4607
ediciones
Cambios
sin resumen de edición
You can review and download the current still incomplete version of the Hikers Manual here: [https://www.dropbox.com/s/8zkojgd2k9gumm5/GPT%20Manual%20(20170902).pdf?dl=0 Hikers Manual on Dropbox]
==Zones of the GPT==
to be issued.
-->
==Trail Files of the GPT for Google Earth and GPS==
I plan to publish updated trail files in October 2017. I plan to provide:
* KMZ file for review in Google Earth
* IMG Files for handheld Garmin GPS devises (Digital maps)
In the meantime you may use trail files from 2016 to test your navigation equipment. [[#Update of Trail File for GPS and Google Earth created in 2016|See Update of Trail File for GPS and Google Earth created in 2016.]]
Note that the KMZ file available for download with the map on the top of this article is not suitable for hiking but provides only an overview. The accuracy of this KMZ is greatly reduced and this KMZ files does not contain waypoints that are relevant for hiking. Therefore do not use the KMZ file "GPT_Minimized_NOT_FOR_HIKING_AND_PACKRAFTING.kmz" for hiking on the GPT.
==Update of Trail File for GPS and Google Earth created in 2016==
Santiago, December 10, 2016
Dear Hikers,
I extended and updated the Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT). The trail now starts at the last metro station in Santiago and goes all the way to the lake and glacier Viedma south of the Fitz Roy in Argentina. The trail has now a length of approx. 3000 km. I also created new digital maps for handheld GPS devises. These maps can be downloaded from Dropbox using the following link:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mbsd9mupzy03zib/AAAF9bRnw-6aW3JZ8cpEGMXva?dl=0
The ZIP file contains the GPT trail network in various file formats. To review the entire trail network on a computer open the KMZ file in Google Earth.
Google Earth File: “GPT Master 20161127.kmz”
This file contains now nearly 12'000 km of tracks and nearly 3000 waypoints.
If you plan to hike the Greater Patagonian Trail you should continue to read carefully to understand how to select, install and use the digital maps on your GPS devise.
If you download and use these maps you do this at your own risk and under your own responsibility. I do not accept any liability and cannot guarantee the correctness and precision of the information provided with these maps. Trails may erode or overgrow, rivers may change substantially with weather and time and poor weather may turn many places along these routes into hazard zones. Therefore do not follow any of these trails blindly. Use constantly your own judgment, plan with contingencies and rather turn back or seek an alternative route if it is not save to follow a track shown on the digital map.
This update contains many improvements and extensions compared with the trail files on wikiexplora that I created and uploaded in 2015. But the general recommendations outlined in this wikiexplora article still apply.
Due to Garmin firmware limitations the Google Earth KMZ file cannot be displayed on a Garmin devise. It is also not possible to upload all this information to a Garmin GPS devise by converting it into GPX files as suggested by Garmin. The number of tracks and waypoints simply exceeds the typical Garmin limits of 200 tracks and 2000 waypoints (only some Garmin GPS models permit up to 5000 waypoints). If you try to upload more items you will get an error message or these items may simply not be displayed on your GPS devise.
Therefore I have created digital maps that contain all the tracks and waypoints. I created in total four maps in the IMG file format. One map contains only the waypoints and the other three maps show the tracks depending on how you plan to travel. These IMG files cannot be displayed in Google Earth.
* Maps with Tracks for Garmin Devises (install at least one of the four IMG maps):
1. Hiking-Only Tracks: “GPT Hiking-Only 20161127.img”.
2. Hiking and Packraft Tracks: “GPT Packraft 20161127.img”
3. Exploration Hiking-Only Tracks: “GPT Exploration Hiking-Only 20161127.img”
4. Exploration Hiking and Packraft Tracks: “GPT Exploration Packraft 20161127.img”
* Map with Waypoints (install this map regardless how you plan travel):
5. All Waypoints: “GPT Points 20161127.img”
These maps are all “transparent” and should be displayed together with a digital topographic map. I do not recommend to use these trail maps without a topographic map in the background.
To install the maps on your Garmin GPS devise simply copy the IMG file into the “Garmin” folder on the Micro-SD card. When starting the GPS devise you may need to enable the map using the map options of your devise to make the map visible. You may install all four maps simultaneously and simply enable and disable the maps as needed on your GPS devise. The map ID numbers were chosen to avoid conflicts between these fife maps (the map ID numbers use the entire range from 16112701 to 16112749).
If you hike without a packraft you should install only the Hiking-Only maps. These maps show all the hiking routes and hiking options but none of the routes on water and none of the trails that lead to these water routes. By using the Hiking-Only map you avoid that you follow unintentionally a trail that leads you to a lake or river from where you cannot continue by food.
If you travel with a Packraft you should install the trail maps that contain also the Packraft options. These Packraft maps contain all Hiking -Only routes plus all Packraft routes. You can also install all four trail maps but enable only one or two maps while traveling (and disable the other two or three maps using the map options of your GPS devise).
The exploration maps show planned routes that are not verified yet. Be aware that these routes might turn out to be impassable or baldy overgrown and you might be forced to return on the same route. In most cases I have pretty good information that these routes were used in the past but in Patagonia it does not take long that such trails get overgrown if not used any more. Therefore venturing on such a trail may indeed become an exploration and you should carry enough supplies since you may advance much slower than expected or you may even need to return on the same route.
The waypoint map displays the approx. 3000 waypoints as small green dots. When you move the mouse indicator onto the waypoint the waypoint name gets displayed showing what this waypoint represents (i.e. a Camp Site, River Crossing or Ford, Water Supply, Trail Diversion …). Only the "Section start and End Points" are displayed differently with the “Trail Head” symbol. I have now added also some "Important Information" points that highlight where to organize boat transfers and trails with restrictions i.e. trails through private natural reserves that should only be used in case of an emergency.
To see constantly the section start and end points and the important information you may install the following GPX file on your GPS devise using Garmin Basecamp: “Section Start and End Points.gpx” and "Important Infromation.gpx".
If you install these GPX files on your GPS you will see a little flag on each section start and end point and the important information points with the section number or the important information constantly displayed (depending on zoom level).
If your GPS model permits up to 5000 waypoints you may in addition install the following GPX file on your GPS devise using Garmin Basecamp: “Way and Decision Points.gpx”
If you install this GPX file on your GPS you will see a little flag on each waypoint with the name constantly displayed (depending on zoom level). This facilitates anticipating what lies ahead of you but this will works only on specific GPS model (check the Garmin web page to find the limits of your devise).
I’m not sure if the GPX files can simply be copied to the GPS Micro-SD card. At least on my devise it did not work when copying the GPX file to the same location as the IMG file. Therefore I installed the GPX file(s) from my computer using the Garmin Basecamp software.
