https://www.wikiexplora.com/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Pierre-Marie 2026-10-02T14:35:30Z Contribuciones del usuario MediaWiki 1.26.1 https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT42_(Glaciar_Upsala)&diff=120956 2025-04-06T20:43:05Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR / Randonnée avortée / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT41&lt;/strike&gt;+(GPT 43)+GPT42+(GPT43)+GPT44<br /> | Intérêt : ?<br /> | Difficulté : ?<br /> | Danger : Accès difficile ou très cher, permis obligatoire, groupe obligatoire, bush-bashing<br /> <br /> Cette étape ne semble pas mature, le sentier est inexistant (que du CC ou du BB) et les routes 19 et 21 pour y aller et en revenir sont une grosse incertitude. Combien de jours de nourriture prendre, comment réserver le bateau (GPT43), pour quel tarif, réglementation interdisant de randonner seul, obligation de se déclarer... La region au sud d'El Chalten est sûrement faite pour le packraft.<br /> Mon projet était de faire un aller-retour en bateau Puerto Bandera &lt;-&gt; Estancia Cristina et de faire l'option 42-01 (~60km) ainsi que le lac Tannhauser et le cerro Sombrero (~50km) sur 4 jours. En effet les retours sur wikiexplora indiquent que ces endroient son magnifique, et que la partie nord de cette étape est abandonné et inintéressante. Le bateau est cher, mais c'est un transport fiable. Marcher sur des routes désertes en attendant des voitures me coûte beaucoup plus cher en moral, en énergie, et en temps. Je suis allé au bureau de l'Estancia Cristina dans le centre de El Calafate. On m'a dit que c'était 200 000 ARS pour un aller-retour le même jour. Et que si le retour se faisait un jour différent de l'aller, c'était 200 000 ARS l'aller et 200 000 ARS le retour. C'est complètement grotesque et insensé. Il ne veulent pas qu'on randonnent sans guide et nous le font payer.<br /> Je suis quand même allé au bureau du Parque National Los Glaciares également situé dans la rue principale de El Calafate. Et là on me dit qu'il faut faire la demande d'accès 3 jours avant, et pour 3 personnes minimum.<br /> J'abandonne doublement puisque je n'ai pas le droit d'y aller et qu'en plus ce n'est pas dans mon budget. Je suis profondement déçu et me tourne vers ma prochaine randonnée. Le GPT44 présente des problèmes de faisabilité à cause de la frontière, je ne peux pas le faire. Il se trouve que les bus pour Torres del Paine coûte 190 000 ARS et celui pour Puerto Natales 32 000 ARS. Je vais donc faire le GPT46 puis le GPT45 NoBo, pour des raison financières. Le stop est évidemment possible car la route est très fréquentée. C'est la première fois que je me prend la tête à ce point sur le GPT. L'intendance, le transport, le coût, et l'administration prennent des proportions insensées pour un simple randonneur. Si ça avait été aussi compliqué sur les étapes précédentes je serais encore au GPT03 à l'heure qu'il est. Bon courage à ceux qui veulent absolument voir cet étape 42 qui est sûrement grandiose<br /> <br /> * '''2025-01-16 to 2025-01-24/ 9 days (including one rest day, excluding multiple hitchhiking days!) / Hiking / NOBO / EXP43, New Route, RR, option 1/ Magdalena &amp; Tim'''<br /> <br /> We walked a new route in the GPT42 area from Settler {42} [#3/385] to Estancia Helsingfors in 9 days including one rest day. <br /> We started with some EXP 43-03 but soon leave the track for a probably safer but slower alternative. We connect to Lago Tannhauser and from there walk the same route as described by Robin Marcille. <br /> <br /> We hitched on Ruta Provincial 19 to Settler {42} [#3/385].<br /> It took around 7 hours until we met a car going to the end of the road. <br /> One inhabitant in the settler hut invites us enthusiastically to stay the night. They have no livestock, they are working for Solo Patagonia, a tourism company, to build and extend the road (OH-MR&amp;CC-V {43-02}) to a viewpoint over the lake. CC can probably already be removed from the track, although we didn't walk it. <br /> In a year or so they say tours will go there by boat from Puerto Bandera. Then a bus will shuttle tourists up to the viewpoint, where many condors breed. They are working in shifts, we met their colleagues earlier who left by car in the morning. <br /> <br /> Day1: We start walking NOBO on the old MR (km 26.4). Easy Walking but not boring. At km 24.1 there is a easy ford, afterwards the track fords the tributary as well, while we stay on the southern side. There are many cow paths either way probably. <br /> <br /> Now EXP 43-03 starts. <br /> As we get above the treeline there is some moderate scrambling needed to get further up. S 50.07576°, W 072.93645°<br /> <br /> Soon after we leave the track for a bit to ascend via this pass, which looks easier. S 50.07086°, W 072.95873°<br /> <br /> From the high plateau we try to ascend to the ridge at S 50.04458°, W 072.95789°. We abort quickly as the wind gets too strong to be safe (over 80kmh?) and it's getting late. I can't really say if it's doable, maybe with low winds. <br /> <br /> We descend for ~3km on 43-03B and enter a small sidevalley to the north, hoping for a sheltered campsite. We camp between two glacial lakes at S 50.04525°, W 072.99735°. The spot is somewhat sheltered from 3 sides, but strong gusts regularly hit our tent from all directions. We build a small stonewall, which helps to get some sleep. <br /> A very small tent or bivouac bag could find a better spot in between the boulders above. <br /> <br /> Day2: from here we ascend to the east up towards EXP 43-03. We see lots of Guanaco tracks on the way, so that was reassuring. No major difficulties except the wind until the pass at S 50.03497°, W 072.96812°.<br /> <br /> From here EXP43-03 is not possible. A rocky steep outcrop is blocking the way: S 50.03390°, W 072.97002°<br /> To go around, we descend 40m and reascend to another pass at <br /> S 50.03267°, W 072.97092°. Only the final bit is difficult, very steep, loose sand. Luckily it is somehow completely windstill (in our case). <br /> <br /> We easily descend to camp, finally in the wind protected forest at S 50.01617°, W 072.99547°.<br /> <br /> Day 3: <br /> We ascend on decent cow trails to a pass at S 50.00991°, W 073.01324°. Once in the beautiful high valley, the going is pretty easy and fast. We see a herd of cows as well as guanaco. Via another easy pass (S 49.94691°, W 073.01142°) we reach Lago Tannhauser. <br /> <br /> From here we take the same route as described by Robin, so I'll keep it shorter. We descend and camp at S 49.93053°, W 073.09374°. <br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Since we don't have a permit, we are quite scared to walk within 2km of Ea. Christina and its ranger station. We meet employees of the estancia three times (Guides with dayhikers twice and once someone leading horses to the estancia), but they did not seem overly suspicious. Afterwards we didn't meet anyone.<br /> Once we reach Refugio Pascale, we are still worried a ranger might search for us, so we camp instead a bit further. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it's supposed to be raining most of the day, so we decide to do a rest day. We still have enough food, we had planned for the EXP section to take longer.<br /> <br /> Day 6:<br /> I think we see Robin's footsteps from 3 weeks before and follow them towards Cerro Yumil and over the pass to it's east. The views of the glacier are awesome, definitely happy that we waited for better weather.<br /> <br /> Day 7: in the morning there's a fraction of the water in the river. Robin described the way up to the pass as difficult, not in our case, probably we found an easier way. There's a old trail all the way up and over the pass, maintained mainly by cows I assume. We camp near Camp {42} [25.1/677]<br /> <br /> Day8: at the small lake (S 49.74042°, W 073.07323°) as Robin recommended we stick to the Western shore without problems. <br /> The ascend to the pass directly after was very hard for us, dangerously steep loose rocks, maybe the hardest of the trip. Maybe we took a bad route up. The valley after was definitely the least fun of the trip 😬. super thorny BB. The trail is almost completely overgrown and if you find it, it won't really help much. After the second pass out gets easier CC although we still found the trail here and there. Once lower we face very hard BB again, up to chest high, but at least not as thorny. We camp at S 49.70767°, W 073.04438° decently wind protected. Might be swampy if it has been raining. <br /> <br /> Day 9: don't try to CC directly to the beach like we did from our camp, it's steep cliffs and CC back to the track is blocked by a ravine. At the beach campsite [13.6/254] a trail starts marked with cairns. Around S 49.69399°, W 073.00547° we lose the trail, it's quite overgrown, we don't find any good way. Afterwards it's easy until Ea. Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> Getting back from Ea. Helsingfors:<br /> We discuss with the dueño Nico and one other employee our options to get back. They are very nice. The only guests left a day ago and the next ones will arrive in 3 days or so. A taxi is not an option for our budget..<br /> Traffic is nonexistent.<br /> Nico offers us food if we decide to walk and ask the other estancias. We take him up on it, we only had food for one meal left. Nico gives us food to walk for 2-3 days. We start walking in the evening and ask at Ea. Los Hermanos if we can camp there. We are invited in instead. No one is going back to Ruta 40 from them.<br /> <br /> At estancia Santa Teresita the son of the dueño agrees to drive us to La leona for 70k Pesos (~70US$). His family rents and operates various estancias in the area. <br /> From la leona we hitchhike to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 42 - Uppsala - NOBO - 20/12/24 - 24/12/24 - Robin &amp; Manon - New option + RR + Option 1 - 4.5 days - 2 persons permit'''<br /> <br /> We followed the idea from Célio Lebailly and started at Puesto Guanaco after a taxi transfer of 180 USD and 3 hours. Discussing with the APN at El Calafate, we understood that the permit to go between Puesto Guanaco and Ea. Cristina is for groups of *2 persons* minimum. We then applied for this permit, and went straight to Puesto Guanaco. We went to the ranger station to ask if we could start 1/2 day before and he was super chill, showing us the way and telling us to enjoy ! By doing so we were legal for the first 4 days, and could go back to el Calafate with the ferry in case anyone would tell anything to us. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : took the beautiful pink granite valley south of Lago Azul and slept before the pass. S 49° 56.719', W 072° 54.442'<br /> <br /> Day 2: hiked up to the pass south of Cerro Sombrero, the moraine passage is very steep and would be problematic with snow. We took straight in the granite slabs which was easy. Cerro Sombrero is superb, and so is Lago Tannhauser. Went down along the OSM track which is non existant on an easy CC, then we cut straight to the entrance of cañadon de Los fossiles and slept at the lake where we had some interactions with ruting bulls. S 49° 54.952', W 073° 09.267'. Met no one, but saw the horse tracks that Celio was talking about. <br /> <br /> Day 3: followed the stunning cañadon de los fossiles on a marked trail up to Laguna Pascale. This is not to be missed ! Small refuge at Laguna Pascale S 49° 51.782', W 073° 11.060'. Continued on the marked trail to Lago Azul, where you get the first glimpse of Glaciar Uppsala, incredible. Slept by the lake, view on campo de Hielo and wind protected S 49° 49.786', W 073° 11.837'.<br /> <br /> Day 4: we followed option 1 to get views on the glacier. From the foot of Cerro Yumil, don't hesitate to go your way. We took a more direct route, it's moraine terrain anyway. Views are stunning.Easy CC until the bottom, but turns into difficult CC&amp;BB on steep terrain to reach the pass S 49° 51.042', W 073° 08.373'. you probably want to follow the track there. Went down to the valley and slept by the first moraine lake.<br /> <br /> Day 5: went up to the pass on relatively easy CC. Had a very bad (the worst so far) Lengas BB on the eastern shore of the lake before the pass. Either stick to the shore or take the west shore. Don't go to the pass but to a terrace 60m above on the right. Down and traverse to the next pass is very difficult CC on very steep rocky terrain covered in thorny plants. That was tough. From the pass to the Seño Moyano, it's again very bad CC&amp;BB on calafate. Tough times there but we saw a Huemul ! You'll find an old track at the lake corner that will lead you with cairns up to Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> We arrived at the Estancia with low food, and talked to an employee who did not help us. They have free WiFi though.<br /> <br /> We went to the next Estancia los Hermanos and got invited by Juanito, who's been working here 30 years for Navidad. He's retiring in July, and has no idea if anyone will take over. Had the best possible Christmas Eve there. He later talked with the Helsingfors dueño, that would have helped us. Talk directly to him (Nico).<br /> <br /> Got a ride with his friend that came for Navidad to La Leona and took the bus from there. Don't expect any hitch hike on this road, except for Helsingfors clients ! Taxi rides are super expensive (got proposed 400USD)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/NoBo/ 2024 dix 95 to 2024 dic 10 / Participant: Amalia, Isabelle Celio / 6 Days / Hiking / New option + RR'''<br /> <br /> We walked from Puesto guanaco (end of ruta provincial 69) to Estancia Helsingfors.<br /> First part is not on the GPT track and it's mostly CC until lago Tanhauser (49.929450° S 73.026713° W) then there is a trail marked on OSM, you start to see it when you enter the forest (49.937360° S 73.053745° W) but there is also a lot of cows trails and some angry bulls too!<br /> Second part we mostly follow the RR. From the camp at lago Anita (49.901503° S 73.123986° W) we did a hike up to the valle de los fossiles (49.907952° S 73.170325° W) and a viewpoint higher up. If you have the time to do it, it's amazing.<br /> Day 1 : at Puesto guanaco there is a ranger station, if you registered previously the ranger will be informed that you come (that was for us). We started following the trail going to laguna azul and quickly left it for some animals track at 49.923508° S 72.842736° W on the left. We enter the valley south of laguna azul and reach the pass and camp there (49.945402° S 72.933853° W).<br /> Day 2 : We went surrounding the cerro sombrero on is south face up to the pass (49.947031° S 72.976260° W) then went up to the summit of the cerro sombrero (amazing view). Then we goes down to the south shore of the lake Tanhauser and followed it. We camped on a hill west of the lake, we were exposed of the wind (49.927634° S 73.033441° W).<br /> Day 3 : Walked around the camp, beautiful landscape and up to a hill where there is a pirca. Then down to the valley of lago Anita. We did not follow the trail and tried to shortcut to arrive directly at lago Anita and the campsite (49.901503° S 73.123986° W). Them did the hike to valle de los fossiles and viewpoint.<br /> Day 4, 5 and 6 we followed the RR threw the &quot;canyon&quot;. After the first pass and until the seno moyano campsite it's CC and BB on calafates and others friendly spiky plants! Then it's getting easier to follow until estancia helsingsfors.<br /> <br /> Permits :<br /> Permits only doable in el calafate national park office. You need to do a &quot;area remota permiso&quot;. When you ask it,it will be ready the next day at midday. It supposed to be only 4 days but one should try to ask more. To have this permit you need to be at least 3 and complete a basic form that ask you contacts, experience, if you have a sattelital communication gps (but don't check it).<br /> At estancia christina there is a ranger station that will check if you are legal. And the workers there will advise him if they see you.<br /> At estancia helsingsfors there is no more ranger at the ranger office.<br /> Once you get out the park, informe them that you leave, if not they will start the rescue research has they said.<br /> <br /> To get to Puesto guanaco and to leave at estancia helsingsfors you can schedule a transfert, there is several in el calafate and el chalten.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''Frank Not the RR /mostly SoBo/ 10-12 December 2023'''<br /> As I could not get a permit for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina - see permits section - I walked around on the road from La Leona to Calafate in 3 days as follows:<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to La Leona and walked 43KM SOBO. You are in the Leona river valley although you mostly walk well back from the river. Bluffs above the river make the walk a lot more sheltered than the open pampa. <br /> 11KM from La Leona is a derelict Estancia by Rio Leona, you could camp there or sleep in one of the buildings. After about 25KM you start to ascend one of the bluffs above the valley. As the road drops in a loop I went CC downhill which can cut the loop by about 2KM. As the descent flattens out there is a wadi, you could camp on the dry wadi floor. Risky if it rains but that is not so common on the pampa. At KM 43 is a mirador marked Vista a Lago Argentina on Openstreetmap, I hitched back from there to Calafate.<br /> <br /> 2. I bought a ticket to La Leona, talked to the driver and he agreed to drop me at the mirador - they usually don´t do that. From the mirador I walked about 41KM SOBO. There are two bridges and you can camp by trees below both of them. A shed about 300M before the Rio Leona bridge had rats around it so is best avoided. Between the bridges where Ruta 17 goes inland towards 2 estancias there is a small concrete hut/shrine which you could sleep in. The estancias are a long way inland, 20KM or more. I continued to the junction with the road from Rio Gallegos and stopped after about 10KM where a jeep track goes right towards Estancia Bon Accord. Then I hitched in to Calafate. <br /> <br /> 3. I walked NOBO on jeep tracks away from Calafate, easier as the wind was at my back. I went to see the cave paintings at Punta Walichu which is by the lake below Cerro Gualicho and marked on Openstreetmap.<br /> However it is quite a detour to Punta Walichu and they charge 11,000 pesos entry or about 12 euro. They gave me the student price which is 8000 pesos. In the Walichu reserve they will not allow you to walk anywhere except in and out on the main access road-I came in directly from Calafate on jeep tracks which was OK as they didnt see me but had to leave on the access road. So it seems best to avoid the site and go directly out from Calafate on jeep tracks which are marked on the track file. I rejoined the track file route but where it turns towards the lake I left it to go straight ahead on a smaller jeep track. It bisects the airport road. Cafe in the airport but I didnt go in as it is 1.7KM off the route I took. After crossing the airport road I continued on a faded jeep track which improved and led out to the main road where there is a sign for Estancia Bon Accord, then I hitched back to Calafate. This section is about 20KM if you walk directly from Calafate on jeep tracks. Including the detour to Walichu cave paintings its about 28KM.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/SoBo/ February 2023 / Participant: Tobias Schorcht/ 3.5 Days/ 60 km/ Method: Hiking'''<br /> I walked from EA Helsingsfors to EA Cristina. Since it is part of the Nationalpark “Los Glaciares” you need a permit. Got the permit easily in El Chaltén (park office) free of charge. They asked me for my inreach contact, I don’t know if they let you go without it. Since they removed the cows in that area, the trail is in a bad condition and some parts are overgrown with Calafate. I recommend the use of gaters. I marked the few camping spots before and after the 2 passes, which is the tough part. Reached EA Cristina after 3 days of walking and took the catamaran to Puerto Bandera (every day, 5 p.m., 100 000 CPS). Amazing views and landscape up there. Met no one.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Hitchhiking Ruta provincial 21: <br /> Extremely little traffic, you might go a day or more without seeing a car. Estancia Helsingfors has guests only infrequently, like one group per week.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking Ruta Provincial 19: <br /> Little traffic, but doable. A car every few hours. At the first 10km more traffic from car campers. <br /> <br /> December 2023 info: In high season i.e. from 1st December there is a boat every day from Puerto Banedera to Estancia Cristina, leaving at 9AM &amp; returning from the Estancia at 5PM. It costs about 100 euro. Inquire at the Ea. Cristina office in Calafate on Av. Libertador.<br /> Transfer from Calafate to Puerto Bandera costs an additional 25,000 pesos (about 27 euro) and leaves Calafate at 7:15 AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> Tim &amp; Magdalena January 2025:<br /> Permits for the area are only given for groups of 3 minimum. That's why we went without permit. Robin got a permit from a ranger who wasn't aware of the policy. The rangers we talked to have heard of their colleagues mistake. <br /> <br /> Frank 14-12-2023<br /> <br /> Chalten park office are not giving permits for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina now, they refer you to the Calafate park office.<br /> You can talk to them in person or email your request to Mesadeentradaspnlg@apn.gob.ar or Informespnlg@apn.gob.ar<br /> I did both and all answered the same: minimum group size 3 people no exceptions and they want you to have comms. also i.e. a radio or inreach.<br /> This situation may change so it is worth checking with both park offices.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT69_(Ushuaia)&diff=120955 2025-04-06T20:27:36Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-AVR-03 &gt; 06 / 3,5 jours / Randonnée / RR &gt; 69-04 &gt; &lt;strike&gt;69-04A&lt;/strike&gt; &gt; 69-04 (+ glaciar Vinciguerra : 12km A-R) &gt; 69-01C &gt; 69-01 (+ glaciar Ojo del Albino : 8km A-R) &gt; 69-06 &gt; &lt;strike&gt;69-06A&lt;/strike&gt; &gt; 69-06 &gt; 69-06B &gt; 69-06 &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT69<br /> | Meteo : nuages et soleil<br /> | Eau : difficile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup dès le départ<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : neige, boue, marais, ruisseau caché profond<br /> <br /> Je fais une boucle de 4 jours depuis Ushuaïa. Il y a un sentier au dessus de Los Alacalufles, ca évite de marcher au bord de la route. Il y a ~15cm de neige dès le départ. J'ai de la chance car un groupe me précède et je suis leurs traces dans les bois. Le sentier est moyennement balisé. Dès que je sors du bois, ça se complique sérieusement. Le vent pousse la neige dans la vallée. Le sentier est recouvert de 20 à 150cm de neige. La progression est difficile et les traces du groupe précédent sont effacées en quelques minutes. Je les croise quand ils font demi-tour. La fin de la montée se fait bien et j'atteins la bifurcation. Je ne suis pas allé au lac car la neige était trop épaisse et que je voulais assurer ma descente dans les bois. Par chance, j'ai croisé un groupe qui montait après seulement 20 minutes, ce qui m'a encore fait gagner du temps car le balisage n'est vraiment pas bien fait. Le sentier est particulierement boueux. Impossible de garder les pieds sec avec la neige qui fond. Je campe après le pont du sentier qui va au glacier Vinciguerra. La température descend très bas la nuit et le lendemain matin le sentier est totalement glacé. J'ai fait l'aller-retour au lac en ~2h30 car la trace était déjà faite. Le sentier est très emprunté mais j'ai commencé à croiser du monde à 10h seulement. Ce sentier est faisable si la trace n'est pas faite, c'est juste plus long. Quand je suis arrivé sur la RN3 j'ai fait de l'auto-stop et ça a très bien fonctionné. On m'a déposé au départ du sentier. Il y a un sentier qui rejoins le sentier officiel de la Laguna Esperalda mais sur ma carte j'ai vu qu'il y en avait un autre qui partait du refuge Bonete. Attention le refuge est fermé à clé. Le sentier n'existe plus mais le CC est très facile car il y a peu de végétation. J'ai pu observer des castors car personne ne passe par ici. J'ai rejoins le lac sans difficulté. En allant au campement indiqué sur ma carte (-54.6801666, -68.1317597) j'ai croisé un groupe avec un guide qui m'a demandé si je montais au glacier ce soir. J'ai dit que non et il m'a dit que la montée était facile. Je suis arrivé au campement à 16h30 alors j'ai laissé mon sac et suis monté au glacier pour 3 raison : il n'y avait plus de touristes sur le sentier, la trace était déjà faite, et j'avais peur que le sentier soit infaisable le matin avec le gel. J'ai fait l'aller-retour en 2h30. Attention ce sentier est impossible sans trace GPS ou si la trace n'est pas faite. Un vrai labyrinthe dans les rochers. La nuit a été fraiche mais il n'a pas gelé. Le sentier est une vraie mare de boue. Il y a un refuge (-54.6867047, -68.1306579) utilisable uniquement par les adhérents d'une association, mais en cas de problème grave il est ouvert. Mes chaussures sont toujours aussi trempées. A la fin de la montée vers la Laguna Submarino il y a des cairns. La montée est faisable sans trace mais dans mon cas des gens étaient montés avant moi. Je n'ai pas fait la 69-06A car il y avait trop de neige pour moi. C'est une belle journee et la neige font très vite, les torrents sont en crue et il y a des ruisseaux partout. Attention certains ruisseaux sont très creux et bien dissimulés dans l'herbe ou la neige. Entre le lac et la 69-06B c'est du CC pas toujours évident car ça glissait beaucoup. J'ai cassé un de mes bâtons. Un acte manqué pour me dire que je dois rentrer chez moi. Casser un baton de 9000km le dernier jour du GPT ce n'est pas un hasard. A partir de la confluence (-54.788636, -68.1128231) qui est facile à traverser car il y a un arbre couché, c'est du CC très difficile voir du BB sur plusieurs centaines de mètres de temps en temps. L'utilisation du GPS est indispensable. Il ne faut pas longer la rivière trop près, en hauteur c'est moins escarpé et il y a moins de végétation et d'arbres couchés. Je suis arrivé directement sur la 69-06B qui est un vieux sentier de trail. Il y a des arbres en travers mais pas de végétation. J'ai campé à côté d'un cours d'eau (-54.8154405, -68.1220069) car la descente n'a pas été facile (4h30 depuis le lac...). La fin a été facile, il suffit de suivre le sentier puis la route jusqu'à Ushuaïa. J'ai rencontré le propriétaire de l'estancia Tunel sur son cheval, il m'a dit que ce sentier était en parfait état il y a 15 ans, mais que les gens n'y vont plus alors la forêt a repris le terrain. Il m'a dit qu'il y avait un autre sentier dans la vallée à l'est, en longeant le cour d'eau.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''Frank /4.5 days / RR NOBO'''<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to the edge of Ushuaia (see transport section) &amp; walked back to the centre along the coast road in a little over an hour.<br /> <br /> 2. I again got the bus &amp; continued to the end of the road then along an easy trail to Estancia Tunel. 3KM later I forded the river easily (knee deep) &amp; continued about 6KM to the next puesto. Another easy ford before the puesto. From the puesto an old jeep track runs out all the way to the road. I went to see the shipwreck at Puerto Remolino then returned to the road &amp; crossed the river on a footbridge. At the river are several huts, occasionally used by the military. Good camping outside. Next day I continued along the road. Two restaurants &amp; 2 cafes in Puerto Pirata, all closed when I went through. In Puerto Almanca there are 7 restaurants, all open. There should be camping &amp; rooms available also. I continued to the puesto at the start of Sendero Lucas Bridges (SLB)You can camp near the bridge about 2KM before the puesto. From the puesto I hitched back to Ushuaia.<br /> <br /> 3. From Tolhuin I got a taxi on Ruta 27 to Aguas Blancas where there is a sign for SLB. I walked back 19KM to Tolhuin easily in 4 hours.<br /> <br /> 4. I got the Tolhuin-Ushuaia bus to the junction with Ruta J then hitched to the Puesto at the start of SLB. Not much traffic, possibly because it was Christmas Eve. At the puesto go in on the jeep track for 1KM then leave it as it turns left &amp; continue along a fence. Forded Rio Varela, it was a little over knee deep &amp; fast. There is a camp just after the ford. The trail is marked with blue &amp; red dots &amp; occasional small metal flags. Continued to Rio Lata &amp; crossed it easily. There are a few more crossings. Most I was able to cross on logs &amp; rocks. There is a narrow trail section along a gravel bank which is eroded &amp; undercut. I walked it but it would be safer to ford the river below the bank. There is an intermediate camp then the trail fades out with no markers until Camp Lata. Summer days are long so I continued from Camp Lata to the pass easily on slabs up a streambed. Good views of the Dientes on the way up. At the pass (650M) don't lose altitude but contour following metal posts to the second pass which is at about the same altitude. Then you drop steeply on a clear trail. Once at the treeline it's very muddy for 1KM but you are soon at Camp Bruzo, 3KM from the pass, where I camped. I marked the locations of all the camps so they should be available with the 2024 track file update.<br /> <br /> Camp Bruzo is at the point where the route divides with a 'track' along each side of the river. However the trail &amp; markers disappear &amp; its CC on either side until the point where the routes reunite. I found the best option to be going out on the left route &amp; when I reached the river I started walking along the gravel banks, crossing it many times, often just walking in the river. If you stay on land you are in rough trackless scrub with beaver dams, logjams &amp; mud. At the point where the tracks reunite the trail &amp; markers start again. After a short confusing section through a maze of fallen trees it led out more easily although navigation was still required. Forded the river easily at the puesto &amp; went out on a good track to the road. After a few KM I hitched into Tolhuin.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-04-28 to 2023-05-12 / Hiking / all directions / RR + various OH / Jakub &amp; Veronika'''<br /> <br /> We stayed in Ushuaia for quite a long time. We visited NP Tiera del Fuego, walked to Mirador Glaciar Martial, Cerro Medio and Laguna Esmeralda, hitchhiked to Puerto Almanza and finally walked Sendero Lucas Bridges from Estancia Haberton to Tolhuin. All was nice, all is recomendable Ushuaia's museums included, the last is the hardest:<br /> <br /> Sendero Lucas Bridges was build by famous settlerer and former missionary Lucas Bridges between 1900 and 1902 using traditional mountain path of Selk'nam people and curiously with their man power. We don't know whether it was an employment or a modern form of slavery, there are arguments for both. Bridges's descendants still run nearby Estancia Haberton, which can be visited during summer season (estancia, museum of marine mammals, restaurant). The sendero itself begins alongside a new puesto of vaqueros (ranch with cows built in 2019 based on a rented land of Estancia Haberton). The guys who work there are really nice and welcoming. You can ask there about the paths, if you need it.<br /> <br /> We crossed the pasture (unlocked wooden gates) and from there on it was easy to follow the way threw the gassing land. It is necessary to cross the fences a few times untill you get closer to the forest, there you need to follow the track files for a while, because the trail itself is misleading. After we crossed the river Varela (all crossings are recorded accurately at the original locations), and spent the first night in the camp on its shore. The camp looks quite new (first photo). From there the path was well marked with metal Fuegian flags and red and blue spots and leads next to Varela River and after along one of its left sources at the bottom of the valley. We followed that untill we approached another new camp (second photo). Then the trail leads to peatbog where the path disappears with the first beaver lagoon and from that moment on it is just cross-country through the peat. Sometimes we could see more marks but it doesn't help at all (the solution would be to record all the marks on the GPS but we didn't have time for that - if you can, do it!). We wanted to spent our second night at Rancho Lata, but we couldn't find it because of a dark (search around the track in the forest at km 37.2). We slept close to this point between the the trees that provided good shelter from the wind. The next day we turned right to the Paso Bridges. Here the path follows a stream that runs from the pass. When in the mountains, we found yellow and wooden pole marks that led us across the pass. The wind here was strongest we've met in Patagonia so take care! We spent night in the camp Bruzo with another beaver lagoon next to it (and sadly some rubbish as well). In the morning we lost marks again, so we needed to cross the peatbog again, thanks to frost it was harder then a day ago. It is better to go around the lagoon on its right side. We crossed river again over fallen trees, after in the forest we found marks again for a monet. Then some more cross-country untill we reached Rio Valdez. From there on the trail is recorded accurately and well visible with some recent maintainance. Last night we spent close to the river where are many good camping spots. Next day we crossed the river Valdez next to the puesto and soon we were on the mud road leading to Tolhuin. We spent on the path 4 nights. We walked slowly, but also it wasn't easy. Lot's of humidity, peatbogs, fallen trees and half of the path not well marked. But nature really amazing with interesting history (Selk'nam) and present (beaver introduction related demage and recent forest exploitation close to slowly expanding Tolhuin). It seems that not many people visit this sendero these days. Hopefully the protection status will change and more people will come!<br /> <br /> * '''2023/04/21 - 2023/04/26 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and Option 6 / Christopher and Anna'''<br /> <br /> Tolhuin - Estancia Haberton - Laguna Esmeralda - Laguna Submarina - Ushuaia<br /> <br /> We arrived in Tolhuin in the evening and started walking for a couple of kilometers until we got a ride to km 7,6. We camped next to the dirtroad. <br /> <br /> At km 17,6 a sign indicates the beginning of the official hiking route &quot;Sendero the Lucas Bridges&quot;.<br /> This gave us hope for a good trail and this was the case until the puesto at km 18,5 which could provide a good shelter. Soon afterwards the good trail stopped and it seemed as if the trail hadn't been used for ages.<br /> The first couple of kilometers the old path was relatively easy to follow though. After around km 20 until the end of Valle Río Valdez the path disappeared multiple times and we walked a lot of CC stretches. From km 26,2 on you have either the option to follow the main route in the forest which includes climbing over and under LOTS of fallen trees. Or there's the option to walk along the river bed with LOTS of river crossings. We ended up doing a combination of both. We cannot say which one is faster. Both ways were equally slow for us.<br /> Generally, it's an extremely wet and muddy terrain, so wet feet are guaranteed. What contributes to this greatly are tons of beaver dams. Never have we seen so many of them and of such a size. The landscape of the whole valley is changed by the beavers. <br /> We camped at km 29 in the forest. In the forest along the valley are lots of camping possibilities.<br /> <br /> The next day we kept following the GPS and walked on a trail most of the time. There is still a sign from the official sendero there. Then one of the hardest CC parts started. We tried to follow the GPS since it worked well before that day, but there was pretty much no trail anymore. This peeked by being blocked by a huge beaver dam where we could still see an old mark of the sendero in the middle of the dams lake! We made a big detour around it, and the water of this wetland was painfully cold. Behind the dam is still a shelter of the official campsite &quot;Campamento Bruzo&quot;.<br /> There we found the trail again which had in a small muddy stream, but it got better the higher we got. From the pass on the trail is marked by poles. Up there walking was easy despite some snowfields.<br /> <br /> On the way down the trail got harder to follow again and the wetlands started. What probably used to be the &quot;Rancho Lata camp&quot; is still an ok shelter and afterwards the way is blocked by another huge beaver dam.<br /> <br /> We continued by mostly sticking to the river zick-zacking from side to side. At some point we found some animal trails that we followed.<br /> There is another shelter at km 47,7. Once the muddy wetland stopped walking became easier, but we still made lots of river crossings. Again there are lots of possible campsites along the river. We camped somewhere around km 45,5.<br /> The next day continued similarly until we saw the first fence at around km 50. There we climbed two fences and soon reached a dirtdoad that leads to the road RP33.<br /> It started to rain and we tried to hitchhike in either direction to get a connection and to check the weather. The exit of the sendero leads through the property of a company called &quot;Sintigas&quot;. A car from the company soon arrived and we asked them if there would be someone going the other direction and luckily there was. They invited us in for lunch, mate and medialunas until the driver was ready to go to Ushuaia. We were additionally lucky because &quot;Estancia Haberton&quot; is closed now due to the season being over and therefore almost no cars passed by.<br /> We got off the car at the parking lot of Laguna Esmeralda. We walked in the forest and soon pitched our tent once we found water. There are no camping forbidden signs there.<br /> <br /> The next day we left our backpacks in the forest and went to see Laguna Esmeralda. The trail was super muddy and slippery, even though they built some woodbridges in between. The Laguna was nice and the view from there was great. Walking down lots of people came our direction. Seems to be popular spot, despite the mud.<br /> <br /> The sky cleared and we continued to option 6. The trail up to Laguna Submarino is an official trail and finally we could walk on a good trail with just a few muddy sections. The option is really nice and passes two great waterfalls. At some point there was still snow, but nothing too bad.<br /> After we reached the Laguna we crosscountried up to the pass. The views up there were truly amazing.<br /> Down the other side of the pass was all CC. First some technical parts across rocks and gravel. It's probably better to stick to the downward left side. The we stuck to the river which worked out pretty well. Reaching the valley walking is quite easy, because it's all a marshy and mossy terrain but one doesn't sink in badly, so it's almost like walking in pillows.<br /> The wet floor just limits the potential campsites. We camped at km 8,6 between the trees left of the river.<br /> <br /> The last day was tough. The forest kept getting denser. We continued staying close to the river. At km 6,3 we deviated a bit more to the left of it because there is a forest free area indicated on the map. That was a short good part. Then it got really steep. The forest close to the river is partially really dense, directly at the riverbed are tons of fallen trees and the hillsides a super steep. We kept switching between these areas wherever it seemed best. We continued to walk in the direction of option 6b, because the forest was less dense around there. At km 0,56 of option 6b a pretty old overgrown dirtroad appeared out of nowhere. We were so happy to finally see some kind of path and followed it, although it was not visible from time to time. From aprrox. km 1,6 of option 6 there was an actual trail and once we reached the final hill we were rewarded by an amazing view of the beagle canal and its surroundings and our struggles of the day were forgotten.<br /> <br /> At km 110,8 we reached the RR of section 69 and followed the really good path. There are lots of visitors there and we hitchhiked from the parking lot at km 114 to Ushuaia.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> You can get camping gas in Ushuaia and at one shop in Tolhuin. Anonima supermarkets in both towns. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> 7 restaurants in Puerto Almanza. There may be rooms &amp; camping available there also.<br /> <br /> Several camps along Sendero Lucas Bridges. They all have lean tos which are more suitable for cooking than sleeping. Rancho Lata is a collapsed hut. Plenty of water along the route &amp; at all the camps.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> Minibuses run by Lider &amp; Montiel go several times a day Ushuaia-Tolhuin<br /> <br /> Tours go to Estancia Harberton by bus &amp; boat from Ushuaia but they are expensive, around 150 euro. They don´t give any discount if you just want transport without the tour. Hitching is possible with a bit of patience.<br /> <br /> Local buses A &amp; B run from Ushuaia centre along the coast road to about 6.5KM from the centre along the RR. No need to walk this part unless you like shipping containers. You need a SUBE card to use the bus but if you ask a local &amp; offer them 200 pesos they will normally tap you on.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT69_(Ushuaia)&diff=120954 2025-04-06T20:15:05Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-AVR-03 &gt; 06 / 3,5 jours / Randonnée / RR &gt; 69-04 &gt; &lt;strike&gt;69-04A&lt;/strike&gt; &gt; 69-04 (+ glaciar Vinciguerra : 12km A-R) &gt; 69-01C &gt; 69-01 (+ glaciar Ojo del Albino : 16km A-R) &gt; 69-06 &gt; &lt;strike&gt;69-06A&lt;/strike&gt; &gt; 69-06 &gt; 69-06B &gt; 69-06 &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT69<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : difficile<br /> | Neige : beaucoup dès le départ<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : neige, boue, marais, ruisseau caché profond<br /> <br /> Je fais une boucle de 4 jours depuis Ushuaïa. Il y a un sentier au dessus de Los Alacalufles, ca évite de marcher au bord de la route. Il y a ~15cm de neige dès le départ. J'ai de la chance car un groupe me précède et je suis leurs traces dans les bois. Le sentier est moyennement balisé. Dès que je sors du bois, ça se complique sérieusement. Le vent pousse la neige dans la vallée. Le sentier est recouvert de 10 à 150cm de neige. La progression est difficile et les traces du groupe précédent sont effacées en quelques minutes. Je les croisent quand ils font demi-tour. La fin de la montée se fait bien et j'atteins la bifurcation. Je ne suis pas allé au lac car la neige était trop épaisse et que je voulais assurer ma descente dans les bois. Par chance, j'ai croisé un groupe qui montait après seulement 20 minutes, ce qui m'a encore fait gagner du temps car le balisage n'est vraiment pas bien fait. Le sentier est particulierement boueux. Impossible de garder les pieds sec avec la neige qui fond. Je campe après le pont du sentier qui va au glacier Vinciguerra. La température descend très bas la nuit et le lendemain matin le sentier est totalement glacé. J'ai fait l'aller-retour au lac en ~2h30 car la trace était déjà faite. Le sentier est très emprunté mais j'ai commencé à croiser du monde à 10h seulement. Ce sentier est faisable si la trace n'est pas faite, c'est juste plus long. Quand je suis arrivé sur la RN3 j'ai fait de l'auto-stop et ça a très bien fonctionné. On m'a déposé au départ de la 69-01. Il y a un sentier qui rejoins le sentier officiel de la Laguna Esperalda mais sur ma carte j'ai vu qu'il y en avait un autre qui partait du refuge Bonete. Attention le refuge est fermé à clé. Le sentier n'existe plus mais le CC est très facile car il y a peu de végétation. J'ai pu observer des castors car personne ne passe par ici. J'ai rejoins le lac sans difficulté. En allant au campement indiqué sur ma carte (-54.6801666, -68.1317597) j'ai croisé un groupe avec un guide qui m'a demandé si je montais au glacier ce soir. J'ai dit que non et il m'a dit que la montée était facile. Je suis arrivé au campement à 16h30 alors j'ai laissé mon sac et suis monté au glacier pour 3 raison : il n'y avait plus de touristes sur le sentier, la trace était déjà faite, et j'avais peur que le sentier soit infaisable le matin avec le gel. J'ai fait l'aller-retour en 2h30. Attention ce sentier est impossible sans trace GPS ou si la trace n'est pas faite. Un vrai labyrinthe dans les rochers. La nuit a été fraiche mais il n'a pas gelé. Le sentier est une vraie mare de boue. Il y a un refuge (-54.6867047, -68.1306579) utilisable uniquement par les adhérents d'une association, mais en cas de problème grave il est ouvert. Mes chaussures sont toujours aussi trempées. A la fin de la montée vers la Laguna Submarino il y a des cairns. La montée est faisable sans trace mais dans mon cas des gens étaient montés avant moi. Je n'ai pas fait la 69-06A car il y avait trop de neige pour moi. C'est une belle journee et la neige font très vite, les torrents sont en crue et il y a des ruisseau partout. Attention certains ruisseaux sont très creux et bien dissimulés dans l'herbe ou la neige. Entre le lac et la 69-06B c'est du CC pas toujours évident dans mon cas car ca glissait beaucoup. J'ai cassé un de mes bâtons. Un acte manqué pour me dire que je dois rentrer chez moi. Casser un baton de 9000km le dernier jour du GPT c'est pas un hasard. A partir du la confluence (-54.788636, -68.1128231) qui est facile à traverser car il y a un arbre couché, c'est du CC très difficile voir du BB sur plusieurs centaines de mètres de temps en temps. L'utilisation du GPS est indispensable. Il ne faut pas longer la rivière trop près, en hauteur c'est moins escarpé et il y a moins de végétation et d'arbres couchés. Je suis arrivé directement sur la 69-06B qui est un vieux sentier de trail. Il y a des arbres en travers mais pas de végétation. J'ai campé à côté d'un cours d'eau (-54.8154405, -68.1220069) car la descente n'a pas été facile (4h30 depuis le lac...). La fin a été facile, il suffit de suivre le sentier puis la route jusqu'a Ushuaïa. J'ai rencontré le propriétaire de l'estancia Tunel sur son cheval, il m'a dit que ce sentier était en parfait état il y a 15 ans, mais que les gens n'y vont plus alors la forêt a repris le terrain. Il m'a dit qu'il y avait un autre sentier dans la vallée a l'est, en longeant le cour<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''Frank /4.5 days / RR NOBO'''<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to the edge of Ushuaia (see transport section) &amp; walked back to the centre along the coast road in a little over an hour.