges in this region are remoteness, volatile weather and poor trail conditions. The walking distance from Chile Chico to Villa O’Higgins is about 350 km and you have just the village Chochrane to resupply in the middle. The partially difficult route finding on the “Ruta de los Pioneros” probably reconciles you with the easy but tiresome road walking on either end of this historic trail.

When packrafting you can opt between several more choices. You can i.e. cross Lago Cochrane and bypass the village Cochrane to venture into the particular remote area of Lago Brown and float down the swift river Río Tranquilo that is not as tranquil as name suggests. You can paddle several lakes and rivers that parallel the “Ruta de los Pioneros”. The most challenging packrafting option is floating down the Río Baker. This powerful high volume river requires a couple of portages and wind can fiercely against you in particular when getting close to the harbor village Villa Tortel where this rivers flows into Patagonian fjords.

This zone is sure to be a favorite among hikers and packrafters that seek to be challenged by difficult terrain.