Note that I did not had the time to harmonize the nomenclature of the tracks and waypoints so the naming of these items is not particular consistent and conclusive. Therefore simply ignore if a track has i.e. the name “Untitled Path174” and focus on how the track is displayed (line color, line width, continuous or dotted).
'''Changed Digital Map Nomenclature'''
* Line color: I have selected a few line colors that provide a good contrast on the GPS screen and that can be easily distinguished from each other and map features i.e. roads.
* Black: All Hiking Routes on land are now in black regardless if they are part of the Hiking-Only trail network or if they lead to a packraft water track. Therefore it is essential to install and enable the appropriate map. I changed it from red to black since this black provides the best contrast on all map features i.e. on roads.
* White: All Ferry Routes or private boat transfer tracks are in white (good contrast on the blue water background).
* Red: All Packraft Routes on water are in red (good contrast on the blue water background).
* Violet (Dark Pink): All Exploration Hiking Routes on land are in violet. Be aware that these routes might turn out to be impassable or baldy overgrown and you might be forced to return on the same route.
* Pink (Light Pink or Magenta): All Exploration Packraft Routes on water are in pink. Be aware that these Exploration Packraft Routes may cross very challenging lakes, rivers and fjords where i.e. wind may force you to wait several days for better weather. When you get on such a route carry enough supplies and check the weather and wind forecast regularly i.e. using your Delorme InReach satellite messenger.
* Line width: All tracks are either 2 or 4 dots wide providing a good contrast to the 1 dot wide altitude lines.
* Thick: Regular Routes are the normally recommended tracks avoiding particular difficult passages but avoiding also hiking on roads. The Regular Routes is the to my opinion the best compromise between beauty and difficulty.
* Thin: Other Routes may be side trips, climbs to summits, short cuts, nearby roads and alternative entry and exit routes. I included in the route network many roads and trails in parallel to Packraft Routes to indicate possible “Escape Routes” if you can’t continue paddling on water. So some Other Routes might be more scenic (and difficult) compared to the Regular Route while others are not particular attractive and serve mainly to leave a certain area.
* Continuous, dotted and arrow lines: To minimize the number of colors needed I opted to use lines that are either continuous or dotted or consists of arrows.
* Continuous line: Reasonable reliable tracks that are either based on a GPS records or a trails that are reasonable good visible on satellite images.
* Dotted line: Investigation track for which I either do not have a good GPS record or no conclusive satellite image to clearly see the trail. In most cases I have relative reliable information that this trail exists and was hiked recently but the precise location of the trail is not verified. Expect some discrepancy between the actual trail to the dotted line on your GPS and rather follow the visible trail than trying to follow the dotted line on your GPS.
I now added Arrow lines: Packraft routes on water that can only be taken in one direction i.e. rivers in flow direction or large lakes in the predominant wind direction are shown as a line of arrows.
If you use these maps I ask you for three favors in turn.
1. I tested these maps only on my Garmin devise (GPSMap 62st) but not on other models. Please provide me a feedback how the installation and display of these digital maps worked on your GPS devise.
2. If you use these maps for hiking please record by GPS your entire hike and provide me all GPS records afterwards. This is essential to maintain, update and improve the GPT trail documentation.
3. Please record and share with me additional waypoints that you consider relevant and provide updates to existing waypoints in particular if changes occurred.
I plan to send a new update later in 2017 after this hiking season. In case you do not wish more updates in the future please advise me by email.
Enjoy hiking and take care to not hurt yourself nor the land on which you are hiking. Leave no trace and be a pleasant guest when meeting people on the trail.
Best regards,
Jan
==Appendix==
===Lauren "Neon" Reed comparing the GPT with the US Long Distance Trails (CDT, PCT, AT)===
Lauren "Neon" Reed thru-hiked the AT (2008), the PCT (2010) and the CDT (2013). She also thru-hiked the Colorado Trail (2012) and made many unmapped cross-country hikes in the wilderness of Utah before she thru-hiked the GPT in two seasons (2015 to 2017). This makes Lauren the best person to compare the GPT with the famous US long distance trails. She writes:
"Having thru-hiked about 8,000 miles in the US before beginning our trek across South America, I would still find myself in over my head at times along the Greater Patagonia Trail. This included terrain as well as culture. The places I've been along the GPT, as a generality, seem more remote than most distance trails I've experienced in the US- think central/northern Montana along the CDT, minus the bears and plus a few more passes. As you walk along the GPT, you will go through many diverse ecosystems, as opposed to desert/mountains which you experience on many trails in the US. The GPT takes you from the glaciated southern ice field of Chile up through pine trees, lush dense deciduous forest, alti-planos, valleys teeming with animals wild and farmed, along/through rivers and lakes (also wild and farmed), volcanoes, to the more arid environments south of Santiago, as well as a few border crossings into Argentina. It is by far the hardest trail I have done due to remoteness as well as terrain- yes, there are times you follow valleys, there are also times along this trail where you will go up, across and down 1,000 meter passes each day (sometimes multiple times in a day), following overgrown horse and animal paths. There are no trail markers or blazes, sometimes there isn't even a 'trail'- just a cross-country route. Do not expect anyone to know what you are doing or why you just walked down their driveway/out of their shrub/over their fence/through their gate (which you closed behind you, right?)
This trail definitely has easier sections, but I cannot remember a day where I didn't look at my compass and/or GPS along the entirety of the GPT. Because of the options we were given and Jan requesting us to investigate some options he had yet to check out personally, I began calling certain sections "Choose your own Adventure", meaning go whichever way you want, as long as you're near the route labeled as the GPT on your GPS. We also tried to not do anything stupid, though there were times I nearly was swept away trying to cross a strong-flowing river or nearly slid down a steep scree field along the GPT. This is not a trail for someone who doesn't know how to use a GPS or Compass. This is not a trail for someone who doesn't know how to properly read a river to know where the best place to cross is. This is not a trail for anyone who doesn't at least have a basic understanding of topography as well as map and compass skills. Jan has a great route mapped so you can download it onto a GPS, but when you come across an area that's swept away by last years snowmelt or on fire, do you have a plan or any idea what to do? What if you're not paying attention to your battery life and your GPS dies? Don't go up shit creek without a paddle, as the saying goes.
There won't always be what you may want in town to eat or even a place to stay with hot water. Knowing at least basic Spanish language skills is a must if you want to feel connected or informed in any of the areas you go through. Any effort of understanding the culture and land goes a long way. Thankfully, I have a basic understanding which has grown over our trek and my hiking partner is fluent in cultural sensitivities as well as the Spanish language. As Jan states, you are an uninvited guest on others' land at times- tread respectfully and carefully- Most of the time, they will respond in kind."