<br /> <br /> 2. I again got the bus &amp; continued to the end of the road then along an easy trail to Estancia Tunel. 3KM later I forded the river easily (knee deep) &amp; continued about 6KM to the next puesto. Another easy ford before the puesto. From the puesto an old jeep track runs out all the way to the road. I went to see the shipwreck at Puerto Remolino then returned to the road &amp; crossed the river on a footbridge. At the river are several huts, occasionally used by the military. Good camping outside. Next day I continued along the road. Two restaurants &amp; 2 cafes in Puerto Pirata, all closed when I went through. In Puerto Almanca there are 7 restaurants, all open. There should be camping &amp; rooms available also. I continued to the puesto at the start of Sendero Lucas Bridges (SLB)You can camp near the bridge about 2KM before the puesto. From the puesto I hitched back to Ushuaia.<br /> <br /> 3. From Tolhuin I got a taxi on Ruta 27 to Aguas Blancas where there is a sign for SLB. I walked back 19KM to Tolhuin easily in 4 hours.<br /> <br /> 4. I got the Tolhuin-Ushuaia bus to the junction with Ruta J then hitched to the Puesto at the start of SLB. Not much traffic, possibly because it was Christmas Eve. At the puesto go in on the jeep track for 1KM then leave it as it turns left &amp; continue along a fence. Forded Rio Varela, it was a little over knee deep &amp; fast. There is a camp just after the ford. The trail is marked with blue &amp; red dots &amp; occasional small metal flags. Continued to Rio Lata &amp; crossed it easily. There are a few more crossings. Most I was able to cross on logs &amp; rocks. There is a narrow trail section along a gravel bank which is eroded &amp; undercut. I walked it but it would be safer to ford the river below the bank. There is an intermediate camp then the trail fades out with no markers until Camp Lata. Summer days are long so I continued from Camp Lata to the pass easily on slabs up a streambed. Good views of the Dientes on the way up. At the pass (650M) don't lose altitude but contour following metal posts to the second pass which is at about the same altitude. Then you drop steeply on a clear trail. Once at the treeline it's very muddy for 1KM but you are soon at Camp Bruzo, 3KM from the pass, where I camped. I marked the locations of all the camps so they should be available with the 2024 track file update.<br /> <br /> Camp Bruzo is at the point where the route divides with a 'track' along each side of the river. However the trail &amp; markers disappear &amp; its CC on either side until the point where the routes reunite. I found the best option to be going out on the left route &amp; when I reached the river I started walking along the gravel banks, crossing it many times, often just walking in the river. If you stay on land you are in rough trackless scrub with beaver dams, logjams &amp; mud. At the point where the tracks reunite the trail &amp; markers start again. After a short confusing section through a maze of fallen trees it led out more easily although navigation was still required. Forded the river easily at the puesto &amp; went out on a good track to the road. After a few KM I hitched into Tolhuin.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-04-28 to 2023-05-12 / Hiking / all directions / RR + various OH / Jakub &amp; Veronika'''<br /> <br /> We stayed in Ushuaia for quite a long time. We visited NP Tiera del Fuego, walked to Mirador Glaciar Martial, Cerro Medio and Laguna Esmeralda, hitchhiked to Puerto Almanza and finally walked Sendero Lucas Bridges from Estancia Haberton to Tolhuin. All was nice, all is recomendable Ushuaia's museums included, the last is the hardest:<br /> <br /> Sendero Lucas Bridges was build by famous settlerer and former missionary Lucas Bridges between 1900 and 1902 using traditional mountain path of Selk'nam people and curiously with their man power. We don't know whether it was an employment or a modern form of slavery, there are arguments for both. Bridges's descendants still run nearby Estancia Haberton, which can be visited during summer season (estancia, museum of marine mammals, restaurant). The sendero itself begins alongside a new puesto of vaqueros (ranch with cows built in 2019 based on a rented land of Estancia Haberton). The guys who work there are really nice and welcoming. You can ask there about the paths, if you need it.<br /> <br /> We crossed the pasture (unlocked wooden gates) and from there on it was easy to follow the way threw the gassing land. It is necessary to cross the fences a few times untill you get closer to the forest, there you need to follow the track files for a while, because the trail itself is misleading. After we crossed the river Varela (all crossings are recorded accurately at the original locations), and spent the first night in the camp on its shore. The camp looks quite new (first photo). From there the path was well marked with metal Fuegian flags and red and blue spots and leads next to Varela River and after along one of its left sources at the bottom of the valley. We followed that untill we approached another new camp (second photo). Then the trail leads to peatbog where the path disappears with the first beaver lagoon and from that moment on it is just cross-country through the peat. Sometimes we could see more marks but it doesn't help at all (the solution would be to record all the marks on the GPS but we didn't have time for that - if you can, do it!). We wanted to spent our second night at Rancho Lata, but we couldn't find it because of a dark (search around the track in the forest at km 37.2). We slept close to this point between the the trees that provided good shelter from the wind. The next day we turned right to the Paso Bridges. Here the path follows a stream that runs from the pass. When in the mountains, we found yellow and wooden pole marks that led us across the pass. The wind here was strongest we've met in Patagonia so take care! We spent night in the camp Bruzo with another beaver lagoon next to it (and sadly some rubbish as well). In the morning we lost marks again, so we needed to cross the peatbog again, thanks to frost it was harder then a day ago. It is better to go around the lagoon on its right side. We crossed river again over fallen trees, after in the forest we found marks again for a monet. Then some more cross-country untill we reached Rio Valdez. From there on the trail is recorded accurately and well visible with some recent maintainance. Last night we spent close to the river where are many good camping spots. Next day we crossed the river Valdez next to the puesto and soon we were on the mud road leading to Tolhuin. We spent on the path 4 nights. We walked slowly, but also it wasn't easy. Lot's of humidity, peatbogs, fallen trees and half of the path not well marked. But nature really amazing with interesting history (Selk'nam) and present (beaver introduction related demage and recent forest exploitation close to slowly expanding Tolhuin). It seems that not many people visit this sendero these days. Hopefully the protection status will change and more people will come!<br /> <br /> * '''2023/04/21 - 2023/04/26 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and Option 6 / Christopher and Anna'''<br /> <br /> Tolhuin - Estancia Haberton - Laguna Esmeralda - Laguna Submarina - Ushuaia<br /> <br /> We arrived in Tolhuin in the evening and started walking for a couple of kilometers until we got a ride to km 7,6. We camped next to the dirtroad. <br /> <br /> At km 17,6 a sign indicates the beginning of the official hiking route &quot;Sendero the Lucas Bridges&quot;.<br /> This gave us hope for a good trail and this was the case until the puesto at km 18,5 which could provide a good shelter. Soon afterwards the good trail stopped and it seemed as if the trail hadn't been used for ages.<br /> The first couple of kilometers the old path was relatively easy to follow though. After around km 20 until the end of Valle Río Valdez the path disappeared multiple times and we walked a lot of CC stretches. From km 26,2 on you have either the option to follow the main route in the forest which includes climbing over and under LOTS of fallen trees. Or there's the option to walk along the river bed with LOTS of river crossings. We ended up doing a combination of both. We cannot say which one is faster. Both ways were equally slow for us.<br /> Generally, it's an extremely wet and muddy terrain, so wet feet are guaranteed. What contributes to this greatly are tons of beaver dams. Never have we seen so many of them and of such a size. The landscape of the whole valley is changed by the beavers. <br /> We camped at km 29 in the forest. In the forest along the valley are lots of camping possibilities.<br /> <br /> The next day we kept following the GPS and walked on a trail most of the time. There is still a sign from the official sendero there. Then one of the hardest CC parts started. We tried to follow the GPS since it worked well before that day, but there was pretty much no trail anymore. This peeked by being blocked by a huge beaver dam where we could still see an old mark of the sendero in the middle of the dams lake! We made a big detour around it, and the water of this wetland was painfully cold. Behind the dam is still a shelter of the official campsite &quot;Campamento Bruzo&quot;.<br /> There we found the trail again which had in a small muddy stream, but it got better the higher we got. From the pass on the trail is marked by poles. Up there walking was easy despite some snowfields.<br /> <br /> On the way down the trail got harder to follow again and the wetlands started. What probably used to be the &quot;Rancho Lata camp&quot; is still an ok shelter and afterwards the way is blocked by another huge beaver dam.<br /> <br /> We continued by mostly sticking to the river zick-zacking from side to side. At some point we found some animal trails that we followed.<br /> There is another shelter at km 47,7. Once the muddy wetland stopped walking became easier, but we still made lots of river crossings. Again there are lots of possible campsites along the river. We camped somewhere around km 45,5.<br /> The next day continued similarly until we saw the first fence at around km 50. There we climbed two fences and soon reached a dirtdoad that leads to the road RP33.<br /> It started to rain and we tried to hitchhike in either direction to get a connection and to check the weather. The exit of the sendero leads through the property of a company called &quot;Sintigas&quot;. A car from the company soon arrived and we asked them if there would be someone going the other direction and luckily there was. They invited us in for lunch, mate and medialunas until the driver was ready to go to Ushuaia. We were additionally lucky because &quot;Estancia Haberton&quot; is closed now due to the season being over and therefore almost no cars passed by.<br /> We got off the car at the parking lot of Laguna Esmeralda. We walked in the forest and soon pitched our tent once we found water. There are no camping forbidden signs there.<br /> <br /> The next day we left our backpacks in the forest and went to see Laguna Esmeralda. The trail was super muddy and slippery, even though they built some woodbridges in between. The Laguna was nice and the view from there was great. Walking down lots of people came our direction. Seems to be popular spot, despite the mud.<br /> <br /> The sky cleared and we continued to option 6. The trail up to Laguna Submarino is an official trail and finally we could walk on a good trail with just a few muddy sections. The option is really nice and passes two great waterfalls. At some point there was still snow, but nothing too bad.<br /> After we reached the Laguna we crosscountried up to the pass. The views up there were truly amazing.<br /> Down the other side of the pass was all CC. First some technical parts across rocks and gravel. It's probably better to stick to the downward left side. The we stuck to the river which worked out pretty well. Reaching the valley walking is quite easy, because it's all a marshy and mossy terrain but one doesn't sink in badly, so it's almost like walking in pillows.<br /> The wet floor just limits the potential campsites. We camped at km 8,6 between the trees left of the river.<br /> <br /> The last day was tough. The forest kept getting denser. We continued staying close to the river. At km 6,3 we deviated a bit more to the left of it because there is a forest free area indicated on the map. That was a short good part. Then it got really steep. The forest close to the river is partially really dense, directly at the riverbed are tons of fallen trees and the hillsides a super steep. We kept switching between these areas wherever it seemed best. We continued to walk in the direction of option 6b, because the forest was less dense around there. At km 0,56 of option 6b a pretty old overgrown dirtroad appeared out of nowhere. We were so happy to finally see some kind of path and followed it, although it was not visible from time to time. From aprrox. km 1,6 of option 6 there was an actual trail and once we reached the final hill we were rewarded by an amazing view of the beagle canal and its surroundings and our struggles of the day were forgotten.<br /> <br /> At km 110,8 we reached the RR of section 69 and followed the really good path. There are lots of visitors there and we hitchhiked from the parking lot at km 114 to Ushuaia.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> You can get camping gas in Ushuaia and at one shop in Tolhuin. Anonima supermarkets in both towns. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> 7 restaurants in Puerto Almanza. There may be rooms &amp; camping available there also.<br /> <br /> Several camps along Sendero Lucas Bridges. They all have lean tos which are more suitable for cooking than sleeping. Rancho Lata is a collapsed hut. Plenty of water along the route &amp; at all the camps.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> Minibuses run by Lider &amp; Montiel go several times a day Ushuaia-Tolhuin<br /> <br /> Tours go to Estancia Harberton by bus &amp; boat from Ushuaia but they are expensive, around 150 euro. They don´t give any discount if you just want transport without the tour. Hitching is possible with a bit of patience.<br /> <br /> Local buses A &amp; B run from Ushuaia centre along the coast road to about 6.5KM from the centre along the RR. No need to walk this part unless you like shipping containers. You need a SUBE card to use the bus but if you ask a local &amp; offer them 200 pesos they will normally tap you on.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT67_(Dientes_de_Navarino)&diff=120953 2025-04-06T15:26:29Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-29 &gt; 31 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT67<br /> | Meteo : soleil, nuages, neige<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : oui<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : Chemin boueux, hors piste, neige<br /> <br /> Bus Puerto Natales &gt; Punta Arenas 8 000 CLP puis Ferry Punta Arenas &gt; Puerto Williams 150 000 CLP (seulement le jeudi). J'ai dormi au camping, la dame est très gentille et arrangeante. Il y avait 5 autres français qui venaient de finir la rando. Ils m'ont donné quelques infos sur l'état du sentier. J'ai commencé la rando après une nuit pluvieuse. Il y a un balisage mais pas assez serieux pour laisser son GPS de côté. Des pieux sont planté pour indiquer le chemin. Mais après le km 17 c'est vraiment du CC dans les marais ou dans les bois. J'ai vraiment été ralenti. La trace GPS ne correspond pas au sentier réel. Il est plutôt fréquenté alors autant l'utiliser et remplacer la trace GPS par le vrai sentier. Le refuge du km 14,9 est un tas de tôles en vrac. Le refuge Charles par contre est un vrai refuge étanche et spacieux avec un poêle. Malheureusement un arbre est tombé dessus et il penche sérieusement. Ce n'est pas rassurant mais j'ai quand même dormi dedans car mes chaussures étaient mouillées à cause de la neige et de l'état du sentier. Le vent s'est levé et quelques nuages sont arrivés. La randonnée est superbe. Il y a des cairns partout pour baliser le chemin. Le premier sommet était légèrement enneigé de la neige tombée la veille. Le vent à déjà formé des petites congères ce qui ne m'a pas aidé pour monter. A 16h de la neige a commencé à tomber et le vent c'est renforcé. J'ai campé juste avant le dernier col dans un super endroit sous les arbres au bord d'un ruisseau (-54.9767451, -67.7947797) espérant qu'il ne neige pas trop pendant la nuit. Il a neigé 20cm, du coup le chemin dans les arbres est un vrai calvaire car on ne voit plus le sentier. J'ai eu du mal dans la montée et dans la descente. La partie roche était super simple car toujours autant de cairns. Je n'ai pas fait de stop sur la route, je n'ai vu que 4 vehicules. Je suis retourné au camping. J'ai pris le ferry vers Ushuaïa pour 130 000 CLP avec la réduction du camping (160 000 CLP sinon). Le Border Control CL (-54.9349747, -67.6042888), le Border Control AR (-54.8079179, -68.3033996).<br /> <br /> *'''22 -feb to 25-feb 2025 / 2.5 days / OH 01 + RR + Monte Bettinelli / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Was sick for many days and didn't feel really well when starting, therefore decided to skip Lago Windhond. Very easy hiking Cerro to Bandera. The slope below Cumbre Bander is very steep and the trail is very small and exposed - no problem with good weather, but would not recommend this in snowy conditions. Short, but very steep descent to Laguna Salto. Saw only one good spot here, further up there are more possibilites, but exposed. Paso Australia and Paso de los Dientes were both easy and nice. Did a detour to Monte Bettinelli and pitched my tent here with dry ground and some protection by forest: -55.026471, -67.65712 before ascending the mountain. Incredible views! Watched cute beavers in the pond next to my campspot. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Waked up with sleet in the morning. Hiked back to the main trail to continue the Dientes Circuit. Fortunately the rain stopped soon and i could enjoy the beauty of nature. Nice hiking to Paso Ventarron and Laguna Martillo. -54.992911, -67.781427 This was the only campspot with good protection from the wind i saw. You often find flat ground but mostly it's very wet. The first half of the ascent to Paso Virginia was tricky due to the very very muddy trail. Started snowing here. The second half was much easier, but i couldn't see anything due to bad weather. <br /> The descent was easier than expected: extremely steep with very loose ground, you slide down a bit with every step, like walking on sand. Camped at the end of Laguna de los Guanacos behind low beech bushes. Snowed the whole evening and some minutes after pitching my tent strong winds started. Got stronger during the night and couldn't sleep due to the noise of the snowstorm, but the tent was fine. <br /> Navigation was easy so far.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Trail was often not visible with the snow, also less signs and cairns than the other days. A few meters below the lake i found a campspot (at least for 3-4 tents: -54.951364, -67.76058) with very good shelter in the forest. I would recommend these instead of the spots next to the lake, but i didn't know this option last evening. <br /> Descent from the lake to the road was more difficult than from Paso Virginia because it was muddy like hell. Maybe it was because of the bad weather. -54.94473, -67.732571 Here the trail splits up to left and right. Took the left trail suggested from the GPT-files. First part was nice and easy, later is was awful: a maze of mud and no trail nor signs. I guess the trail to the right is maybe better. Was relieved when i reached the road and got a hitch soon.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''April 16 2024 / 2.5 days / Sendero Windhond and Option 1 Dientes Paso Australia / Tanja'''<br /> <br /> Took advantage of a 3 days good weather window. Trail is officially closed since April 1 (until October). When you register at the Carabinieros (recommended), you have to sign a paper that you do it at your own risk and pay potential rescue cost yourself.<br /> <br /> Followed OSM after the destroyed refugio as suggested by Frank below. Saw some cute beavers swimming. Lovely autumn colors all around. Had a late start and did not make it all the way to Refugio Charles. Also daylight only from roughly 8am to 7pm these days. Found a dry and flat area within a small forest approx 1km south from the OSM river crossing. <br /> <br /> Next day, instead of going to the refugio, I went up directly to Monte Bettinelli as was a sunny day that promised good views from up there. Crossed a dam over a beaver lake and the river at a shallow spot slightly further north from where OSM suggests. Not even knee deep but ice cold without shoes, ouch! <br /> <br /> Beautiful views from Laguna Bettinelli and the Monte towards Bahia Windhound and the islands north of Cabo de Hornos. Snow from the previous week had almost entirely melted (saw that already from plane). Easy walk of passes Dientres and Australia but a different game if snow or rain (talked to a couple in the hostel that got snowed in over night the previous week, knee deep snow, stayed in their tent for a day).<br /> <br /> Campsites on eastern side at Laguna del Salto were all pretty humid, found a small dry spot further up just below the trees. <br /> <br /> Took high route back to town, nice views over the Beagle channel and Ushuaia from Cerro la Bandera. Saw no one else.<br /> <br /> * '''31-march to 4-april 2024 / 5 days / Option 2 puerto Torro- Lake Navarino - Bahia Windhond - Lake Windhond (east shore) - sendero Windhond / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Started in Puerto Toro after taking the ferry at Puerto williams ( once a month on Sunday). Initial plan was to come back by Montes Miseria and Caleta Eugenia in 3 days (passing a night on the east shore of lake Navarino first so not on the GPT track). For hard snowy and windy conditions I had to reroute to stay at low altitude and decided to change the hole plan. <br /> This section is a little bit monotonic with a lot of turbia but the views on the differents parts are amazing. Tried to go back by the Cerro Betinelli and the initial part of the dientes but the pass Betinelli was blocked by snow, had to go back to the swampy sendero Windhond. Note that there is a path going from the MR of the forest south of Puerto williams, crossing the river Ukika and arriving directly into PW without taking the big detour by the road (on OSM).<br /> <br /> Note on climate : More and more snow days at end MArch and April, and temperature at night are lowering, so better have some backup plans. Walking with a bit of snow in the turbia is really difficult because it hides the waterpoints and holes. The first part of my first day was really physically demanding, with very slow progression, at around 300m, reason of my reroute to go lower far from snow. With more snow and proper winter material going in the montes miseria could be a good adventure though.<br /> <br /> Terrain : Mostly hard and green Turbia until Windhond Bay, easy progression. After crossing the river before the bay it becomes swampy with cowpoop, progression more difficult. What I recommend is to go to the bay staying at east shore of the river (green turbia) and crossing it directly on the beach (sand, not mud, so easy crossing). This way you avoid high river crossing and the cow swamps. After leaving the bay for the eats shore of lake Windhond, mostly Red turbia, softer. The east shore of lake windhond is really easy to walk, mostly sand or rocks, I had to walk on the lakes for a few meters sometimes but there is no deepness (ankle level). or the sendero Windhond, the part betweem the separation of the trails (one going up to Betinelli, the other staying low in the sendero Windhond) and the ancient refuge Beauchef (destroyed) is really hard, progression slow and tricky with trees and swamp. AFter the refuge there is a good old trail, between forest and turbia, until puerto williams.<br /> <br /> Rivercrossing : I crossed The river before Bahia Windhond on the GPT track that I joined after Lake Navarino, between 2 tiny beaches, Hip level with very few current. I do not recommend to pass this way though (see before), prefering crossing directly at the bay. NO other notable rivers.<br /> <br /> * '''09-March to 15-March-2024 / 7 short days (late morning starts) / Sendero Lago Windhund + Big dientes trail + last camp at lake Sirra next to cascada de oro south of Laguna Maku / Matthieu'''<br /> Amazing section with diversity of landscapes and incredible views (you can see the cape horn from Monte Betinelli). Possibility of fishing at lago windhond (ask locals for secrets good places ) , some stuff in the refugio to cook the fishes. We added Laguna Sirra for the last night, by the OSM track that goes to Laguna Maku. Then the trail is marked by pink stripes on the way. We tried to go to Laguna Turquesa the next day, but we were taken in a little snow storm almost at the end, so we got back before getting lost.<br /> <br /> Difficulties : Good old Patagonia. Lots of fallen trunks on the way to Windhond, turbia, so very slow progression on some parts. On the sendero de Windhond, better follow the GPT track than the OSM one, much more logic, better the flat turbia than the fallen trees. In the mountain parts with good conditions no difficulties except the descent to lago Guanaco, the very first and short part staying up is really steepy, better do it with good conditions. Going down is then much easier than expected, lots of sand its like skiing.<br /> <br /> Water supply : rivers everywhere. Lots of birds and beavers though, and brown color, so I prefered using a filter in the low parts. <br /> <br /> Camps : 1.In the forest next to Lake Alinghi (north east shore) where you can also fish 2. Some tent places around the windhond refuge 3. After monte betinelli in the tress next to a river. Then you have a lot of tent spaces along the lakes. Know that the wind can be extremely strong, better keep your tent safe hidden in the trees that break it for a perfect view in the morning. 5. After laguna Guanaco. Go to the right side of the very exposed campsite, in the bushes and you will find incredible and protected spots with better views on the Beagle. 6. Laguna Sirra at its south shore, didn´t find a really good spot but there were beavers swimming that was really a nice evening. I think that there are good spots but I lost the stripes to find it.<br /> <br /> Weather conditions : very lucky, no snow and casi no rain. Neither big wind. Know that some passes on the way can be extremely dangerous after snow and cold air from the south, the rocks can be icy and the trail hidden. <br /> <br /> River crossings: no special danger. Better cross after the big beaver dams, flow and depth really reduced.<br /> <br /> Accomodation : Camping Il padrino in Puerto Williams, the best camping I’ve ever been to, meet the incredible Cecilia who runs the thing with her extreme energy. Nice evenings in perspective there. 15 000 pesos per night, but you can sleep in the house on the couches or the floor if you want with a comfy fire. She has a refuge to with dormitorios, little bit more expensive.<br /> Hitchhiking to come back from the dientes can be very uncertain, and above all in late march season. We had chance after 1 hour on the road. Didn´t have this chance on my way back from GPT 66 (see the post). <br /> To have a good idea of the campsites and fishing places on the way, a recent map has been made of the zone by a group named Kanasaka (see internet site to), can buy it in a view shops of puerto Williams and in the camping. <br /> <br /> * '''Frank 16-18 January 2024 / 3 long days / Windhond Circuit'''<br /> <br /> 1. I walked from Puerto Williams to Refugio Charles near Lago Windhond in one long day (11 hours) via ex Refugio Beaucheff.<br /> Leaving Puerto Williams don't follow the track file but go up Calle Prat to the end then into the forest on a trail, turning left.<br /> Go along the river until you cross it on an old bridge &amp; return to track file route, saves 2K. Trail is OK to the pass, then deteriorates. Don't follow the track file route where it fords the river, stay on the near side following the Windhond trail which is marked on OSM. There is no trail on the far side of the river until much later.<br /> <br /> Refugio Beaucheff is completely ruined. There is a marked route crossing the river a bit after the refuge but I've been told it's rough. I stayed on the OSM route which is now CC in open terrain &amp; forded the river where the OSM route crosses it. Then you soon rejoin the RR &amp; cross a bog (easy walking, you wind around the swampy bits) to get to Refugio Charles. Two small trees fell on the hut but it's still intact &amp; in good condition, sleeps 6. It has mattresses &amp; a woodstove, useful as my feet were soaking wet.<br /> <br /> 2. I walked around the east side of Lago Windhond in 3.5 hours. Easy walking mostly along the beach. 50 metres after track EXP-RP-CC-A I walked to a bone shaped lake &amp; continued along its south side. Go to the river a bit more downstream than EXP-RP-CC-A. The river runs chest deep out of the lake but a bit further I found a ford that was knee deep (should be available on 2024 track file) Continued in open terrain. The last 500M down to Windhond Bay was rough in dense forest with small cliffs near the bay.<br /> Returned to Charles Hut on the same route (10 hours round trip)<br /> <br /> 3. I went back across the bog then crossed the river on a logjam. Steeply up through forest to treeline, then CC following cairns. There were two big snowfields on Monte Bettinelli but the RR went around both of them. Easy going but early in the season snow can make the Bettinelli traverse difficult or impassible. Great views of Lago Windhond &amp; the Cape Horn archipelago from Bettinelli. I joined the Dientes circuit &amp; went out over pasos Dientes &amp; Australia to Laguna Salto. Snow on paso Australia but easy to cross. I've been told the low route out via Laguna Robalo is poor (beaver country with lots of fallen trees) so I continued on the high route back to Puerto Williams in one long day (12 hours walking)<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''Iris, Alexis / Dec 17-21 2022 / 4.5 days'''<br /> We started our trip on the GPT by the famous Dientes de Navarino, option Lago Windhond. <br /> The first part until the Refugio Bauchef is well marked but after the trail has disappeared and the marks should not be trusted. We have been told it has not been serviced and the fallen trees make everything quite difficult. We left the track to walk in the valley which was much easier but decided to not go to the lake. <br /> The next part of the tour is much more frequented and it is much easier to find the trail. However, in difficult weather as some parts are dangerous, even with clean weather. <br /> Nonetheless, the hikers are gratified with stunning views and landscapes!<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> 2024 info: You can get camping gas in Puerto Williams at Comercial Antarctica &amp; a bike rental shop, both near the fire station. Small supermarket &amp; 2 shops nearby.<br /> Camping El Padrino is a good place to meet hikers. 15,000 pesos for camping. Hikers often leave partly used gas canisters there.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> News from november 2024 : the connection between Ushuaia and puerto williams is open again. There is now two compagnies operating. The one operating before covid, onashaga expedition doing Ushuaia to puerto navarino by boat, then a bus is taking you to puerto williams. Price is 130$ one way.<br /> <br /> DAP fly Punta Arenas-Puerto Williams <br /> In January 2024 there was still no scheduled boat connecting Williams &amp; Ushuaia.<br /> There is a ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams.<br /> About once a week there is a boat from Williams to Puerto Toro.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT67_(Dientes_de_Navarino)&diff=120912 2025-04-01T20:44:15Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-29 &gt; AVR-31 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT67<br /> | Meteo : soleil, nuages, neige<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : oui<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : Chemin boueux, hors piste, neige<br /> <br /> Bus Puerto Natales &gt; Punta Arenas 8 000 CLP puis Ferry Punta Arenas &gt; Puerto Williams 150 000 CLP (seulement le jeudi). J'ai dormi au camping, la dame est très gentille et arrangeante. Il y avait 5 autres français qui venaient de finir la rando. Ils m'ont donné quelques infos sur l'état du sentier. J'ai commencé la rando après une nuit pluvieuse. Il y a un balisage mais pas assez serieux pour laisser son GPS de côté. Des pieux sont planté pour indiquer le chemin. Mais après le km 17 c'est vraiment du CC dans les marais ou dans les bois. J'ai vraiment été ralenti. La trace GPS ne correspond pas au sentier réel. Il est plutôt fréquenté alors autant l'utiliser et remplacer la trace GPS par le vrai sentier. Le refuge du km 14,9 est un tas de tôles en vrac. Le refuge Charles par contre est un vrai refuge étanche et spacieux avec un poêle. Malheureusement un arbre est tombé dessus et il penche sérieusement. Ce n'est pas rassurant mais j'ai quand même dormi dedans car mes chaussures étaient mouillées à cause de la neige et de l'état du sentier. Le vent s'est levé et quelques nuages sont arrivés. La randonnée est superbe. Il y a des cairns partout pour baliser le chemin. Le premier sommet était légèrement enneigé de la neige tombée la veille. Le vent à déjà formé des petites congères ce qui ne m'a pas aidé pour monter. A 16h de la neige a commencé à tomber et le vent c'est renforcé. J'ai campé juste avant le dernier col dans un super endroit sous les arbres au bord d'un ruisseau (-54.9767451, -67.7947797) espérant qu'il ne neige pas trop pendant la nuit. Il a neigé 20cm, du coup le chemin dans les arbres est un vrai calvaire car on ne voit plus le sentier. J'ai eu du mal dans la montée et dans la descente. La partie roche était super simple car toujours autant de cairns. Je n'ai pas fait de stop sur la route, je n'ai vu que 4 vehicules. Je suis retourné au camping. J'ai pris le ferry vers Ushuaïa pour 130 000 CLP avec la réduction du camping (160 000 CLP sinon). Le Border Control CL (-54.9349747, -67.6042888), le Border Control AR (-54.8079179, -68.3033996).<br /> <br /> *'''22 -feb to 25-feb 2025 / 2.5 days / OH 01 + RR + Monte Bettinelli / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Was sick for many days and didn't feel really well when starting, therefore decided to skip Lago Windhond. Very easy hiking Cerro to Bandera. The slope below Cumbre Bander is very steep and the trail is very small and exposed - no problem with good weather, but would not recommend this in snowy conditions. Short, but very steep descent to Laguna Salto. Saw only one good spot here, further up there are more possibilites, but exposed. Paso Australia and Paso de los Dientes were both easy and nice. Did a detour to Monte Bettinelli and pitched my tent here with dry ground and some protection by forest: -55.026471, -67.65712 before ascending the mountain. Incredible views! Watched cute beavers in the pond next to my campspot. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Waked up with sleet in the morning. Hiked back to the main trail to continue the Dientes Circuit. Fortunately the rain stopped soon and i could enjoy the beauty of nature. Nice hiking to Paso Ventarron and Laguna Martillo. -54.992911, -67.781427 This was the only campspot with good protection from the wind i saw. You often find flat ground but mostly it's very wet. The first half of the ascent to Paso Virginia was tricky due to the very very muddy trail. Started snowing here. The second half was much easier, but i couldn't see anything due to bad weather. <br /> The descent was easier than expected: extremely steep with very loose ground, you slide down a bit with every step, like walking on sand. Camped at the end of Laguna de los Guanacos behind low beech bushes. Snowed the whole evening and some minutes after pitching my tent strong winds started. Got stronger during the night and couldn't sleep due to the noise of the snowstorm, but the tent was fine. <br /> Navigation was easy so far.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Trail was often not visible with the snow, also less signs and cairns than the other days. A few meters below the lake i found a campspot (at least for 3-4 tents: -54.951364, -67.76058) with very good shelter in the forest. I would recommend these instead of the spots next to the lake, but i didn't know this option last evening. <br /> Descent from the lake to the road was more difficult than from Paso Virginia because it was muddy like hell. Maybe it was because of the bad weather. -54.94473, -67.732571 Here the trail splits up to left and right. Took the left trail suggested from the GPT-files. First part was nice and easy, later is was awful: a maze of mud and no trail nor signs. I guess the trail to the right is maybe better. Was relieved when i reached the road and got a hitch soon.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''April 16 2024 / 2.5 days / Sendero Windhond and Option 1 Dientes Paso Australia / Tanja'''<br /> <br /> Took advantage of a 3 days good weather window. Trail is officially closed since April 1 (until October). When you register at the Carabinieros (recommended), you have to sign a paper that you do it at your own risk and pay potential rescue cost yourself.<br /> <br /> Followed OSM after the destroyed refugio as suggested by Frank below. Saw some cute beavers swimming. Lovely autumn colors all around. Had a late start and did not make it all the way to Refugio Charles. Also daylight only from roughly 8am to 7pm these days. Found a dry and flat area within a small forest approx 1km south from the OSM river crossing. <br /> <br /> Next day, instead of going to the refugio, I went up directly to Monte Bettinelli as was a sunny day that promised good views from up there. Crossed a dam over a beaver lake and the river at a shallow spot slightly further north from where OSM suggests. Not even knee deep but ice cold without shoes, ouch! <br /> <br /> Beautiful views from Laguna Bettinelli and the Monte towards Bahia Windhound and the islands north of Cabo de Hornos. Snow from the previous week had almost entirely melted (saw that already from plane). Easy walk of passes Dientres and Australia but a different game if snow or rain (talked to a couple in the hostel that got snowed in over night the previous week, knee deep snow, stayed in their tent for a day).<br /> <br /> Campsites on eastern side at Laguna del Salto were all pretty humid, found a small dry spot further up just below the trees. <br /> <br /> Took high route back to town, nice views over the Beagle channel and Ushuaia from Cerro la Bandera. Saw no one else.<br /> <br /> * '''31-march to 4-april 2024 / 5 days / Option 2 puerto Torro- Lake Navarino - Bahia Windhond - Lake Windhond (east shore) - sendero Windhond / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Started in Puerto Toro after taking the ferry at Puerto williams ( once a month on Sunday). Initial plan was to come back by Montes Miseria and Caleta Eugenia in 3 days (passing a night on the east shore of lake Navarino first so not on the GPT track). For hard snowy and windy conditions I had to reroute to stay at low altitude and decided to change the hole plan. <br /> This section is a little bit monotonic with a lot of turbia but the views on the differents parts are amazing. Tried to go back by the Cerro Betinelli and the initial part of the dientes but the pass Betinelli was blocked by snow, had to go back to the swampy sendero Windhond. Note that there is a path going from the MR of the forest south of Puerto williams, crossing the river Ukika and arriving directly into PW without taking the big detour by the road (on OSM).<br /> <br /> Note on climate : More and more snow days at end MArch and April, and temperature at night are lowering, so better have some backup plans. Walking with a bit of snow in the turbia is really difficult because it hides the waterpoints and holes. The first part of my first day was really physically demanding, with very slow progression, at around 300m, reason of my reroute to go lower far from snow. With more snow and proper winter material going in the montes miseria could be a good adventure though.<br /> <br /> Terrain : Mostly hard and green Turbia until Windhond Bay, easy progression. After crossing the river before the bay it becomes swampy with cowpoop, progression more difficult. What I recommend is to go to the bay staying at east shore of the river (green turbia) and crossing it directly on the beach (sand, not mud, so easy crossing). This way you avoid high river crossing and the cow swamps. After leaving the bay for the eats shore of lake Windhond, mostly Red turbia, softer. The east shore of lake windhond is really easy to walk, mostly sand or rocks, I had to walk on the lakes for a few meters sometimes but there is no deepness (ankle level). or the sendero Windhond, the part betweem the separation of the trails (one going up to Betinelli, the other staying low in the sendero Windhond) and the ancient refuge Beauchef (destroyed) is really hard, progression slow and tricky with trees and swamp. AFter the refuge there is a good old trail, between forest and turbia, until puerto williams.<br /> <br /> Rivercrossing : I crossed The river before Bahia Windhond on the GPT track that I joined after Lake Navarino, between 2 tiny beaches, Hip level with very few current. I do not recommend to pass this way though (see before), prefering crossing directly at the bay. NO other notable rivers.<br /> <br /> * '''09-March to 15-March-2024 / 7 short days (late morning starts) / Sendero Lago Windhund + Big dientes trail + last camp at lake Sirra next to cascada de oro south of Laguna Maku / Matthieu'''<br /> Amazing section with diversity of landscapes and incredible views (you can see the cape horn from Monte Betinelli). Possibility of fishing at lago windhond (ask locals for secrets good places ) , some stuff in the refugio to cook the fishes. We added Laguna Sirra for the last night, by the OSM track that goes to Laguna Maku. Then the trail is marked by pink stripes on the way. We tried to go to Laguna Turquesa the next day, but we were taken in a little snow storm almost at the end, so we got back before getting lost.