Return to: [[#An Advise for Thru-Hikers|An Advise for Thru-Hikers.]]
===Remark to the Limits of Patagonia===
There is no doubt that Patagonia is part of the Southern Cone but opinions deviate where it exactly starts and ends. The northern limit of Patagonia on the Chilean side can be seen as south as the Estuarió de Reloncaví (latitude 41° 30’ South) or as north as the river Río Biobío (about latitude 37° South if taking the mouth at Concepcion as reference). That’s a difference of about 500 km. On the Argentine side the understanding of the limits can be equally different. Some take the Río Negro with the tributary Río Limay as the northern limit (about latitude 39° South) others the Río Barrancas and the Río Colorado (Latitude 36° South). Also the southern limit is fuzzy. Some consider Tierra del Fuego as part of Patagonia others not.
If you try to align Patagonia with the current administrative divisions of Chile and Argentina than the following provinces (Argentina) and regions (Chile) are typically considered to be Patagonia:
In Argentina:
* Neuquén
* Río Negro
* Chubut
* Santa Cruz
* Tierra del Fuego
In Chile:
* XIV. Region (Región de los Ríos with the provinces Valdivia and Ranco)
* X. Region (Región de los Lagos with the provinces Chiloé, Llanquihue, Osorno and Palena)
* XI. Region (Región de Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo with the provinces Aisén, Capitán Prat, Coihaique and General Carrera)
* XII. Region (Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena with the provinces Magallanes, Tierra del Fuego, Última Esperanza and Antártica Chilena)
For more information to this subject read [https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonia#Generalidades the Spanish Wikipedia article to Patagonia].
===Remark to [[#Before you depart: Be careful doing this ...|"Before you depart: Be careful doing this ..."]]===
If you expect me to name this person or to place a link to the mentioned web page then you misjudged my intention. I do not want to publicly denounce this person but I want to share an important lesson learned with future hikers that can benefit from this experience.
After an displeasing exchange of emails he actually started to exchange names to stop the inappropriate use of the trail name. Therefore you can refrain from googling this person and simply learn from this "case study" as described here.
===Remark to Best Practices and Hiking Recommendations===
It is standard to whistle as you approach a remote homestead, this alerts both humans and animals that someone is passing and can avoid a great deal of unpleasantness.
You will encounter a large number of loose animals along some of the sections. Regarding livestock, always leave a gate as you found it. Be sure to note how the gates are held as some of the techniques are unique. Never cut a fence line. Around towns, be prepared to encounter and often peaceably followed by loose dogs. Some are pets, others are ferrel.
If you are charged by a dog or a pack of dogs, a phrase they commonly recognize is if you shout “vete pa ya” (go over there) or stoop down and pick up (or even just simulate picking up) a rock and they usually turn tail. The action of lowering your face to a charging dog’s level is counter intuitive but can spare you some nasty scars or a scare. In extreme situations (such as if the dogs you encounter are herding dogs who will continue to pursue and nip at your ankles), you may have to actually throw a rock at them.
One must also consider the rhythm of Patagonia in neither rushed nor focused on efficiency. One significant way hikers will encounter this is with siesta, strictly observed in almost every small and many of the larger towns throughout the region. Businesses close (roughly) between 1-4 pm, though even those hours are subject to whim. Shops rarely have posted hours and even if they do, these are not observed. You may note on some a small white buzzer which you must press to call attention. Do not be shy in these circumstances, ring the bell and be prepared to wait patiently. If you bustle in brusquely, expect for services to be rendered even more slowly.
For profit buses, like businesses, operate at their leisure. If there is a schedule posted online, it is often inaccurate or incomplete. For bus schedules, ask at the kiosks or other local shops. Do not expect bus stops to have signs posted. Here again, communicating with locals will play an integral role to your experience and that will be defined by how you approach and treat them.
(...) For these reasons it is advisable to carry at least an extra day worth of food on many sections of the GPT.
==END OF UPDATE 2017==
<!--
==Images==
Here you find a selection of [http://www.panoramio.com/user/7876187?show=best images from the Greater Patagonian Trail] that are uploaded to Panoramio and displayed on Google Earth.
==Used Trails==
Not all hiking options are recorded yet by GPS since the author investigated the Greater Patagonian Trail with a packraft. There is also a shorter part that could not be hiked because one area was closed at the time of the investigation due to a large wild fire. These '''to be verified''' trails may therefore be imprecisely shown in this trail description and by the KMZ/GPX files. But the author has reliable information that these trails exist and have been hiked recently. At this time the author has simply no precise GPS record and the route is not sufficiently visible on satellite images.
Wherever possible the Greater Patagonian Trail incorporates '''lake''' crossings, '''river''' downstream floats and even paddeling on '''fjords''' with a [[#Packraft|packraft]].If not carrying such a light-weight inflatable boat or if the weather does not permit paddling then all these water sections can be bypassed on foot, by ferry or with private boat transfers. The river downstream floats do not include white-water rivers with large rapids.
==Expected Duration==
The complete trail can be hiked in one summer season and requires approx. 90 to 120 days if walking with a moderate pace. This inculdes some rest days, resupply bus trips to nearby towns and an occasional day lost to bad weather. One "high-speed-hiker" has done sections 1 to 16 in about 50 days so you can be faster, but I suggest to take some time to enjoy the trail and allow yourself some lesure time while hiking in this pristine region.
If you do not have the time to hike the entire trail then you can customize your trail by selecting some sections only.
==Trail Sections==
The entire trail consists currently of 18 sections that require between 2 to 10 days each. The sections are between 35 km and 150 km long. Every section connects seamless with the following section and starts and ends near a road or village with public transportation. Therefore each section can be hiked as an individual trail or several sections can be combined to a longer trip.
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" | Section Name
! style="text-align: left;" | Number
! style="text-align: left;" | Country and Region/Province
! style="text-align: left;" | Next City or Town
! style="text-align: left;" | Start
! style="text-align: left;" | Character
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Descabezado
| GPT01
| Chile, Maule (VII)
| Curico, Molina
| Radal
| Volcanic Terrain, Lakes, Hot Springs
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna Dial
| GPT02
| Chile, Maule (VII) and Bío Bío (VIII)
| Talca, San Clemente
| Ruta 115, El Melado (Near La Mina)
| Mountain Pastures, Rivers, Lake, Hot Springs
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Chillan
| GPT03
| Chile, Bío Bío (VIII)
| San Carlos, San Fabian de Alico
| Pichirrincón, El Inglés
| Mountain Pastures, Mountain Ridge, Volcanic Terrain, Rivers, Hot Springs
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Antuco
| GPT04
| Chile, Bío Bío (VIII)
| Los Angeles, Antuco
| El Abonico, Centro de Esquí Antuco
| Volcanic Terrain, Lake, Mountain Pastures
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna El Barco
| GPT05
| Chile, Bío Bío (VIII)
| Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ralco
| Trapa Trapa, Puente Ñirehueco
| Araucaria Forest, Mountain Pastures, Lake
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Guallali
| GPT06
| Chile, Bío Bío (VIII) and Araucanía (IX)
| Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ralco
| Guallali, Puente Lomin
| Araucaria Forest, Mountain Pastures, Rivers, Mountain Ridge, Hot Spring
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna Marinanqui
| GPT07
| Chile, Araucanía (IX)
| Temuco, Lonquimay
| Ranquil, Carabiñeros
| Araucaria Forest, Mountain Pastures, Rivers, Mountain Ridges
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Sollipulli
| GPT08
| Chile, Araucanía (IX)
| Temuco, Lonquimay
| Liucura, Aduana Pino Hachada
| Araucaria Forest, Mountain Pastures, Rivers, Lakes, Indigious Settlements
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Curarrehue
| GPT09
| Chile, Araucanía (IX)
| Villarica, Pucon, Currarehue
| Reigolil
| Araucaria Forest, Mountain Pastures, Rivers, Indigious Settlements
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Quetrupillan
| GPT10
| Chile, Araucanía (IX) and Los Ríos (XIV)
| Villarica, Pucon, Currarehue
| Puesco or Currarehue depending on route
| Volcanic Terrain, Lakes, Araucaria Forest
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Liquiñe or Neltume
| GPT11
| Chile, Los Ríos (XIV)
| Villarica, Coñaripe
| Reyehueico, Puente Reyehueico (Near Liquiñe)
| Rivers, Lakes, Temperate Rain Forest, Hot Springs
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Lago Pirihueico
| GPT12
| Chile, Los Ríos (XIV)
| Panguipulli
| Puerto Fuy
| Lake, Temperate Rain Forest
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Puyehue
| GPT13
| Chile, Los Ríos (XIV)
| Los Lagos, Futrono
| Puerto Maihue
| Volcanic Terrain, Lake, Temperate Rain Forest
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Antillanca
| GPT14
| Chile, Los Lagos (X)
| Osorno, Entre Lagos
| Ruta 215, Conaf Anticura (Near Aduana Pajaritos)
| Volcanic Terrain, Lake, Temperate Rain Forest
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Lago Todos Los Santos
| GPT15
| Chile, Los Lagos (X)
| Osorno
| Lago Rupanco, Las Gaviotas (Near Puerto Rico)
| Lakes, Fjord, Temperate Rain Forest
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Cochamó
| GPT16
| Chile, Los Lagos (X) and Argentina, Chubut
| Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, Ensenada
| Cochamó
| Lakes, Rivers, Temperate Rain Forest
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| PN Lago Puelo
| GPT17
| Argentina, Chubut
| El Bolson
| Lago Puelo
| Lakes, Rivers, Forest
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| PN Los Alerces
| GPT18
| Argentina, Chubut
| El Bolson, Esquel
| Villa Rivadavia (Previously La Bolsa)
| Lakes, Rivers, Forest
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Current Finish
| -
| Argentina, Chubut
| Esquel
| Villa Futalaufquen
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
|}
See the [[#Section Information and KMZ Files|Section Information]] below with further detailed information to each section.
==Recommended Season==
[[File:GPT02-P0039.jpg|thumb|500px|Greater Patagonian Trail Section 2: Crossing Río El Melado. File: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT02-2014-Pano-Pic046.jpg|thumb|500px|Greater Patagonian Trail Section 2: Sudden weather change in mid-summer. File: Jan Dudeck]]
If you plan to hike the entire trail in the correct sequence starting with '''section 1''' than you should leave in December, ideally in the '''second half of December'''.
On the first three sections several rivers and high mountain passes need to be crossed. In particular high river-water-levels during snowmelt may make the river crossings difficult and dangerous until December. Therefore leaving before or in early December may put you in risk when crossing rivers or traversing still snow covered passes. But if you leave after December you may be surprised by the heralds of the winter before reaching the finish of the Greater Patagonian Trail if walking in a moderate pace.
If you do not insist in hiking all trail sections in the correct sequence then you have more options when and where to start. If you want to leave before December you may in example set out in '''late October or November''' with '''section 11''' in Liquiñe (Hiking-Only-Option) or in Reyehueico or Coñaripe (both Packraft-Option) as we did.
Coñaripe is a alternative start of section 11 for packrafters and the first of the 8 sections with significant packraft use. Starting with section 11 before December gives you the advantage of floating down the rivers with a comfortable high river-water-level during snow melt.
If you do not carry a packraft but wish to start in late October or November Liquiñe would be a good choice. Liquiñe is a village full of thermal springs and situated on the Hiking-Only-Option of section 11. This start avoids the potentially dangerous river-crossings of the first 3 sections and the rather high and exposed mountain passes of section 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 10. Once you reached the finish of section 18 you can travel by bus in about 3 days to the start of section 1 and hike all the way to the point from where you started the track.
On '''sections 5 to 10''' the trail crosses the distribution range of the [[#Traditional Food|Araucaria tree]]. '''Between February and April''' the cones of these trees can be harvested and provide plenty of nutritious free food that you do not need to carry on your back. If possible arrange to cross sections 5 to 10 between February and April. This is one more very good reason for an early start on section 11 because then you can finish in the Auracaria distribution range in late summer or early autumn and feed yourself like a food gatherer millennia’s ago.
Even if hiking this trail in the recommended season be prepared for [[#Weather|sudden weather changes]] with heavy snowfall, in particular when you are higher up in the mountains. Also rivers can swell anytime after heavy rain.
See the [[#Section Information and KMZ Files|Section Information]] below that provides an orientation when each section is best be hiked.
==Hiking Direction==
[[File:GPT08-P0032.jpg|thumb|500px|Greater Patagonian Trail Section 8: Near volcano Sollipulli. File: Jan Dudeck]]
The generally recommended trekking direction is '''southbound''' even if most sections can be hiked in either direction.
Some sections require an [[#Entrance Permits and Challenges|entrance permit]] if you hike northbound. This limitation applies to section 1 and 12 and the long distance challange that directly connects section 2 and 3 (GPT02-03). Without an entrance permit you may be “kicked out” but if you walk southbound this means leaving the property in the direction that you are hiking anyway.
If you are hiking with a packraft then section 11, 17 and 18 need to be taken southbound. Only in this direction you can float down the rivers in your inflatable boat. When hiking without a packraft these section can be taken in either direction using the alternative hiking trails.
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, then hike the section 15 southbound.
See the [[#Section Information and KMZ Files|Section Information]] below with the recommended hiking direction(s) for each section.