<br /> <br /> Difficulties : Good old Patagonia. Lots of fallen trunks on the way to Windhond, turbia, so very slow progression on some parts. On the sendero de Windhond, better follow the GPT track than the OSM one, much more logic, better the flat turbia than the fallen trees. In the mountain parts with good conditions no difficulties except the descent to lago Guanaco, the very first and short part staying up is really steepy, better do it with good conditions. Going down is then much easier than expected, lots of sand its like skiing.<br /> <br /> Water supply : rivers everywhere. Lots of birds and beavers though, and brown color, so I prefered using a filter in the low parts. <br /> <br /> Camps : 1.In the forest next to Lake Alinghi (north east shore) where you can also fish 2. Some tent places around the windhond refuge 3. After monte betinelli in the tress next to a river. Then you have a lot of tent spaces along the lakes. Know that the wind can be extremely strong, better keep your tent safe hidden in the trees that break it for a perfect view in the morning. 5. After laguna Guanaco. Go to the right side of the very exposed campsite, in the bushes and you will find incredible and protected spots with better views on the Beagle. 6. Laguna Sirra at its south shore, didn´t find a really good spot but there were beavers swimming that was really a nice evening. I think that there are good spots but I lost the stripes to find it.<br /> <br /> Weather conditions : very lucky, no snow and casi no rain. Neither big wind. Know that some passes on the way can be extremely dangerous after snow and cold air from the south, the rocks can be icy and the trail hidden. <br /> <br /> River crossings: no special danger. Better cross after the big beaver dams, flow and depth really reduced.<br /> <br /> Accomodation : Camping Il padrino in Puerto Williams, the best camping I’ve ever been to, meet the incredible Cecilia who runs the thing with her extreme energy. Nice evenings in perspective there. 15 000 pesos per night, but you can sleep in the house on the couches or the floor if you want with a comfy fire. She has a refuge to with dormitorios, little bit more expensive.<br /> Hitchhiking to come back from the dientes can be very uncertain, and above all in late march season. We had chance after 1 hour on the road. Didn´t have this chance on my way back from GPT 66 (see the post). <br /> To have a good idea of the campsites and fishing places on the way, a recent map has been made of the zone by a group named Kanasaka (see internet site to), can buy it in a view shops of puerto Williams and in the camping. <br /> <br /> * '''Frank 16-18 January 2024 / 3 long days / Windhond Circuit'''<br /> <br /> 1. I walked from Puerto Williams to Refugio Charles near Lago Windhond in one long day (11 hours) via ex Refugio Beaucheff.<br /> Leaving Puerto Williams don't follow the track file but go up Calle Prat to the end then into the forest on a trail, turning left.<br /> Go along the river until you cross it on an old bridge &amp; return to track file route, saves 2K. Trail is OK to the pass, then deteriorates. Don't follow the track file route where it fords the river, stay on the near side following the Windhond trail which is marked on OSM. There is no trail on the far side of the river until much later.<br /> <br /> Refugio Beaucheff is completely ruined. There is a marked route crossing the river a bit after the refuge but I've been told it's rough. I stayed on the OSM route which is now CC in open terrain &amp; forded the river where the OSM route crosses it. Then you soon rejoin the RR &amp; cross a bog (easy walking, you wind around the swampy bits) to get to Refugio Charles. Two small trees fell on the hut but it's still intact &amp; in good condition, sleeps 6. It has mattresses &amp; a woodstove, useful as my feet were soaking wet.<br /> <br /> 2. I walked around the east side of Lago Windhond in 3.5 hours. Easy walking mostly along the beach. 50 metres after track EXP-RP-CC-A I walked to a bone shaped lake &amp; continued along its south side. Go to the river a bit more downstream than EXP-RP-CC-A. The river runs chest deep out of the lake but a bit further I found a ford that was knee deep (should be available on 2024 track file) Continued in open terrain. The last 500M down to Windhond Bay was rough in dense forest with small cliffs near the bay.<br /> Returned to Charles Hut on the same route (10 hours round trip)<br /> <br /> 3. I went back across the bog then crossed the river on a logjam. Steeply up through forest to treeline, then CC following cairns. There were two big snowfields on Monte Bettinelli but the RR went around both of them. Easy going but early in the season snow can make the Bettinelli traverse difficult or impassible. Great views of Lago Windhond &amp; the Cape Horn archipelago from Bettinelli. I joined the Dientes circuit &amp; went out over pasos Dientes &amp; Australia to Laguna Salto. Snow on paso Australia but easy to cross. I've been told the low route out via Laguna Robalo is poor (beaver country with lots of fallen trees) so I continued on the high route back to Puerto Williams in one long day (12 hours walking)<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''Iris, Alexis / Dec 17-21 2022 / 4.5 days'''<br /> We started our trip on the GPT by the famous Dientes de Navarino, option Lago Windhond. <br /> The first part until the Refugio Bauchef is well marked but after the trail has disappeared and the marks should not be trusted. We have been told it has not been serviced and the fallen trees make everything quite difficult. We left the track to walk in the valley which was much easier but decided to not go to the lake. <br /> The next part of the tour is much more frequented and it is much easier to find the trail. However, in difficult weather as some parts are dangerous, even with clean weather. <br /> Nonetheless, the hikers are gratified with stunning views and landscapes!<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> 2024 info: You can get camping gas in Puerto Williams at Comercial Antarctica &amp; a bike rental shop, both near the fire station. Small supermarket &amp; 2 shops nearby.<br /> Camping El Padrino is a good place to meet hikers. 15,000 pesos for camping. Hikers often leave partly used gas canisters there.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> News from november 2024 : the connection between Ushuaia and puerto williams is open again. There is now two compagnies operating. The one operating before covid, onashaga expedition doing Ushuaia to puerto navarino by boat, then a bus is taking you to puerto williams. Price is 130$ one way.<br /> <br /> DAP fly Punta Arenas-Puerto Williams <br /> In January 2024 there was still no scheduled boat connecting Williams &amp; Ushuaia.<br /> There is a ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams.<br /> About once a week there is a boat from Williams to Puerto Toro.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT45_(Torres_Del_Paine)&diff=120854 2025-03-27T15:32:08Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> Here it's important to note that to legally visit Valle Zapata (Option 8) you need either licenced guide or an expedition permit issued by CONAF.<br /> <br /> Suggestions:<br /> <br /> 1. trail to Mirador Torres closes at 15:00, checked by CONAF<br /> <br /> 2. official trail to Mirador Británico closes at 14:00, checked by CONAF<br /> <br /> 3. RR now leads from km 160 on old unmaintained (yet walkable) trail, that follows the right side of the river from the glaciar down to RR, the bridge at the same place is unusable, the river must be crossed higher on the stream. Oficial road from mirador leads back to campamento Italiano on km 151 and then continues West.<br /> <br /> 4. All the way from CONAF station through Pingo and Zapata campsites is regular trail which we've walked there and back and which we've recorded on GPS. Next to the road there are several miradors and at the end, in the middle of the valley, lies third possible camping spot and a meteorological station. <br /> <br /> 5. The trail after this spot in still sort of marked but disappears in the bushes. More exploration needed from from this point on.<br /> <br /> GPT Hiker's Guide to Torre del Paine NP:<br /> <br /> 1. If you know exactly what you want to do and when you want it especially in the peak season, buy entrance and reserve all the camp sites in advance to be sure you have your &quot;freedom&quot; there<br /> <br /> 2. If you don't, then don't bother with booking, they lie about the availability (at least out of the peak season). Buy the entrance (which will be checked by CONAF) and ask at the receptions when you arrive to the campsites. They have places, they just don't say honestly to on the web.<br /> <br /> 3. If you need freedom or feel stressed when being highly regulated, consider other place. This park has some side affects of tourism overuse.<br /> <br /> See Links to other Resources below to make reservations and see the official web pages of Parque Torres del Paine.<br /> <br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-24 &gt; 25 / 2 jours / Randonnée / NOBO / RR &gt; &lt;strike&gt;45-03 (O)&lt;/strike&gt; / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT46+GPT45<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : réglementation, restrictions, touristes<br /> <br /> &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:red;&quot;&gt;Consultez le site internet avant de commencer. Il y a énormément de contraintes pour randonner et camper.&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Je fais du stop pour rejoindre le départ de la randonnée 45-08. Je tombe sur des chiliens (en lune de miel) trop sympa qui acceptent. Avant nous nous arrêtons au péage pour que j'achète un pass 5 jours pour le parc. Je n'ai pas commencé que tous mes plans tombent à l'eau. La dame me dit beaucoup de choses que je n'ai pas vu dans le wiki :<br /> <br /> 45-08 &gt; seulement avec un guide.<br /> Camp 45-06 21,4 &gt; pas pour les tentes.<br /> 45 (le long du rio Grey) &gt; uniquement SoBo du 1/11 au 31/03.<br /> Circuit O &gt; uniquement dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre.<br /> Il y a des limite d'heure pour accéder à certaines zones du parc.<br /> Les circuits O et W ne sont pas ouvert toute l'année.<br /> Il faut réserver les camp au nord car les parcs ranger au km 21,6 sont très zélés (info de randonneurs que j'ai croisé).<br /> <br /> Je pense que les GPS tracks doivent êtres modifiées et complétées. Je pense que toutes les infos sont sur le site de TdP, je n'ai pas pris le temps d'y aller, c'est de ma faute.<br /> La carte est ici : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RlXyrfCmkbLPsbJeKvJdDkVmJkc_5IEe/view<br /> <br /> Les années passent et nos libertés se reduisent. Je suis allé à la cafeteria Pudeto pour prendre le ferry vers le camping Paine Grande (26 000 CLP) puisqu'il n'y a pas de piste NoBo pour s'y rendre en mars. Je vais juste faire le circuit O au départ de Paine Grande. Je suis déçu car je ne verrai pas de près le glacier Tyndall. Le camping de Paine Grande est facile a frauder car il n'y a aucun contrôle. Sinon c'est 9 500 CLP pour une nuit. <br /> Le sentier n'est pas si fréquenté. Il y a du monde mais la circulation est facile. Il est possible de laisser son sac en bas sur les aller-retours du circuit W. Le mirador à 970m est fermé. La piste s'arrête à 750m, comme sur la trace GPS. C'est extrêmement frustrant car contrairement aux montagnes d'Europe, il est interdit de faire du hors piste et de randonner librement. Le mirador est le début de la partie intéressante, et malheureusement la fin de la piste. Impossible de faire des sommets, le lac ou les cols. Je pense qu'il est facile de frauder et de faire sa propre rando hors-piste, car il n'y a aucun contrôle. Je n'ai pas pris le risque, j'essai de respecter les règles de ce pays qui n'est pas le mien. Le camp Los Cuernos m'a couté 20 000 CLP. Il y a beaucoup de monde sur la randonnée vers le mirador Base de las Torres.<br /> Il y a toujours un pont pour franchir les differents cours d'eau, sinon c'est qu'il est facile de les franchire sans mouiller ses chaussures.<br /> Quand je suis arrivé au camp Serón, on m'a dit de payer 105 US$. J'ai refusé de payer cette escroquerie évidemment. J'avais 2 options, continuer en faisant du camping sauvage, ou annuler ma randonnée. J'en avais tellement marre de ce parc que la décision n'a pas été difficile. Ils nous demandent de réserver les camping alors qu'il est impossible de savoir où on sera le soir. Ca n'a pas de sens. J'ai pris la navette Las Torres &gt; Laguna Amarga 4 500 CLP puis le bus pour Puerto Natales 14 000 CLP. Je suis déçu que ce parc soit aussi mal géré, il est impossible d'y randonner tranquillement. Un Disneyland pour touriste. Aventuriers et alpinistes, passez votre chemin sinon vous finirez aussi frustrés que moi.<br /> <br /> *'''12-12-24 - 17-12-24 - 4.5 days, NOBO / O+W trek / RR + option 3 / Robin &amp; Manon'''<br /> Coming from Rio Serrano, we hiked the O+W trek. We took 3+ days entrance for 45kCLP that never got checked. We arrived without reservation at Paine Grande without any problem, don't bother the reservation. We walked to Mirador Británico ar 6am and were almost alone. Incredibly scenic valley. Then we walked to Chileno camping without reservation (38km long day). We got refused at Chileno, but if you negotiate with the guy, there is a very small spot at the end of the camping above the luxury tents for guests. They're not supposed to let you in but they did for 2 tents before us and we did not ask and just joined. Better to avoid this shitty crowded place and stay at central if you really want to go the the Torres base. <br /> <br /> We hiked to the Mirador at 5:30 and met a reasonable amount of people. Get in between the sunrise persons and the tourist wave later in the morning. Impressive view, but is it worth the crowd struggle ? Not sure. From a GPT perspective you might be disappointed.<br /> <br /> We walked down, got an expensive sandwich at the welcome centre and walked directly to Dickson on an easy track (31km from the welcome centre, 48 in total since Chileno). Dickson is superbe and welcoming. We weren't checked for reservation.<br /> <br /> We talked with the conaf to skip Los Perros (closure time theoretically at 7pm.) They were completely chill about that once they understood we were experienced and equipped. Some rules are meant for non-hikers tourists and you can consider not following them.<br /> <br /> 5 hours walk from Dickson to John Garner pass, absolutely incredible views on the campp de hielo. Coming from the south it's the first time and it's great. We climbed to a shoulder on the ridge of Cerro condor north of the pass, great views.<br /> <br /> Grey camping is enormous and you will likely find a spot without reservation. Good resupply there.<br /> <br /> The O trek option 3 is incredibly scenic and closer to the long distance hiking spirit. Maybe it should be considered marking it RR instead of the W and it's crowds ?<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Apr-14 to 2024-Apr-17 / 3.5 days / Hiking / RR (W-Treck) / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [114.8-121.1]<br /> <br /> Because I could not reserve the Campsites from Las Torres online, I decided to not pay for anything in advance and just go to the Torres del Paine park. I went there by bus and at the park entrance a rangerin entered the bus and &quot;controlled&quot; our tickets. She just took a foto from each ticket without looking at it. I had clicked myself a ticket for children below 12 years which is free and she didn't notice. At the Camping Central Sur I just passed by the reception and went to the back end of the campsite. No one checked and therefore I camped for free.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [121.1-150.6] <br /> <br /> I went up to the Torres for sunrise. It took me 2 hours and 45 minutes from camping Central Sur with my full weight pack and including a few water breaks. At km 150.6 the official park trail to Camping Paine Grande leaves the RR. I followed it until Rio del Frances. I crossed the bridge and than left the official park trail by going south directly after the bridge on another trail. The trail vanished after 20 meters and I continued on the riverside a little further. I found a good tentspot at -51.032528, -73.045562 and camped there. Its wind and view protected. <br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [150.6-169.0] + OH03 [65.5-55.0]<br /> <br /> RR between 161.7 and 162.8 is closed. The official Park trail branches off the RR at km 150.6 and rejoines RR at km 162.8. I camped at Camp Grey. I also just passed the reception and set up my tent at the back end in the forest. I saw some mice, so hang your food (you should probably hang your food at every campsite in this park).<br /> <br /> Day 4: OH03 [55.0-65.5] + RR [169.0-191.6]<br /> <br /> RR after km 169.0 (Camp Paine Grande) is a nice, easy trail. I only meet two other hikers which was a nice change to the crowded W-Treck. The ranger station at the finish of Section 45 has Wifi. The password is printed inside the station.<br /> <br /> Additional Infos: Camping Chileno, Frances and Paine Grande all have wood platforms for the tents. So if you have a tent thats not free standing you might struggle to set it up.<br /> <br /> * '''Feb-25-2024 to March-2-2024 / 7 days / circuit O (OH3) / Matthieu '''<br /> <br /> I won't expand on the parc. If you're a GPT lover you will suffer from the crowd and the luxury campsites, even on the O circuit. Everything is forbidden (cooking in the nature, bathing in lakes, going off the trail...), for obvious massive crowd reasons that I don't question. I think that they kinda keep the parc in good condition with there rules.<br /> <br /> I did it with a group of friends so we got all reserved and programmed before, with very expensive cost, but you can easily do it legally and cheaper with a bit of preparation and talk to people in puerto natales. The internet sites of vertice and las torres, the 2 campsites companies, don't work well (or do they ?...), they say that cheap tent spots are full even if there are plenty free when you arrive... better call directly, advise given by a camp worker with whom i spoke about it). <br /> <br /> There is no difficulties on the way, I did most of the parc with open summer shoes. Of course bad climate conditions can change the experience. <br /> The only thing is the massive presence of mosquitos the 2 first days (camp seron and dickson, ruin your cooking time). I was so happy to have a net on my head, but my friends didnt and suffered from it ! Take your net or your repellant with you ! <br /> <br /> Apart from this, the mountain, the glaciar, the valleys, the torres, are all wonderful things to see. <br /> <br /> Oh2 to connect with rio serrano and GPT46 seems amazing but i hitchhiked this part (See my post on GPT46). The road to rio serrano from the east park entrance is really beautiful also, with miradores and cascadas. <br /> <br /> * '''Frank 03/01 to 06/01 2024 / 4 days / RR &amp; optional route SOBO'''<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus going to Laguna Amarga &amp; got out at the junction 14KM from Laguna Azul. Not much traffic, I got a lift for 11KM then walked 3KM to Laguna Azul. The RR bypasses the Laguna Azul park office &amp; continues outside the park. About 2.5KM up the road there is a puesto (not on the map, I marked its location for the 2024 track file update) The puesto owner was concerned about me getting lost (although navigation is easy) &amp; asked me to report back to him on my return, which I did. There is a good puesto about 2KM before the river. The ford was thigh deep &amp; fast. The best place I found to cross was by going upstream until the near bank cliffs out &amp; crossing just before the cliff. After the crossing an old jeep track (no longer driveable) continues to the second puesto. There are several streams along the way &amp; some sheltered places you can camp on the track but I continued to the puesto, which is about 1KM from the frontier, in 1 long day. Forded the river easily (it was knee deep) before the puesto. There was no one there &amp; I slept in the puesto.<br /> <br /> 2. I returned to Laguna Azul &amp; slept at the Laguna Azul campsite (see accomodation section) About 7KM from Laguna Azul NOBO a road goes right over a bridge &amp; the RR goes left. There are a few vehicles a day going over the bridge &amp; none continue on the RR. Just as I got to the bridge a van came &amp; I hitched the last 7KM to Laguna Azul. Bought my park entry for the next day online using the campsite wifi. <br /> <br /> 3. Above Laguna Azul the RR goes SOBO CC on no trail. I continued on the road &amp; after 3.5KM there is a good marked trail going in right which joins &amp; becomes the RR. Followed it to a road junction where the RR again continues CC. I walked on the road to the park entrance. Continued mostly on road to Camping Pehoe. Not recommended as you are on pampa &amp; it's very exposed &amp; windy. At times it was hard to move forward against the wind. This is the main park road &amp; there is quite a bit of traffic so it's dusty. Short section on trail from Laguna Larga. Once you are in the Paine river valley you get some shelter from the wind. <br /> <br /> 4, Continued from Camping Pehoe to the park exit at Rio Serrano partly on road &amp; sometimes on a faint trail near the road. Walked to Villa Rio Serrano &amp; continued onto GPT46 without entering the village. <br /> <br /> * '''From 01/12/2023 to 05/12/2023 // 5 days // hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I did the W trek. Not much informations to add than what was previously mentioned. <br /> Then I took the walk who go on the way to the border. (better to have an arranged permit if you go there). I haven't got one, and I've been stopped in the way because Rio Zamora was way to dense to pass threw. So I've been back, hitchhiking, passing threw Torres del Paine NP, El Calafate and Los Glaciares NP, then I hiked to the other shore of Rio Zamora (who was less crazy than few days earlier) and I continue my way to the border and to GPT 44. <br /> <br /> Nice road until the Argentinian border. 1 river to pass just before the border (50°39′00.81″S 72°46′33.03″W)<br /> You have a puesto to rest if needed just before the border.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-11-24 to 2023-11-27 / 4 days / Hiking / O without W / Fangwen &amp; Tobi'''<br /> <br /> You can find plenty of information about Torres del Paine on the internet, hence just some pointers for GPT hikers: first, the O and especially W is extremely overrun, and many people book half a year in advance. For us, this was not feasible (since we booked one month ahead of time), and we instead went on the 'O' trek minus the 'W' trek (which was booked out). This turned out to be a great option, as it avoided the massive crowds of people going on the W. At the same time, the O is still really scenic (but this is not an exception -- other GPT sections are just as pretty, without the crowds). You can do this trip in as little as 3 nights, spending your first night at Seron, the second night at Los Perros (skipping Dickson), and then Grey. From there, you can either take the ferry out (100usd) or hike on the overcrowded and somewhat less scenic but short trail to Paine Grande and take the ferry out from there (30usd). A note for fast hikers: skipping more than one campsite in one day does not seem to be permitted (?). Furthermore, there are certain trail closure times that you should be aware of. For instance, you must pass Dickson by 2pm (or you will not be allowed onward) and you must pass Los Perros before 7am, making an overnight stop there somewhat mandatory.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-03-30 to 2023-04-06 / 8 days / Hiking / Westbound / RR &amp; Option 8 / Jakub &amp; Veronika'''<br /> <br /> We hiked some parts of GPT45 in Torres del Paine NP. Because we were quite late in the season, we couldn't do the &quot;O&quot; trek so we ended up doing &quot;W&quot; with some extensions. There are two things to mention, one is the reservation system (for that see the &quot;GPT Hiker's Guide below), the other are the optional hikes and some warnings on them. Basically we took the bus to Camping Central, hiked to Base Torres and back, overslept, hiked all the way to Paine Grande Camping (due to lack of places in other camps), next day we went to Mirador Británico by the Rio Frances which was hard to finish (see below), so we tried the other day by the official path (there is a nice circle loop leading threw peatbog so you don't need to walk the same way twice). The next day we continued to Camping Grey, overslept and in the morning continued to Mirador Grey and back for a boat over Lago Grey (with great views of the glacier). From visitor's centre at Glacier bay we hiked Option 8 to Valle Zapata where we spent 3 beautiful days before we came back to Glacier bay and took a bus back to Puerto Natales.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''SoBo / January 2023 / Tobias Schorcht /7 Days / Hiking '''<br /> Took the bus to Park entrance Laguna Amarga and went 88 km up to the border. Easy walking, nice views, lonely. Funfact: I met 2 builders who are in charge of maintaining the road. They are supposed to start in Dezember this year! In some years (it will take quite a while to build up 15 bridges) there will be a even a border control up there.<br /> Payed the Torres del Paine fee for 3 days at Laguna Amarga and walked straight 26 km to Camping Pehoé. It is a good visible, official trail, is barley used. I did not meet any other hiker but a beautiful Puma (Lago Sarmiento). For some parts you have to walk on the road. The views are stunning.<br /> The part southbounded (Lago Sarmiento Chico) is the most beautiful one. Left the park at admission Río Serrano and continued with GPT 46.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> Robin December 2024 - all camping have basic resupply. Especially Paine Grande, Dickson and Grey, you will find gas, pastas, cheese, bread if you're lucky, and junk food (cookies, chips, chocolate) + beers and sodas. Overall very high cost. Bad resupply at Los Perros, Seron.<br /> Don't necessarily trust what you hear or read about the camping and reservation. You most likely will find room on the O trek even at the last minute, and Paine Grande and Central campaigns will always have room.<br /> <br /> Frank January 2024. There is a good campsite at Laguna Azul 1KM from the park office. The location is marked Laguna Azul Viewpoint on OSM. Camping 12,000 pesos. Wifi, electricity, food &amp; hot water available from 7PM. They have pizza &amp; sandwiches, not expensive. Also sell bread &amp; biscuits. You don't need to have a park entry ticket to stay there. <br /> <br /> Camping Pehoe is 15,000 pesos per night. They have a good 4 course evening meal for 25,000 pesos. Shop sells snacks &amp; camping gas at 2-3 times normal prices. Internet only available by buying an expensive token. <br /> <br /> Possibility to resupply on all the refugios on torres del Paine. Expansive but possible.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Buses from Puerto Natales to the park starting at 7AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> Robin 12/24 - we bought directly tickets from the Rio serrano entrance and never got checked. 45 kCLP for more than 3 days. Trail closure times are indicative. When it's checked, a small discussion with guardaparques can solve the problem. You will probably always find a spot at Paine Grande, Central, Seron, Dickson, Los Perros and Grey campsites without reservation. The other ones (Frances, Cuernos, chileno) are mostly luxury tents, and they will refuse that you pitch your tent. Overall, prefer the camping ran by Vertice company (Paine Grande, Dickson, Los Perros, Grey) (9kCLP/p/d). Avoid the Las Torres campings (Francés, Cuernos, Chileno, Central, Seron) (45kCLP/p/d).<br /> <br /> You can no longer buy tickets at the park entrances &amp; should get them online instead. There is no wifi or phone signal at the Laguna Amarga entrance.<br /> Park entry is currently $35 US for up to 3 days or $49 for more than 3 days (January 2024 prices) for foreigners. Chileans pay 8000 pesos for up to 3 days &amp; 11,500 for more than 3 days.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> https://aspticket.cl<br /> <br /> https://parquetorresdelpaine.cl<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT46_(Seno_Ultima_Esperanza)&diff=120848 2025-03-26T15:50:41Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-21 &gt; 23 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / NOBO / RR &gt; 46-03 &gt; 46-B &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT46+GPT45<br /> | Meteo : nuages, vent le dernier jour<br /> | Eau : facile sauf sur la gravel road<br /> | Neige : très peu<br /> | Intérêt : 4/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : sentier très humide<br /> <br /> Le bus a mis 7h de El Calafate à Puerto Natales à cause notamment de la frontière (border control AR : -51.6900747, -72.2970717 ; border control CL : -51.6993272, -72.3279401). J'attend 2 jours à Puerto Natales que la pluie passe. J'ai demandé au bureau &quot;Turismo 21 de Mayo&quot; quel était le prix pour le ferry Puerto Natales &gt; Estancia Perales. Il y a deux options :<br /> Transport privé &gt; 180 000 CLP / Transport partagé (travailleurs) &gt; 80 000 CLP. Je vais donc essayer de faire du stop autant que possible. Et ça n'a pas fonctionné. La route est peu fréquentée et se termine en cul de sac pour les véhicules. Il n'y a pas d'eau avant le canal et le torrent au km 58,8. Le pont est détruit à l'estancia Perales, c'est un ford simple car le torrent a plusieurs branches. Il était en crue dans mon cas et je n'ai pas eu de problème. Il y a de l'eau environ 3km après l'estancia Perales. La suite est balisée SoBo, parfois les batons bleu sont derrière les arbres pour les NoBo. Le sentier était très humide voir innondé. Beaucoup de boue, d'arbre et de branches en travers du chemin, et les marais sont impossible à traverser sans mouiller ses chaussures.<br /> Par contre je n'ai eu aucun ford car j'ai toujours trouvé un arbre couché pour traverser. J'ai été serieusement ralenti par l'état du sentier et je suis arrivé à 18h à la bifurcation avec la 46-03. Mauvais timing. Je n'ai pas utilisé le camp avec le mur en pierre situé à la bifurcation car ça ne protège pas des rafales. J'ai cherché un camp à l'abri du vent dans la vallée et j'en ai trouvé un à 1km près du grand torrent. J'ai bien fait de camper en bas car sur la 46-03 et la 46-B je n'ai vu aucune place et le vent était infernal. Il y avait de la neige fraiche dans la montée avant le paso Abelardo. Je conseille ce detours car c'est la seule partie vraiment sympa de cette section (j'adore les randonnées Alpines). Il y a un camp au point (-51.3234283, -72.9994182) ou les 3 pistes se rejoignent dans la descente. Toute la randonnée était balisée. Je pense que tôt ou tard il faudra payer pour la faire, c'est rare d'avoir des aménagements gratuits...<br /> <br /> *'''05-03-25 to 08-03-25 / 3 days (2 full days and 2 half days) / SOBO / OH 01 + new route (Fjällräven classic) / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Summary: explored a new option, not yet part of the GPT-files. Followed the route of the Fjällräven classic 2024, the GPX can be downloaded (for free with Account) at Wikiloc. You can find the link in my post in the Facebook group.<br /> Found a well marked trail in great conditions that leads through very scenic landscapes. Also a very lonely one. Campspots are easy to find.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took a Uber to Cueva del Milodon. From there it's easy to hitch to Villa Serrano. Lot's of tourist cars drive on this road. Started hiking at 3pm on OH 01. Had enough time to do a detour to William's lookout <br /> -51.276378, -72.964356. The markings with the blue sticks started soon after Laguna Escondida. Was worth the detour, you also can continue to the RH-trail. Near Laguna Escondida it's possible to find a sheltered spot for camping in the forest. I decided to camp here -51.254316, -72.963027 with awesome views at TdP NP. <br /> <br /> Day 2: The trail was marked with blue sticks the whole day. Also found some original markings from the Fjällräven classic event. A lot more lakes in this area than on the maps for example here -51.242426, -72.940097 and here -51.240196, -72.932255. Sometimes the trail is wide and looks like a 4x4 track, but it's clearly used by horses and has vegetation on it. After crossing the road it becomes a singletrail again. Very scenic along Toro lake, the trail is in superb conditions. Few water sources for example here -51.250219, -72.871242. Bridge here: <br /> -51.270129, -72.854358. Directly after the bridge i saw a private property sign in the direction i was coming from, but it made no sense, there was nothing but nature. Nice waterfall -51.269681, -72.852919, don't miss it. Soon you reach a road that leads to the Patagonia Camp Hotel, the trails seem to belong to them, but they also seem to be public. There are signs indicating trails. After crossing the area of the Hotel on the MR i came along a ruin (Puesto Dudas), here begins the next superb trail, again with the familiar blue sticks. Great views at Lago Porteño and Toro Lake. Toro Lake Access: -51.299071, -72.808406 and -51.294378, -72.7913. <br /> Camped here -51.294148, -72.785916 and saw an incredible sunset. <br /> <br /> Day 3: After the bridge between Lago Maravilla and Toro Lake the new option begins, it's neither on OSM nor in the GPT Files. Just follow the blue sticks, they lead the best way. Came across some fences, that i could cross with a wooden ladder. The path crosses the road and ascends steeply afterwards. Than it's flat, before it goes up again. After crossing a creek (walking on stones) and climbing over a ladder, the trail and the blue sticks disappeared. I have no idea why, walked CC (very easy) until i reached a 4x4 track, that can be seen on OSM. Followed it until it approached a house and a fence. Was unsure whether i should cross the private property or not and decided to walk around CC a bit below. Rejoined the trail a few minutes later and found another ladder. Also the blue sticks reappeared. Camped with some trees here: -51.442719, -72.633219. Some random dogs came by and disappeared quickly, but they were alone. Saw them again next day with cattle. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Again blue sticks and fences with ladders. Crossed a area with a simple house and lot's of dogs here: <br /> -51.450727, -72.595176. The blue sticks clearly lead this way, at the end of the property there is another ladder. On the other side the steep climb to Cerro Mocho starts. Here -51.469667, -72.558923 water and Camping options below the summit with nice shelter from the elements. The summit is still decorated with the swedish red cross. Downhill we follow a wide track, until we hit a nice singletrail (not on OSM) that leads through the forest. The blue sticks lead you to a horse meadow at Estancia Dos Lagunas, but i was uncertain how to get access to the road. Tried the OSM trail first, but it doesn't exist and there is a fence that can't be opened. Went back to the horse meadow and simply went through it. Both sides have gates that can be opened and cloesed easily. There were people nearby, but they ignored me. At the road it was easy to hitch to Puerto Natales. Arrived at 2 pm.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''09-12-24 to 12-12-24 / 3.5 day's / NOBO / RR / Robin &amp; Manon'''<br /> <br /> Great easy and scenic section, met noone, feels great to arrive at Torres del Paine by foot !<br /> <br /> We hitch-hiked to cueva del Milodon, lots of cars going this way. From there it's a 3km gravel road to the crossing with the minor road that goes to Estancia Perales.The crossing is not well placed on the track files and is at S 51° 33.454', W 072° 40.111'. there is a sign &quot;Estancia Perales - 20km&quot;. We passed several estancias on the way, always asking our way to Estancia Perales and noone seemed to care. We asked the gauchos and slept by the river next to the estancia. <br /> <br /> RR is relatively easy to follow with the blue sticks. 25km of forest walking with some fallen trees seems long. Then once you're out of the forest it is very easy and scenic on the valley and down to Rio Serrano. <br /> <br /> We camped above the treeline down to the Chacabuco glacier on a wind exposed but beautiful camp site. Then we camped on a incredible balcony on Paine range and campo de hielo at S 51° 17.886', W 072° 59.753'. no water and 200m of bush bashing but worth it.<br /> <br /> No easy resupply at Rio Serrano. However all campings on Torres del Paine provide basic (junk food) resupply that can get you on the O and W trek. We relied only on that.<br /> <br /> * '''02-11-2024 to 06-11-2024 / 4,5 days / NOBO / RR / Sophie and Gaspar'''<br /> <br /> Our journey began on November 2nd, departing from Puerto Natales. The first two days were spent reaching Estancia Peralta via a road that started paved but quickly transitioned to gravel, posing no significant challenges. The only noteworthy incidents were a few “Private Road” signs and a landowner initially reluctant to let us pass, claiming it was private property. However, after explaining our destination, Estancia Peralta, he allowed us through without further issues. <br /> <br /> From Estancia Peralta onward, the conditions became more challenging. The bridge had been washed out by floods, requiring us to ford the river on foot. The trail then began, marked sporadically with blue posts originally placed for the UltraFiords race, which hasn’t been held in about three years. As a result, many markers are now difficult to follow due to lack of maintenance. <br /> <br /> The path led us through a forest full of fallen trees and dense undergrowth, demanding both GPS navigation and physical endurance to navigate while constantly climbing over obstacles. Exiting the forest, we faced around 20 cm of snow at the summit. To minimize avalanche risk, we stayed in the center of the valley, as the slopes were still heavily snow-laden. <br /> <br /> The descent rewarded us with breathtaking, postcard-worthy views of Torres del Paine National Park. From there, the journey continued smoothly until we reached the Río Serrano, marking the end of this section.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''30-11-2024 to 02-12-2024 / 3 days / SOBO / RR / Celio, Amalia and Isabelle'''<br /> <br /> We did what it's now the regular route on the newest gpt track files from 2024 ( the one not crossing paso byron and the cerro Chacabuco glaciar).<br /> There is still some snowfield on top of the section, but not much. We had some frech snow from the previous day (around 10/20cm). The traverse is easy to follow with all the blue stick from the old fjord trail. The long forest section after the mountain pass is very muddy and wet! Also crossing a lot of fallen trees, it became quite unfunny until you get out and finnally see the beautiful fjord!<br /> <br /> To get there :<br /> We try to do it NOBO but in puerto natales we couldn't find someone to bring us there. We ask at the office of turismo 21 de mayo and they propose us a transfert for 180k pesos. And apparently there workers bus is full when going there. So finally we decided going SOBO.<br /> To leave in estancia perales there is a catamaran running every day during the high season and leaving around 15h30, ask directly the captain of the boat when you get there and it's 20k pesos for puerto natales and it takes 1 hour.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''march-3-2024 to march-5-2024 / 2.5 days (with hitchhike) / SOBO / Oh3 - RR / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> What an amazing section. The diversity of terrain is what you're looking for here. Lakes hidden in the woods, rocky pass with blue lagoons, glaciar, broken forest, swamps, pastures, big lakes... and the fauna that comes with it ! <br /> I didn't see any human from rio serrano to estancia perales... what a relief after the parc ! <br /> <br /> I connected trek O of torres del Paine with GPT46, hitchhiked and hiked a bit from the campamiento central sur to rio serrano by the road in half a day. I had schedule obligation but otherwise OH2 on GPT45 to rio serrano would have been an amazing hike. <br /> I hitchhiked back to natales from the private road a little bit after Ea Perales, for the same schedule reason, but the minor road was really nice I would gladly have stayed on it a day more. It was an estancia worker minibus around 17h20 (so probably leave at 17h at the estancia), I expect there is one every day for them to get back home. It turns left to join the road before the cuevas de milodon. <br /> <br /> Trecking difficulties : <br /> As previously said, the terrain after the pass is of hard progression between swamps and clambering of big tree trunks. I would say about 25kms of it, and you find the good trail 6.5 kms from the estancia perales. It is all marked with blue sticks to the end, that is actually game changing, much less GPS demanding. <br /> Between Rio serrano and the pass, the trail is clear and easy. <br /> At this time of year, the river crossings were easy and I didnt have to cross any snowfield (on Oh3).<br /> <br /> Camps : <br /> Big arrieros flat spot at the big lake just before the pass. River going off the lake 50m after, and a little trail to go bath in the lake. All protected by the trees, amazing. - multiple flat areas after in the valley going down after the pass, along the river. <br /> <br /> Water : everywhere on the way, no need to carry in the bag. <br /> <br /> Resupply problems : ¡WARNING! Rio serrano is a VERY UNCERTAIN resupply city. There are only hotels with restaurants, and no minimarkets (for probable commercial reasons...). I was very lucky to see a paper in the wall of the bus stop with the phone number of a local house unofficially selling simple minimarket things (fidellos, puree, cafe, galletas, cigarettes... but sometimes already opened or almost finished !). It saved my trek so I was very glad, but this plan is really unsure, I understood that there wasn't much left to sell. <br /> If you connect SOBO with the parc, you can buy what you need (simple minimarket things) in the campings before going on GPT46 (warning again : camping central sur only have expensive prepared sport meals, better buy in the other campings). <br /> <br /> Notes to jan : I did a few GPS waypoints for campsites and water spot. <br /> <br /> * '''Frank / 7-9 Jan 2024 / 3 days / Option 3 then RR SOBO'''<br /> <br /> Walked in 2 half days &amp; 2 full days:<br /> <br /> 1. I went by Uber to Estancia Puerto Consuelo (the end of the public road) &amp; walked back easily to Puerto Natales in 4 hours. <br /> 2. I came from Torres del Paine &amp; took a small trail marked on OSM which leads from trail Option 1 to Option 3 without going into Villa Rio Serrano. Good horse trail initially. After 3KM it's marked with blue sticks. Just above treeline the route divides into Option 3 &amp; Option 3A. 3A soon leads to a pass @ 850 metres. Just after the pass there was a big snowfield on steep ground bordered by cliffs. It was not safe to traverse so I went above it &amp; soon joined Option 3 which led to a pass @ 900M. I marked the passes for 2024 track file update. The blue sticks reappeared @ Pass 900M. I slid down 2 snowfields a bit to the right of the blue stick route which goes down more steeply. The slides were OK using walking pole to brake. After about 1.5 hours you near treeline again. Here the blue stick route crosses a river &amp; starts to ascend again. It's best to leave the blue sticks here &amp; continue on RR CC &amp; initially unmarked. Then you have less ascent &amp; only need to cross the river once. Went down between two small snowfields on RR, it's muddy then @ the river blue sticks reappear &amp; you ford easily (knee deep) with a rope to help. A few minutes after the ford is a camp made by the ultra trail organizers &amp; I camped there.<br /> <br /> 3. I continued past a sign that says No Pasar &amp; then the trail is marked with blue sticks all the way. Going becomes slower with lots of fallen trees. At a junction an alternative route with blue sticks leads out left to Ea. Perales. It fords the river which was running fast &amp; deep. I didn't ford but stayed on the RR which remains rough until 6.5KM before Ea. Perales, then goes out easily on good trails &amp; in meadows. Just as the trail improved I saw a puma. From Ea. Perales you are on a private estancia road &amp; it's a 5 hour walk to the start of the public road @ Ea. Puerto Consuelo. I camped in open forest a bit back from the road.<br /> <br /> 4. I continued easily along the road to Ea. Puerto Consuelo in 3.5 hours. Very little traffic on the public road, I walked out 7KM then hitched to Natales.