<br style="clear:both" />
==Section Information==
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Section Name
! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Number
! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Best<br>Season
! style="text-align: left;" | Hiking-<br>Only-<br>Option
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Packraft-Option
! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Additional Hiking Options
! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Villages and towns '''on the trail''' or ''near the finish'' for resupply
|-
! style="text-align: left;" | Direction<br>Options
! style="text-align: left;" width="85" | Packraft<br>Usage
! style="text-align: left;" | Direction<br>Options
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Descabezado
| GPT01
| Dec-Apr
| South ↓
| Side trips only
| South ↓
| Summit Descabezado, Hidden Lakes
| ''On the way to the start: Santiago de Chile, Curicó, Molina <br> After section finish: San Clemente, Talca''
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna Dial
| GPT02
| Dec-Apr
| Any ↑↓
| May be used
| Any ↑↓
| Laguna del Maule and El Troncoso, Laguna las Truchas
| ''San Fabian, San Carlos, Chillán''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Chillan
| GPT03
| Dec-Apr
| Any ↑↓
| Experts only
| Any ↑↓
| Summit Chillan Viejo, Laguna las Truchas, Rio Nuble and Las Aguilas, Eastern Side of Laguna de Las Lajas
| ''Antuco, Los Angeles''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Antuco
| GPT04
| Nov-May
| Any ↑↓
| Experts only
| Any ↑↓
| Summit Antuco, Around Antuco, Eastern Side of Laguna de Las Lajas
| ''Ralco, Santa Bárbara, Los Angeles''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna El Barco
| GPT05
| Dec-Apr
| Any ↑↓
| Side trips only
| Any ↑↓
| -
| ''Ralco, Santa Bárbara, Los Angeles''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Guallali
| GPT06
| Dec-Apr
| Any ↑↓
| Not used
| Any ↑↓
| Summit Moncol
| ''Lonquimay''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna Marinanqui
| GPT07
| Dec-Apr
| Any ↑↓
| Side trips only
| Any ↑↓
| Laguna Escondida and Laguna Verde
| '''Liucura on the trail''', ''Lonquimay''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Sollipulli
| GPT08
| Oct-May
| Any ↑↓
| May be used
| Any ↑↓
| Summit Sollipulli, Icalma
| '''Icalma and Reigolil on the trail''', ''Curarrehue, Pucon''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Curarrehue
| GPT09
| Oct-May
| Any ↑↓
| Not used
| Any ↑↓
| Fundo Huililco
| '''Curarrehue on the trail''', ''Pucon''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Quetrupillan
| GPT10
| Dec-Apr
| Any ↑↓
| Side trips only
| Any ↑↓
| Summit Quetrupillan, Valle Termal
| ''Liquiñe, Coñaripe, Pucon''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Liquiñe (Hiking)
| GPT11H
| Oct-May
| Any ↑↓
| May be used
| Any ↑↓
| -
| '''Liquiñe and Puerto Fuy on the trail'''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Neltume (Packraft)
| GPT11P
| Oct-May
| -
| Required
| South↓
| -
| '''Neltume and Puerto Fuy on the trail'''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Lago Pirihueico
| GPT12
| Nov-May
| South↓
| Beneficial
| South↓
| -
| '''Chabranco on the trail''', ''Llifén, Futrono''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Puyehue
| GPT13
| Dec-Apr
| Any ↑↓
| Beneficial
| South↓
| Summit Puyehue, Hot Spring
| ''Entre Lagos, Osorno''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Antillanca
| GPT14
| Dec-Apr
| Any ↑↓
| Not used
| Any ↑↓
| "La Plaza"
| ''El Poncho, Puerto Rico, Panguipulli''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Lago Todos Los Santos
| GPT15
| Oct-May
| South↓
| Experts only
| South↓
| -
| '''Ralún and Cochamó on the trail''', ''Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Cochamó
| GPT16
| Oct-May
| Any ↑↓
| Beneficial
| Any ↑↓
| -
| '''Llanada Grande on the trail''', ''Lago Puelo, El Bolson''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| PN Lago Puelo
| GPT17
| Dec-Apr
| Any ↑↓
| Beneficial
| South↓
| -
| '''Villa Rivadavia on the trail'''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| PN Los Alerces
| GPT18
| Dec-Apr
| Any ↑↓
| Beneficial
| South↓
| -
| '''Villa Futalaufquen on the trail'''
|-
|}
==Outdated Trail Files issued in 2015==
[[File:GPT03-2014-Pano-Pic040.jpg|thumb|700px|Greater Patagonian Trail Section 3: On the ridge above Laguna de Las Lajas. File: Jan Dudeck]]
The KMZ file displayed on the satellite map above is optimized to provide a good overview but does not include any waypoints and shows only some of the optional routes. Therefore the files below in the next table should be downloaded and used if you actually plan to hike on the Greater Patagonian Trail. There are trail files for individual section and for the entire trial.
Different file formats are provide for reviewing the trail on a computer with Google Earth (KMZ) and for uploading the trails to a handheld GPS devise (GPX). All these file formats contain the same geographic information; mainly tracks and waypoints; but the different file formats have advantages and disadvantages when using them with different applications.
The '''KMZ file''' format is optimal for '''display and editing on a computer with Google Earth'''. In example tracks and waypoints can be organized in a folder structure what facilitates handling a large number of individual tracks and waypoints. Unfortunately a KMZ file cannot be uploaded directly to a Garmin GPS but needs to be converted first into GPX file (in example with the free Garmin "Basecamp" software). See also the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyhole_Markup_Language wikipedia article] for further information to the KMZ/KML file format.
The '''GPX file''' format is optimal for '''uploading the trail file(s) to a handheld GPS devise'''. This applies in particular to Garmin equipment. Also when using a handheld GPS devise it is of advantage to minimize the number of individual tracks. The Garmin devise that I use (GPSMap 62) is unable to display more than 200 individual track. Therefore numerous individual tracks that are in line were joined to minimize the number of tracks in the GPX files. See also the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPS_Exchange_Format wikipedia article] for further information to the GPX file format.
Therefore: <br>
Reviewing and editing the trail on a '''computer''' in Google Earth: '''KMZ''' <br>
Uploading the trail file(s) to a '''handheld GPS''': '''GPX'''
The trail files for the hiking only options i.e. "GPT01-18'''H'''.kmz" have a '''H''' like "Hiking" in the file name. These trail files do not contain any of the packraft routes, neither the water parts itself nor the land hiking parts to the lakes and rivers from where you can continue only by packraft. This shall prevent that a hiker without a packraft takes by accident the wrong route and ends up on the shore of a lake or river from where he cannot continue on foot. So '''if you do not carry a packraft''' download the trail files for the '''Hiking-Only-Options'''.
In contrast the trail files for the packraft options i.e. "GPT01-18.kmz" contains all routes including all hiking routes. There might be good reasons i.e. strong wind or bad weather that make a hiker with a packraft opting for the hiking alternative to avoid in example a lake crossing under unfavourable conditions. So '''if you carry a packraft''' download the trail files for the '''Hiking-Only-Options AND Packraft-Options''' because these trail files show you all options.
For sections without any packraft parts only one section trail file is published (without an H in the file name).
Read also the [[#Comment to Trail Files|comment to the trail files]] after downloading to understand the structure and nomenclature of this file.
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" rowspan="2" width="140" | Section Name
! style="text-align: left;" rowspan="2"| Number
! style="text-align: left;" colspan="6"| Hiking-Only-Options
! style="text-align: left;" colspan="7"| Hiking-Only-Options AND Packraft-Options
|-
! 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
! style="text-align: left;" width="80" | Trail File
! style="text-align: left;" | Distance
! style="text-align: left;" width="75" | On Water
! style="text-align: left;" | Ascent
! style="text-align: left;" | Descent
! style="text-align: left;" | Days
! style="text-align: left;" | Time
! style="text-align: left;" width="80" | Trail File
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Descabezado
| " rowspan="2" | GPT01
| 103 km
| 5000 m↑
| 4900 m↓
| 6-8 d
| 35 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT01.gpx| GPT01.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT01.kmz| GPT01.kmz]]
| " rowspan="2" " colspan="6" | See hiking option. Packraft may only be used on side trips.
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT01.gpx| GPT01.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT01.kmz| GPT01.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| ''Option: Summit Descabezado''
| 16 km
| 2000 m↑
| 2000 m↓
| 1-2 d
| 9 h
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna Dial
| GPT02
| 143 km
| 5300 m↑
| 5300 m↓
| 7-10 d
| 44 h
| [[Media:GPT02H.gpx| GPT02H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT02H.kmz| GPT02H.kmz]]
| 141 km
| 9 km (6%)
| 4600 m↑
| 4700 m↓
| 7-10 d
| 42 h
| [[Media:GPT02.gpx| GPT02.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT02.kmz| GPT02.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Chillan
| " rowspan="2" |GPT03
| 129 km
| 6500 m↑
| 5900 m↓
| 7-10 d
| 44 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT03H.gpx| GPT03H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT03H.kmz| GPT03H.kmz]]
| 123 km
| 23 km (19%)
| 4800 m↑
| 4200 m↓
| 7-10 d
| 40 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT03.gpx| GPT03.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT03.kmz| GPT03.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| ''Option: Summit Chillan Viejo''
| 15 km
| 1300 m↑
| 1300 m↓
| 1 d
| 7 h
| " colspan="6" | -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Antuco
| " rowspan="2" | GPT04
| 57 km
| 1400 m↑
| 1800 m↓
| 3 d
| 16 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT04H.gpx| GPT04H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT04H.kmz| GPT04H.kmz]]
| 59 km
| 9 km (16%)
| 1300 m↑
| 1700 m↓
| 3 d
| 17 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT04.gpx| GPT04.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT04.kmz| GPT04.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| ''Option: Summit Antuco''
| 9 km
| 1600 m↑
| 1600 m↓
| 1 d
| 6 h
| " colspan="6" | -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna El Barco
| GPT05
| 43 km
| 1500 m↑
| 1500 m↓
| 2-3 d
| 13 h
| [[Media:GPT05H.gpx| GPT05H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT05H.kmz| GPT05H.kmz]]
| " colspan="6" | See hiking option. Packraft may only be used on side trips.
| [[Media:GPT05.gpx| GPT05.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT05.kmz| GPT05.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Guallali
| " rowspan="2" | GPT06
| 50 km
| 2500 m↑
| 2300 m↓
| 3-4 d
| 17 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT06.gpx| GPT06.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT06.kmz| GPT06.kmz]]
| " rowspan="2" " colspan="6" | See hiking option. Packraft can not be used on this section.
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT06.gpx| GPT06.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT06.kmz| GPT06.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| ''Option: Summit Moncol''
| 3 km
| 200 m↑
| 200 m↓
| 0 d
| 1 h
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna Marinanqui
| GPT07
| 82 km
| 2900 m↑
| 3000 m↓
| 5-7 d
| 25 h
| [[Media:GPT07H.gpx| GPT07H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT07H.kmz| GPT07H.kmz]]
| " colspan="6" | See hiking option. Packraft may only be used on side trips.
| [[Media:GPT07.gpx| GPT07.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT07.kmz| GPT07.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Sollipulli
| " rowspan="2" | GPT08
| 96 km
| 2600 m↑
| 2800 m↓
| 5-6 d
| 27 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT08H.gpx| GPT08H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT08H.kmz| GPT08H.kmz]]
| 93 km
| 9 km (9%)
| 2300 m↑
| 2500 m↓
| 5-6 d
| 26 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT08.gpx| GPT08.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT08.kmz| GPT08.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| ''Option: Summit Sollipulli''
| 11 km
| 1000 m↑
| 1000 m↓
| 1 d
| 5 h
| " colspan="6" | -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Curarrehue
| GPT09
| 77 km
| 2500 m↑
| 2300 m↓
| 3-5 d
| 23 h
| [[Media:GPT09.gpx| GPT09.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT09.kmz| GPT09.kmz]]
| " colspan="6" | See hiking option. Packraft can not be used on this section.
| [[Media:GPT09.gpx| GPT09.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT09.kmz| GPT09.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Quetrupillan
| " rowspan="2" | GPT10
| 50 km
| 1700 m↑
| 2500 m↓
| 3-5 d
| 15 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT10H.gpx| GPT10H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT10H.kmz| GPT10H.kmz]]
| " rowspan="2" " colspan="6" | See hiking option. Packraft may only be used on side trips.