<br /> <br /> * '''From 2023-11-28 to 2023-11-30 / 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / Option3 cordon cerro Chacabuco / Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Another amazing section, but quite challenging as well. The conditions to pass cordon cerro Chacabuco were pretty rude, wind, snow and glacial temperature. Patagonia at its best ! <br /> <br /> Started from Puerto Natales, following the road then the gravel road, then enter in nice tracks. You enter place where there's some hotels with views on fjords. I've seen only workers there, said hello to them and continue the way. <br /> <br /> Pass threw shelters with people. Asked for the autorisations and they nicely allowes me to pass. <br /> I camped along the beautiful fiord and the morning was epic with views, rainbows ... <br /> <br /> Arrived at the Estencia Perales then begin the good part, your GPS will be your best friend on some parts. <br /> <br /> That's a long walk to Rio Serrano by cerro Chacabuco. <br /> Fortunately the trail has been marked few years ago for ultra fiord. Easy to follow the blue sticks, even if on some parts the nature took control on the trail.<br /> <br /> Passing from deep forest to wetland. The race is not passing here since few years. They even left the refueling station with whole barrels of instant noodles, cake, gas, machetes and so on. If you're really in need, you can take some, bit the expiration date is from 2019.<br /> <br /> Cerro Chacabuco was wild ! Big amount of snow and unpredictable weather (should I mention it again ? We're in Patagonia). <br /> <br /> Then go down to Rio Serrano ! Love this itinerary, pretty wild, and some hidden gem like waterfalls that you heard easily !<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''9 to 12 April 2023 / Ishay / Route from Rio serrano to connect to GPT 46 RR sobo / 4 days'''<br /> <br /> Overall - Beautiful and remote section with great scenery and colors. unused trails, snow, cold, wetness, mud and fallen trees slowed me down and made it a little harder. was worth the effort though. I got lucky and had good weather. would have been miserable otherwise.<br /> <br /> I saw no one but cows until i reached Estancia Perales.<br /> <br /> Following the post of Anna and Christopher (which i also met in el chalten!) and in order to avoid crossing Glacier Chacabuco on the RR i decided to take the OSM path that is climbing directly from Rio serrano and then reconnect with the RR on the way down.<br /> <br /> The trail is marked with blue sticks (see pictures) throughout the whole way. I think that all of the trails in this area are built for the 'Ultra Fiord' - an annual, and apparently quite popular trail running race that takes place in the beginning of February.<br /> <br /> from the beginning and on the pass the sticks are well placed and quite easy to follow. It seems like they put them up recently. on the way down it gets a little less clear. where i saw a lot of broken and out of place ones.<br /> <br /> above the treeline all is covered with snow now. below the treeline it is super wet and muddy with some overgrown parts and a lot of fallen trees which makes progress slow and at times frustrating.I imagine it will be much more convenient during &quot;high season&quot;.<br /> <br /> From Puerto Natales i hitched a ride to the junction that leads to Rio Serrano. I then walked the 2 km on the road to the place. From my impression It's just hotels and cabins there so i wouldn't count on it if you need to resupply.<br /> <br /> followed the osm track to the woods and started walking. Really nice and easy walk. In the beginning there are some junctions leading to different trails. I got confused so just pay attention to the GPS. Then you start climbing.<br /> <br /> The Torres del Paine range opens up to your back as you climb. with the afternoon autumn colors it is super pretty.<br /> <br /> soon it started snowing so i found a little spot in the trees and crawled into my sleeping bag.<br /> <br /> woke up with bright sky and climbed towards the pass. all of this strech was covered in snow, so the blue sticks were really helpful in following the trail. in a clear day the pass has really nice views. quite windy tho. walking freely in an untouched snow in such an open terrain was super fun!! a lot of postholing but nothing dangerous really. just tiring. <br /> <br /> When getting towards the downhill to the valley the trail is merging with the RR.<br /> <br /> to go down the sticks are leading you to the right which looked like they went up and down again going over another small laguna and then to the woods.<br /> <br /> The RR seemed shorter but i didn't find any signage.. better off follow the sticks. I spent as much time figuring out the best and safest way to go down then i would've spend following the longer signed route. <br /> <br /> Back to the woods on the RR.. the trail roughly follows the river all the way down. from here on the trail is little more harder to follow. many cow tracks that seem like the trail but lead you nowhere. the annoying part was the mud and ponds on the trail that leave you constantly wet without any opportunity to dry because of the low temperatures.<br /> <br /> Rather then that the forest is nice and change its face as you walk. every now and then you go out of the woods and get a nice look to the surrounding mountains to keep your morals high. saw some stations of trail crews along the way. many freaked out cows as well (;<br /> <br /> 10 km before estancia perales there is a junction. two trails following the river from both sides. The RR is staying on the west side of the river but it might be worth checking out the other one that also take a turn and go over Paso Victor Álvarez and down directly to ruta Y-290 which gives some interesting hiking options.<br /> <br /> Arrived at Estancia Perales around 13:00. really nice people there, spoke with them a little and they invited me to eat a delicious soup and bread with the workers in the backroom. awesome stuff.<br /> <br /> They were preparing the tables for a group that is coming back from a boat tour of glaciers balmaceda and serrano and stop for lunch in the estancia on the way back to town. You can hop on the boat for 20k clp. 45 minutes. no other transporte to town from there as far as I'm concerned. since it was a beautiful day i opted for walking on the dirt road. was nice walking along the lake. cars didn't pass me. The day after i arrived to ruta Y-290 and hitched back to Puerto Natales.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''Comment Jan Dudeck November 2023''': With the glacier changed it might be better to take GPT46 Option 3 (Cordon Cerro Chacabuco) that avoids the glacier crossing and goes directly to the Settlement Rio Serrano.<br /> <br /> * '''Comment Jan Dudeck December 2023''': For the Track Files 2024 if have re-routed the Regular Route along Option 3 and Option 3 becomes the demanding glacier traverse.<br /> <br /> * '''SoBo/January 2023 /Tobias Schorcht and Caterina Bormioli / 7 Days /Hiking '''<br /> <br /> One of the most challenging Trails for me on the GPT so far (Crossing Glaciar Chacabuco is dangerous by now). Probably have to change the main route. The trail from Río Serrano to Puerto Toro is good visible, because they use the trail for horseback riding. Some parts of were very muddy even though we went in dry conditions. The estancia puerto toro has been abounded since 2 years. They use to have a ultra trail race to estancia perales. Last time when the race took place was 4 years ago.<br /> <br /> All the trails around are mostly marked with blue sticks. It seems that the cows are chewing on them. Crossed glacier Chacabuco in perfect conditions. BUT: It is very difficult by now. The Glaciar shrinked so much much, that the original access is the ice can not be used by now (very steep morain). Took us 1.5hours to find an alternative, which was not safe as as well. I spotted a alternative and discuss it with Jan. The glaciar was still partly covered with snow (20/01/23). Most of the glacier columns were good visible. I recommend crampons and a rope. From how the glaciar has been changed, I guess it has been much easier to cross some years ago. Arrived at Estancia Perales after 5 days and had the best Coca Cola of our life. Took the Catamaran back to Puerto Natales (20 000 CPS, 3p.m. every day in high season). I returned 2 days later by bus (10 000 CLP, “Tourismo 21 de Mayo”, every day 12a.m.) and completed by by gravel road walking. Packrafting might be possible (SoBo). There are many camping spots among the coast. Wind is getting stronger towards Natales and appears usually from the north.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> Beginning and end of the section (Rio Serrano and Puerto ?tales) between them, nothing, just nourish yourself with the beauty of mother nature !<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT45_(Torres_Del_Paine)&diff=120847 2025-03-26T15:46:44Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> Here it's important to note that to legally visit Valle Zapata (Option 8) you need either licenced guide or an expedition permit issued by CONAF.<br /> <br /> Suggestions:<br /> <br /> 1. trail to Mirador Torres closes at 15:00, checked by CONAF<br /> <br /> 2. official trail to Mirador Británico closes at 14:00, checked by CONAF<br /> <br /> 3. RR now leads from km 160 on old unmaintained (yet walkable) trail, that follows the right side of the river from the glaciar down to RR, the bridge at the same place is unusable, the river must be crossed higher on the stream. Oficial road from mirador leads back to campamento Italiano on km 151 and then continues West.<br /> <br /> 4. All the way from CONAF station through Pingo and Zapata campsites is regular trail which we've walked there and back and which we've recorded on GPS. Next to the road there are several miradors and at the end, in the middle of the valley, lies third possible camping spot and a meteorological station. <br /> <br /> 5. The trail after this spot in still sort of marked but disappears in the bushes. More exploration needed from from this point on.<br /> <br /> GPT Hiker's Guide to Torre del Paine NP:<br /> <br /> 1. If you know exactly what you want to do and when you want it especially in the peak season, buy entrance and reserve all the camp sites in advance to be sure you have your &quot;freedom&quot; there<br /> <br /> 2. If you don't, then don't bother with booking, they lie about the availability (at least out of the peak season). Buy the entrance (which will be checked by CONAF) and ask at the receptions when you arrive to the campsites. They have places, they just don't say honestly to on the web.<br /> <br /> 3. If you need freedom or feel stressed when being highly regulated, consider other place. This park has some side affects of tourism overuse.<br /> <br /> See Links to other Resources below to make reservations and see the official web pages of Parque Torres del Paine.<br /> <br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-24 &gt; 25 / 2 jours / Randonnée / NOBO / RR &gt; &lt;strike&gt;45-03 (O)&lt;/strike&gt; / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT46+GPT45<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : réglementation, restrictions, touristes<br /> <br /> &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:red;&quot;&gt;Consultez le site internet avant de commencer. Il y a énormément de contraintes pour randonner et camper.&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Je fais du stop pour rejoindre le départ de la randonnée 45-08. Je tombe sur des chiliens (en lune de miel) trop sympa qui acceptent. Avant nous nous arrêtons au péage pour que j'achète un pass 5 jours pour le parc. Je n'ai pas commencé que tous mes plans tombent à l'eau. La dame me dit beaucoup de choses que je n'ai pas vu dans le wiki :<br /> <br /> 45-08 &gt; seulement avec un guide.<br /> Camp 45-06 21,4 &gt; pas pour les tentes.<br /> 45 (le long du rio Grey) &gt; uniquement SoBo du 1/11 au 31/03.<br /> Circuit O &gt; uniquement dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre.<br /> Il y a des limite d'heure pour accéder à certaines zones du parc.<br /> Les circuits O et W ne sont pas ouvert toute l'année.<br /> Il faut réserver les camp au nord car les parcs ranger au km 21,6 sont très zélés (info de randonneurs que j'ai croisé).<br /> <br /> Je pense que les GPS tracks doivent êtres modifiées et complétées. Je pense que toutes les infos sont sur le site de TdP, je n'ai pas pris le temps d'y aller, c'est de ma faute.<br /> La carte est ici : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RlXyrfCmkbLPsbJeKvJdDkVmJkc_5IEe/view<br /> <br /> Les années passent et nos libertés se reduisent. Je suis allé à la cafeteria Pudeto pour prendre le ferry vers le camping Paine Grande (26 000 CLP) puisqu'il n'y a pas de piste NoBo pour s'y rendre en mars. Je vais juste faire le circuit O au départ de Paine Grande. Je suis déçu car je ne verrai pas de près le glacier Tyndall. Le camping de Paine Grande est facile a frauder car il n'y a aucun contrôle. Sinon c'est 9 500 CLP pour une nuit. <br /> Le sentier n'est pas si fréquenté. Il y a du monde mais la circulation est facile. Il est possible de laisser son sac en bas sur les aller-retours du circuit W. Le mirador à 970m est fermé. La piste s'arrête à 750m, comme sur la trace GPS. C'est extrêmement frustrant car contrairement aux montagnes d'Europe, il est interdit de faire du hors piste et de randonner librement. Le mirador est le début de la partie intéressante, et malheureusement la fin de la piste. Impossible de faire des sommets, le lac ou les cols. Je pense qu'il est facile de frauder et de faire sa propre rando hors-piste, car il n'y a aucun contrôle. Je n'ai pas pris le risque, j'essai de respecter les règles de ce pays qui n'est pas le mien. Le camp Los Cuernos m'a couté 20 000 CLP. Il y a beaucoup de monde sur la randonnée vers le mirador Base de las Torres.<br /> Il y a toujours un pont pour franchir les differents cours d'eau, sinon c'est qu'il est facile de les franchire sans mouiller ses chaussures.<br /> Quand je suis arrivé au camp Serón, on m'a dit de payer 105 US$. J'ai refusé de payer cette escroquerie évidemment. J'avais 2 options, continuer en faisant du camping sauvage, ou annuler ma randonnée. J'en avais tellement marre de ce parc que la décision n'a pas été difficile. Ils nous demandent de réserver les camping alors qu'il est impossible de savoir où on sera le soir. Ca n'a pas de sens. Je suis déçu que ce parc soit aussi mal géré, il est impossible d'y randonner tranquillement. Un Disneyland pour touriste. Aventuriers et alpinistes, passez votre chemin sinon vous finirez aussi frustrés que moi.<br /> <br /> *'''12-12-24 - 17-12-24 - 4.5 days, NOBO / O+W trek / RR + option 3 / Robin &amp; Manon'''<br /> Coming from Rio Serrano, we hiked the O+W trek. We took 3+ days entrance for 45kCLP that never got checked. We arrived without reservation at Paine Grande without any problem, don't bother the reservation. We walked to Mirador Británico ar 6am and were almost alone. Incredibly scenic valley. Then we walked to Chileno camping without reservation (38km long day). We got refused at Chileno, but if you negotiate with the guy, there is a very small spot at the end of the camping above the luxury tents for guests. They're not supposed to let you in but they did for 2 tents before us and we did not ask and just joined. Better to avoid this shitty crowded place and stay at central if you really want to go the the Torres base. <br /> <br /> We hiked to the Mirador at 5:30 and met a reasonable amount of people. Get in between the sunrise persons and the tourist wave later in the morning. Impressive view, but is it worth the crowd struggle ? Not sure. From a GPT perspective you might be disappointed.<br /> <br /> We walked down, got an expensive sandwich at the welcome centre and walked directly to Dickson on an easy track (31km from the welcome centre, 48 in total since Chileno). Dickson is superbe and welcoming. We weren't checked for reservation.<br /> <br /> We talked with the conaf to skip Los Perros (closure time theoretically at 7pm.) They were completely chill about that once they understood we were experienced and equipped. Some rules are meant for non-hikers tourists and you can consider not following them.<br /> <br /> 5 hours walk from Dickson to John Garner pass, absolutely incredible views on the campp de hielo. Coming from the south it's the first time and it's great. We climbed to a shoulder on the ridge of Cerro condor north of the pass, great views.<br /> <br /> Grey camping is enormous and you will likely find a spot without reservation. Good resupply there.<br /> <br /> The O trek option 3 is incredibly scenic and closer to the long distance hiking spirit. Maybe it should be considered marking it RR instead of the W and it's crowds ?<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Apr-14 to 2024-Apr-17 / 3.5 days / Hiking / RR (W-Treck) / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [114.8-121.1]<br /> <br /> Because I could not reserve the Campsites from Las Torres online, I decided to not pay for anything in advance and just go to the Torres del Paine park. I went there by bus and at the park entrance a rangerin entered the bus and &quot;controlled&quot; our tickets. She just took a foto from each ticket without looking at it. I had clicked myself a ticket for children below 12 years which is free and she didn't notice. At the Camping Central Sur I just passed by the reception and went to the back end of the campsite. No one checked and therefore I camped for free.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [121.1-150.6] <br /> <br /> I went up to the Torres for sunrise. It took me 2 hours and 45 minutes from camping Central Sur with my full weight pack and including a few water breaks. At km 150.6 the official park trail to Camping Paine Grande leaves the RR. I followed it until Rio del Frances. I crossed the bridge and than left the official park trail by going south directly after the bridge on another trail. The trail vanished after 20 meters and I continued on the riverside a little further. I found a good tentspot at -51.032528, -73.045562 and camped there. Its wind and view protected. <br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [150.6-169.0] + OH03 [65.5-55.0]<br /> <br /> RR between 161.7 and 162.8 is closed. The official Park trail branches off the RR at km 150.6 and rejoines RR at km 162.8. I camped at Camp Grey. I also just passed the reception and set up my tent at the back end in the forest. I saw some mice, so hang your food (you should probably hang your food at every campsite in this park).<br /> <br /> Day 4: OH03 [55.0-65.5] + RR [169.0-191.6]<br /> <br /> RR after km 169.0 (Camp Paine Grande) is a nice, easy trail. I only meet two other hikers which was a nice change to the crowded W-Treck. The ranger station at the finish of Section 45 has Wifi. The password is printed inside the station.<br /> <br /> Additional Infos: Camping Chileno, Frances and Paine Grande all have wood platforms for the tents. So if you have a tent thats not free standing you might struggle to set it up.<br /> <br /> * '''Feb-25-2024 to March-2-2024 / 7 days / circuit O (OH3) / Matthieu '''<br /> <br /> I won't expand on the parc. If you're a GPT lover you will suffer from the crowd and the luxury campsites, even on the O circuit. Everything is forbidden (cooking in the nature, bathing in lakes, going off the trail...), for obvious massive crowd reasons that I don't question. I think that they kinda keep the parc in good condition with there rules.<br /> <br /> I did it with a group of friends so we got all reserved and programmed before, with very expensive cost, but you can easily do it legally and cheaper with a bit of preparation and talk to people in puerto natales. The internet sites of vertice and las torres, the 2 campsites companies, don't work well (or do they ?...), they say that cheap tent spots are full even if there are plenty free when you arrive... better call directly, advise given by a camp worker with whom i spoke about it). <br /> <br /> There is no difficulties on the way, I did most of the parc with open summer shoes. Of course bad climate conditions can change the experience. <br /> The only thing is the massive presence of mosquitos the 2 first days (camp seron and dickson, ruin your cooking time). I was so happy to have a net on my head, but my friends didnt and suffered from it ! Take your net or your repellant with you ! <br /> <br /> Apart from this, the mountain, the glaciar, the valleys, the torres, are all wonderful things to see. <br /> <br /> Oh2 to connect with rio serrano and GPT46 seems amazing but i hitchhiked this part (See my post on GPT46). The road to rio serrano from the east park entrance is really beautiful also, with miradores and cascadas. <br /> <br /> * '''Frank 03/01 to 06/01 2024 / 4 days / RR &amp; optional route SOBO'''<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus going to Laguna Amarga &amp; got out at the junction 14KM from Laguna Azul. Not much traffic, I got a lift for 11KM then walked 3KM to Laguna Azul. The RR bypasses the Laguna Azul park office &amp; continues outside the park. About 2.5KM up the road there is a puesto (not on the map, I marked its location for the 2024 track file update) The puesto owner was concerned about me getting lost (although navigation is easy) &amp; asked me to report back to him on my return, which I did. There is a good puesto about 2KM before the river. The ford was thigh deep &amp; fast. The best place I found to cross was by going upstream until the near bank cliffs out &amp; crossing just before the cliff. After the crossing an old jeep track (no longer driveable) continues to the second puesto. There are several streams along the way &amp; some sheltered places you can camp on the track but I continued to the puesto, which is about 1KM from the frontier, in 1 long day. Forded the river easily (it was knee deep) before the puesto. There was no one there &amp; I slept in the puesto.<br /> <br /> 2. I returned to Laguna Azul &amp; slept at the Laguna Azul campsite (see accomodation section) About 7KM from Laguna Azul NOBO a road goes right over a bridge &amp; the RR goes left. There are a few vehicles a day going over the bridge &amp; none continue on the RR. Just as I got to the bridge a van came &amp; I hitched the last 7KM to Laguna Azul. Bought my park entry for the next day online using the campsite wifi. <br /> <br /> 3. Above Laguna Azul the RR goes SOBO CC on no trail. I continued on the road &amp; after 3.5KM there is a good marked trail going in right which joins &amp; becomes the RR. Followed it to a road junction where the RR again continues CC. I walked on the road to the park entrance. Continued mostly on road to Camping Pehoe. Not recommended as you are on pampa &amp; it's very exposed &amp; windy. At times it was hard to move forward against the wind. This is the main park road &amp; there is quite a bit of traffic so it's dusty. Short section on trail from Laguna Larga. Once you are in the Paine river valley you get some shelter from the wind. <br /> <br /> 4, Continued from Camping Pehoe to the park exit at Rio Serrano partly on road &amp; sometimes on a faint trail near the road. Walked to Villa Rio Serrano &amp; continued onto GPT46 without entering the village. <br /> <br /> * '''From 01/12/2023 to 05/12/2023 // 5 days // hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I did the W trek. Not much informations to add than what was previously mentioned. <br /> Then I took the walk who go on the way to the border. (better to have an arranged permit if you go there). I haven't got one, and I've been stopped in the way because Rio Zamora was way to dense to pass threw. So I've been back, hitchhiking, passing threw Torres del Paine NP, El Calafate and Los Glaciares NP, then I hiked to the other shore of Rio Zamora (who was less crazy than few days earlier) and I continue my way to the border and to GPT 44. <br /> <br /> Nice road until the Argentinian border. 1 river to pass just before the border (50°39′00.81″S 72°46′33.03″W)<br /> You have a puesto to rest if needed just before the border.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-11-24 to 2023-11-27 / 4 days / Hiking / O without W / Fangwen &amp; Tobi'''<br /> <br /> You can find plenty of information about Torres del Paine on the internet, hence just some pointers for GPT hikers: first, the O and especially W is extremely overrun, and many people book half a year in advance. For us, this was not feasible (since we booked one month ahead of time), and we instead went on the 'O' trek minus the 'W' trek (which was booked out). This turned out to be a great option, as it avoided the massive crowds of people going on the W. At the same time, the O is still really scenic (but this is not an exception -- other GPT sections are just as pretty, without the crowds). You can do this trip in as little as 3 nights, spending your first night at Seron, the second night at Los Perros (skipping Dickson), and then Grey. From there, you can either take the ferry out (100usd) or hike on the overcrowded and somewhat less scenic but short trail to Paine Grande and take the ferry out from there (30usd). A note for fast hikers: skipping more than one campsite in one day does not seem to be permitted (?). Furthermore, there are certain trail closure times that you should be aware of. For instance, you must pass Dickson by 2pm (or you will not be allowed onward) and you must pass Los Perros before 7am, making an overnight stop there somewhat mandatory.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-03-30 to 2023-04-06 / 8 days / Hiking / Westbound / RR &amp; Option 8 / Jakub &amp; Veronika'''<br /> <br /> We hiked some parts of GPT45 in Torres del Paine NP. Because we were quite late in the season, we couldn't do the &quot;O&quot; trek so we ended up doing &quot;W&quot; with some extensions. There are two things to mention, one is the reservation system (for that see the &quot;GPT Hiker's Guide below), the other are the optional hikes and some warnings on them. Basically we took the bus to Camping Central, hiked to Base Torres and back, overslept, hiked all the way to Paine Grande Camping (due to lack of places in other camps), next day we went to Mirador Británico by the Rio Frances which was hard to finish (see below), so we tried the other day by the official path (there is a nice circle loop leading threw peatbog so you don't need to walk the same way twice). The next day we continued to Camping Grey, overslept and in the morning continued to Mirador Grey and back for a boat over Lago Grey (with great views of the glacier). From visitor's centre at Glacier bay we hiked Option 8 to Valle Zapata where we spent 3 beautiful days before we came back to Glacier bay and took a bus back to Puerto Natales.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''SoBo / January 2023 / Tobias Schorcht /7 Days / Hiking '''<br /> Took the bus to Park entrance Laguna Amarga and went 88 km up to the border. Easy walking, nice views, lonely. Funfact: I met 2 builders who are in charge of maintaining the road. They are supposed to start in Dezember this year! In some years (it will take quite a while to build up 15 bridges) there will be a even a border control up there.<br /> Payed the Torres del Paine fee for 3 days at Laguna Amarga and walked straight 26 km to Camping Pehoé. It is a good visible, official trail, is barley used. I did not meet any other hiker but a beautiful Puma (Lago Sarmiento). For some parts you have to walk on the road. The views are stunning.<br /> The part southbounded (Lago Sarmiento Chico) is the most beautiful one. Left the park at admission Río Serrano and continued with GPT 46.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> Robin December 2024 - all camping have basic resupply. Especially Paine Grande, Dickson and Grey, you will find gas, pastas, cheese, bread if you're lucky, and junk food (cookies, chips, chocolate) + beers and sodas. Overall very high cost. Bad resupply at Los Perros, Seron.<br /> Don't necessarily trust what you hear or read about the camping and reservation. You most likely will find room on the O trek even at the last minute, and Paine Grande and Central campaigns will always have room.<br /> <br /> Frank January 2024. There is a good campsite at Laguna Azul 1KM from the park office. The location is marked Laguna Azul Viewpoint on OSM. Camping 12,000 pesos. Wifi, electricity, food &amp; hot water available from 7PM. They have pizza &amp; sandwiches, not expensive. Also sell bread &amp; biscuits. You don't need to have a park entry ticket to stay there. <br /> <br /> Camping Pehoe is 15,000 pesos per night. They have a good 4 course evening meal for 25,000 pesos. Shop sells snacks &amp; camping gas at 2-3 times normal prices. Internet only available by buying an expensive token. <br /> <br /> Possibility to resupply on all the refugios on torres del Paine. Expansive but possible.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Buses from Puerto Natales to the park starting at 7AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> Robin 12/24 - we bought directly tickets from the Rio serrano entrance and never got checked. 45 kCLP for more than 3 days. Trail closure times are indicative. When it's checked, a small discussion with guardaparques can solve the problem. You will probably always find a spot at Paine Grande, Central, Seron, Dickson, Los Perros and Grey campsites without reservation. The other ones (Frances, Cuernos, chileno) are mostly luxury tents, and they will refuse that you pitch your tent. Overall, prefer the camping ran by Vertice company (Paine Grande, Dickson, Los Perros, Grey) (9kCLP/p/d). Avoid the Las Torres campings (Francés, Cuernos, Chileno, Central, Seron) (45kCLP/p/d).<br /> <br /> You can no longer buy tickets at the park entrances &amp; should get them online instead. There is no wifi or phone signal at the Laguna Amarga entrance.<br /> Park entry is currently $35 US for up to 3 days or $49 for more than 3 days (January 2024 prices) for foreigners. Chileans pay 8000 pesos for up to 3 days &amp; 11,500 for more than 3 days.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> https://aspticket.cl<br /> <br /> https://parquetorresdelpaine.cl<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT45_(Torres_Del_Paine)&diff=120846 2025-03-26T15:44:51Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> Here it's important to note that to legally visit Valle Zapata (Option 8) you need either licenced guide or an expedition permit issued by CONAF.<br /> <br /> Suggestions:<br /> <br /> 1. trail to Mirador Torres closes at 15:00, checked by CONAF<br /> <br /> 2. official trail to Mirador Británico closes at 14:00, checked by CONAF<br /> <br /> 3. RR now leads from km 160 on old unmaintained (yet walkable) trail, that follows the right side of the river from the glaciar down to RR, the bridge at the same place is unusable, the river must be crossed higher on the stream. Oficial road from mirador leads back to campamento Italiano on km 151 and then continues West.<br /> <br /> 4. All the way from CONAF station through Pingo and Zapata campsites is regular trail which we've walked there and back and which we've recorded on GPS. Next to the road there are several miradors and at the end, in the middle of the valley, lies third possible camping spot and a meteorological station. <br /> <br /> 5. The trail after this spot in still sort of marked but disappears in the bushes. More exploration needed from from this point on.<br /> <br /> GPT Hiker's Guide to Torre del Paine NP:<br /> <br /> 1. If you know exactly what you want to do and when you want it especially in the peak season, buy entrance and reserve all the camp sites in advance to be sure you have your &quot;freedom&quot; there<br /> <br /> 2. If you don't, then don't bother with booking, they lie about the availability (at least out of the peak season). Buy the entrance (which will be checked by CONAF) and ask at the receptions when you arrive to the campsites. They have places, they just don't say honestly to on the web.<br /> <br /> 3. If you need freedom or feel stressed when being highly regulated, consider other place. This park has some side affects of tourism overuse.<br /> <br /> See Links to other Resources below to make reservations and see the official web pages of Parque Torres del Paine.<br /> <br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-24 &gt; 25 / 2 jours / Randonnée / NOBO / RR &gt; &lt;strike&gt;45-03 (O)&lt;/strike&gt; / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT46+GPT45<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : réglementation, restrictions, touristes<br /> <br /> &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:red;&quot;&gt;Consultez le site internet avant de commencer. Il y a énormément de contraintes pour randonner et camper.&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Je fais du stop pour rejoindre le départ de la randonnée 45-08. Je tombe sur des chiliens (en lune de miel) trop sympa qui acceptent. Avant nous nous arrêtons au péage pour que j'achète un pass 5 jours pour le parc. Je n'ai pas commencé que tous mes plans tombent à l'eau. La dame me dit beaucoup de choses que je n'ai pas vu dans le wiki :<br /> <br /> 45-08 &gt; seulement avec un guide.<br /> Camp 45-06 21,4 &gt; pas pour les tentes.<br /> 45 (le long du rio Grey) &gt; uniquement SoBo du 1/11 au 31/03.<br /> Circuit O &gt; uniquement dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre.<br /> Il y a des limite d'heure pour accéder à certaines zones du parc.<br /> Les circuits O et W ne sont pas ouvert toute l'année.<br /> Il faut réserver les camp au nord car les parcs ranger au km 21,6 sont très zélés (info de randonneurs que j'ai croisé).<br /> <br /> Je pense que les GPS tracks doivent êtres modifiées et complétées. Je pense que toutes les infos sont sur le site de TdP, je n'ai pas pris le temps d'y aller, c'est de ma faute.<br /> La carte est ici : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RlXyrfCmkbLPsbJeKvJdDkVmJkc_5IEe/view<br /> <br /> Les années passent et il nos libertés se reduisent. Je suis allé à la cafeteria Pudeto pour prendre le ferry vers le camping Paine Grande (26 000 CLP) puisqu'il n'y a pas de piste NoBo pour s'y rendre en mars. Je vais juste faire le circuit O au départ de Paine Grande. Je suis déçu car je ne verrai pas de près le glacier Tyndall. Le camping de Paine Grande est facile a frauder car il n'y a aucun contrôle. Sinon c'est 9 500 CLP pour une nuit. <br /> Le sentier n'est pas si fréquenté. Il y a du monde mais la circulation est facile. Il est possible de laisser son sac en bas sur les aller-retours du circuit W. Le mirador à 970m est fermé. La piste s'arrête à 750m, comme sur la trace GPS. C'est extrêmement frustrant car contrairement aux montagnes d'Europe, il est interdit de faire du hors piste et de randonner librement. Le mirador est le début de la partie intéressante, et malheureusement la fin de la piste. Impossible de faire des sommets, le lac ou les cols. Je pense qu'il est facile de frauder et de faire sa propre rando hors-piste, car il n'y a aucun contrôle. Je n'ai pas pris le risque, j'essai de respecter les règles de ce pays qui n'est pas le mien. Le camp Los Cuernos m'a couté 20 000 CLP. Il y a beaucoup de monde sur la randonnée vers le mirador Base de las Torres.<br /> Il y a toujours un pont pour franchir les differents cours d'eau, sinon c'est qu'il est facile de les franchire sans mouiller ses chaussures.<br /> Quand je suis arrivé au camp Serón, on m'a dit de payer 105 US$. J'ai refusé de payer cette escroquerie évidemment. J'avais 2 options, continuer en faisant du camping sauvage, ou annuler ma randonnée. J'en avais tellement marre de ce parc que la décision n'a pas été difficile. Ils nous demandent de réserver les camping alors qu'il est impossible de savoir où on sera le soir. Ca n'a pas de sens. Je suis déçu que ce parc soit aussi mal géré, il est impossible d'y randonner tranquillement. Un Disneyland pour touriste. Aventuriers et alpinistes, passez votre chemin sinon vous finirez aussi frustrés que moi.<br /> <br /> *'''12-12-24 - 17-12-24 - 4.5 days, NOBO / O+W trek / RR + option 3 / Robin &amp; Manon'''<br /> Coming from Rio Serrano, we hiked the O+W trek. We took 3+ days entrance for 45kCLP that never got checked. We arrived without reservation at Paine Grande without any problem, don't bother the reservation. We walked to Mirador Británico ar 6am and were almost alone. Incredibly scenic valley. Then we walked to Chileno camping without reservation (38km long day). We got refused at Chileno, but if you negotiate with the guy, there is a very small spot at the end of the camping above the luxury tents for guests. They're not supposed to let you in but they did for 2 tents before us and we did not ask and just joined. Better to avoid this shitty crowded place and stay at central if you really want to go the the Torres base. <br /> <br /> We hiked to the Mirador at 5:30 and met a reasonable amount of people. Get in between the sunrise persons and the tourist wave later in the morning. Impressive view, but is it worth the crowd struggle ? Not sure. From a GPT perspective you might be disappointed.<br /> <br /> We walked down, got an expensive sandwich at the welcome centre and walked directly to Dickson on an easy track (31km from the welcome centre, 48 in total since Chileno). Dickson is superbe and welcoming. We weren't checked for reservation.<br /> <br /> We talked with the conaf to skip Los Perros (closure time theoretically at 7pm.) They were completely chill about that once they understood we were experienced and equipped. Some rules are meant for non-hikers tourists and you can consider not following them.<br /> <br /> 5 hours walk from Dickson to John Garner pass, absolutely incredible views on the campp de hielo. Coming from the south it's the first time and it's great. We climbed to a shoulder on the ridge of Cerro condor north of the pass, great views.<br /> <br /> Grey camping is enormous and you will likely find a spot without reservation. Good resupply there.<br /> <br /> The O trek option 3 is incredibly scenic and closer to the long distance hiking spirit. Maybe it should be considered marking it RR instead of the W and it's crowds ?<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Apr-14 to 2024-Apr-17 / 3.5 days / Hiking / RR (W-Treck) / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [114.8-121.1]<br /> <br /> Because I could not reserve the Campsites from Las Torres online, I decided to not pay for anything in advance and just go to the Torres del Paine park. I went there by bus and at the park entrance a rangerin entered the bus and &quot;controlled&quot; our tickets. She just took a foto from each ticket without looking at it. I had clicked myself a ticket for children below 12 years which is free and she didn't notice. At the Camping Central Sur I just passed by the reception and went to the back end of the campsite. No one checked and therefore I camped for free.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [121.1-150.6] <br /> <br /> I went up to the Torres for sunrise. It took me 2 hours and 45 minutes from camping Central Sur with my full weight pack and including a few water breaks. At km 150.6 the official park trail to Camping Paine Grande leaves the RR. I followed it until Rio del Frances. I crossed the bridge and than left the official park trail by going south directly after the bridge on another trail. The trail vanished after 20 meters and I continued on the riverside a little further. I found a good tentspot at -51.032528, -73.045562 and camped there. Its wind and view protected. <br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [150.6-169.0] + OH03 [65.5-55.0]<br /> <br /> RR between 161.7 and 162.8 is closed. The official Park trail branches off the RR at km 150.6 and rejoines RR at km 162.8. I camped at Camp Grey. I also just passed the reception and set up my tent at the back end in the forest. I saw some mice, so hang your food (you should probably hang your food at every campsite in this park).<br /> <br /> Day 4: OH03 [55.0-65.5] + RR [169.0-191.6]<br /> <br /> RR after km 169.0 (Camp Paine Grande) is a nice, easy trail. I only meet two other hikers which was a nice change to the crowded W-Treck. The ranger station at the finish of Section 45 has Wifi. The password is printed inside the station.<br /> <br /> Additional Infos: Camping Chileno, Frances and Paine Grande all have wood platforms for the tents. So if you have a tent thats not free standing you might struggle to set it up.<br /> <br /> * '''Feb-25-2024 to March-2-2024 / 7 days / circuit O (OH3) / Matthieu '''<br /> <br /> I won't expand on the parc. If you're a GPT lover you will suffer from the crowd and the luxury campsites, even on the O circuit. Everything is forbidden (cooking in the nature, bathing in lakes, going off the trail...), for obvious massive crowd reasons that I don't question. I think that they kinda keep the parc in good condition with there rules.<br /> <br /> I did it with a group of friends so we got all reserved and programmed before, with very expensive cost, but you can easily do it legally and cheaper with a bit of preparation and talk to people in puerto natales. The internet sites of vertice and las torres, the 2 campsites companies, don't work well (or do they ?...), they say that cheap tent spots are full even if there are plenty free when you arrive... better call directly, advise given by a camp worker with whom i spoke about it). <br /> <br /> There is no difficulties on the way, I did most of the parc with open summer shoes. Of course bad climate conditions can change the experience. <br /> The only thing is the massive presence of mosquitos the 2 first days (camp seron and dickson, ruin your cooking time). I was so happy to have a net on my head, but my friends didnt and suffered from it ! Take your net or your repellant with you ! <br /> <br /> Apart from this, the mountain, the glaciar, the valleys, the torres, are all wonderful things to see. <br /> <br /> Oh2 to connect with rio serrano and GPT46 seems amazing but i hitchhiked this part (See my post on GPT46). The road to rio serrano from the east park entrance is really beautiful also, with miradores and cascadas. <br /> <br /> * '''Frank 03/01 to 06/01 2024 / 4 days / RR &amp; optional route SOBO'''<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus going to Laguna Amarga &amp; got out at the junction 14KM from Laguna Azul. Not much traffic, I got a lift for 11KM then walked 3KM to Laguna Azul. The RR bypasses the Laguna Azul park office &amp; continues outside the park. About 2.5KM up the road there is a puesto (not on the map, I marked its location for the 2024 track file update) The puesto owner was concerned about me getting lost (although navigation is easy) &amp; asked me to report back to him on my return, which I did. There is a good puesto about 2KM before the river. The ford was thigh deep &amp; fast. The best place I found to cross was by going upstream until the near bank cliffs out &amp; crossing just before the cliff. After the crossing an old jeep track (no longer driveable) continues to the second puesto. There are several streams along the way &amp; some sheltered places you can camp on the track but I continued to the puesto, which is about 1KM from the frontier, in 1 long day. Forded the river easily (it was knee deep) before the puesto. There was no one there &amp; I slept in the puesto.<br /> <br /> 2. I returned to Laguna Azul &amp; slept at the Laguna Azul campsite (see accomodation section) About 7KM from Laguna Azul NOBO a road goes right over a bridge &amp; the RR goes left. There are a few vehicles a day going over the bridge &amp; none continue on the RR. Just as I got to the bridge a van came &amp; I hitched the last 7KM to Laguna Azul. Bought my park entry for the next day online using the campsite wifi. <br /> <br /> 3. Above Laguna Azul the RR goes SOBO CC on no trail. I continued on the road &amp; after 3.5KM there is a good marked trail going in right which joins &amp; becomes the RR. Followed it to a road junction where the RR again continues CC. I walked on the road to the park entrance. Continued mostly on road to Camping Pehoe. Not recommended as you are on pampa &amp; it's very exposed &amp; windy. At times it was hard to move forward against the wind. This is the main park road &amp; there is quite a bit of traffic so it's dusty. Short section on trail from Laguna Larga. Once you are in the Paine river valley you get some shelter from the wind. <br /> <br /> 4, Continued from Camping Pehoe to the park exit at Rio Serrano partly on road &amp; sometimes on a faint trail near the road. Walked to Villa Rio Serrano &amp; continued onto GPT46 without entering the village. <br /> <br /> * '''From 01/12/2023 to 05/12/2023 // 5 days // hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I did the W trek. Not much informations to add than what was previously mentioned. <br /> Then I took the walk who go on the way to the border. (better to have an arranged permit if you go there). I haven't got one, and I've been stopped in the way because Rio Zamora was way to dense to pass threw. So I've been back, hitchhiking, passing threw Torres del Paine NP, El Calafate and Los Glaciares NP, then I hiked to the other shore of Rio Zamora (who was less crazy than few days earlier) and I continue my way to the border and to GPT 44. <br /> <br /> Nice road until the Argentinian border. 