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT10.gpx| GPT10.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT10.kmz| GPT10.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| ''Option: Summit Quetrupillan''
| 13 km
| 900 m↑
| 900 m↓
| 1 d
| 5 h
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Liquiñe and Neltume
| GPT11
| 35 km
| 1800 m↑
| 1400 m↓
| 2 d
| 12 h
| [[Media:GPT11H.gpx| GPT11H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT11H.kmz| GPT11H.kmz]]
| 40 km
| 22 km (56%)
| 700 m↑
| 300 m↓
| 2 d
| 12 h
| [[Media:GPT11.gpx| GPT11.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT11.kmz| GPT11.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| " rowspan="2" | Lago Pirihueico
| " rowspan="2" | GPT12
| 71 km
| 2500 m↑
| 3000 m↓
| 4-5 d
| 22 h
| [[Media:GPT12H.gpx| GPT12H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT12H.kmz| GPT12H.kmz]]
| 86 km
| 22 km (26%)
| 2300 m↑
| 2800 m↓
| 4-6 d
| 26 h
| [[Media:GPT12.gpx| GPT12.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT12.kmz| GPT12.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| " colspan="13" | Based on two recent feedbacks the section between the waypoints "Diversion (GPT12-WP020)" and "Trail Start (GPT12-WP023)" is badly overgrown and very difficult pass. Therefore this section should only be attempted by a group of at least two persons with sufficent reserve food and time. A machete should be carried to clean the overgrown trail.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Puyehue
| " rowspan="2" | GPT13
| 81 km
| 4200 m↑
| 3900 m↓
| 4-6 d
| 28 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT13H.gpx| GPT13H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT13H.kmz| GPT13H.kmz]]
| 71 km
| 10 km (14%)
| 3000 m↑
| 2700 m↓
| 4-5 d
| 23 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT13.gpx| GPT13.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT13.kmz| GPT13.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| ''Option: Summit Puyehue''
| 8 km
| 800 m↑
| 800 m↓
| 1 d
| 4 h
| " colspan="6" | -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Antillanca
| GPT14
| 39 km
| 1800 m↑
| 2000 m↓
| 2-3 d
| 13 h
| [[Media:GPT14.gpx| GPT14.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT14.kmz| GPT14.kmz]]
| " colspan="6" | See hiking option. Packraft can not be used on this section.
| [[Media:GPT14.gpx| GPT14.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT14.kmz| GPT14.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Lago Todos Los Santos
| GPT15
| 59 km
| 2100 m↑
| 2200 m↓
| 4-5 d
| 18 h
| [[Media:GPT15H.gpx| GPT15H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT15H.kmz| GPT15H.kmz]]
| 85 km
| 40 km (48%)
| 1800 m↑
| 1900 m↓
| 5-6 d
| 25 h
| [[Media:GPT15.gpx| GPT15.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT15.kmz| GPT15.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Cochamó
| GPT16
| 151 km
| 5900 m↑
| 5700 m↓
| 7-10 d
| 47 h
| [[Media:GPT16H.gpx| GPT16H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT16H.kmz| GPT16H.kmz]]
| 145 km
| 33 km (23%)
| 4600 m↑
| 4500 m↓
| 7-10 d
| 45 h
| [[Media:GPT16.gpx| GPT16.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT16.kmz| GPT16.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| " rowspan="2" | PN Lago Puelo
| " rowspan="2" | GPT17
| 86 km
| 3600 m↑
| 3300 m↓
| 5-7 d
| 27 h
| [[Media:GPT17H.gpx| GPT17H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT17H.kmz| GPT17H.kmz]]
| 76 km
| 41 km (54%)
| 2200 m↑
| 1800 m↓
| 5-7 d
| 24 h
| [[Media:GPT17.gpx| GPT17.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT17.kmz| GPT17.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| " colspan="13" | Based on one recent feedback the ascent to the waypoint "Pass (GPT17-WP101)" is badly overgrown and very difficult pass. Therefore this section should only be attempted by a group of at least two persons with sufficent reserve food and time. A machete should be carried to clean the overgrown trail. Alternatively try a other trail shortly before the waypoint "Bridge (GPT17-WP010)" that remains in this valley. To the knowledge of the author this trail also becomes overgrown after 6 to 7 km but may connect after a difficult to pass part with the waypoint "Camp (GPT17-WP105)".
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| PN Los Alerces
| GPT18
| 58 km
| 2000 m ↑
| 2000 m ↓
| 3-4 d
| 17 h
| [[Media:GPT18H.gpx| GPT18H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT18H.kmz| GPT18H.kmz]]
| 72 km
| 71 km (99%)
| 0 m↑
| 0 m↓
| 3-4 d
| 21 h
| [[Media:GPT18.gpx| GPT18.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT18.kmz| GPT18.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" colspan="2"| Complete Trail without Summits
| 1407 km
| 56000 m↑
| 56000 m↓
| -
| 442 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT01-18H.gpx| GPT01-18H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT01-18H.kmz| GPT01-18H.kmz]]
| 1432 km
| 290 km (20%)
| 46000 m↑
| 46000 m↓
| -
| 442 h
| " rowspan="2" | [[Media:GPT01-18.gpx| GPT01-18.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT01-18.kmz| GPT01-18.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" colspan="2"| Complete Trail with 7 Summits
| 1481 km
| 64000 m↑
| 64000 m↓
| -
| 478 h
| 1506 km
| 290 km (19%)
| 54000 m↑
| 54000 m↓
| -
| 479 h
|}
See the [[#Trail Sections|Section Table]] above with the recommended season, hiking direction, hiking options and resupply villages and towns.
Read also the [[#Distances, Ascents, Descents and Walking Times| comment to distances, ascents, descents and walking times]] to correctly understand the recording, calculation and relevance of these numerical values.
<!--
==Recent Feedback and Updates to the Trail==
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" | Section Name
! style="text-align: left;" | Number
! style="text-align: left;" | Date
! style="text-align: left;" | Name
! style="text-align: left;" | Feedback and Update
|-
| Volcán Descabezado
| GPT01
| -
| -
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna Dial
| GPT02
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Chillan
| GPT03
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Antuco
| GPT04
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna El Barco
| GPT05
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Guallali
| GPT06
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Laguna Marinanqui
| GPT07
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Sollipulli
| GPT08
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Curarrehue
| GPT09
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Quetrupillan
| GPT10
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Liquiñe (Hiking)
| GPT11H
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Neltume (Packraft)
| GPT11P
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Lago Pirihueico
| GPT12
| Nov/Dec 2015
| Elliot, Hevré, Sören, Carla
| The trail file update from 2016 resolves this issue. If you use the last trail file update from 2016 you will be guided around this overgrown area. <br> <br> Comment to outdate trail files from 2015: <br> <br> Based on recent feedbacks the section between the waypoints "Diversion (GPT12-WP020)" and "Trail Start (GPT12-WP023)" is badly overgrown and very difficult pass. Therefore this section should only be attempted by a group of at least two persons with sufficient reserve food and time that want to "dive" into the Valdivian rain forest. All other hikers should bypass section 12 by bus. <br> <br> Hikers who attempt this section should carefully search a suitable connection between the two above mentioned waypoints and carry a machete to clean the overgrown trail. Whenever using a machete care should be taken to not leave misguiding cut marks. Keep in mind that hikers after you will follow your cut marks therefore clearly block "death end" trails and leave clear signs i.e. cut marks that guide others after you along a suitable route.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Puyehue
| GPT13
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Volcán Antillanca
| GPT14
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Lago Todos Los Santos
| GPT15
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Cochamó
| GPT16
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| PN Lago Puelo
| GPT17
| Dec 2015
| Eliot, Hevré
| The trail file update from 2016 resolves this issue. If you use the last trail file update from 2016 you will be guided around this densly overgrown area but some bushwalking is still required. <br> <br> Comment to outdate trail files from 2015: <br> <br> Based on one recent feedback the ascent to the waypoint "Pass (GPT17-WP101)" is badly overgrown and very difficult pass. Also the Huella Andina trail from the start of section 17 along the eastern side of the Lago Puelo was partly damaged by a large wild fire in January and February 2015. Therefore this section should only be attempted by a group of at least two persons with sufficient reserve food and time. All other hikers should bypass section 17 by bus. <br> <br> Hikers who attempt this section should should carry a machete to clean the overgrown trail. Alternatively ask the local settlers to guide you i.e. to get up to the ridge and walk along the tree-less ridge to the waypoint "Pass (GPT17-WP101)". A other option is trying an alternative trail shortly before the waypoint "Bridge (GPT17-WP010)" that that follows the valley "Derrumbe". To the knowledge of the author this trail also becomes overgrown after 6 to 7 km but may connect after a difficult to pass part with the waypoint "Camp (GPT17-WP105)".