1 river to pass just before the border (50°39′00.81″S 72°46′33.03″W)<br /> You have a puesto to rest if needed just before the border.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-11-24 to 2023-11-27 / 4 days / Hiking / O without W / Fangwen &amp; Tobi'''<br /> <br /> You can find plenty of information about Torres del Paine on the internet, hence just some pointers for GPT hikers: first, the O and especially W is extremely overrun, and many people book half a year in advance. For us, this was not feasible (since we booked one month ahead of time), and we instead went on the 'O' trek minus the 'W' trek (which was booked out). This turned out to be a great option, as it avoided the massive crowds of people going on the W. At the same time, the O is still really scenic (but this is not an exception -- other GPT sections are just as pretty, without the crowds). You can do this trip in as little as 3 nights, spending your first night at Seron, the second night at Los Perros (skipping Dickson), and then Grey. From there, you can either take the ferry out (100usd) or hike on the overcrowded and somewhat less scenic but short trail to Paine Grande and take the ferry out from there (30usd). A note for fast hikers: skipping more than one campsite in one day does not seem to be permitted (?). Furthermore, there are certain trail closure times that you should be aware of. For instance, you must pass Dickson by 2pm (or you will not be allowed onward) and you must pass Los Perros before 7am, making an overnight stop there somewhat mandatory.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-03-30 to 2023-04-06 / 8 days / Hiking / Westbound / RR &amp; Option 8 / Jakub &amp; Veronika'''<br /> <br /> We hiked some parts of GPT45 in Torres del Paine NP. Because we were quite late in the season, we couldn't do the &quot;O&quot; trek so we ended up doing &quot;W&quot; with some extensions. There are two things to mention, one is the reservation system (for that see the &quot;GPT Hiker's Guide below), the other are the optional hikes and some warnings on them. Basically we took the bus to Camping Central, hiked to Base Torres and back, overslept, hiked all the way to Paine Grande Camping (due to lack of places in other camps), next day we went to Mirador Británico by the Rio Frances which was hard to finish (see below), so we tried the other day by the official path (there is a nice circle loop leading threw peatbog so you don't need to walk the same way twice). The next day we continued to Camping Grey, overslept and in the morning continued to Mirador Grey and back for a boat over Lago Grey (with great views of the glacier). From visitor's centre at Glacier bay we hiked Option 8 to Valle Zapata where we spent 3 beautiful days before we came back to Glacier bay and took a bus back to Puerto Natales.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''SoBo / January 2023 / Tobias Schorcht /7 Days / Hiking '''<br /> Took the bus to Park entrance Laguna Amarga and went 88 km up to the border. Easy walking, nice views, lonely. Funfact: I met 2 builders who are in charge of maintaining the road. They are supposed to start in Dezember this year! In some years (it will take quite a while to build up 15 bridges) there will be a even a border control up there.<br /> Payed the Torres del Paine fee for 3 days at Laguna Amarga and walked straight 26 km to Camping Pehoé. It is a good visible, official trail, is barley used. I did not meet any other hiker but a beautiful Puma (Lago Sarmiento). For some parts you have to walk on the road. The views are stunning.<br /> The part southbounded (Lago Sarmiento Chico) is the most beautiful one. Left the park at admission Río Serrano and continued with GPT 46.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> Robin December 2024 - all camping have basic resupply. Especially Paine Grande, Dickson and Grey, you will find gas, pastas, cheese, bread if you're lucky, and junk food (cookies, chips, chocolate) + beers and sodas. Overall very high cost. Bad resupply at Los Perros, Seron.<br /> Don't necessarily trust what you hear or read about the camping and reservation. You most likely will find room on the O trek even at the last minute, and Paine Grande and Central campaigns will always have room.<br /> <br /> Frank January 2024. There is a good campsite at Laguna Azul 1KM from the park office. The location is marked Laguna Azul Viewpoint on OSM. Camping 12,000 pesos. Wifi, electricity, food &amp; hot water available from 7PM. They have pizza &amp; sandwiches, not expensive. Also sell bread &amp; biscuits. You don't need to have a park entry ticket to stay there. <br /> <br /> Camping Pehoe is 15,000 pesos per night. They have a good 4 course evening meal for 25,000 pesos. Shop sells snacks &amp; camping gas at 2-3 times normal prices. Internet only available by buying an expensive token. <br /> <br /> Possibility to resupply on all the refugios on torres del Paine. Expansive but possible.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Buses from Puerto Natales to the park starting at 7AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> Robin 12/24 - we bought directly tickets from the Rio serrano entrance and never got checked. 45 kCLP for more than 3 days. Trail closure times are indicative. When it's checked, a small discussion with guardaparques can solve the problem. You will probably always find a spot at Paine Grande, Central, Seron, Dickson, Los Perros and Grey campsites without reservation. The other ones (Frances, Cuernos, chileno) are mostly luxury tents, and they will refuse that you pitch your tent. Overall, prefer the camping ran by Vertice company (Paine Grande, Dickson, Los Perros, Grey) (9kCLP/p/d). Avoid the Las Torres campings (Francés, Cuernos, Chileno, Central, Seron) (45kCLP/p/d).<br /> <br /> You can no longer buy tickets at the park entrances &amp; should get them online instead. There is no wifi or phone signal at the Laguna Amarga entrance.<br /> Park entry is currently $35 US for up to 3 days or $49 for more than 3 days (January 2024 prices) for foreigners. Chileans pay 8000 pesos for up to 3 days &amp; 11,500 for more than 3 days.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> https://aspticket.cl<br /> <br /> https://parquetorresdelpaine.cl<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT42_(Glaciar_Upsala)&diff=120769 2025-03-16T17:49:04Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR / Randonnée avortée / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT41&lt;/strike&gt;+(GPT 43)+GPT42+(GPT43)+GPT44<br /> | Intérêt : ?<br /> | Difficulté : ?<br /> | Danger : Accès difficile ou très cher, permis obligatoire, groupe obligatoire, bush-bashing<br /> <br /> Cette étape ne semble pas mature, le sentier est inexistant (que du CC ou du BB) et les routes 19 et 21 pour y aller et en revenir sont une grosse incertitude. Combien de jours de nourriture prendre, comment réserver le bateau (GPT43), pour quel tarif, réglementation interdisant de randonner seul, obligation de se déclarer... La region au sud d'El Chalten est sûrement faite pour le packraft.<br /> Mon projet était de faire un aller-retour en bateau Puerto Bandera &lt;-&gt; Estancia Cristina et de faire l'option 42-01 (~60km) ainsi que le lac Tannhauser et le cerro Sombrero (~50km) sur 4 jours. En effet les retours sur wikiexplora indiquent que ces endroient son magnifique, et que la partie nord de cette étape est abandonné et inintéressante. Le bateau est cher, mais c'est un transport fiable. Marcher sur des routes désertes en attendant des voitures me coûte beaucoup plus cher en moral, en énergie, et en temps. Je suis allé au bureau de l'Estancia Cristina dans le centre de El Calafate. On m'a dit que c'était 200 000 ARS pour un aller-retour le même jour. Et que si le retour se faisait un jour différent de l'aller, c'était 200 000 ARS l'aller et 200 000 ARS le retour. C'est complètement grotesque et insensé. Il ne veulent pas qu'on randonnent sans guide et nous le font payer.<br /> Je suis quand même allé au bureau du Parque National Los Glaciares également situé dans la rue principale de El Calafate. Et là on me dit qu'il faut faire la demande d'accès 3 jours avant, et pour 3 personnes minimum.<br /> J'abandonne doublement puisque je n'ai pas le droit d'y aller et qu'en plus ce n'est pas dans mon budget. Je suis profondement déçu et me tourne vers ma prochaine randonnée. Le GPT44 présente des problèmes de faisabilité à cause de la frontière, je ne peux pas le faire. Il se trouve que les bus pour Torres del Paine coûte 190 000 ARS et celui pour Puerto Natales 32 000 ARS. Je vais donc faire le GPT46 puis le GPT45 NoBo, pour des raison financières. Le stop est évidemment possible car la route est très fréquentée. C'est la première fois que je me prend la tête à ce point sur le GPT. L'intendance, le transport, le coût, et l'administration prennent des proportions insensées pour un simple randonneur. Si ca avait été aussi compliqué sur les étapes précédentes je serais encore au GPT03 à l'heure qu'il est. Bon courage à ceux qui veulent absolument voir cet étape 42 qui est sûrement grandiose<br /> <br /> * '''2025-01-16 to 2025-01-24/ 9 days (including one rest day, excluding multiple hitchhiking days!) / Hiking / NOBO / EXP43, New Route, RR, option 1/ Magdalena &amp; Tim'''<br /> <br /> We walked a new route in the GPT42 area from Settler {42} [#3/385] to Estancia Helsingfors in 9 days including one rest day. <br /> We started with some EXP 43-03 but soon leave the track for a probably safer but slower alternative. We connect to Lago Tannhauser and from there walk the same route as described by Robin Marcille. <br /> <br /> We hitched on Ruta Provincial 19 to Settler {42} [#3/385].<br /> It took around 7 hours until we met a car going to the end of the road. <br /> One inhabitant in the settler hut invites us enthusiastically to stay the night. They have no livestock, they are working for Solo Patagonia, a tourism company, to build and extend the road (OH-MR&amp;CC-V {43-02}) to a viewpoint over the lake. CC can probably already be removed from the track, although we didn't walk it. <br /> In a year or so they say tours will go there by boat from Puerto Bandera. Then a bus will shuttle tourists up to the viewpoint, where many condors breed. They are working in shifts, we met their colleagues earlier who left by car in the morning. <br /> <br /> Day1: We start walking NOBO on the old MR (km 26.4). Easy Walking but not boring. At km 24.1 there is a easy ford, afterwards the track fords the tributary as well, while we stay on the southern side. There are many cow paths either way probably. <br /> <br /> Now EXP 43-03 starts. <br /> As we get above the treeline there is some moderate scrambling needed to get further up. S 50.07576°, W 072.93645°<br /> <br /> Soon after we leave the track for a bit to ascend via this pass, which looks easier. S 50.07086°, W 072.95873°<br /> <br /> From the high plateau we try to ascend to the ridge at S 50.04458°, W 072.95789°. We abort quickly as the wind gets too strong to be safe (over 80kmh?) and it's getting late. I can't really say if it's doable, maybe with low winds. <br /> <br /> We descend for ~3km on 43-03B and enter a small sidevalley to the north, hoping for a sheltered campsite. We camp between two glacial lakes at S 50.04525°, W 072.99735°. The spot is somewhat sheltered from 3 sides, but strong gusts regularly hit our tent from all directions. We build a small stonewall, which helps to get some sleep. <br /> A very small tent or bivouac bag could find a better spot in between the boulders above. <br /> <br /> Day2: from here we ascend to the east up towards EXP 43-03. We see lots of Guanaco tracks on the way, so that was reassuring. No major difficulties except the wind until the pass at S 50.03497°, W 072.96812°.<br /> <br /> From here EXP43-03 is not possible. A rocky steep outcrop is blocking the way: S 50.03390°, W 072.97002°<br /> To go around, we descend 40m and reascend to another pass at <br /> S 50.03267°, W 072.97092°. Only the final bit is difficult, very steep, loose sand. Luckily it is somehow completely windstill (in our case). <br /> <br /> We easily descend to camp, finally in the wind protected forest at S 50.01617°, W 072.99547°.<br /> <br /> Day 3: <br /> We ascend on decent cow trails to a pass at S 50.00991°, W 073.01324°. Once in the beautiful high valley, the going is pretty easy and fast. We see a herd of cows as well as guanaco. Via another easy pass (S 49.94691°, W 073.01142°) we reach Lago Tannhauser. <br /> <br /> From here we take the same route as described by Robin, so I'll keep it shorter. We descend and camp at S 49.93053°, W 073.09374°. <br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Since we don't have a permit, we are quite scared to walk within 2km of Ea. Christina and its ranger station. We meet employees of the estancia three times (Guides with dayhikers twice and once someone leading horses to the estancia), but they did not seem overly suspicious. Afterwards we didn't meet anyone.<br /> Once we reach Refugio Pascale, we are still worried a ranger might search for us, so we camp instead a bit further. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it's supposed to be raining most of the day, so we decide to do a rest day. We still have enough food, we had planned for the EXP section to take longer.<br /> <br /> Day 6:<br /> I think we see Robin's footsteps from 3 weeks before and follow them towards Cerro Yumil and over the pass to it's east. The views of the glacier are awesome, definitely happy that we waited for better weather.<br /> <br /> Day 7: in the morning there's a fraction of the water in the river. Robin described the way up to the pass as difficult, not in our case, probably we found an easier way. There's a old trail all the way up and over the pass, maintained mainly by cows I assume. We camp near Camp {42} [25.1/677]<br /> <br /> Day8: at the small lake (S 49.74042°, W 073.07323°) as Robin recommended we stick to the Western shore without problems. <br /> The ascend to the pass directly after was very hard for us, dangerously steep loose rocks, maybe the hardest of the trip. Maybe we took a bad route up. The valley after was definitely the least fun of the trip 😬. super thorny BB. The trail is almost completely overgrown and if you find it, it won't really help much. After the second pass out gets easier CC although we still found the trail here and there. Once lower we face very hard BB again, up to chest high, but at least not as thorny. We camp at S 49.70767°, W 073.04438° decently wind protected. Might be swampy if it has been raining. <br /> <br /> Day 9: don't try to CC directly to the beach like we did from our camp, it's steep cliffs and CC back to the track is blocked by a ravine. At the beach campsite [13.6/254] a trail starts marked with cairns. Around S 49.69399°, W 073.00547° we lose the trail, it's quite overgrown, we don't find any good way. Afterwards it's easy until Ea. Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> Getting back from Ea. Helsingfors:<br /> We discuss with the dueño Nico and one other employee our options to get back. They are very nice. The only guests left a day ago and the next ones will arrive in 3 days or so. A taxi is not an option for our budget..<br /> Traffic is nonexistent.<br /> Nico offers us food if we decide to walk and ask the other estancias. We take him up on it, we only had food for one meal left. Nico gives us food to walk for 2-3 days. We start walking in the evening and ask at Ea. Los Hermanos if we can camp there. We are invited in instead. No one is going back to Ruta 40 from them.<br /> <br /> At estancia Santa Teresita the son of the dueño agrees to drive us to La leona for 70k Pesos (~70US$). His family rents and operates various estancias in the area. <br /> From la leona we hitchhike to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 42 - Uppsala - NOBO - 20/12/24 - 24/12/24 - Robin &amp; Manon - New option + RR + Option 1 - 4.5 days - 2 persons permit'''<br /> <br /> We followed the idea from Célio Lebailly and started at Puesto Guanaco after a taxi transfer of 180 USD and 3 hours. Discussing with the APN at El Calafate, we understood that the permit to go between Puesto Guanaco and Ea. Cristina is for groups of *2 persons* minimum. We then applied for this permit, and went straight to Puesto Guanaco. We went to the ranger station to ask if we could start 1/2 day before and he was super chill, showing us the way and telling us to enjoy ! By doing so we were legal for the first 4 days, and could go back to el Calafate with the ferry in case anyone would tell anything to us. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : took the beautiful pink granite valley south of Lago Azul and slept before the pass. S 49° 56.719', W 072° 54.442'<br /> <br /> Day 2: hiked up to the pass south of Cerro Sombrero, the moraine passage is very steep and would be problematic with snow. We took straight in the granite slabs which was easy. Cerro Sombrero is superb, and so is Lago Tannhauser. Went down along the OSM track which is non existant on an easy CC, then we cut straight to the entrance of cañadon de Los fossiles and slept at the lake where we had some interactions with ruting bulls. S 49° 54.952', W 073° 09.267'. Met no one, but saw the horse tracks that Celio was talking about. <br /> <br /> Day 3: followed the stunning cañadon de los fossiles on a marked trail up to Laguna Pascale. This is not to be missed ! Small refuge at Laguna Pascale S 49° 51.782', W 073° 11.060'. Continued on the marked trail to Lago Azul, where you get the first glimpse of Glaciar Uppsala, incredible. Slept by the lake, view on campo de Hielo and wind protected S 49° 49.786', W 073° 11.837'.<br /> <br /> Day 4: we followed option 1 to get views on the glacier. From the foot of Cerro Yumil, don't hesitate to go your way. We took a more direct route, it's moraine terrain anyway. Views are stunning.Easy CC until the bottom, but turns into difficult CC&amp;BB on steep terrain to reach the pass S 49° 51.042', W 073° 08.373'. you probably want to follow the track there. Went down to the valley and slept by the first moraine lake.<br /> <br /> Day 5: went up to the pass on relatively easy CC. Had a very bad (the worst so far) Lengas BB on the eastern shore of the lake before the pass. Either stick to the shore or take the west shore. Don't go to the pass but to a terrace 60m above on the right. Down and traverse to the next pass is very difficult CC on very steep rocky terrain covered in thorny plants. That was tough. From the pass to the Seño Moyano, it's again very bad CC&amp;BB on calafate. Tough times there but we saw a Huemul ! You'll find an old track at the lake corner that will lead you with cairns up to Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> We arrived at the Estancia with low food, and talked to an employee who did not help us. They have free WiFi though.<br /> <br /> We went to the next Estancia los Hermanos and got invited by Juanito, who's been working here 30 years for Navidad. He's retiring in July, and has no idea if anyone will take over. Had the best possible Christmas Eve there. He later talked with the Helsingfors dueño, that would have helped us. Talk directly to him (Nico).<br /> <br /> Got a ride with his friend that came for Navidad to La Leona and took the bus from there. Don't expect any hitch hike on this road, except for Helsingfors clients ! Taxi rides are super expensive (got proposed 400USD)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/NoBo/ 2024 dix 95 to 2024 dic 10 / Participant: Amalia, Isabelle Celio / 6 Days / Hiking / New option + RR'''<br /> <br /> We walked from Puesto guanaco (end of ruta provincial 69) to Estancia Helsingfors.<br /> First part is not on the GPT track and it's mostly CC until lago Tanhauser (49.929450° S 73.026713° W) then there is a trail marked on OSM, you start to see it when you enter the forest (49.937360° S 73.053745° W) but there is also a lot of cows trails and some angry bulls too!<br /> Second part we mostly follow the RR. From the camp at lago Anita (49.901503° S 73.123986° W) we did a hike up to the valle de los fossiles (49.907952° S 73.170325° W) and a viewpoint higher up. If you have the time to do it, it's amazing.<br /> Day 1 : at Puesto guanaco there is a ranger station, if you registered previously the ranger will be informed that you come (that was for us). We started following the trail going to laguna azul and quickly left it for some animals track at 49.923508° S 72.842736° W on the left. We enter the valley south of laguna azul and reach the pass and camp there (49.945402° S 72.933853° W).<br /> Day 2 : We went surrounding the cerro sombrero on is south face up to the pass (49.947031° S 72.976260° W) then went up to the summit of the cerro sombrero (amazing view). Then we goes down to the south shore of the lake Tanhauser and followed it. We camped on a hill west of the lake, we were exposed of the wind (49.927634° S 73.033441° W).<br /> Day 3 : Walked around the camp, beautiful landscape and up to a hill where there is a pirca. Then down to the valley of lago Anita. We did not follow the trail and tried to shortcut to arrive directly at lago Anita and the campsite (49.901503° S 73.123986° W). Them did the hike to valle de los fossiles and viewpoint.<br /> Day 4, 5 and 6 we followed the RR threw the &quot;canyon&quot;. After the first pass and until the seno moyano campsite it's CC and BB on calafates and others friendly spiky plants! Then it's getting easier to follow until estancia helsingsfors.<br /> <br /> Permits :<br /> Permits only doable in el calafate national park office. You need to do a &quot;area remota permiso&quot;. When you ask it,it will be ready the next day at midday. It supposed to be only 4 days but one should try to ask more. To have this permit you need to be at least 3 and complete a basic form that ask you contacts, experience, if you have a sattelital communication gps (but don't check it).<br /> At estancia christina there is a ranger station that will check if you are legal. And the workers there will advise him if they see you.<br /> At estancia helsingsfors there is no more ranger at the ranger office.<br /> Once you get out the park, informe them that you leave, if not they will start the rescue research has they said.<br /> <br /> To get to Puesto guanaco and to leave at estancia helsingsfors you can schedule a transfert, there is several in el calafate and el chalten.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''Frank Not the RR /mostly SoBo/ 10-12 December 2023'''<br /> As I could not get a permit for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina - see permits section - I walked around on the road from La Leona to Calafate in 3 days as follows:<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to La Leona and walked 43KM SOBO. You are in the Leona river valley although you mostly walk well back from the river. Bluffs above the river make the walk a lot more sheltered than the open pampa. <br /> 11KM from La Leona is a derelict Estancia by Rio Leona, you could camp there or sleep in one of the buildings. After about 25KM you start to ascend one of the bluffs above the valley. As the road drops in a loop I went CC downhill which can cut the loop by about 2KM. As the descent flattens out there is a wadi, you could camp on the dry wadi floor. Risky if it rains but that is not so common on the pampa. At KM 43 is a mirador marked Vista a Lago Argentina on Openstreetmap, I hitched back from there to Calafate.<br /> <br /> 2. I bought a ticket to La Leona, talked to the driver and he agreed to drop me at the mirador - they usually don´t do that. From the mirador I walked about 41KM SOBO. There are two bridges and you can camp by trees below both of them. A shed about 300M before the Rio Leona bridge had rats around it so is best avoided. Between the bridges where Ruta 17 goes inland towards 2 estancias there is a small concrete hut/shrine which you could sleep in. The estancias are a long way inland, 20KM or more. I continued to the junction with the road from Rio Gallegos and stopped after about 10KM where a jeep track goes right towards Estancia Bon Accord. Then I hitched in to Calafate. <br /> <br /> 3. I walked NOBO on jeep tracks away from Calafate, easier as the wind was at my back. I went to see the cave paintings at Punta Walichu which is by the lake below Cerro Gualicho and marked on Openstreetmap.<br /> However it is quite a detour to Punta Walichu and they charge 11,000 pesos entry or about 12 euro. They gave me the student price which is 8000 pesos. In the Walichu reserve they will not allow you to walk anywhere except in and out on the main access road-I came in directly from Calafate on jeep tracks which was OK as they didnt see me but had to leave on the access road. So it seems best to avoid the site and go directly out from Calafate on jeep tracks which are marked on the track file. I rejoined the track file route but where it turns towards the lake I left it to go straight ahead on a smaller jeep track. It bisects the airport road. Cafe in the airport but I didnt go in as it is 1.7KM off the route I took. After crossing the airport road I continued on a faded jeep track which improved and led out to the main road where there is a sign for Estancia Bon Accord, then I hitched back to Calafate. This section is about 20KM if you walk directly from Calafate on jeep tracks. Including the detour to Walichu cave paintings its about 28KM.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/SoBo/ February 2023 / Participant: Tobias Schorcht/ 3.5 Days/ 60 km/ Method: Hiking'''<br /> I walked from EA Helsingsfors to EA Cristina. Since it is part of the Nationalpark “Los Glaciares” you need a permit. Got the permit easily in El Chaltén (park office) free of charge. They asked me for my inreach contact, I don’t know if they let you go without it. Since they removed the cows in that area, the trail is in a bad condition and some parts are overgrown with Calafate. I recommend the use of gaters. I marked the few camping spots before and after the 2 passes, which is the tough part. Reached EA Cristina after 3 days of walking and took the catamaran to Puerto Bandera (every day, 5 p.m., 100 000 CPS). Amazing views and landscape up there. Met no one.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Hitchhiking Ruta provincial 21: <br /> Extremely little traffic, you might go a day or more without seeing a car. Estancia Helsingfors has guests only infrequently, like one group per week.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking Ruta Provincial 19: <br /> Little traffic, but doable. A car every few hours. At the first 10km more traffic from car campers. <br /> <br /> December 2023 info: In high season i.e. from 1st December there is a boat every day from Puerto Banedera to Estancia Cristina, leaving at 9AM &amp; returning from the Estancia at 5PM. It costs about 100 euro. Inquire at the Ea. Cristina office in Calafate on Av. Libertador.<br /> Transfer from Calafate to Puerto Bandera costs an additional 25,000 pesos (about 27 euro) and leaves Calafate at 7:15 AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> Tim &amp; Magdalena January 2025:<br /> Permits for the area are only given for groups of 3 minimum. That's why we went without permit. Robin got a permit from a ranger who wasn't aware of the policy. The rangers we talked to have heard of their colleagues mistake. <br /> <br /> Frank 14-12-2023<br /> <br /> Chalten park office are not giving permits for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina now, they refer you to the Calafate park office.<br /> You can talk to them in person or email your request to Mesadeentradaspnlg@apn.gob.ar or Informespnlg@apn.gob.ar<br /> I did both and all answered the same: minimum group size 3 people no exceptions and they want you to have comms. also i.e. a radio or inreach.<br /> This situation may change so it is worth checking with both park offices.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT42_(Glaciar_Upsala)&diff=120768 2025-03-16T17:48:00Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR / Randonnée avortée / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT41&lt;/strike&gt;+(GPT 43)+GPT42+(GPT43)+GPT44<br /> | Intérêt : ?<br /> | Difficulté : ?<br /> | Danger : Accès difficile ou très cher, permis obligatoire, groupe obligatoire, bush-bashing<br /> <br /> Cette étape ne semble pas mature, le sentier est inexistant (que du CC ou du BB) et les routes 19 et 21 pour y aller et en revenir sont une grosse incertitude. Combien de jours de nourriture prendre, comment réserver le bateau (GPT43), pour quel tarif, réglementation interdisant de randonner seul, obligation de se déclarer... La region au sud d'El Chalten est sûrement faite pour le packraft.<br /> Mon projet était de faire un aller-retour en bateau Puerto Bandera &lt;-&gt; Estancia Cristina et de faire l'option 42-01 (~60km) ainsi que le lac Tannhauser et le cerro Sombrero (~50km) sur 4 jours. En effet les retours sur wikiexplora indiquent que ces endroient son magnifique, et que la partie nord de cette étape est abandonné et inintéressante. Le bateau est cher, mais c'est un transport fiable. Marcher sur des routes désertes en attendant des voitures me coûte beaucoup plus cher en moral, en énergie, et en temps. Je suis allé au bureau de l'Estancia Cristina dans le centre de El Calafate. On m'a dit que c'était 200 000 ARS pour un aller retour le même jour. Et que si le retour se faisait un jour different de l'aller, c'était 200 000 ARS l'aller et 200 000 ARS le retour. C'est complètement grotesque et insensé. Il ne veulent pas qu'on randonnent sans guide et nous le font payer.<br /> Je suis quand même allé au bureau du Parque National Los Glaciares également situé dans la rue principale de El Calafate. Et là on me dit qu'il faut faire la demande d'accès 3 jours avant, et pour 3 personnes minimum.<br /> J'abandonne doublement puisque je n'ai pas le droit d'y aller et qu'en plus ce n'est pas dans mon budget. Je suis profondement déçu et me tourne vers ma prochaine randonnée. Le GPT44 présente des problèmes de faisabilité à cause de la frontière, je ne peux pas le faire. Il se trouve que les bus pour Torres del Paine coûte 190 000 ARS et celui pour Puerto Natales 32 000 ARS. Je vais donc faire le GPT46 puis le GPT45 NoBo, pour des raison financières. Le stop est évidemment possible car la route est très fréquentée. C'est la première fois que je me prend la tête à ce point sur le GPT. L'intendance, le transport, le coût, et l'administration prennent des proportions insensées pour un simple randonneur. Si ca avait été aussi compliqué sur les étapes précédentes je serais encore au GPT03 à l'heure qu'il est. Bon courage à ceux qui veulent absolument voir cet étape 42 qui est sûrement grandiose<br /> <br /> * '''2025-01-16 to 2025-01-24/ 9 days (including one rest day, excluding multiple hitchhiking days!) / Hiking / NOBO / EXP43, New Route, RR, option 1/ Magdalena &amp; Tim'''<br /> <br /> We walked a new route in the GPT42 area from Settler {42} [#3/385] to Estancia Helsingfors in 9 days including one rest day. <br /> We started with some EXP 43-03 but soon leave the track for a probably safer but slower alternative. We connect to Lago Tannhauser and from there walk the same route as described by Robin Marcille. <br /> <br /> We hitched on Ruta Provincial 19 to Settler {42} [#3/385].<br /> It took around 7 hours until we met a car going to the end of the road. <br /> One inhabitant in the settler hut invites us enthusiastically to stay the night. They have no livestock, they are working for Solo Patagonia, a tourism company, to build and extend the road (OH-MR&amp;CC-V {43-02}) to a viewpoint over the lake. CC can probably already be removed from the track, although we didn't walk it. <br /> In a year or so they say tours will go there by boat from Puerto Bandera. Then a bus will shuttle tourists up to the viewpoint, where many condors breed. They are working in shifts, we met their colleagues earlier who left by car in the morning. <br /> <br /> Day1: We start walking NOBO on the old MR (km 26.4). Easy Walking but not boring. At km 24.1 there is a easy ford, afterwards the track fords the tributary as well, while we stay on the southern side. There are many cow paths either way probably. <br /> <br /> Now EXP 43-03 starts. <br /> As we get above the treeline there is some moderate scrambling needed to get further up. S 50.07576°, W 072.93645°<br /> <br /> Soon after we leave the track for a bit to ascend via this pass, which looks easier. S 50.07086°, W 072.95873°<br /> <br /> From the high plateau we try to ascend to the ridge at S 50.04458°, W 072.95789°. We abort quickly as the wind gets too strong to be safe (over 80kmh?) and it's getting late. I can't really say if it's doable, maybe with low winds. <br /> <br /> We descend for ~3km on 43-03B and enter a small sidevalley to the north, hoping for a sheltered campsite. We camp between two glacial lakes at S 50.04525°, W 072.99735°. The spot is somewhat sheltered from 3 sides, but strong gusts regularly hit our tent from all directions. We build a small stonewall, which helps to get some sleep. <br /> A very small tent or bivouac bag could find a better spot in between the boulders above. <br /> <br /> Day2: from here we ascend to the east up towards EXP 43-03. We see lots of Guanaco tracks on the way, so that was reassuring. No major difficulties except the wind until the pass at S 50.03497°, W 072.96812°.<br /> <br /> From here EXP43-03 is not possible. A rocky steep outcrop is blocking the way: S 50.03390°, W 072.97002°<br /> To go around, we descend 40m and reascend to another pass at <br /> S 50.03267°, W 072.97092°. Only the final bit is difficult, very steep, loose sand. Luckily it is somehow completely windstill (in our case). <br /> <br /> We easily descend to camp, finally in the wind protected forest at S 50.01617°, W 072.99547°.<br /> <br /> Day 3: <br /> We ascend on decent cow trails to a pass at S 50.00991°, W 073.01324°. Once in the beautiful high valley, the going is pretty easy and fast. We see a herd of cows as well as guanaco. Via another easy pass (S 49.94691°, W 073.01142°) we reach Lago Tannhauser. <br /> <br /> From here we take the same route as described by Robin, so I'll keep it shorter. We descend and camp at S 49.93053°, W 073.09374°. <br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Since we don't have a permit, we are quite scared to walk within 2km of Ea. Christina and its ranger station. We meet employees of the estancia three times (Guides with dayhikers twice and once someone leading horses to the estancia), but they did not seem overly suspicious. Afterwards we didn't meet anyone.<br /> Once we reach Refugio Pascale, we are still worried a ranger might search for us, so we camp instead a bit further. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it's supposed to be raining most of the day, so we decide to do a rest day. We still have enough food, we had planned for the EXP section to take longer.<br /> <br /> Day 6:<br /> I think we see Robin's footsteps from 3 weeks before and follow them towards Cerro Yumil and over the pass to it's east. The views of the glacier are awesome, definitely happy that we waited for better weather.<br /> <br /> Day 7: in the morning there's a fraction of the water in the river. Robin described the way up to the pass as difficult, not in our case, probably we found an easier way. There's a old trail all the way up and over the pass, maintained mainly by cows I assume. We camp near Camp {42} [25.1/677]<br /> <br /> Day8: at the small lake (S 49.74042°, W 073.07323°) as Robin recommended we stick to the Western shore without problems. <br /> The ascend to the pass directly after was very hard for us, dangerously steep loose rocks, maybe the hardest of the trip. Maybe we took a bad route up. The valley after was definitely the least fun of the trip 😬. super thorny BB. The trail is almost completely overgrown and if you find it, it won't really help much. After the second pass out gets easier CC although we still found the trail here and there. Once lower we face very hard BB again, up to chest high, but at least not as thorny. We camp at S 49.70767°, W 073.04438° decently wind protected. Might be swampy if it has been raining. <br /> <br /> Day 9: don't try to CC directly to the beach like we did from our camp, it's steep cliffs and CC back to the track is blocked by a ravine. At the beach campsite [13.6/254] a trail starts marked with cairns. Around S 49.69399°, W 073.00547° we lose the trail, it's quite overgrown, we don't find any good way. Afterwards it's easy until Ea. Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> Getting back from Ea. Helsingfors:<br /> We discuss with the dueño Nico and one other employee our options to get back. They are very nice. The only guests left a day ago and the next ones will arrive in 3 days or so. A taxi is not an option for our budget..<br /> Traffic is nonexistent.<br /> Nico offers us food if we decide to walk and ask the other estancias. We take him up on it, we only had food for one meal left. Nico gives us food to walk for 2-3 days. We start walking in the evening and ask at Ea. Los Hermanos if we can camp there. We are invited in instead. No one is going back to Ruta 40 from them.<br /> <br /> At estancia Santa Teresita the son of the dueño agrees to drive us to La leona for 70k Pesos (~70US$). His family rents and operates various estancias in the area. <br /> From la leona we hitchhike to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 42 - Uppsala - NOBO - 20/12/24 - 24/12/24 - Robin &amp; Manon - New option + RR + Option 1 - 4.5 days - 2 persons permit'''<br /> <br /> We followed the idea from Célio Lebailly and started at Puesto Guanaco after a taxi transfer of 180 USD and 3 hours. Discussing with the APN at El Calafate, we understood that the permit to go between Puesto Guanaco and Ea. Cristina is for groups of *2 persons* minimum. We then applied for this permit, and went straight to Puesto Guanaco. We went to the ranger station to ask if we could start 1/2 day before and he was super chill, showing us the way and telling us to enjoy ! By doing so we were legal for the first 4 days, and could go back to el Calafate with the ferry in case anyone would tell anything to us. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : took the beautiful pink granite valley south of Lago Azul and slept before the pass. S 49° 56.719', W 072° 54.442'<br /> <br /> Day 2: hiked up to the pass south of Cerro Sombrero, the moraine passage is very steep and would be problematic with snow. We took straight in the granite slabs which was easy. Cerro Sombrero is superb, and so is Lago Tannhauser. Went down along the OSM track which is non existant on an easy CC, then we cut straight to the entrance of cañadon de Los fossiles and slept at the lake where we had some interactions with ruting bulls. S 49° 54.952', W 073° 09.267'. Met no one, but saw the horse tracks that Celio was talking about. <br /> <br /> Day 3: followed the stunning cañadon de los fossiles on a marked trail up to Laguna Pascale. This is not to be missed ! Small refuge at Laguna Pascale S 49° 51.782', W 073° 11.060'. Continued on the marked trail to Lago Azul, where you get the first glimpse of Glaciar Uppsala, incredible. Slept by the lake, view on campo de Hielo and wind protected S 49° 49.786', W 073° 11.837'.<br /> <br /> Day 4: we followed option 1 to get views on the glacier. From the foot of Cerro Yumil, don't hesitate to go your way. We took a more direct route, it's moraine terrain anyway. Views are stunning.Easy CC until the bottom, but turns into difficult CC&amp;BB on steep terrain to reach the pass S 49° 51.042', W 073° 08.373'. you probably want to follow the track there. Went down to the valley and slept by the first moraine lake.<br /> <br /> Day 5: went up to the pass on relatively easy CC. Had a very bad (the worst so far) Lengas BB on the eastern shore of the lake before the pass. Either stick to the shore or take the west shore. Don't go to the pass but to a terrace 60m above on the right. Down and traverse to the next pass is very difficult CC on very steep rocky terrain covered in thorny plants. That was tough. From the pass to the Seño Moyano, it's again very bad CC&amp;BB on calafate. Tough times there but we saw a Huemul ! You'll find an old track at the lake corner that will lead you with cairns up to Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> We arrived at the Estancia with low food, and talked to an employee who did not help us. They have free WiFi though.<br /> <br /> We went to the next Estancia los Hermanos and got invited by Juanito, who's been working here 30 years for Navidad. He's retiring in July, and has no idea if anyone will take over. Had the best possible Christmas Eve there. He later talked with the Helsingfors dueño, that would have helped us. Talk directly to him (Nico).<br /> <br /> Got a ride with his friend that came for Navidad to La Leona and took the bus from there. Don't expect any hitch hike on this road, except for Helsingfors clients ! Taxi rides are super expensive (got proposed 400USD)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/NoBo/ 2024 dix 95 to 2024 dic 10 / Participant: Amalia, Isabelle Celio / 6 Days / Hiking / New option + RR'''<br /> <br /> We walked from Puesto guanaco (end of ruta provincial 69) to Estancia Helsingfors.<br /> First part is not on the GPT track and it's mostly CC until lago Tanhauser (49.929450° S 73.026713° W) then there is a trail marked on OSM, you start to see it when you enter the forest (49.937360° S 73.053745° W) but there is also a lot of cows trails and some angry bulls too!<br /> Second part we mostly follow the RR. From the camp at lago Anita (49.901503° S 73.123986° W) we did a hike up to the valle de los fossiles (49.907952° S 73.170325° W) and a viewpoint higher up. If you have the time to do it, it's amazing.<br /> Day 1 : at Puesto guanaco there is a ranger station, if you registered previously the ranger will be informed that you come (that was for us). We started following the trail going to laguna azul and quickly left it for some animals track at 49.923508° S 72.842736° W on the left. We enter the valley south of laguna azul and reach the pass and camp there (49.945402° S 72.933853° W).<br /> Day 2 : We went surrounding the cerro sombrero on is south face up to the pass (49.947031° S 72.976260° W) then went up to the summit of the cerro sombrero (amazing view). Then we goes down to the south shore of the lake Tanhauser and followed it. We camped on a hill west of the lake, we were exposed of the wind (49.927634° S 73.033441° W).<br /> Day 3 : Walked around the camp, beautiful landscape and up to a hill where there is a pirca. Then down to the valley of lago Anita. We did not follow the trail and tried to shortcut to arrive directly at lago Anita and the campsite (49.901503° S 73.123986° W). Them did the hike to valle de los fossiles and viewpoint.<br /> Day 4, 5 and 6 we followed the RR threw the &quot;canyon&quot;. After the first pass and until the seno moyano campsite it's CC and BB on calafates and others friendly spiky plants! Then it's getting easier to follow until estancia helsingsfors.<br /> <br /> Permits :<br /> Permits only doable in el calafate national park office. You need to do a &quot;area remota permiso&quot;. When you ask it,it will be ready the next day at midday. It supposed to be only 4 days but one should try to ask more. To have this permit you need to be at least 3 and complete a basic form that ask you contacts, experience, if you have a sattelital communication gps (but don't check it).<br /> At estancia christina there is a ranger station that will check if you are legal. And the workers there will advise him if they see you.<br /> At estancia helsingsfors there is no more ranger at the ranger office.<br /> Once you get out the park, informe them that you leave, if not they will start the rescue research has they said.<br /> <br /> To get to Puesto guanaco and to leave at estancia helsingsfors you can schedule a transfert, there is several in el calafate and el chalten.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''Frank Not the RR /mostly SoBo/ 10-12 December 2023'''<br /> As I could not get a permit for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina - see permits section - I walked around on the road from La Leona to Calafate in 3 days as follows:<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to La Leona and walked 43KM SOBO. You are in the Leona river valley although you mostly walk well back from the river. Bluffs above the river make the walk a lot more sheltered than the open pampa. <br /> 11KM from La Leona is a derelict Estancia by Rio Leona, you could camp there or sleep in one of the buildings. After about 25KM you start to ascend one of the bluffs above the valley. As the road drops in a loop I went CC downhill which can cut the loop by about 2KM. As the descent flattens out there is a wadi, you could camp on the dry wadi floor. Risky if it rains but that is not so common on the pampa. At KM 43 is a mirador marked Vista a Lago Argentina on Openstreetmap, I hitched back from there to Calafate.<br /> <br /> 2. I bought a ticket to La Leona, talked to the driver and he agreed to drop me at the mirador - they usually don´t do that. From the mirador I walked about 41KM SOBO. There are two bridges and you can camp by trees below both of them. A shed about 300M before the Rio Leona bridge had rats around it so is best avoided. Between the bridges where Ruta 17 goes inland towards 2 estancias there is a small concrete hut/shrine which you could sleep in. The estancias are a long way inland, 20KM or more. I continued to the junction with the road from Rio Gallegos and stopped after about 10KM where a jeep track goes right towards Estancia Bon Accord. Then I hitched in to Calafate. <br /> <br /> 3. I walked NOBO on jeep tracks away from Calafate, easier as the wind was at my back. I went to see the cave paintings at Punta Walichu which is by the lake below Cerro Gualicho and marked on Openstreetmap.<br /> However it is quite a detour to Punta Walichu and they charge 11,000 pesos entry or about 12 euro. They gave me the student price which is 8000 pesos. In the Walichu reserve they will not allow you to walk anywhere except in and out on the main access road-I came in directly from Calafate on jeep tracks which was OK as they didnt see me but had to leave on the access road. So it seems best to avoid the site and go directly out from Calafate on jeep tracks which are marked on the track file. I rejoined the track file route but where it turns towards the lake I left it to go straight ahead on a smaller jeep track. It bisects the airport road. Cafe in the airport but I didnt go in as it is 1.7KM off the route I took. After crossing the airport road I continued on a faded jeep track which improved and led out to the main road where there is a sign for Estancia Bon Accord, then I hitched back to Calafate. This section is about 20KM if you walk directly from Calafate on jeep tracks. Including the detour to Walichu cave paintings its about 28KM.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/SoBo/ February 2023 / Participant: Tobias Schorcht/ 3.5 Days/ 60 km/ Method: Hiking'''<br /> I walked from EA Helsingsfors to EA Cristina. Since it is part of the Nationalpark “Los Glaciares” you need a permit. Got the permit easily in El Chaltén (park office) free of charge. They asked me for my inreach contact, I don’t know if they let you go without it. Since they removed the cows in that area, the trail is in a bad condition and some parts are overgrown with Calafate. I recommend the use of gaters. I marked the few camping spots before and after the 2 passes, which is the tough part. Reached EA Cristina after 3 days of walking and took the catamaran to Puerto Bandera (every day, 5 p.m., 100 000 CPS). Amazing views and landscape up there. Met no one.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Hitchhiking Ruta provincial 21: <br /> Extremely little traffic, you might go a day or more without seeing a car. Estancia Helsingfors has guests only infrequently, like one group per week.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking Ruta Provincial 19: <br /> Little traffic, but doable. A car every few hours. At the first 10km more traffic from car campers. <br /> <br /> December 2023 info: In high season i.e. from 1st December there is a boat every day from Puerto Banedera to Estancia Cristina, leaving at 9AM &amp; returning from the Estancia at 5PM. It costs about 100 euro. Inquire at the Ea. Cristina office in Calafate on Av. Libertador.<br /> Transfer from Calafate to Puerto Bandera costs an additional 25,000 pesos (about 27 euro) and leaves Calafate at 7:15 AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> Tim &amp; Magdalena January 2025:<br /> Permits for the area are only given for groups of 3 minimum. That's why we went without permit. Robin got a permit from a ranger who wasn't aware of the policy. The rangers we talked to have heard of their colleagues mistake. <br /> <br /> Frank 14-12-2023<br /> <br /> Chalten park office are not giving permits for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina now, they refer you to the Calafate park office.<br /> You can talk to them in person or email your request to Mesadeentradaspnlg@apn.gob.ar or Informespnlg@apn.gob.ar<br /> I did both and all answered the same: minimum group size 3 people no exceptions and they want you to have comms. also i.e. a radio or inreach.<br /> This situation may change so it is worth checking with both park offices.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT42_(Glaciar_Upsala)&diff=120767 2025-03-16T17:46:36Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR / Randonnée avortée / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT41&lt;/strike&gt;+(GPT 43)+GPT42+(GPT43)+GPT44<br /> | Intérêt : ?<br /> | Difficulté : ?<br /> | Danger : Accès difficile ou très cher, permis obligatoire, groupe obligatoire, bush-bashing<br /> <br /> Cette étape ne semble pas mature, le sentier est inexistant (que du CC ou du BB) et les routes 19 et 21 pour y aller et en revenir sont une grosse incertitude. Combien de jours de nourriture prendre, comment réserver le bateau (GPT43), pour quel tarif, réglementation interdisant de randonner seul, obligation de se déclarer... La region au sud d'El Chalten est sûrement faite pour le packraft.<br /> Mon projet était de faire un aller-retour en bateau Puerto Bandera &lt;-&gt; Estancia Cristina et de faire l'option 42-01 (~60km) ainsi que le lac Tannhauser et le cerro Sombrero (~50km) sur 4 jours. En effet les retours sur wikiexplora indiquent que ces endroient son magnifique, et que la partie nord de cette étape est abandonné et inintéressante. Le bateau est cher, mais c'est un transport fiable. Marcher sur des routes désertes en attendant des voitures me coûte beaucoup plus cher en moral, en énergie, et en temps. Je suis allé au bureau de l'Estancia Cristina dans le centre de El Calafate. On m'a dit que c'etait 200 000 ARS pour un aller retour le même jour. Et que si le retour se faisait un jour different de l'aller, c'était 200 000 ARS l'aller et 200 000 ARS le retour. C'est complètement grotesque et insensé. Il ne veulent pas qu'on randonnent sans guide et nous le font payer.<br /> Je suis quand même allé au bureau du Parque National Los Glaciares également situé dans la rue principale de El Calafate. Et là on me dit qu'il faut faire la demande d'accès 3 jours avant, et pour 3 personnes minimum.<br /> J'abandonne doublement puisque je n'ai pas le droit d'y aller et qu'en plus ce n'est pas dans mon budget. Je suis profondement déçu et me tourne vers ma prochaine randonnée. Le GPT44 présente des problèmes de faisabilité à cause de la frontière, je ne peux pas le faire. Il se trouve que les bus pour Torres del Paine coûte 190 000 ARS et celui pour Puerto Natales 32 000 ARS. Je vais donc faire le GPT46 puis le GPT45 NoBo, pour des raison financières. Le stop est évidemment possible car la route est très fréquentée. C'est la première fois que je me prend la tête à ce point sur le GPT. L'intendance, le transport, le coût, et l'administration prennent des proportions insensées pour un simple randonneur. Si ca avait été aussi compliqué sur les étapes précédentes je serais encore au GPT03 à l'heure qu'il est. Bon courage à ceux qui veulent absolument voir cet étape 42 qui est sûrement grandiose<br /> <br /> * '''2025-01-16 to 2025-01-24/ 9 days (including one rest day, excluding multiple hitchhiking days!) / Hiking / NOBO / EXP43, New Route, RR, option 1/ Magdalena &amp; Tim'''<br /> <br /> We walked a new route in the GPT42 area from Settler {42} [#3/385] to Estancia Helsingfors in 9 days including one rest day. <br /> We started with some EXP 43-03 but soon leave the track for a probably safer but slower alternative. We connect to Lago Tannhauser and from there walk the same route as described by Robin Marcille. <br /> <br /> We hitched on Ruta Provincial 19 to Settler {42} [#3/385].<br /> It took around 7 hours until we met a car going to the end of the road. <br /> One inhabitant in the settler hut invites us enthusiastically to stay the night. They have no livestock, they are working for Solo Patagonia, a tourism company, to build and extend the road (OH-MR&amp;CC-V {43-02}) to a viewpoint over the lake. CC can probably already be removed from the track, although we didn't walk it. <br /> In a year or so they say tours will go there by boat from Puerto Bandera. Then a bus will shuttle tourists up to the viewpoint, where many condors breed. They are working in shifts, we met their colleagues earlier who left by car in the morning. <br /> <br /> Day1: We start walking NOBO on the old MR (km 26.4). Easy Walking but not boring. At km 24.1 there is a easy ford, afterwards the track fords the tributary as well, while we stay on the southern side. There are many cow paths either way probably. <br /> <br /> Now EXP 43-03 starts. <br /> As we get above the treeline there is some moderate scrambling needed to get further up. S 50.07576°, W 072.93645°<br /> <br /> Soon after we leave the track for a bit to ascend via this pass, which looks easier. S 50.07086°, W 072.95873°<br /> <br /> From the high plateau we try to ascend to the ridge at S 50.04458°, W 072.95789°. We abort quickly as the wind gets too strong to be safe (over 80kmh?) and it's getting late. I can't really say if it's doable, maybe with low winds. <br /> <br /> We descend for ~3km on 43-03B and enter a small sidevalley to the north, hoping for a sheltered campsite. We camp between two glacial lakes at S 50.04525°, W 072.99735°. The spot is somewhat sheltered from 3 sides, but strong gusts regularly hit our tent from all directions. We build a small stonewall, which helps to get some sleep. <br /> A very small tent or bivouac bag could find a better spot in between the boulders above. <br /> <br /> Day2: from here we ascend to the east up towards EXP 43-03. We see lots of Guanaco tracks on the way, so that was reassuring. No major difficulties except the wind until the pass at S 50.03497°, W 072.96812°.<br /> <br /> From here EXP43-03 is not possible. A rocky steep outcrop is blocking the way: S 50.03390°, W 072.97002°<br /> To go around, we descend 40m and reascend to another pass at <br /> S 50.03267°, W 072.97092°. Only the final bit is difficult, very steep, loose sand. Luckily it is somehow completely windstill (in our case). <br /> <br /> We easily descend to camp, finally in the wind protected forest at S 50.01617°, W 072.99547°.<br /> <br /> Day 3: <br /> We ascend on decent cow trails to a pass at S 50.00991°, W 073.01324°. Once in the beautiful high valley, the going is pretty easy and fast. We see a herd of cows as well as guanaco. Via another easy pass (S 49.94691°, W 073.01142°) we reach Lago Tannhauser. <br /> <br /> From here we take the same route as described by Robin, so I'll keep it shorter. We descend and camp at S 49.93053°, W 073.09374°. <br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Since we don't have a permit, we are quite scared to walk within 2km of Ea. Christina and its ranger station. We meet employees of the estancia three times (Guides with dayhikers twice and once someone leading horses to the estancia), but they did not seem overly suspicious. Afterwards we didn't meet anyone.<br /> Once we reach Refugio Pascale, we are still worried a ranger might search for us, so we camp instead a bit further. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it's supposed to be raining most of the day, so we decide to do a rest day. We still have enough food, we had planned for the EXP section to take longer.<br /> <br /> Day 6:<br /> I think we see Robin's footsteps from 3 weeks before and follow them towards Cerro Yumil and over the pass to it's east. The views of the glacier are awesome, definitely happy that we waited for better weather.<br /> <br /> Day 7: in the morning there's a fraction of the water in the river. Robin described the way up to the pass as difficult, not in our case, probably we found an easier way. There's a old trail all the way up and over the pass, maintained mainly by cows I assume. We camp near Camp {42} [25.1/677]<br /> <br /> Day8: at the small lake (S 49.74042°, W 073.07323°) as Robin recommended we stick to the Western shore without problems. <br /> The ascend to the pass directly after was very hard for us, dangerously steep loose rocks, maybe the hardest of the trip. Maybe we took a bad route up. The valley after was definitely the least fun of the trip 😬. super thorny BB. The trail is almost completely overgrown and if you find it, it won't really help much. After the second pass out gets easier CC although we still found the trail here and there. Once lower we face very hard BB again, up to chest high, but at least not as thorny. We camp at S 49.70767°, W 073.04438° decently wind protected. Might be swampy if it has been raining. <br /> <br /> Day 9: don't try to CC directly to the beach like we did from our camp, it's steep cliffs and CC back to the track is blocked by a ravine. At the beach campsite [13.6/254] a trail starts marked with cairns. Around S 49.69399°, W 073.00547° we lose the trail, it's quite overgrown, we don't find any good way. Afterwards it's easy until Ea. Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> Getting back from Ea. Helsingfors:<br /> We discuss with the dueño Nico and one other employee our options to get back. They are very nice. The only guests left a day ago and the next ones will arrive in 3 days or so. A taxi is not an option for our budget..<br /> Traffic is nonexistent.<br /> Nico offers us food if we decide to walk and ask the other estancias. We take him up on it, we only had food for one meal left. Nico gives us food to walk for 2-3 days. We start walking in the evening and ask at Ea. Los Hermanos if we can camp there. We are invited in instead. No one is going back to Ruta 40 from them.<br /> <br /> At estancia Santa Teresita the son of the dueño agrees to drive us to La leona for 70k Pesos (~70US$). His family rents and operates various estancias in the area. <br /> From la leona we hitchhike to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 42 - Uppsala - NOBO - 20/12/24 - 24/12/24 - Robin &amp; Manon - New option + RR + Option 1 - 4.5 days - 2 persons permit'''<br /> <br /> We followed the idea from Célio Lebailly and started at Puesto Guanaco after a taxi transfer of 180 USD and 3 hours. Discussing with the APN at El Calafate, we understood that the permit to go between Puesto Guanaco and Ea. Cristina is for groups of *2 persons* minimum. We then applied for this permit, and went straight to Puesto Guanaco. We went to the ranger station to ask if we could start 1/2 day before and he was super chill, showing us the way and telling us to enjoy ! By doing so we were legal for the first 4 days, and could go back to el Calafate with the ferry in case anyone would tell anything to us. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : took the beautiful pink granite valley south of Lago Azul and slept before the pass. S 49° 56.719', W 072° 54.442'<br /> <br /> Day 2: hiked up to the pass south of Cerro Sombrero, the moraine passage is very steep and would be problematic with snow. We took straight in the granite slabs which was easy. Cerro Sombrero is superb, and so is Lago Tannhauser. Went down along the OSM track which is non existant on an easy CC, then we cut straight to the entrance of cañadon de Los fossiles and slept at the lake where we had some interactions with ruting bulls. S 49° 54.952', W 073° 09.267'. Met no one, but saw the horse tracks that Celio was talking about. <br /> <br /> Day 3: followed the stunning cañadon de los fossiles on a marked trail up to Laguna Pascale. This is not to be missed ! Small refuge at Laguna Pascale S 49° 51.782', W 073° 11.060'. Continued on the marked trail to Lago Azul, where you get the first glimpse of Glaciar Uppsala, incredible. Slept by the lake, view on campo de Hielo and wind protected S 49° 49.786', W 073° 11.837'.<br /> <br /> Day 4: we followed option 1 to get views on the glacier. From the foot of Cerro Yumil, don't hesitate to go your way. We took a more direct route, it's moraine terrain anyway. Views are stunning.Easy CC until the bottom, but turns into difficult CC&amp;BB on steep terrain to reach the pass S 49° 51.042', W 073° 08.373'. you probably want to follow the track there. Went down to the valley and slept by the first moraine lake.<br /> <br /> Day 5: went up to the pass on relatively easy CC. Had a very bad (the worst so far) Lengas BB on the eastern shore of the lake before the pass. Either stick to the shore or take the west shore. Don't go to the pass but to a terrace 60m above on the right. Down and traverse to the next pass is very difficult CC on very steep rocky terrain covered in thorny plants. That was tough. From the pass to the Seño Moyano, it's again very bad CC&amp;BB on calafate. Tough times there but we saw a Huemul ! You'll find an old track at the lake corner that will lead you with cairns up to Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> We arrived at the Estancia with low food, and talked to an employee who did not help us. They have free WiFi though.<br /> <br /> We went to the next Estancia los Hermanos and got invited by Juanito, who's been working here 30 years for Navidad. He's retiring in July, and has no idea if anyone will take over. Had the best possible Christmas Eve there. He later talked with the Helsingfors dueño, that would have helped us. Talk directly to him (Nico).<br /> <br /> Got a ride with his friend that came for Navidad to La Leona and took the bus from there. Don't expect any hitch hike on this road, except for Helsingfors clients ! Taxi rides are super expensive (got proposed 400USD)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/NoBo/ 2024 dix 95 to 2024 dic 10 / Participant: Amalia, Isabelle Celio / 6 Days / Hiking / New option + RR'''<br /> <br /> We walked from Puesto guanaco (end of ruta provincial 69) to Estancia Helsingfors.<br /> First part is not on the GPT track and it's mostly CC until lago Tanhauser (49.929450° S 73.026713° W) then there is a trail marked on OSM, you start to see it when you enter the forest (49.937360° S 73.053745° W) but there is also a lot of cows trails and some angry bulls too!<br /> Second part we mostly follow the RR. From the camp at lago Anita (49.901503° S 73.123986° W) we did a hike up to the valle de los fossiles (49.907952° S 73.170325° W) and a viewpoint higher up. If you have the time to do it, it's amazing.<br /> Day 1 : at Puesto guanaco there is a ranger station, if you registered previously the ranger will be informed that you come (that was for us). We started following the trail going to laguna azul and quickly left it for some animals track at 49.923508° S 72.842736° W on the left. We enter the valley south of laguna azul and reach the pass and camp there (49.945402° S 72.933853° W).<br /> Day 2 : We went surrounding the cerro sombrero on is south face up to the pass (49.947031° S 72.976260° W) then went up to the summit of the cerro sombrero (amazing view). Then we goes down to the south shore of the lake Tanhauser and followed it. We camped on a hill west of the lake, we were exposed of the wind (49.927634° S 73.033441° W).<br /> Day 3 : Walked around the camp, beautiful landscape and up to a hill where there is a pirca. Then down to the valley of lago Anita. We did not follow the trail and tried to shortcut to arrive directly at lago Anita and the campsite (49.901503° S 73.123986° W). Them did the hike to valle de los fossiles and viewpoint.<br /> Day 4, 5 and 6 we followed the RR threw the &quot;canyon&quot;. After the first pass and until the seno moyano campsite it's CC and BB on calafates and others friendly spiky plants! Then it's getting easier to follow until estancia helsingsfors.<br /> <br /> Permits :<br /> Permits only doable in el calafate national park office. You need to do a &quot;area remota permiso&quot;. When you ask it,it will be ready the next day at midday. It supposed to be only 4 days but one should try to ask more. To have this permit you need to be at least 3 and complete a basic form that ask you contacts, experience, if you have a sattelital communication gps (but don't check it).<br /> At estancia christina there is a ranger station that will check if you are legal. And the workers there will advise him if they see you.<br /> At estancia helsingsfors there is no more ranger at the ranger office.<br /> Once you get out the park, informe them that you leave, if not they will start the rescue research has they said.<br /> <br /> To get to Puesto guanaco and to leave at estancia helsingsfors you can schedule a transfert, there is several in el calafate and el chalten.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''Frank Not the RR /mostly SoBo/ 10-12 December 2023'''<br /> As I could not get a permit for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina - see permits section - I walked around on the road from La Leona to Calafate in 3 days as follows:<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to La Leona and walked 43KM SOBO. You are in the Leona river valley although you mostly walk well back from the river. Bluffs above the river make the walk a lot more sheltered than the open pampa. <br /> 11KM from La Leona is a derelict Estancia by Rio Leona, you could camp there or sleep in one of the buildings. After about 25KM you start to ascend one of the bluffs above the valley. As the road drops in a loop I went CC downhill which can cut the loop by about 2KM. As the descent flattens out there is a wadi, you could camp on the dry wadi floor. Risky if it rains but that is not so common on the pampa. At KM 43 is a mirador marked Vista a Lago Argentina on Openstreetmap, I hitched back from there to Calafate.<br /> <br /> 2. I bought a ticket to La Leona, talked to the driver and he agreed to drop me at the mirador - they usually don´t do that. From the mirador I walked about 41KM SOBO. There are two bridges and you can camp by trees below both of them. A shed about 300M before the Rio Leona bridge had rats around it so is best avoided. Between the bridges where Ruta 17 goes inland towards 2 estancias there is a small concrete hut/shrine which you could sleep in. The estancias are a long way inland, 20KM or more. I continued to the junction with the road from Rio Gallegos and stopped after about 10KM where a jeep track goes right towards Estancia Bon Accord. Then I hitched in to Calafate. <br /> <br /> 3. I walked NOBO on jeep tracks away from Calafate, easier as the wind was at my back. I went to see the cave paintings at Punta Walichu which is by the lake below Cerro Gualicho and marked on Openstreetmap.<br /> However it is quite a detour to Punta Walichu and they charge 11,000 pesos entry or about 12 euro. They gave me the student price which is 8000 pesos. In the Walichu reserve they will not allow you to walk anywhere except in and out on the main access road-I came in directly from Calafate on jeep tracks which was OK as they didnt see me but had to leave on the access road. So it seems best to avoid the site and go directly out from Calafate on jeep tracks which are marked on the track file. I rejoined the track file route but where it turns towards the lake I left it to go straight ahead on a smaller jeep track. It bisects the airport road. Cafe in the airport but I didnt go in as it is 1.7KM off the route I took. After crossing the airport road I continued on a faded jeep track which improved and led out to the main road where there is a sign for Estancia Bon Accord, then I hitched back to Calafate. This section is about 20KM if you walk directly from Calafate on jeep tracks. Including the detour to Walichu cave paintings its about 28KM.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/SoBo/ February 2023 / Participant: Tobias Schorcht/ 3.5 Days/ 60 km/ Method: Hiking'''<br /> I walked from EA Helsingsfors to EA Cristina. Since it is part of the Nationalpark “Los Glaciares” you need a permit. Got the permit easily in El Chaltén (park office) free of charge. They asked me for my inreach contact, I don’t know if they let you go without it. Since they removed the cows in that area, the trail is in a bad condition and some parts are overgrown with Calafate. I recommend the use of gaters. I marked the few camping spots before and after the 2 passes, which is the tough part. Reached EA Cristina after 3 days of walking and took the catamaran to Puerto Bandera (every day, 5 p.m., 100 000 CPS). Amazing views and landscape up there. Met no one.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Hitchhiking Ruta provincial 21: <br /> Extremely little traffic, you might go a day or more without seeing a car. Estancia Helsingfors has guests only infrequently, like one group per week.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking Ruta Provincial 19: <br /> Little traffic, but doable. A car every few hours. At the first 10km more traffic from car campers. <br /> <br /> December 2023 info: In high season i.e. from 1st December there is a boat every day from Puerto Banedera to Estancia Cristina, leaving at 9AM &amp; returning from the Estancia at 5PM. It costs about 100 euro. Inquire at the Ea. Cristina office in Calafate on Av. Libertador.<br /> Transfer from Calafate to Puerto Bandera costs an additional 25,000 pesos (about 27 euro) and leaves Calafate at 7:15 AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> Tim &amp; Magdalena January 2025:<br /> Permits for the area are only given for groups of 3 minimum. That's why we went without permit. Robin got a permit from a ranger who wasn't aware of the policy. The rangers we talked to have heard of their colleagues mistake. <br /> <br /> Frank 14-12-2023<br /> <br /> Chalten park office are not giving permits for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina now, they refer you to the Calafate park office.<br /> You can talk to them in person or email your request to Mesadeentradaspnlg@apn.gob.ar or Informespnlg@apn.gob.ar<br /> I did both and all answered the same: minimum group size 3 people no exceptions and they want you to have comms. also i.e. a radio or inreach.<br /> This situation may change so it is worth checking with both park offices.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT42_(Glaciar_Upsala)&diff=120762 2025-03-15T17:14:55Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * '''2025-01-16 to 2025-01-24/ 9 days (including one rest day, excluding multiple hitchhiking days!) / Hiking / NOBO / EXP43, New Route, RR, option 1/ Magdalena &amp; Tim'''<br /> <br /> We walked a new route in the GPT42 area from Settler {42} [#3/385] to Estancia Helsingfors in 9 days including one rest day. <br /> We started with some EXP 43-03 but soon leave the track for a probably safer but slower alternative. We connect to Lago Tannhauser and from there walk the same route as described by Robin Marcille. <br /> <br /> We hitched on Ruta Provincial 19 to Settler {42} [#3/385].<br /> It took around 7 hours until we met a car going to the end of the road. <br /> One inhabitant in the settler hut invites us enthusiastically to stay the night. They have no livestock, they are working for Solo Patagonia, a tourism company, to build and extend the road (OH-MR&amp;CC-V {43-02}) to a viewpoint over the lake. CC can probably already be removed from the track, although we didn't walk it. <br /> In a year or so they say tours will go there by boat from Puerto Bandera. Then a bus will shuttle tourists up to the viewpoint, where many condors breed. They are working in shifts, we met their colleagues earlier who left by car in the morning. <br /> <br /> Day1: We start walking NOBO on the old MR (km 26.4). Easy Walking but not boring. At km 24.1 there is a easy ford, afterwards the track fords the tributary as well, while we stay on the southern side. There are many cow paths either way probably. <br /> <br /> Now EXP 43-03 starts. <br /> As we get above the treeline there is some moderate scrambling needed to get further up. S 50.07576°, W 072.93645°<br /> <br /> Soon after we leave the track for a bit to ascend via this pass, which looks easier. S 50.07086°, W 072.95873°<br /> <br /> From the high plateau we try to ascend to the ridge at S 50.04458°, W 072.95789°. We abort quickly as the wind gets too strong to be safe (over 80kmh?) and it's getting late. I can't really say if it's doable, maybe with low winds. <br /> <br /> We descend for ~3km on 43-03B and enter a small sidevalley to the north, hoping for a sheltered campsite. We camp between two glacial lakes at S 50.04525°, W 072.99735°. The spot is somewhat sheltered from 3 sides, but strong gusts regularly hit our tent from all directions. We build a small stonewall, which helps to get some sleep. <br /> A very small tent or bivouac bag could find a better spot in between the boulders above. <br /> <br /> Day2: from here we ascend to the east up towards EXP 43-03. We see lots of Guanaco tracks on the way, so that was reassuring. No major difficulties except the wind until the pass at S 50.03497°, W 072.96812°.<br /> <br /> From here EXP43-03 is not possible. A rocky steep outcrop is blocking the way: S 50.03390°, W 072.97002°<br /> To go around, we descend 40m and reascend to another pass at <br /> S 50.03267°, W 072.97092°. Only the final bit is difficult, very steep, loose sand. Luckily it is somehow completely windstill (in our case). <br /> <br /> We easily descend to camp, finally in the wind protected forest at S 50.01617°, W 072.99547°.<br /> <br /> Day 3: <br /> We ascend on decent cow trails to a pass at S 50.00991°, W 073.01324°. Once in the beautiful high valley, the going is pretty easy and fast. We see a herd of cows as well as guanaco. Via another easy pass (S 49.94691°, W 073.01142°) we reach Lago Tannhauser. <br /> <br /> From here we take the same route as described by Robin, so I'll keep it shorter. We descend and camp at S 49.93053°, W 073.09374°. <br /> <br /> Day 4: <br /> Since we don't have a permit, we are quite scared to walk within 2km of Ea. Christina and its ranger station. We meet employees of the estancia three times (Guides with dayhikers twice and once someone leading horses to the estancia), but they did not seem overly suspicious. Afterwards we didn't meet anyone.<br /> Once we reach Refugio Pascale, we are still worried a ranger might search for us, so we camp instead a bit further. <br /> <br /> Day 5: it's supposed to be raining most of the day, so we decide to do a rest day. We still have enough food, we had planned for the EXP section to take longer.<br /> <br /> Day 6:<br /> I think we see Robin's footsteps from 3 weeks before and follow them towards Cerro Yumil and over the pass to it's east. The views of the glacier are awesome, definitely happy that we waited for better weather.<br /> <br /> Day 7: in the morning there's a fraction of the water in the river. Robin described the way up to the pass as difficult, not in our case, probably we found an easier way. There's a old trail all the way up and over the pass, maintained mainly by cows I assume. We camp near Camp {42} [25.1/677]<br /> <br /> Day8: at the small lake (S 49.74042°, W 073.07323°) as Robin recommended we stick to the Western shore without problems. <br /> The ascend to the pass directly after was very hard for us, dangerously steep loose rocks, maybe the hardest of the trip. Maybe we took a bad route up. The valley after was definitely the least fun of the trip 😬. super thorny BB. The trail is almost completely overgrown and if you find it, it won't really help much. After the second pass out gets easier CC although we still found the trail here and there. Once lower we face very hard BB again, up to chest high, but at least not as thorny. We camp at S 49.70767°, W 073.04438° decently wind protected. Might be swampy if it has been raining. <br /> <br /> Day 9: don't try to CC directly to the beach like we did from our camp, it's steep cliffs and CC back to the track is blocked by a ravine. At the beach campsite [13.6/254] a trail starts marked with cairns. Around S 49.69399°, W 073.00547° we lose the trail, it's quite overgrown, we don't find any good way. Afterwards it's easy until Ea. Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> Getting back from Ea. Helsingfors:<br /> We discuss with the dueño Nico and one other employee our options to get back. They are very nice. The only guests left a day ago and the next ones will arrive in 3 days or so. A taxi is not an option for our budget..<br /> Traffic is nonexistent.<br /> Nico offers us food if we decide to walk and ask the other estancias. We take him up on it, we only had food for one meal left. Nico gives us food to walk for 2-3 days. We start walking in the evening and ask at Ea. Los Hermanos if we can camp there. We are invited in instead. No one is going back to Ruta 40 from them.<br /> <br /> At estancia Santa Teresita the son of the dueño agrees to drive us to La leona for 70k Pesos (~70US$). His family rents and operates various estancias in the area. <br /> From la leona we hitchhike to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> *'''GPT 42 - Uppsala - NOBO - 20/12/24 - 24/12/24 - Robin &amp; Manon - New option + RR + Option 1 - 4.5 days - 2 persons permit'''<br /> <br /> We followed the idea from Célio Lebailly and started at Puesto Guanaco after a taxi transfer of 180 USD and 3 hours. Discussing with the APN at El Calafate, we understood that the permit to go between Puesto Guanaco and Ea. Cristina is for groups of *2 persons* minimum. We then applied for this permit, and went straight to Puesto Guanaco. We went to the ranger station to ask if we could start 1/2 day before and he was super chill, showing us the way and telling us to enjoy ! By doing so we were legal for the first 4 days, and could go back to el Calafate with the ferry in case anyone would tell anything to us. <br /> <br /> Day 1 : took the beautiful pink granite valley south of Lago Azul and slept before the pass. S 49° 56.719', W 072° 54.442'<br /> <br /> Day 2: hiked up to the pass south of Cerro Sombrero, the moraine passage is very steep and would be problematic with snow. We took straight in the granite slabs which was easy. Cerro Sombrero is superb, and so is Lago Tannhauser. Went down along the OSM track which is non existant on an easy CC, then we cut straight to the entrance of cañadon de Los fossiles and slept at the lake where we had some interactions with ruting bulls. S 49° 54.952', W 073° 09.267'. Met no one, but saw the horse tracks that Celio was talking about. <br /> <br /> Day 3: followed the stunning cañadon de los fossiles on a marked trail up to Laguna Pascale. This is not to be missed ! Small refuge at Laguna Pascale S 49° 51.782', W 073° 11.060'. Continued on the marked trail to Lago Azul, where you get the first glimpse of Glaciar Uppsala, incredible. Slept by the lake, view on campo de Hielo and wind protected S 49° 49.786', W 073° 11.837'.<br /> <br /> Day 4: we followed option 1 to get views on the glacier. From the foot of Cerro Yumil, don't hesitate to go your way. We took a more direct route, it's moraine terrain anyway. Views are stunning.Easy CC until the bottom, but turns into difficult CC&amp;BB on steep terrain to reach the pass S 49° 51.042', W 073° 08.373'. you probably want to follow the track there. Went down to the valley and slept by the first moraine lake.<br /> <br /> Day 5: went up to the pass on relatively easy CC. Had a very bad (the worst so far) Lengas BB on the eastern shore of the lake before the pass. Either stick to the shore or take the west shore. Don't go to the pass but to a terrace 60m above on the right. Down and traverse to the next pass is very difficult CC on very steep rocky terrain covered in thorny plants. That was tough. From the pass to the Seño Moyano, it's again very bad CC&amp;BB on calafate. Tough times there but we saw a Huemul ! You'll find an old track at the lake corner that will lead you with cairns up to Helsingfors. <br /> <br /> We arrived at the Estancia with low food, and talked to an employee who did not help us. They have free WiFi though.<br /> <br /> We went to the next Estancia los Hermanos and got invited by Juanito, who's been working here 30 years for Navidad. He's retiring in July, and has no idea if anyone will take over. Had the best possible Christmas Eve there. He later talked with the Helsingfors dueño, that would have helped us. Talk directly to him (Nico).<br /> <br /> Got a ride with his friend that came for Navidad to La Leona and took the bus from there. Don't expect any hitch hike on this road, except for Helsingfors clients ! Taxi rides are super expensive (got proposed 400USD)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/NoBo/ 2024 dix 95 to 2024 dic 10 / Participant: Amalia, Isabelle Celio / 6 Days / Hiking / New option + RR'''<br /> <br /> We walked from Puesto guanaco (end of ruta provincial 69) to Estancia Helsingfors.<br /> First part is not on the GPT track and it's mostly CC until lago Tanhauser (49.929450° S 73.026713° W) then there is a trail marked on OSM, you start to see it when you enter the forest (49.937360° S 73.053745° W) but there is also a lot of cows trails and some angry bulls too!<br /> Second part we mostly follow the RR. From the camp at lago Anita (49.901503° S 73.123986° W) we did a hike up to the valle de los fossiles (49.907952° S 73.170325° W) and a viewpoint higher up. If you have the time to do it, it's amazing.<br /> Day 1 : at Puesto guanaco there is a ranger station, if you registered previously the ranger will be informed that you come (that was for us). We started following the trail going to laguna azul and quickly left it for some animals track at 49.923508° S 72.842736° W on the left. We enter the valley south of laguna azul and reach the pass and camp there (49.945402° S 72.933853° W).<br /> Day 2 : We went surrounding the cerro sombrero on is south face up to the pass (49.947031° S 72.976260° W) then went up to the summit of the cerro sombrero (amazing view). Then we goes down to the south shore of the lake Tanhauser and followed it. We camped on a hill west of the lake, we were exposed of the wind (49.927634° S 73.033441° W).<br /> Day 3 : Walked around the camp, beautiful landscape and up to a hill where there is a pirca. Then down to the valley of lago Anita. We did not follow the trail and tried to shortcut to arrive directly at lago Anita and the campsite (49.901503° S 73.123986° W). Them did the hike to valle de los fossiles and viewpoint.<br /> Day 4, 5 and 6 we followed the RR threw the &quot;canyon&quot;. After the first pass and until the seno moyano campsite it's CC and BB on calafates and others friendly spiky plants! Then it's getting easier to follow until estancia helsingsfors.<br /> <br /> Permits :<br /> Permits only doable in el calafate national park office. You need to do a &quot;area remota permiso&quot;. When you ask it,it will be ready the next day at midday. It supposed to be only 4 days but one should try to ask more. To have this permit you need to be at least 3 and complete a basic form that ask you contacts, experience, if you have a sattelital communication gps (but don't check it).<br /> At estancia christina there is a ranger station that will check if you are legal. And the workers there will advise him if they see you.<br /> At estancia helsingsfors there is no more ranger at the ranger office.<br /> Once you get out the park, informe them that you leave, if not they will start the rescue research has they said.<br /> <br /> To get to Puesto guanaco and to leave at estancia helsingsfors you can schedule a transfert, there is several in el calafate and el chalten.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''Frank Not the RR /mostly SoBo/ 10-12 December 2023'''<br /> As I could not get a permit for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina - see permits section - I walked around on the road from La Leona to Calafate in 3 days as follows:<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to La Leona and walked 43KM SOBO. You are in the Leona river valley although you mostly walk well back from the river. Bluffs above the river make the walk a lot more sheltered than the open pampa. <br /> 11KM from La Leona is a derelict Estancia by Rio Leona, you could camp there or sleep in one of the buildings. After about 25KM you start to ascend one of the bluffs above the valley. As the road drops in a loop I went CC downhill which can cut the loop by about 2KM. As the descent flattens out there is a wadi, you could camp on the dry wadi floor. Risky if it rains but that is not so common on the pampa. At KM 43 is a mirador marked Vista a Lago Argentina on Openstreetmap, I hitched back from there to Calafate.<br /> <br /> 2. I bought a ticket to La Leona, talked to the driver and he agreed to drop me at the mirador - they usually don´t do that. From the mirador I walked about 41KM SOBO. There are two bridges and you can camp by trees below both of them. A shed about 300M before the Rio Leona bridge had rats around it so is best avoided. Between the bridges where Ruta 17 goes inland towards 2 estancias there is a small concrete hut/shrine which you could sleep in. The estancias are a long way inland, 20KM or more. I continued to the junction with the road from Rio Gallegos and stopped after about 10KM where a jeep track goes right towards Estancia Bon Accord. Then I hitched in to Calafate. <br /> <br /> 3. I walked NOBO on jeep tracks away from Calafate, easier as the wind was at my back. I went to see the cave paintings at Punta Walichu which is by the lake below Cerro Gualicho and marked on Openstreetmap.<br /> However it is quite a detour to Punta Walichu and they charge 11,000 pesos entry or about 12 euro. They gave me the student price which is 8000 pesos. In the Walichu reserve they will not allow you to walk anywhere except in and out on the main access road-I came in directly from Calafate on jeep tracks which was OK as they didnt see me but had to leave on the access road. So it seems best to avoid the site and go directly out from Calafate on jeep tracks which are marked on the track file. I rejoined the track file route but where it turns towards the lake I left it to go straight ahead on a smaller jeep track. It bisects the airport road. Cafe in the airport but I didnt go in as it is 1.7KM off the route I took. After crossing the airport road I continued on a faded jeep track which improved and led out to the main road where there is a sign for Estancia Bon Accord, then I hitched back to Calafate. This section is about 20KM if you walk directly from Calafate on jeep tracks. Including the detour to Walichu cave paintings its about 28KM.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''GPT 42: Glaciar Upsala/SoBo/ February 2023 / Participant: Tobias Schorcht/ 3.5 Days/ 60 km/ Method: Hiking'''<br /> I walked from EA Helsingsfors to EA Cristina. Since it is part of the Nationalpark “Los Glaciares” you need a permit. Got the permit easily in El Chaltén (park office) free of charge. They asked me for my inreach contact, I don’t know if they let you go without it. Since they removed the cows in that area, the trail is in a bad condition and some parts are overgrown with Calafate. I recommend the use of gaters. I marked the few camping spots before and after the 2 passes, which is the tough part. Reached EA Cristina after 3 days of walking and took the catamaran to Puerto Bandera (every day, 5 p.m., 100 000 CPS). Amazing views and landscape up there. Met no one.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> Hitchhiking Ruta provincial 21: <br /> Extremely little traffic, you might go a day or more without seeing a car. Estancia Helsingfors has guests only infrequently, like one group per week.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking Ruta Provincial 19: <br /> Little traffic, but doable. A car every few hours. At the first 10km more traffic from car campers. <br /> <br /> December 2023 info: In high season i.e. from 1st December there is a boat every day from Puerto Banedera to Estancia Cristina, leaving at 9AM &amp; returning from the Estancia at 5PM. It costs about 100 euro. Inquire at the Ea. Cristina office in Calafate on Av. Libertador.