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| PN Los Alerces
| GPT18
| -
| -
| -
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|}
==Long Distances Challanges==
[[File:GPT03-2014-Pano-Pic014.jpg|thumb|500px|Greater Patagonian Trail Section 3: Carrying fire wood for the next night. File: Jan Dudeck]]
The sections 2 and 3 can be combined with an alternative trail through a pristine area that bypasses the settlement and the road at the finish of section 2 and the start of section 3.
The sections 3 and 4 may also be combined by packrafting the entire Laguna Las Lajas or taking a cross country route on the eastern side of the lake. Both, the packraft and the hiking option, are quite challanging and the optional cross country trail still needs to be verfied. This alternative route bypasses the road to the town Antuco and the tiny ski resort on the base of the volcano Antuco.
It is even possible to combine sections 2, 3 and 4 in a extra-long super-section without passing a single village. This tripple section is a true long distance endurance challange that gets you in 3 to 4 weeks through nearly untouched wilderness. If you attempt it, you should be well aware of all the exit routes to walk out in time if you run out of food.
Combining sections 4 to 7 should be considered when hiking these sections. You may get some basic food i.e. in Trapa Trapa at the end of section 4 and in Guallali on section 6. You may also ask the [[#Food Supply on the Trail|Puesteros]] along the trail for food or harvest [[#Traditional Food|Araucaria cones]] to "stretch" the food that you carry in your backpack and make it last this long combined section. This would save you resupply bus trips to "nearby" villages and towns. Such resupply bus trips take two days or more due to the distances and the low bus frequency. In particular getting at the end of section 6 by bus to Lonquimay and then back to continue with section 7 might be an ordeal.
Also combining sections 13 to 15 is advisable to save you time consuming resupply bus trips. At the end of section 13 you may ask in a settlers home for food and at the end of section 14 you may take the ferry that runs three times per week to a tiny village, resupply in a small shop just next to the embarkation point and return shortly later with the same ferry.
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{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" rowspan="2"| Section Name
! style="text-align: left;" rowspan="2"| Number
! style="text-align: left;" colspan="6"| Hiking-Only-Options
! style="text-align: left;" colspan="7"| Hiking-Only-Options AND Packraft-Options
|-
! 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
! style="text-align: left;" | Trail File
! style="text-align: left;" | Distance
! style="text-align: left;" | On Water
! style="text-align: left;" | Ascent
! style="text-align: left;" | Descent
! style="text-align: left;" | Days
! style="text-align: left;" | Time
! style="text-align: left;" | Trail File
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Section 2 and 3 <br> via Las Truchas
| GPT02-03
| 279 km
| 12700 m↑
| 12100 m↓
| 14-20 d
| 91 h
| [[Media:GPT02-03H.gpx| GPT02-03H.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT02-03H.kmz| GPT02-03H.kmz]]
| 271 km
| 32 km (12%)
| 10400 m↑
| 9700 m↓
| 14-20 d
| 86 h
| [[Media:GPT02-03.gpx| GPT02-03.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT02-03.kmz| GPT02-03.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Section 3 and 4 <br> East of Laguna de Las Lajas
| GPT03-04
| 174 km
| 7200 m↑
| 7000 m↓
| 10-15 d
| 55 h
| [[Media:GPT03-04.gpx| GPT03-04.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT03-04.kmz| GPT03-04.kmz]]
| 166 km
| 26 km (15%)
| 5800 m↑
| 5600 m↓
| 10-15 d
| 52 h
| [[Media:GPT03-04.gpx| GPT03-04.gpx]] <br> [[Media:GPT03-04.kmz| GPT03-04.kmz]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Section 2, 3 and 4 <br> via Las Truchas and <br> East of Laguna de Las Lajas
| GPT02-04
| 324 km
| 13400 m↑
| 13200 m↓
| 17-25 d
| 103 h
| [[#Trail Files for GPS and Google Earth|See above]]
| 313 km
| 35 km (11%)
| 11400 m↑
| 11100 m↓
| 17-25 d
| 98 h
| [[#Trail Files for GPS and Google Earth|See above]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Section 4 to 7
| GPT04-07
| 231 km
| 8300 m↑
| 8600 m↓
| 13-17 d
| 70 h
| [[#Trail Files for GPS and Google Earth|See above]]
| 233 km
| 9 km (4%)
| 8200 m↑
| 8500 m↓
| 13-17 d
| 71 h
| [[#Trail Files for GPS and Google Earth|See above]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Section 13, 14 and 15
| GPT13-15
| 178 km
| 8100 m ↑
| 8200 m ↓
| 10-15 d
| 59 h
| [[#Trail Files for GPS and Google Earth|See above]]
| 194 km
| 50 km (26%)
| 6600 m↑
| 6600 m↓
| 10-15 d
| 62 h
| [[#Trail Files for GPS and Google Earth|See above]]
|}
Note that these GPX files are outdated but updates are included in the updated trail files issued in 2016.
==Trail Altitude Profile==
The following two images show the altitude profile of the trail. The first images shows the Hiking-Only-Options and the second images shows the route with all Packraft-Options incorporated. Both altitude profiles exclude all optional ascents to summits.
[[File:GPT01-18H_Profile.png|thumb|left|1050px|Altitude profile of the Hiking-Only-Options of the Greater Patagonian Trail. Click to enlarge.]]
[[File:GPT01-18_Profile.png|thumb|left|1050px|Altitude profile of the Greater Patagonian Trail with all Packraft-Options included. Click to enlarge.]]
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