<br /> Transfer from Calafate to Puerto Bandera costs an additional 25,000 pesos (about 27 euro) and leaves Calafate at 7:15 AM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> Tim &amp; Magdalena January 2025:<br /> Permits for the area are only given for groups of 3 minimum. That's why we went without permit. Robin got a permit from a ranger who wasn't aware of the policy. The rangers we talked to have heard of their colleagues mistake. <br /> <br /> Frank 14-12-2023<br /> <br /> Chalten park office are not giving permits for Ea Helsingfors-Ea Cristina now, they refer you to the Calafate park office.<br /> You can talk to them in person or email your request to Mesadeentradaspnlg@apn.gob.ar or Informespnlg@apn.gob.ar<br /> I did both and all answered the same: minimum group size 3 people no exceptions and they want you to have comms. also i.e. a radio or inreach.<br /> This situation may change so it is worth checking with both park offices.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT40_(Glaciar_Viedma)&diff=120761 2025-03-15T17:12:24Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-13 &gt; 15 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; Laguna de los Esquies &gt; RR &gt; sentier balisé &gt; RR &gt; sentier balisé / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT40<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : péages, descente dangereuse<br /> <br /> Je suis passé au péage au point (-49.3387142, -72.885454) à 8h. Il y avait donc du monde et j'ai dû payer 45 000 ARS. Evidemment il n'y a eu aucun contrôle lors de la randonnée. J'ai été stupide. Le sentier est populaire mais ce n'est vraiment pas l'autoroute. J'ai dû croiser 20 personnes en tout de El Chaltén au paso del viento, alors que j'en avais croisé des centaines sur le sentier du lago de los Tres. L'eau est facile à trouver, les fords simple et les zones humide facile à franchir sans mouiller ses chaussures. J'ai campé à la Laguna de los Esquies (-49.3824358, -73.1505322) pour éviter le camp officiel avec ses touristes et ses rongeurs. La nuit a été calme et pratiquement sans vent, sauf 30 secondes à 2h du matin où une rafale venue de nulle part a failli casser ma tente. Le refuge du km 27,9 n'a aucun endroit prevu pour dormir. Et il n'y a pas de toilettes ce qui pose problème sur le sentier : il y a parfois du papier et quand il n'y a pas de vent ça sent mauvais dans les zones boisées. Vers le km 40 la descente est extremement dangereuse. Je pense qu'il faudrait mettre un point alerte sur la trace GPS. J'étais seul alors j'ai pris mon temps, mais s'il y a beaucoup de monde qui monte et qui descend c'est vraiment dangereux. Pas de ford au km 44,2, il n'y avait même pas d'eau. J'ai suivi le sentier principal et non le RR du point (-49.4677546, -72.9293579) au point (-49.4330632, -72.8879393). Je pense que ça devrait être le RR d'ailleurs et l'autre piste en CC une option. Idem après le parking km 56,5, un très bon sentier de trail va à El Chaltén. Le ford au km 54 sous la tyrolienne se fait bien, il faut bien choisir son passage. Dans mon cas je suis remonté 30m en amont et suis descendu en diagonale vers l'autre rive au pied de la tyrolienne.<br /> <br /> '''25Fev2025 - 27fev2025 / hiking counter clockwise / RR / 3 days / Lilian and Clara'''<br /> <br /> Beginning of the trail very busy in early morning. So much people going on this good weather window. <br /> No park ranger along the trail. <br /> <br /> We didn't rent harnesses and were happy with that choice. <br /> First ford was up to knee easy (close to the waypoint Ford).<br /> Second ford was harder : up to crotch for me (1.57m) and fast flowing but manageable. We forded it a bit upper to the zipline. There were easier options downstream where the river separate in branches but there are probably fences to go through to get there. <br /> <br /> Camp at 21.2 : busy...Mices. <br /> Camp 40 bahia de los tempranos is really beautiful but also crowded and mices. Other solutions to camp a bit upper than the beach. <br /> <br /> Just before the paso huemul we went to Mirador del condor here -49,49625, -73,01589. Trail visible on Gaia GPS, more CC, crazy wind but nice view on the glaciar !<br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-25 to 2025-Feb-27 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO (Anti-Clockwise) / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Pretty straight forward tourist route so not much to add. <br /> <br /> We bumped into Clara again after meeting on section 12!<br /> <br /> Ticket booth at -49.20305, -72.53093 (around 1.1km) was closed at 7am apparently it opens at 8. We used the tryolean at 18.9km but it wasn't necessary, easy to ford slightly upstream (after 2 days of rain). Camped at 21.2km not much wind protection and lots of people. Camp 41.3+0.2 good wind protection but there's mice and lots of toilet paper. We used tyrolean 54km although the river was probably crossable at the same point after 2 dry days, if not the river braids downstream.<br /> <br /> That's the end of the GPT for us, thanks to everyone who's been updating the wiki and happy hiking!<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Feb-06 to 2025-Feb-09 / 3.5 days Hiking / counterclockwise/ RR / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: I had planned to go without a Harness to cross Rio Tunel on foot. But the day before i met a german, who told he talked to someone who hiked the Huemul and according to that Crossing Nr. 1 wasn't doable without harness. Two other people told, the rangers said Nr. 1 goes up to the hips and is too difficult. I couldn't get first hand informations and the Infocenter was already closed. Spontaneously i rented a harness (10k/day is the normal price) and started at 11am. The weather forcast was mixed: two days of sun and two days of rain/snow. That's why i chosed to do it in 4 instead of 3 days. <br /> <br /> The first day was very easy, i only struggled with the heavy backpack (+1kg harness). Camped roughly 1.5km before Camping Toro, because i'm afraid of mice. It was easy to find a sheltered spot in the forest on that very windy day. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Soon i reached Laguna Túnel o Toro and the first Zipline. I was upset with myself because i fell for the fearmongering! 100m upstream the river looked easily fordable - i guess max. knee deep. Where it reaches the lake it even looked easier with low current. Up to the hips - what a lie! Don't understand why people were not able to ford the river. Either they don't know how to cross a river or they meant another one... The crossing with the zipline wasn't easy because i had to pull myself slightly uphill. Struggled to unhook myself and my backpack and fortunately got help from two brits. I think when you're alone and don't have strong arms, it's easier to cross the river on foot. <br /> <br /> I chosed to walk above the glacier not on it. The ranger said it's possible, but it didn't look save with the crevasses. The ascent was strenous, but easy. The views of the southern patagonian icefield was incredible! No wind at Paso del Viento. The descent was also easy, there it started snowing. Reached Camp Paso del Viento at 1:30pm and pitched my tent. Snowed even more, the world around me went white. It didn't stop until 11pm.<br /> <br /> Day 3: 15cm of snow, but the sky was blue. Was relieved when i found out the trail is still visible. Even had footprints in front of me. Enjoyed hiking in the snow and got amazing views. Way up to Paso Huemul was a bit steep, but overall easy. The descent was indeed very difficult. The upper part was ok: steep through forest with solid soil, the middle part had some helpful ropes installed, the worst part came below: extremely steep with loose soil and nothing to hold on. No ropes here. The rest was easy. Passed Bahia Tempános and Bahia Hornos. Stayed on this OSM Camp: -49.475284, -72.943223. Perfect protection from West (very windy afternoon), flat space for at least 4 tents, a primitive bench and a nice view at the lake. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Nice and easy trails the whole day. Followed the official Trek. Fortunately it didn't rain. Small 1p campsite with good protection here: -49.431947, -72.887512. 2nd Zipline also was not really easy, needed to pull myself after the first half and struggled to open one carabiner. I think the ziplining is better done in a group. The river didn't look fordable near the zipline, but where it branches in 3 parts it looked good to ford. You can see this area from the trail above. So i think it's not necessary to bring a harness. Reached El Chaltén at 2pm.<br /> In my opinion there are cases where it's good to have it: when you want to keep your feet dry; when you like the idea of ziplining; maybe in early season when it rained a lot and for people who have no experience with rivercrossings. <br /> <br /> * '''24-12-2024 to 26-12-2024/ 3 days / RR counterclockwise / wiiim'''<br /> <br /> Camped by Laguna Torre &amp; carried on with GPT40 early morning. It’s an undeniably beautiful loop but I couldn’t help feel a little old &amp; grumpy at times between the trail poop, Bluetooth speakers and groups heading straight up a clearly open crevassed glacier (without gear). I passed both river crossings on foot, the first one upstream from the cable where it splits in two, about knee height. The second crossing has more water but arguably you have a lot more options to choose from, I crossed about 100m downstream where it’s at its widest before branching out into channels.<br /> <br /> * '''13-11-2024 to 16-11-2024/ 3.5 days / NOBO / RR / Sophie and Gaspar'''l<br /> <br /> We continued our adventure with the Cerro Huemul or Viedma Glacier Circuit, hiking clockwise (the usual route is counterclockwise). The trail is well-marked throughout, presenting no navigation difficulties. There are two crossings of the Río Túnel, which can be done via zipline if you have a harness. We chose to ford the river on foot both times. However, at its farthest point, crossing at the same spot as the zipline can be risky. During the snowmelt season, it may be impossible to cross without equipment for the zipline, so renting the necessary gear is highly recommended.<br /> <br /> Another minor challenge is the ascent or descent (depending on your direction) of Cerro Huemul. It can be quite slippery in wet conditions, but fixed ropes are installed to ensure safety. You can camp comfortably near the Paso del Viento shelter, but watch out for mice! Paso del Viento itself does not present major technical difficulties, aside from the strong winds, as the name suggests. <br /> <br /> The circuit offers spectacular views of the Viedma Glacier, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the upper and lower Túnel Glaciers—truly unforgettable scenery!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-28 to 2024-Mar-2 / 4 days / Hiking / Counter Clockwise / RR / Andrew'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful trail. Not too much to add from what others have mentioned, the route is well marked. Views of the southern patagonia icefield are absolutely stunning. We decided to push a bit further and camp at Bahia Hornos, but I would have stayed at Bahia de Los tempanos if I did it again.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-26 / 2.5d / Hiking / Counter Clock / RR and new terrain / Tom'''<br /> <br /> Perfect conditions! No clouds, no wind<br /> Day 1: <br /> Crossed rio tunnel almost dry behind the laguna (trail on OSM). Hiked on Glaciar Tunel inferior. It's not that safe as others stated. Following others footstep an think it's safe says a lot of your alpine experience. Walk on the glaciar only if you know what you are doing (I'm a mountain guide and knew enough strong hikers that ended as dead bodies).<br /> Be aware of the land slide between the glaciar inferior and the biwak. I told the park auhtorities to close that trail and use the GPT version. It's a matter of time and the trail slides away!<br /> No wind on paso viento and a stunning view to the icefield. Not a cloud on a azur sky. I pitched my tent at the small laguna behind laguna Ferrari but before laguna los Esquies.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Installed a rope on the Huemul downhill and stayed at Bahia Hornos.<br /> <br /> Day 3: I started before sunrise and was by intention first at the tyrolienne. Bully on the other side, so I just hooked my steel carabiner and pulled myself along the cable. <br /> <br /> I liked the hike, but hated the littering, I mean &quot;shittering&quot; around the official camps.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Apr-08 to 2024-Apr-10 / 3 days / Hiking / counterclockwise / RR / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-21.2]<br /> <br /> Good trail. Only the last 2 km was hiking on loose scree and took some time. Camp Rio Tunnel at km 21.2 has only spots for about three tents. The wind protection isn't as good as at camp Toro (16.6). The river at km 18.9 was a easy ford (knee high) about 50-100 meter up stream of the zip-line.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [21.2-45.1]<br /> <br /> Paso de viento (km 24.0) was very icy on top and on the way down. I managed without spikes, but they would have been helpfull. The pass at km 38.5 was snow free. The trail down after the pass is very steep. Would be very hard if snowy or muddy. Camped at -49.475284, -72.943223.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [45.1-64.9]<br /> <br /> The RR branches off the official Huemul Track at km 46.7. The RR runs a little higher and therefore offers maybe a bit better views. But the official Huemul Track would be the faster option. Rio Tunel was easily fordable (knee high) just under the zipline at km 54.0.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-24 to 2024-Mar-26 / 3 days / Hiking / anticlockwise / RR / Juliet and Martin'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 el chalten - Rio Tunel camp<br /> <br /> The park rangers were closed for strike action. We weren't able to register online either (bad internet connection). We left around 9am. Several people and a group on the first part, but we lost them on our way around the glacier. Magnificent walk between forests, viewpoints and lakes. We arrived for lunch at laguna o toro. Possible bivouac spot with emergency shelter if needed. It's a beautiful spot, but we didn't feel like pitching our tent there. So we decided to head for the Rio Tunel campside. Passing the zipline, in fact the river is probably passable on foot a little above. We recommend that you look at tutorials on how to use the equipment, which we hadn't done, and the rental company gave us bad advice. Fortunately, there was an experienced hiker who helped us. <br /> The passage along and on the glacier is complicated. We lost the trail and took a long time to make headway. There are lots of slippery spots (ice), so you have to be careful. Once we'd found our way back, we were able to reach the camp. It's well sheltered from the weather with a few spots (in fact only 3). The place is very windy, so I'd recommend getting there early if it's busy to get a sheltered spot. Magnificent view of the glacier. <br /> There are mice, and we saw several in the evening, but we weren't bothered during the night. Difficult to find a place to hang the food so we kept it with us in the tent enclosed and in the middle of the two of us and not at the ends. That's how it was. <br /> Several water spots along the way all day (several rivers).<br /> <br /> Day 2 Rio Tunel camp - Bahia de los tempanosb camp (-49,47994,-7298601)<br /> <br /> Passage of the paso del viento, which was indeed very windy, but passable. The path is still passable as used. Easy to follow. Magnificent panoramic view of the glacier at the top. You can see that some people have already pitched their tents at the pass, but I wouldn't recommend it because of the strong wind. Beautiful descent to the refuge. Very good, in good condition. Lots of possibilities for pitching tents around the stone walls. Very nice place to sleep. We continued on. Passage over Col Huelmul easier than the previous one. Very windy too, but the wind was in our favor and helped us make our way up. The descent is very complicated indeed, and quite dangerous. Take your time, especially if it's been raining. It takes time. Fortunately, there are ropes to hold on to. We reach the camp just before dark. It's very crowded, but we find a place to pitch our tent. The view of the lake, icebergs and glacier is magnificent. However, we were bothered by mice all night. We had hung our food from the trees, but despite this, they came up to the tent (between the 2 canvas sheets) time and time again. AVOID! It's crowded, there's garbage, mice, a rotting cow carcass...<br /> <br /> Day 3 Camp Bahia de los tempanos (-49,47994,-7298601) - el chalten <br /> <br /> Last day of hiking. Very beautiful in the hills, views over the lake. We loved it. Cross country in the hills, very nice to do even if we had to pass a few muddy spots and lost the trail a few times. Once back on the official trail, no more worries. The zipline was easier than on the first day. We didn't have to wait very long, surely 2 people ahead of us. End of the day with an easy trail to el chalten. The last few kilometers are on the road, not very pleasant and uninteresting, but it's not very long. <br /> <br /> This section is definitely beautiful and diverse. Mice are a real problem on this section. They seem to be present at all the bivouac spots. They're not shy and don't hesitate to come along even if you scare them. If we had to do it all over again, we'd use rat repellents, because hanging up the food doesn't seem to be enough. <br /> <br /> * '''24-Mar-05 to 2024-Mar-07 / 48 hours / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I did not like El Chaltén and the weather seemed better than later in the week so I immediatelly followed to GPT40. Starting at 17:00, I stopped 3 km from the first official camping Torro, which is normally 16 km far, in three hours of walking. I registered online and did not talk to any parkguards - not sure if they would not try to turn me back this late if they saw me. Fearing mice and being asocial, I did not want to reach the camp. The trail is very clear and easy. At least in this section, there are many places to camp - many trees provide shelter from wind. It was not that windy anyway, just on the final descent to the valley. Met lots of people coming back from Pliegue Tumbado mirador and nobody after the junction.<br /> <br /> The next morning surprised me (the only reliable forecast seems to be for heavy rain or cloudless day, anything in between seems to be a hit or miss) by blue sky, so I got awesome views going up the pass. There was a queue at the zipline so I forded 50 m upstream - it was barely below my knees. Met ten people altogether that day. Walked on glacier, as the official PDF recomends. It is not slippery with the rocks. It is fun, there are footsteps to follow going on and off the glacier. I assume it is safe. There is also a trail going in parallel on the rocks (all circuit is trail BTW, not partly CC like GPX suggests). Indeed only between the glaciers there is a few tentspots as indicated by OSM (unofficial? - but nobody probably cares). By the time I got to the first pass, clouds obscured Fitz Roy and the mountains across the icefield, which was still breathtaking. The pass had both quite windy spots and windless spots and some flats, so in good weather might be ok for camping, but hard to say. Traversing to the second pass, you actually mostly go through a valley partly (?) formed by ancient morraines, so most of the time, the icefield is hidden. I think there are places for pitching a tent, though not really between water at 35 and the second pass - anyway, the place around refugio is the most shletered. There used to be a campsite right after the second pass, but the PDF says you should not use it. Going further down is indeed very steep. There are now handy ropes attached to trees at places. The trail is badly eroded and slippery, would be indeed annoying when muddy. Darkness fell on me there and I still did not bother with a headlamp, but this is indeed the most demanding part of the whole trail. It is demanding also for GPT standards (the rest of the circuit is easy). Once you get down, it is flat and you can camp in many places, which I did.<br /> <br /> The next day there were about 15 people, three of which went clockwise, so it is done even if the Park does not like it (it normally seem to have no presence on the trail itself). This time I waited the queue for the zipline to actually try using it. I think the river was fordable there. It was definitely fordable 200-300 metres downstream (there is a diversion), where it widens and branches in the delta. The rest of the trail was uneventful.<br /> <br /> It is indeed a nice end to the GPT. I did not expect to finish the Main route (minus 23-31) this year, so yay! The El Viento shop (49.3229571S, 72.8940188W) is on the other side of the town (2 km) to the Park office and charged me for three days even though I finished the circuit in 48 hours - it was 5-6 USD per day. In retrospect, I would not bother with the harness. I met a guy who went without because he could not rent one - I was given the last one they had available and it was too big for me by far. Should the second river prove unfordable, people would probably borrow you theirs, it seems one set is usually carried per group and passed over using the thin rope - at least on the second crossing, the thin rope is there permanently so I am not sure what would the thin rope be for anyway.<br /> <br /> I still hated El Chalten (too many tourists, really bad 4g internet [apparently everybody in town shares one connection, unless I was wrongly informed] - if you stay overnight, usually in such situations it starts working well some time after midnight when everybody sleeps -, really pricy produce and very mediocre meal in one of the restaurants; Villa O'Higgins has a much nicer feel), so I hopped on a bus (3h) to El Calafate at 18h for about 22 USD. It goes also in the morning and around noon. There is also a 130 USD 28h (I think) bus to Bariloche at 14:00 and at 21:00. From El Calafate, there are connections to Ushuaia (this one not sure), Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas (at 3 AM and change in the middle about 40 USD, a bit cheaper if you have cash) and Buenos Aires. I don't have my ticket back yet and flying directly from El Calafate would be very expensive, prices from Punta Arenas were the cheapest. Bye!<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-16 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Charlie Gardner'''<br /> <br /> What an outstanding hike. This is definitely such an incredible way to either begin/end the main route of the GPT. We did it in the classic 4 days which was fairly chill. <br /> <br /> Day 1 - <br /> Pretty straightforward day. Hike starts with a nice climb that takes you eventually into the surrounding forests. Great views of Lago Viedma from the top and a nice lunch spot. We started very late in the day and the sun was BEATING, could recommend and earlier start to avoid this. Don’t forget to check in with rangers before leaving! Quick form you have to fill out. Hang your food at Toro campsite, we saw a few mice running around. <br /> <br /> Day 2 - <br /> Winds were crazy in the valley when we woke up. Many hikers were considering bailing on the hike due to worries of what Paso del viento would hold but the they calmed down around 930-10 and most pushed on. There’s an alternative route across the rivers that funnel into Laguna Tunel o Toro that we thought we’d check out as a few kairns led that way but they were far too strong to cross when we went that way. Ended up having a route find a bit and scramble up an alternative route after this lake, definitely recommend staying as close to route as possible here. Trail opens up again after you make it over. Tyrolean was short, didn’t look like anyone tried to ford the river here but it was definitely doable. Get to tyrolean early if you want to avoid waiting. The glacier route required a bit of route finding as well at points but isn’t anything crazy. Boulders and rocks can be loose at times though. Maybe we got lucky but paso del viento was quiet when we got to the top. Outstanding views! Short walk to camp after the descent from Viento. 8 of us slept in the shelter at paso del viento Camp as winds picked up considerably overnight. Was definitely glad for the protection but there were definitely mice scurrying around. <br /> <br /> Day 3 - <br /> Definitely recommend an earlyish start this day. The climb up to paso Huemul is not as hard as paso del viento but the decent afterwards is just ridiculous. If you have bad knees, it’s more of a controlled fall on some sections. Gravel is extremely loose and it is VERY steep. Thankfully, there are a fair amount of the roots and trees to grab hold up but this was definitely an annoying decent especially at the end of the Day 3. Many tried Bahia de Los témpanos camp but we decided to push on to Bahia de Hornos. An hour later, everyone else showed up at this camp as they said the other one did not have sufficient shelter from wind and was fairly dusty. Hornos ended up being lovely after winds calmed down and sound got lower. Would probably filter water here if possible, lots of cows nearby and water is fairly foggy. <br /> <br /> Day 4 - <br /> Final day was straightforward but definitely longer than expected. Would definitely recommend leaving early to be first at the tyrolean again. Be careful with the safety rope, ours broke halfway while pulling bags across and we had to send a person across without the pulley. <br /> <br /> Enjoy, this hike rocks!<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb- 05 to 2024-Feb-08/ 4 days/hiking/SOBO/40/RR/Paulina'''<br /> <br /> Absolutely beautiful section! Very various<br /> <br /> Day 1 I left very late ( 4 pm) because the wind was extremely strong earlier, but it is an easy day, about 9 I was at the camping Lago Toro. The way was most of the time well marked, after the rain the meadows can be very wet I think. Once you are in the valley of Lago Toro, there are some easy river crossing. The campground is well protected from the wind, the water is nearby. To grab a better spot for tent, don't come too late, when I was there, the camping was almost full.<br /> <br /> Day 2 For me it was the most beautiful day, in a good weather , the views on the glaciers are amasing. So yes, it's really worth to wait fot a good weather for this day ( and the next one too). This day you will need also to consult sometimes the trails on GPS. At the end of the lake, there are some cairns, don't follow them, just follow the trail on gps which goes up. A lot of people missed up there and instead to follow na easy and safe trail, they climbed unecessary some rocks. The tiroliene didn't seems.difficult, The only think is that when we were there, the thin rope was not attached to the tyroliene and it was not easy to pull the tiroliene at the beginning. So, take a thin rope to attach the tirolien because the one which was there was all missed up. It's ok if you have one hardness for a group, it's easy to send it back. As all the people from the camping left around the same hour, to avaoil the linę to the tiroliene, we just crossed the river a bit farther, the level was not too high. Later, a nice path will take you to the glacier and you will not see anymore the trail ( only cairns sometimes). If you follow GPS trail, it should be ok. At the glacier, just walk on the eadge of the glacier at first, and later on rocks which are close from the glacier. There is also an upper trail, some people followed this one but were complaining that it was hard ( a lot of ...stones.). One you are at the end of the glacier, go up, there are several trails, but all of them are ok. The views from the pass area are just amasing, so yes, wsit for the good weather because it would be a pity not to see all these glaciers. The trail to the rodugio is easy to follow, mostly descent. At the camping there are about 5 spots with stonewall protection. It's a windy area, so it's better to grab a good spot. Also, there is place for about 8 person in the rodugio.<br /> <br /> Day 3 Another beautiful day. Well marked all the time, most of the time easy way. The ascent to the pass is short and rather pleasent. Very, very windy at the end of the ascend ( even if it was not a windy day), so I can't imagine how windy it is with a worse weather. About ,30 min from the pass, a steep ascend starts. When it's wet, can be difficult. So also, better to have good, dry day for this descent. I would recommand to camp at Bahia Tempanos, well wind protected and beautiful views on icebergs, and a Perfect spot for sunrise.<br /> <br /> Day 4 Rather easy day. The landscape changes a lot comparing to previous days, but it's still very beautiful, especially views on Lago de Vuelta. The tiroliene is very easy.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-15 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tom Pieper'''<br /> <br /> Not much to add. As the others mentioned a must do! When I started, there were indeed not that many people as weather forecast was not that good for the 'classic' 4 day itinerary. I was fine doing it in 3 days. The bivouack after Glaciar Rio Tunel Inferior only has space for 3 tents. You find additional protected spots 5 minutes beyond at the lake. If you fear glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) there are also some elevated spots there.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-06 to 2024-Jan-08 / 2.5 days / Hiking / anticlockwise / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We started around noon on day 1 and hiked to the bivouack after Glaciar Rio Tunel Inferior at km (km 21.2). We walked acrosse the glacier to avoid the moraine, no crampons needed. The bivouack was extremely windy at night but still a bit protected, lots of big rocks to help with staking the tent down. There are also a few rock walls built.<br /> <br /> On day 2 we hiked over Paso Viento (which was very windy indeed; we also had rain, hail and snow) and down the other side. Once we got lower down we got out of the cloud and the weather was very pleasant. We didn't have much of the view over the glacier to the North but saw the end that descended towards Lago Viedma. The Paso Huemul was also extremely windy but at least it was sunny. The descent through the forest after the pass is really steep, with loose gravel/sand and lots of tree roots - be extremely careful here! The official campsites at the bay and peninsula were full so we continued until km45.2 where there is a nice windprotected campsite shown on OSM. Ford at 44.2 is completely dried out, but at 45.5 the stream is flowing.<br /> <br /> On day 3 we hiked back into El Chalten by lunch, it was a very windy day. When we reached the tyrolean at km54 (which is waymarked as a bridge for some reason?) there were about 15 people in the line so we decided to ford the river about 30m upstream. We went 3 people in a line formation, the first person had water up to the waist, the last just below hips. At km62, where you need to climb below a fence just before joining the road, pay attention to the small holes in the sandy banks: those are armadillo burrows, you might see one if lucky!<br /> <br /> * '''From 2023-12-26 to 2023-12-28 //3 days // Hiking // NOBO // Anticlockwise // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Even if there's lot of people (around 15/20 departure per days at this time of the season), this section is in my opinion absolutely amazing ! The view on the icefield is outstanding ! I mostly followed the track, except on day two, where I continue to explore the surrounding of the Laguna de Los Esquies. Happy to be totally alone there, in front of this outstanding view. Hypnotic ! (It's almost the same that you can see at paso del viento, but closer to the icefield, and more chance to be by yourself here.<br /> <br /> You have to rent harnais in El Chaltén and pass threw two zip lines. That was very fun !<br /> <br /> I had a looooot of wind at paso del viento and paso del huemul. Reminds me tierra del fuego ! Could be very surprising as it's unpredictable squalls and so powerful ! <br /> <br /> The downhill after paso del huemul Is not funny as it's very slippery. Just have to take the time to be even more careful. <br /> <br /> Views along the whole trek are absolutely stunning ! A must do ! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-11-21 to 2023-11-26 / 5 days / RR / SOBO / anticlockwise / Anh'''<br /> <br /> GPT40 is no longer remote, there are 20 hikers on the trail every day.<br /> The trail is not marked, but not difficult to follow. No real river crossing necessary, there was always aid available. Snowfields are easy to cross.<br /> <br /> Day 1: a little muddy, but easy to walk.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Tyrolean Traverse is no fun as you have to pull yourself uphill. Alternative is an easy river crossing (knee deep, 10:00 AM good weather). 1km after that you can walk between RR or on the glacier (see presentation link at the end of this page). On the glacier trail you come back directly on the mountain of the same height. After the Paso del Viento (700m uphill in 6km, windy &amp; cold) I leave GPT40 and walk to Campamento Laguna de Los Esquies to get a bit closer to the glacier. The path is difficult to find as there are many snowfields (without footprints) in between. But I am alone at the glacier lake.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Mostly with CC back to GPT40 to Paso del Viento Camp<br /> <br /> Day 4: Shortly after windy Passo Huemul is time consuming downhill (500Hm in 1km). The trail is very slippery (in sunny weather) &amp; there is hardly any grip for the next step, take time for this part.<br /> <br /> Day 5: very easy trail &amp; Tyrolean Traverse is really fun (downhill zipline). Alternative river crossing is not easy (strong, 12:00 AM good weather).<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-01 to 2023-12-04 / 4 days / Hiking / RR counterclockwise/ Fangwen &amp; Tobi'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section. We did the recommended 4 day itinerary (together with about 20 other hikers). A few points to add to the existing comments here: first, there was a lot of really wet grasslands, especially on day 1 (at least when we did it, early December). Accept your fate and live with wet feet (and bring extra socks if you can). Second, the four day itinerary makes use of the best-sheltered campsites. Other campsites may offer less protection. Note that even if the Park Rangers say conditions are good, you might encounter very strong winds in many areas. Third, if you want to extend the (somewhat short) days a bit, you can hike to the viewpoint Loma del Pliegue on day 1, on the ridge just above the campsite on day 2 (nice to watch the sunset), and to the aptly named mirador del cóndor next to Huemul pass on day 3. On day 3, it's best not to arrive too late to the very scenic Bahia de los Témpanos camp, since space is limited. Lastly, the descent from the huemul pass on day 3 is indeed a bit tricky, especially if you were to go in wet conditions.<br /> <br /> One warning regarding water at the campsites: despite the park information claiming that the water is potable, we would recommend taking some care to get clean drinking water. On day 1, there is an excellent little stream 400m past the campsite. On day 2, take water from a little side stream ~600m before the campsite. The lack of the toilet means that the water from the river flowing into the lake is likely not safe to consume. Similarly on day 3, it is highly recommended to fill up plenty of water at the little waterfall at the end of the steep downhill section before going into camp. The lack of a toilet means that the water there is also unsafe to drink. Furthermore, next to the campsite is a carcass of a recently deceased cow. If the first three days gave you the impression that there is plenty of clean drinking water available during the day, be aware that this is not true of day 4. There is only one good looking stream, roughly at km52, and all the water will require treatment (we saw another three cow carcasses nearby the trail on day 4). Don't worry too much about this, if you plan ahead and think a bit about where to get the water, then it's no issue at all. Enjoy this excellent adventure!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-08 to 2023-Apr-11 / 4 days / RR / SOBO / Arthur, Rémi, Noé &amp; Louis'''<br /> <br /> Such a wonderful section ! One of our favorite ! Incredible views on the glaciers, with autumn's colors it was amazing !<br /> <br /> It is recommended by the guardaparques to have good weather on day 2 and 3 (for the passes), no cloud and no wind for us : perfect.<br /> <br /> We rented 1 harness for the 2 zip lines (day 2 and 4). 1 harness per group is sufficient but you have to rent a thin rope too in case the one in the pulley is broken. It is really worth it because the feeling is so good ! (We rented at Viento Oeste, north of San Martin street, the cheapest according to a friend).<br /> <br /> The thin rope is very helpful to suspend all your bags and things in camps. You have to do it because mice are at every camp and the will destroy your bag, your tent or whatever has food inside. This is the only annoying point of this section.<br /> <br /> About the trail : easy to follow, except when you have to walk on the glacier on day 2, it can be a bit challenging. Take care, do not go if there is fresh snow all over the glacier.<br /> <br /> The way down the paso Huemul on day 3 is very steep too.<br /> <br /> Do not forget to register online with the guardaparques (and to check out when you return !).<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-30 to 2023-Apr-01 / 3 days / El Chaltén counter clockwise / Anna &amp; Christopher'''<br /> <br /> We did the Huemul Circuit in 3 days. We started around 9 a.m. planning to camp at the Biwak Túnel the first night. The weather turned out to be so nice that we decided to continue and do the Paso del Viento the first day.<br /> <br /> The trail until the first Tyrolean traverse was really good even though it was partially covered in snow. We crossed the river easily by foot.<br /> After that the trail up to the pass gets more demanding and slower. Once you reach the Glaciar Túnel Inferior navigation gets more difficult. There are different paths and we firstly followed one going up and down on the gravel. It's probably easier to take the path on the glacier from the beginning on. We reached the pass at sunset and had an absolutely amazing view.<br /> <br /> We decided to camp at the end of Laguna Ferrari (to avoid the mice problem at the main campsites). The path to the lake was demanding, because the slope was covered with lot of snow and it was dark. At the campsite there are lots of well protected spots for tents.<br /> <br /> The next day we slept pretty long to recover from the previous big day and with better weather than anticipated we walked until km 39.3.<br /> There are two really good camping spots, one at the edge of the trees and one inside the small forest. No mice there.<br /> <br /> The steep trail down wasn't super easy and must be hard during rain. The second river crossing at km 54 was much more demanding. We crossed it further east of the Tyrolean, where the river divides in multiple branches. There the water went below Annas hips (1,63m). We walked to the viewpoint at km 62.4. Lots of people watched the sunset there with a great view of Fitz Roy and it was easy to get a ride for the last 2 km to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-10 to 2023-Mar-13 / 4 days / RR / SOBO / El Chaltén anticlockwise / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> I had the luxury of being able to wait for a good weather window and it really payed out. My hike was easy with magnificent views when climbing up to Paso del Viento. I even had a tranquil lunch at the top. The glacier walk and the snowy peaks are stunning.<br /> <br /> However, I believe gpt40 can turn into hell in windy weather or if camping outside the wind-sheltered camps. I met several people in El Chaltén who had to turn back because the wind didn’t let them climb up to the pass. One couple also had their tent teared apart in the middle of the night at Bahía de Hornos. If you can, avoid camping there for the last night. Instead, camp at Bahía de Tempános which offers far better wind protection.<br /> <br /> I enjoyed the recommended 4 day length. Each day section took me around 5-6 hours of walking. I believe that especially Day 1 and 2 could be combined into one (El Chaltén - Refugio del Viento) if the weather is favourable.<br /> <br /> Mice seem to be present at all of the official camps - best is to hang your food, cooking utensils and hygienne stuff on a tree away from your tent and avoid eating in your tent. I did that and had no problems with the animals, while some of my companions got holes bitten into their tents and other stuff. <br /> <br /> I rented harness and carabiniers for the tyrollean traverse at Viento Oeste. The traverse was fun to use and I was happy that I didn’t need to ford the cold rivers. Recommended!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-06 to 2023-Mar-07 / 2 days / Laguna Toro out and back / Will'''<br /> <br /> This is a tough one, I didn't make it. I waited out a few rainy days in town until the park office told me we had a good two day window. <br /> <br /> I spent the first night at Laguna Toro. Be careful of mice there. Quite a bit of rain and snow, but still too warm for the snow to stay on the ground. The next day we (25 or so tourists) set out to attempt the pass. <br /> <br /> I crossed the river on foot right by the zip line, the water was below my knees at noon. Painfully cold though. I climbed up until I got a view of the first glacier at which point the wind was too strong for me to trust my footing. I went back to the first camp planning to wait and try again the next day.<br /> <br /> Just after setting up the wind tore down a big green tree branch, which crushed and ripped my tent. Thankfully I wasn't inside. Walked back to El Chaltén in defeat.<br /> <br /> I guess that's the end of my GPT hike. It's been amazing, other than the miserable weather down here in the south!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-21 to 2023-Feb-24 / 4 days / GPT40 RR counter clockwise / Véronica &amp; Zach'''<br /> <br /> Route: Centro de Visitantes - Laguna Toro - Paso del Viento - Paso Huemul - Bahía de los Témpanos - Centro de Visitantes <br /> <br /> We hiked the Huemul Circuit in 4 days as recommended by the Park officials. You could do it in less, but it is so beautiful and it was nice not to rush and to take it all in. The park staff also informed us of the expected weather conditions. You only really need favourable weather on the 2d and 3d day, going over the two passes. It was extremely windy when we went, knocking me off my feet at times. <br /> <br /> I enjoyed having my microspikes for the crossing of Glaciar Túnel, allowing me to explore a bit further up on the ice, but they are not necessary. From the top of Paso Del Viento, the view of the Southern Patagonian Icefield is awe-inspiring, but there are no good sheltered spots at or near the top to pause and admire the view for very long before the descent. <br /> <br /> The Paso del Viento Camp (second night) is the most exposed of the camps, the tent sites are semi-protected by low rock walls, and some are better than others. The trail is easy to follow and is well-marked. <br /> <br /> We rented harnesses and cord for the Tyrolean traverses from the gear shop Viento Oeste, at 1,400 pesos per person per day. The cord was 250 extra pesos per day. It was fairly straightforward to figure out how the cable crossings worked. The first crossing of Río Túnel on day 2 seemed fordable, but not the second one on day 4. That Tyrolean traverse also did not have a rope to pull the pulley back, so we were glad to have one. <br /> <br /> This is the link to register for the trek online: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfP8lEz5ry97gEK6fzx2mlu1NAhPwBx8cRlnSZOH8mx8iUMHA/viewform<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Unknown / Helen and Craig'''<br /> <br /> Big forest fire around the 3rd bay near iceberg bay. Circuit was closed for a bit. Unsure on how well it's recovering. Have a chat with the rangers before leaving.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-08 / Alexis, Iris'''<br /> <br /> Same as below, follow the trail when it differs from the trace. <br /> Beware that on Day 2, the Paso del Viento can be very windy and you should check the weather forecast before leaving.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-04 to 2023-Jan-07 / 4 days / Helen and Craig (plus 8 trail friends!) Gabby, James, Hannah, Jess, Julia, Jacob, Caro and Ali.'''<br /> <br /> Trail was very easy to find.<br /> <br /> Wind guru was for us completely unreliable. Very strong winds to the point of blowing us off path for minutes at a time whilst predictions were minimal forecast. Heed advice from rangers.<br /> <br /> First river crossing was impassable. Worth bringing harnesses for zipline (worth it for the fun)<br /> The far far end of el chalten there's a shop called vende oste where we found good rates of hiring harnesses.<br /> <br /> If it's windy on the 3rd day pitch up in the iceberg bay bivi site rather than the second site. We stopped earlier than the rest of the gang due to being a bit tired. We had very peaceful night in strong winds where friends at the next site a hellish night. Iceberg bay was also my number one campsite of all GPT40-30! Watching icebergs flip to the sunset after a long dusty day of slipping sliding and being gusted off the path by winds on the mornings pass. This place is a true refuge for the soul.<br /> <br /> Ferry not running so not many options to hitchhike back to chalten for last part of last day. The liberal use of gaiters on trainers also recommend. Lots of spiky grass seeds and burrs on last days<br /> <br /> Very much worth the wait for a weather window. Incredibly diverse veiws. The glacier walk was a one of kind! Veiws of the ice field kinder the feeling of being about a small at a ant.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-15 / 3 days / RR anticlockwise / Frank'''<br /> <br /> Watch video of the hike @ national park office. Bring a harness &amp; learn how to do a Tyrolean traverse before you go (the NP video is useful for this) Where the trail differs from the track file it's easier to follow the trail which is generally good &amp; clear. You are required to register online for the trek (link given by Veronica &amp; Zach) &amp; sign out at the national park office when you are finished.<br /> <br /> The river above Laguna Toro was waist deep &amp; v fast, it nearly knocked me over. Not recommended to cross in the afternoon. In the early morning it may be only knee deep. Bring the harness anyway &amp; learn how to use it, you may need it. On the glacier stay near the edge, people tend to go too far out. At the far side you should see footprints &amp; cairns leading to the moraine. Camped @ small high camp just after exiting the moraine (Vivac Tunel) There are a few stone corrals there. Lined the tent with rocks - pegs alone will pop. Good &amp; sheltered camping @ Laguna Toro &amp; after Paso del Viento @ Refuge but I went from Vivac Tunel over Pasos Viento &amp; Huemul in 1 long day. Only a little snow @ Paso del Viento &amp; easy to cross. Very windy on Paso Huemul in the afternoon. Steep &amp; loose descent, slow going but I saw 2 huemul. Amazing views of the Icecap between the two passes. Campsite @ Iceberg Bay one of the best on GPT. You can watch the bergs that calve off the icefield breaking up. At lower Rio Tunel we forded 300M downstream from the cable where the river is braided into channels. OK to cross @ noon, knee deep &amp; fast but you need to pick a good spot. Definitely not fordable @ the cable where it runs deep in a single channel. Challenging hike but incredible views of the Icecap.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-02 / 2 days / Tom and Maddie'''<br /> <br /> 2 days anticlockwise. Trail is easy to follow. Talk to the rangers and they can let you know about any issues. Would be tough in bad weather but in clear weather there are no issues. For the glacier walk we were told to enter the glacier just after the beginning and to exit just after the end. I suspect due to the increased popularity a new route has been made in sections so follow the trail markers which divert from the GPX route. <br /> <br /> We hired harnesses in El Chalten for the river crossings. We crossed the first on foot in the morning and had no issues. The second one we crossed using the equipment for the novelty but the river looked fine to cross further down. However I can see the river being hard to cross in high levels of rain. <br /> <br /> This was a very beautiful section and very different to the northern sections.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-12 / 4 days / Oreste Marquis'''<br /> <br /> Did the trek counterclockwise wich is the only way to do it rangers say. You need to register to do this trek and guardaparques vive great advises. I crossed the rivers by foot and they were pretty hard, I recommand using the zipline. Awesome views with good weather, but the wind is really annoying! The campgrounds rangers told me to camp weren’t the ones on the trackfiles, but are pretty close to them so they are not hard to find. Great experience !!<br /> <br /> Verify the wind forecast! The hills are so steep, strong wind could be dangerous! There’s no snow anymore and you will not need crampons.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec / 3 days / Matthieu '''<br /> <br /> We did it in December with good weather, in 3 days ( instead of the 4 recommended, 2 first days in one big day). Awesome trekk and views. It is better to register first at the guardaparques office. <br /> <br /> Trekk easy to follow excepted on the walk on the glaciar before the paso del viento (a little one, not the Viedma). During this walk, I would not advise to try to walk by the wall of mud and rocks at the left of the glaciar, it is a steepy way and everything slips, we tried it and went on the ice after. The little walk on the ice just near didn´t feel unsafe to me, with the little rocks it doesn't really slip.<br /> <br /> Good camping sites, well protected from the weather conditions. <br /> <br /> The last downhill after the paso de Huemul is the most dangerous part, very steepy but with trees to hang for help. I would advise to do this part with good weather conditions, with mud it could be dangerous. <br /> <br /> For the rivercrossings (2 real ones) there is one way walking and one way with tyrolean on a zip Line. We did it with with the tyrolean, and it was extremly funny. Rental of material possible in El chalten. Of course you have to know how to insure yourself good, so inform yourself before going, it is not hard to understand though, but extremely dangerous if not done well. None of us had experience with it before. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-18 / Arnaud et Adriane'''<br /> <br /> After we have taken the information at the national parc office, we only had 2 days of correct weather. So we decided not to walk the entire section but to go only to the paso del viento to get the view on the campo de hielo (glaciar viedma), following the advises of the guardaparques.<br /> <br /> I think it is the highlight of the section but not sure since I have never walked it entirely.<br /> <br /> On the first day we also took the time to walk to the summit of the cerro loma del pliegue tumbado (1500m of height). It offers an amazing view on the fitz roy and on the cerro torre, the 2 rockstars of El Chalten.<br /> <br /> On the second day we went to el Paso del Viento. The view there on the campo de hielo is absolutely fascinating. The hike is very tough but is absolutely worth the effort. You walk on a glaciar during 2kms but no equipment or particular skill is needed. It was very very very windy (and happily it was a quiet day I do not imagine on other day).<br /> <br /> Day 1 : El Chalten-cerro loma del pliegue tumbado-laguna torro : 27km with big elevation gain (around 1700m)<br /> Day 2 : laguna toro - paso del viento - laguna toro : 18km.<br /> Day 3 : back to El Chalten : 17km.<br /> <br /> I definitely recomand to follow the guardaparques advises and pay a huge attention to the weather. On this section with a bad weather and a strong wind I think it is dangerous to try to walk it entirely. And if it is cloudy, you will miss amazing views.<br /> <br /> The riverford after the laguna toro was easy on the way to the paso del viento (on the morning) but very dangerous on the way back (on the afternoon with all the gletchers melting I think). The worst we've done yet.<br /> If you intend to get back after the paso del viento I advise to get equipment to be able to use the zip line that has been settled by the guardaparques. It us much more secured than crossing the river on the afternoon.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-6 / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe /7'''<br /> <br /> Equipment for Zip Line to cross rivers is not required anymore since this season.<br /> <br /> Most of the season the rivers are possible to cross on foot<br /> <br /> Paso Viedma had a decent amount of snow on it (Snow Line at 1000m), the ascent is straightforward but the descent on the side facing the ice field can be really iced over and difficult without crampons (ask at Visitor Center of the NP for current conditions)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-4 / 4 days / regular hiking route / counter-clockwise / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe '''<br /> <br /> Beautiful hike in good weather! Great views of the ice sheet and mountains from Paso Del Viento. Highly recommend waiting for clear weather so you don't miss the scenery! We went up right after a big storm. The trail was a bit muddy up to the Laguna Torro, and the lee of the pass had a decent amount of snow. The windward side was pretty icy and more difficult than the snow. The next day we took a detour and cut cross country to walk on the Campo De Hielo Sur. Our route took a bit of steep scrambling to get down to it and back up around Paso De Huemul, and there were lots of open crevasses on the ice, so it would be good to have some experience and navigation skills if you want to do the same. Dropping down Paso Huemul on the trail was steep and a knee killer, and from Lago Viedma we had a hard time staying on the right trail amidst all the cow path, but aside from a few spiky bushes it's easy to cut cross country. Unnecessary to use the zip lines this year to cross the rivers. You have to camp only in the designated campsites.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> * '''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18'''<br /> <br /> Notes to consider before beginning: GPT40 is more popularly known as the Huemul Circuit, a 57-kilometer trek in El Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Before embarking, the national park guard requires that every hiker obtain a permit, bring required safety gear, and watch a slideshow about the circuit. The safety gear consists of a harness, 2 carabiners (one steel and one aluminum), slings, and 35 m of rope. Most of this gear can be rented at any outfitter in town, but due to liability reasons, the outfitters won’t rent rope. We went to the local ferretería to purchase this. All of this gear is used for two river crossings on zip lines. <br /> <br /> We were told that the rangers required hikers to bring their safety gear to the station before a permit would be issued. I would recommend that anyone who wants to do this circuit go to the rangers station the day before to watch the video and get any other necessary information about weather, conditions, etc. Since rentals can get expensive, renting the same day you leave and then going to the rangers station to show them your safety gear and get a permit seems to be the best course of action. The guard station is located on the south side of the Río Fitz Roy just across the bridge. <br /> <br /> Most people hike the circuit clockwise (as the slideshow recommends). The trail begins just behind the rangers station and ascends up gentle grassy hills. It is fairly flat and well maintained. After passing Laguna Túnel o Tore, the trail deviates from the GPS route and loops to the first crossing of the Río Túnel on a zip line. During low water, it is possible to cross this river on foot by following the GPS track. After crossing the river, the trail climbs steeply to just above Glaciar Río Túnel Inferior. Along the south side of the glacier, the trail becomes hard to follow as it disappears in loose moraine. Walking on the edge of the glacier may be easier than trying to pick your way across the steep slope but be careful doing this. <br /> <br /> After passing the glacier, follow maintained switchbacks up the side of the mountain towards Paso del Viento, the high point of the circuit. For the next 20 km, expect amazing views of Glacier Viedma. I cannot speak to the quality of the trail descending from the pass because of the blanketing snowpack that was present during our trek, but the sections where the snow did melt looked maintained. There is a small refugio, Refugio Paso del Viento located at a pond about 3.5 km from Paso Viento. <br /> <br /> After passing the refugio, the trail contours and then climbs to Paso Huemul. Make sure to look back and enjoy the last view of Glacier Viedma. The descent is very steep and at one point there is even a rope to downclimb. There are also plenty of woody bushes (manzanita?) to cling to as you lower yourself down the trail. After completing the descent, the trail is straightforward and easygoing. There is camping on the beach at the peninsula, Camping Bahía de Hornos. There is one more river crossing with a zip line at the lower Río Túnel, and from there it is easy walking to the end!<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> 2023: There is a bus every evening at 8PM from El Chalten to Los Antiguos, arriving at about 7AM. The bus continues to Esquel, El Bolson &amp; Bariloche. From Los Antiguos you can go by local taxi or hitch to the border &amp; Chile Chico (there is no longer a bus across the border) There is also a bus once a day from Los Antiguos to El Chalten.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anh<br /> It’s possible to hike alone, you just have to make registration online before and after:<br /> [[Registration|https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfP8lEz5ry97gEK6fzx2mlu1NAhPwBx8cRlnSZOH8mx8iUMHA/viewform]]<br /> <br /> *2023 / Arthur, Rémi, Noé &amp; Louis<br /> Do not forget to register online with the guardaparques (and to check out when you return !).<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT40 - Glaciar Viedma]]<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anh<br /> InReach from ranger: pls ask the ranger the current phone number and email for inReach.<br /> <br /> You don’t have to watch video in ranger station anymore, they have new presentation:<br /> [[Presentation |https://drive.google.com/file/u/0/d/1U_Wp46EDCLM_yFlSgXdfyxZYnMFHTLlN/view?pli=1]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT40_(Glaciar_Viedma)&diff=120760 2025-03-15T17:09:46Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-13 &gt; 15 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; Laguna de los Esquies &gt; RR &gt; sentier balisé &gt; RR &gt; sentier balisé / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT40<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : péages, descente dangereuse<br /> <br /> Je suis passé au péage au point (-49.3387142, -72.885454) à 8h. Il y avait donc du monde et j'ai dû payer 45 000 ARS. Evidemment il n'y a eu aucun contrôle lors de la randonnée. J'ai été stupide. Le sentier est populaire mais ce n'est vraiment pas l'autoroute. J'ai dû croiser 20 personnes en tout de El Chaltén au paso del viento, alors que j'en avais croisé des centaines sur le sentier du lago de los Tres. L'eau est facile à trouver, les fords simple et les zones humide facile à franchir sans mouiller ses chaussures. J'ai campé à la Laguna de los Esquies (-49.3824358, -73.1505322) pour éviter le camp officiel avec ses touristes et ses rongeurs. La nuit a été calme et pratiquement sans vent, sauf 30 secondes à 2h du matin où une rafale venue de nulle part a failli casser ma tente. Le refuge du km 27,9 n'a aucun endroit prevu pour dormir. Et il n'y a pas de toilettes ce qui pose problème sur le sentier : il y a parfois du papier et quand il n'y a pas de vent ça sent mauvais dans les zones boisées. Vers le km 40 la descente est extremement dangereuse. Je pense qu'il faudrait mettre un point alerte sur la trace GPS. J'étais seul alors j'ai pris mon temps, mais s'il y a beaucoup de monde qui monte et qui descend c'est vraiment dangereux. Pas de ford au km 44,2, il n'y avait même pas d'eau. J'ai suivi le sentier principal et non le RR du point (-49.4677546, -72.9293579) au point (-49.4330632, -72.8879393). Je pense que ça devrait être le RR d'ailleurs et l'autre piste en CC une option. Idem après le parking km 56,5, un très bon sentier de trail va à El Chaltén. Le ford au km 54 sous la tyrolienne se fait bien, il faut bien choisir son passage. Dans mon cas je suis remonté 30m en amont et suis descendu en diagonale vers l'autre rive au pied de la tyrolienne.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''25Fev2025 - 27fev2025 / hiking counter clockwise / RR / 3 days / Lilian and Clara'''<br /> <br /> Beginning of the trail very busy in early morning. So much people going on this good weather window. <br /> No park ranger along the trail. <br /> <br /> We didn't rent harnesses and were happy with that choice. <br /> First ford was up to knee easy (close to the waypoint Ford).<br /> Second ford was harder : up to crotch for me (1.57m) and fast flowing but manageable. We forded it a bit upper to the zipline. There were easier options downstream where the river separate in branches but there are probably fences to go through to get there. <br /> <br /> Camp at 21.2 : busy...Mices. <br /> Camp 40 bahia de los tempranos is really beautiful but also crowded and mices. Other solutions to camp a bit upper than the beach. <br /> <br /> Just before the paso huemul we went to Mirador del condor here -49,49625, -73,01589. Trail visible on Gaia GPS, more CC, crazy wind but nice view on the glaciar !<br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-25 to 2025-Feb-27 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO (Anti-Clockwise) / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Pretty straight forward tourist route so not much to add. <br /> <br /> We bumped into Clara again after meeting on section 12!<br /> <br /> Ticket booth at -49.20305, -72.53093 (around 1.1km) was closed at 7am apparently it opens at 8. We used the tryolean at 18.9km but it wasn't necessary, easy to ford slightly upstream (after 2 days of rain). Camped at 21.2km not much wind protection and lots of people. Camp 41.3+0.2 good wind protection but there's mice and lots of toilet paper. We used tyrolean 54km although the river was probably crossable at the same point after 2 dry days, if not the river braids downstream.<br /> <br /> That's the end of the GPT for us, thanks to everyone who's been updating the wiki and happy hiking!<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Feb-06 to 2025-Feb-09 / 3.5 days Hiking / counterclockwise/ RR / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: I had planned to go without a Harness to cross Rio Tunel on foot. But the day before i met a german, who told he talked to someone who hiked the Huemul and according to that Crossing Nr. 1 wasn't doable without harness. Two other people told, the rangers said Nr. 1 goes up to the hips and is too difficult. I couldn't get first hand informations and the Infocenter was already closed. Spontaneously i rented a harness (10k/day is the normal price) and started at 11am. The weather forcast was mixed: two days of sun and two days of rain/snow. That's why i chosed to do it in 4 instead of 3 days. <br /> <br /> The first day was very easy, i only struggled with the heavy backpack (+1kg harness). Camped roughly 1.5km before Camping Toro, because i'm afraid of mice. It was easy to find a sheltered spot in the forest on that very windy day. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Soon i reached Laguna Túnel o Toro and the first Zipline. I was upset with myself because i fell for the fearmongering! 100m upstream the river looked easily fordable - i guess max. knee deep. Where it reaches the lake it even looked easier with low current. Up to the hips - what a lie! Don't understand why people were not able to ford the river. Either they don't know how to cross a river or they meant another one... The crossing with the zipline wasn't easy because i had to pull myself slightly uphill. Struggled to unhook myself and my backpack and fortunately got help from two brits. I think when you're alone and don't have strong arms, it's easier to cross the river on foot. <br /> <br /> I chosed to walk above the glacier not on it. The ranger said it's possible, but it didn't look save with the crevasses. The ascent was strenous, but easy. The views of the southern patagonian icefield was incredible! No wind at Paso del Viento. The descent was also easy, there it started snowing. Reached Camp Paso del Viento at 1:30pm and pitched my tent. Snowed even more, the world around me went white. It didn't stop until 11pm.<br /> <br /> Day 3: 15cm of snow, but the sky was blue. Was relieved when i found out the trail is still visible. Even had footprints in front of me. Enjoyed hiking in the snow and got amazing views. Way up to Paso Huemul was a bit steep, but overall easy. The descent was indeed very difficult. The upper part was ok: steep through forest with solid soil, the middle part had some helpful ropes installed, the worst part came below: extremely steep with loose soil and nothing to hold on. No ropes here. The rest was easy. Passed Bahia Tempános and Bahia Hornos. Stayed on this OSM Camp: -49.475284, -72.943223. Perfect protection from West (very windy afternoon), flat space for at least 4 tents, a primitive bench and a nice view at the lake. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Nice and easy trails the whole day. Followed the official Trek. Fortunately it didn't rain. Small 1p campsite with good protection here: -49.431947, -72.887512. 2nd Zipline also was not really easy, needed to pull myself after the first half and struggled to open one carabiner. I think the ziplining is better done in a group. The river didn't look fordable near the zipline, but where it branches in 3 parts it looked good to ford. You can see this area from the trail above. So i think it's not necessary to bring a harness. Reached El Chaltén at 2pm.<br /> In my opinion there are cases where it's good to have it: when you want to keep your feet dry; when you like the idea of ziplining; maybe in early season when it rained a lot and for people who have no experience with rivercrossings. <br /> <br /> * '''24-12-2024 to 26-12-2024/ 3 days / RR counterclockwise / wiiim'''<br /> <br /> Camped by Laguna Torre &amp; carried on with GPT40 early morning. It’s an undeniably beautiful loop but I couldn’t help feel a little old &amp; grumpy at times between the trail poop, Bluetooth speakers and groups heading straight up a clearly open crevassed glacier (without gear). I passed both river crossings on foot, the first one upstream from the cable where it splits in two, about knee height. The second crossing has more water but arguably you have a lot more options to choose from, I crossed about 100m downstream where it’s at its widest before branching out into channels.<br /> <br /> * '''13-11-2024 to 16-11-2024/ 3.5 days / NOBO / RR / Sophie and Gaspar'''l<br /> <br /> We continued our adventure with the Cerro Huemul or Viedma Glacier Circuit, hiking clockwise (the usual route is counterclockwise). The trail is well-marked throughout, presenting no navigation difficulties. There are two crossings of the Río Túnel, which can be done via zipline if you have a harness. We chose to ford the river on foot both times. However, at its farthest point, crossing at the same spot as the zipline can be risky. During the snowmelt season, it may be impossible to cross without equipment for the zipline, so renting the necessary gear is highly recommended.<br /> <br /> Another minor challenge is the ascent or descent (depending on your direction) of Cerro Huemul. It can be quite slippery in wet conditions, but fixed ropes are installed to ensure safety. You can camp comfortably near the Paso del Viento shelter, but watch out for mice! Paso del Viento itself does not present major technical difficulties, aside from the strong winds, as the name suggests. <br /> <br /> The circuit offers spectacular views of the Viedma Glacier, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the upper and lower Túnel Glaciers—truly unforgettable scenery!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-28 to 2024-Mar-2 / 4 days / Hiking / Counter Clockwise / RR / Andrew'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful trail. Not too much to add from what others have mentioned, the route is well marked. Views of the southern patagonia icefield are absolutely stunning. We decided to push a bit further and camp at Bahia Hornos, but I would have stayed at Bahia de Los tempanos if I did it again.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-26 / 2.5d / Hiking / Counter Clock / RR and new terrain / Tom'''<br /> <br /> Perfect conditions! No clouds, no wind<br /> Day 1: <br /> Crossed rio tunnel almost dry behind the laguna (trail on OSM). Hiked on Glaciar Tunel inferior. It's not that safe as others stated. Following others footstep an think it's safe says a lot of your alpine experience. Walk on the glaciar only if you know what you are doing (I'm a mountain guide and knew enough strong hikers that ended as dead bodies).<br /> Be aware of the land slide between the glaciar inferior and the biwak. I told the park auhtorities to close that trail and use the GPT version. It's a matter of time and the trail slides away!<br /> No wind on paso viento and a stunning view to the icefield. Not a cloud on a azur sky. I pitched my tent at the small laguna behind laguna Ferrari but before laguna los Esquies.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Installed a rope on the Huemul downhill and stayed at Bahia Hornos.<br /> <br /> Day 3: I started before sunrise and was by intention first at the tyrolienne. Bully on the other side, so I just hooked my steel carabiner and pulled myself along the cable. <br /> <br /> I liked the hike, but hated the littering, I mean &quot;shittering&quot; around the official camps.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Apr-08 to 2024-Apr-10 / 3 days / Hiking / counterclockwise / RR / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-21.2]<br /> <br /> Good trail. Only the last 2 km was hiking on loose scree and took some time. Camp Rio Tunnel at km 21.2 has only spots for about three tents. The wind protection isn't as good as at camp Toro (16.6). The river at km 18.9 was a easy ford (knee high) about 50-100 meter up stream of the zip-line.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [21.2-45.1]<br /> <br /> Paso de viento (km 24.0) was very icy on top and on the way down. I managed without spikes, but they would have been helpfull. The pass at km 38.5 was snow free. The trail down after the pass is very steep. Would be very hard if snowy or muddy. Camped at -49.475284, -72.943223.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [45.1-64.9]<br /> <br /> The RR branches off the official Huemul Track at km 46.7. The RR runs a little higher and therefore offers maybe a bit better views. But the official Huemul Track would be the faster option. Rio Tunel was easily fordable (knee high) just under the zipline at km 54.0.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-24 to 2024-Mar-26 / 3 days / Hiking / anticlockwise / RR / Juliet and Martin'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 el chalten - Rio Tunel camp<br /> <br /> The park rangers were closed for strike action. We weren't able to register online either (bad internet connection). We left around 9am. Several people and a group on the first part, but we lost them on our way around the glacier. Magnificent walk between forests, viewpoints and lakes. We arrived for lunch at laguna o toro. Possible bivouac spot with emergency shelter if needed. It's a beautiful spot, but we didn't feel like pitching our tent there. So we decided to head for the Rio Tunel campside. Passing the zipline, in fact the river is probably passable on foot a little above. We recommend that you look at tutorials on how to use the equipment, which we hadn't done, and the rental company gave us bad advice. Fortunately, there was an experienced hiker who helped us. <br /> The passage along and on the glacier is complicated. We lost the trail and took a long time to make headway. There are lots of slippery spots (ice), so you have to be careful. Once we'd found our way back, we were able to reach the camp. It's well sheltered from the weather with a few spots (in fact only 3). The place is very windy, so I'd recommend getting there early if it's busy to get a sheltered spot. Magnificent view of the glacier. <br /> There are mice, and we saw several in the evening, but we weren't bothered during the night. Difficult to find a place to hang the food so we kept it with us in the tent enclosed and in the middle of the two of us and not at the ends. That's how it was. <br /> Several water spots along the way all day (several rivers).<br /> <br /> Day 2 Rio Tunel camp - Bahia de los tempanosb camp (-49,47994,-7298601)<br /> <br /> Passage of the paso del viento, which was indeed very windy, but passable. The path is still passable as used. Easy to follow. Magnificent panoramic view of the glacier at the top. You can see that some people have already pitched their tents at the pass, but I wouldn't recommend it because of the strong wind. Beautiful descent to the refuge. Very good, in good condition. Lots of possibilities for pitching tents around the stone walls. Very nice place to sleep. We continued on. Passage over Col Huelmul easier than the previous one. Very windy too, but the wind was in our favor and helped us make our way up. The descent is very complicated indeed, and quite dangerous. Take your time, especially if it's been raining. It takes time. Fortunately, there are ropes to hold on to. We reach the camp just before dark. It's very crowded, but we find a place to pitch our tent. The view of the lake, icebergs and glacier is magnificent. However, we were bothered by mice all night. We had hung our food from the trees, but despite this, they came up to the tent (between the 2 canvas sheets) time and time again. AVOID! It's crowded, there's garbage, mice, a rotting cow carcass...<br /> <br /> Day 3 Camp Bahia de los tempanos (-49,47994,-7298601) - el chalten <br /> <br /> Last day of hiking. Very beautiful in the hills, views over the lake. We loved it. Cross country in the hills, very nice to do even if we had to pass a few muddy spots and lost the trail a few times. Once back on the official trail, no more worries. The zipline was easier than on the first day. We didn't have to wait very long, surely 2 people ahead of us. End of the day with an easy trail to el chalten. The last few kilometers are on the road, not very pleasant and uninteresting, but it's not very long. <br /> <br /> This section is definitely beautiful and diverse. Mice are a real problem on this section. They seem to be present at all the bivouac spots. They're not shy and don't hesitate to come along even if you scare them. If we had to do it all over again, we'd use rat repellents, because hanging up the food doesn't seem to be enough. <br /> <br /> * '''24-Mar-05 to 2024-Mar-07 / 48 hours / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I did not like El Chaltén and the weather seemed better than later in the week so I immediatelly followed to GPT40. Starting at 17:00, I stopped 3 km from the first official camping Torro, which is normally 16 km far, in three hours of walking. I registered online and did not talk to any parkguards - not sure if they would not try to turn me back this late if they saw me. Fearing mice and being asocial, I did not want to reach the camp. The trail is very clear and easy. At least in this section, there are many places to camp - many trees provide shelter from wind. It was not that windy anyway, just on the final descent to the valley. Met lots of people coming back from Pliegue Tumbado mirador and nobody after the junction.<br /> <br /> The next morning surprised me (the only reliable forecast seems to be for heavy rain or cloudless day, anything in between seems to be a hit or miss) by blue sky, so I got awesome views going up the pass. There was a queue at the zipline so I forded 50 m upstream - it was barely below my knees. Met ten people altogether that day. Walked on glacier, as the official PDF recomends. It is not slippery with the rocks. It is fun, there are footsteps to follow going on and off the glacier. I assume it is safe. There is also a trail going in parallel on the rocks (all circuit is trail BTW, not partly CC like GPX suggests). Indeed only between the glaciers there is a few tentspots as indicated by OSM (unofficial? - but nobody probably cares). By the time I got to the first pass, clouds obscured Fitz Roy and the mountains across the icefield, which was still breathtaking. The pass had both quite windy spots and windless spots and some flats, so in good weather might be ok for camping, but hard to say. Traversing to the second pass, you actually mostly go through a valley partly (?) formed by ancient morraines, so most of the time, the icefield is hidden. I think there are places for pitching a tent, though not really between water at 35 and the second pass - anyway, the place around refugio is the most shletered. There used to be a campsite right after the second pass, but the PDF says you should not use it. Going further down is indeed very steep. There are now handy ropes attached to trees at places. The trail is badly eroded and slippery, would be indeed annoying when muddy. Darkness fell on me there and I still did not bother with a headlamp, but this is indeed the most demanding part of the whole trail. It is demanding also for GPT standards (the rest of the circuit is easy). Once you get down, it is flat and you can camp in many places, which I did.<br /> <br /> The next day there were about 15 people, three of which went clockwise, so it is done even if the Park does not like it (it normally seem to have no presence on the trail itself). This time I waited the queue for the zipline to actually try using it. I think the river was fordable there. It was definitely fordable 200-300 metres downstream (there is a diversion), where it widens and branches in the delta. The rest of the trail was uneventful.<br /> <br /> It is indeed a nice end to the GPT. I did not expect to finish the Main route (minus 23-31) this year, so yay! The El Viento shop (49.3229571S, 72.8940188W) is on the other side of the town (2 km) to the Park office and charged me for three days even though I finished the circuit in 48 hours - it was 5-6 USD per day. In retrospect, I would not bother with the harness. I met a guy who went without because he could not rent one - I was given the last one they had available and it was too big for me by far. Should the second river prove unfordable, people would probably borrow you theirs, it seems one set is usually carried per group and passed over using the thin rope - at least on the second crossing, the thin rope is there permanently so I am not sure what would the thin rope be for anyway.<br /> <br /> I still hated El Chalten (too many tourists, really bad 4g internet [apparently everybody in town shares one connection, unless I was wrongly informed] - if you stay overnight, usually in such situations it starts working well some time after midnight when everybody sleeps -, really pricy produce and very mediocre meal in one of the restaurants; Villa O'Higgins has a much nicer feel), so I hopped on a bus (3h) to El Calafate at 18h for about 22 USD. It goes also in the morning and around noon. There is also a 130 USD 28h (I think) bus to Bariloche at 14:00 and at 21:00. From El Calafate, there are connections to Ushuaia (this one not sure), Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas (at 3 AM and change in the middle about 40 USD, a bit cheaper if you have cash) and Buenos Aires. I don't have my ticket back yet and flying directly from El Calafate would be very expensive, prices from Punta Arenas were the cheapest. Bye!<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-16 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Charlie Gardner'''<br /> <br /> What an outstanding hike. This is definitely such an incredible way to either begin/end the main route of the GPT. We did it in the classic 4 days which was fairly chill. <br /> <br /> Day 1 - <br /> Pretty straightforward day. Hike starts with a nice climb that takes you eventually into the surrounding forests. Great views of Lago Viedma from the top and a nice lunch spot. We started very late in the day and the sun was BEATING, could recommend and earlier start to avoid this. Don’t forget to check in with rangers before leaving! Quick form you have to fill out. Hang your food at Toro campsite, we saw a few mice running around. <br /> <br /> Day 2 - <br /> Winds were crazy in the valley when we woke up. Many hikers were considering bailing on the hike due to worries of what Paso del viento would hold but the they calmed down around 930-10 and most pushed on. There’s an alternative route across the rivers that funnel into Laguna Tunel o Toro that we thought we’d check out as a few kairns led that way but they were far too strong to cross when we went that way. Ended up having a route find a bit and scramble up an alternative route after this lake, definitely recommend staying as close to route as possible here. Trail opens up again after you make it over. Tyrolean was short, didn’t look like anyone tried to ford the river here but it was definitely doable. Get to tyrolean early if you want to avoid waiting. The glacier route required a bit of route finding as well at points but isn’t anything crazy. Boulders and rocks can be loose at times though. Maybe we got lucky but paso del viento was quiet when we got to the top. Outstanding views! Short walk to camp after the descent from Viento. 8 of us slept in the shelter at paso del viento Camp as winds picked up considerably overnight. Was definitely glad for the protection but there were definitely mice scurrying around. <br /> <br /> Day 3 - <br /> Definitely recommend an earlyish start this day. The climb up to paso Huemul is not as hard as paso del viento but the decent afterwards is just ridiculous. If you have bad knees, it’s more of a controlled fall on some sections. Gravel is extremely loose and it is VERY steep. Thankfully, there are a fair amount of the roots and trees to grab hold up but this was definitely an annoying decent especially at the end of the Day 3. Many tried Bahia de Los témpanos camp but we decided to push on to Bahia de Hornos. An hour later, everyone else showed up at this camp as they said the other one did not have sufficient shelter from wind and was fairly dusty. Hornos ended up being lovely after winds calmed down and sound got lower. Would probably filter water here if possible, lots of cows nearby and water is fairly foggy. <br /> <br /> Day 4 - <br /> Final day was straightforward but definitely longer than expected. Would definitely recommend leaving early to be first at the tyrolean again. Be careful with the safety rope, ours broke halfway while pulling bags across and we had to send a person across without the pulley. <br /> <br /> Enjoy, this hike rocks!<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb- 05 to 2024-Feb-08/ 4 days/hiking/SOBO/40/RR/Paulina'''<br /> <br /> Absolutely beautiful section! Very various<br /> <br /> Day 1 I left very late ( 4 pm) because the wind was extremely strong earlier, but it is an easy day, about 9 I was at the camping Lago Toro. The way was most of the time well marked, after the rain the meadows can be very wet I think. Once you are in the valley of Lago Toro, there are some easy river crossing. The campground is well protected from the wind, the water is nearby. To grab a better spot for tent, don't come too late, when I was there, the camping was almost full.<br /> <br /> Day 2 For me it was the most beautiful day, in a good weather , the views on the glaciers are amasing. So yes, it's really worth to wait fot a good weather for this day ( and the next one too). This day you will need also to consult sometimes the trails on GPS. At the end of the lake, there are some cairns, don't follow them, just follow the trail on gps which goes up. A lot of people missed up there and instead to follow na easy and safe trail, they climbed unecessary some rocks. The tiroliene didn't seems.difficult, The only think is that when we were there, the thin rope was not attached to the tyroliene and it was not easy to pull the tiroliene at the beginning. So, take a thin rope to attach the tirolien because the one which was there was all missed up. It's ok if you have one hardness for a group, it's easy to send it back. As all the people from the camping left around the same hour, to avaoil the linę to the tiroliene, we just crossed the river a bit farther, the level was not too high. Later, a nice path will take you to the glacier and you will not see anymore the trail ( only cairns sometimes). If you follow GPS trail, it should be ok. At the glacier, just walk on the eadge of the glacier at first, and later on rocks which are close from the glacier. There is also an upper trail, some people followed this one but were complaining that it was hard ( a lot of ...stones.). One you are at the end of the glacier, go up, there are several trails, but all of them are ok. The views from the pass area are just amasing, so yes, wsit for the good weather because it would be a pity not to see all these glaciers. The trail to the rodugio is easy to follow, mostly descent. At the camping there are about 5 spots with stonewall protection. It's a windy area, so it's better to grab a good spot. Also, there is place for about 8 person in the rodugio.<br /> <br /> Day 3 Another beautiful day. Well marked all the time, most of the time easy way. The ascent to the pass is short and rather pleasent. Very, very windy at the end of the ascend ( even if it was not a windy day), so I can't imagine how windy it is with a worse weather. About ,30 min from the pass, a steep ascend starts. When it's wet, can be difficult. So also, better to have good, dry day for this descent. I would recommand to camp at Bahia Tempanos, well wind protected and beautiful views on icebergs, and a Perfect spot for sunrise.<br /> <br /> Day 4 Rather easy day. The landscape changes a lot comparing to previous days, but it's still very beautiful, especially views on Lago de Vuelta. The tiroliene is very easy.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-15 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tom Pieper'''<br /> <br /> Not much to add. As the others mentioned a must do! When I started, there were indeed not that many people as weather forecast was not that good for the 'classic' 4 day itinerary. I was fine doing it in 3 days. The bivouack after Glaciar Rio Tunel Inferior only has space for 3 tents. You find additional protected spots 5 minutes beyond at the lake. If you fear glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) there are also some elevated spots there.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-06 to 2024-Jan-08 / 2.5 days / Hiking / anticlockwise / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We started around noon on day 1 and hiked to the bivouack after Glaciar Rio Tunel Inferior at km (km 21.2). We walked acrosse the glacier to avoid the moraine, no crampons needed. The bivouack was extremely windy at night but still a bit protected, lots of big rocks to help with staking the tent down. There are also a few rock walls built.<br /> <br /> On day 2 we hiked over Paso Viento (which was very windy indeed; we also had rain, hail and snow) and down the other side. Once we got lower down we got out of the cloud and the weather was very pleasant. We didn't have much of the view over the glacier to the North but saw the end that descended towards Lago Viedma. The Paso Huemul was also extremely windy but at least it was sunny. The descent through the forest after the pass is really steep, with loose gravel/sand and lots of tree roots - be extremely careful here! The official campsites at the bay and peninsula were full so we continued until km45.2 where there is a nice windprotected campsite shown on OSM. Ford at 44.2 is completely dried out, but at 45.5 the stream is flowing.<br /> <br /> On day 3 we hiked back into El Chalten by lunch, it was a very windy day. When we reached the tyrolean at km54 (which is waymarked as a bridge for some reason?) there were about 15 people in the line so we decided to ford the river about 30m upstream. We went 3 people in a line formation, the first person had water up to the waist, the last just below hips. At km62, where you need to climb below a fence just before joining the road, pay attention to the small holes in the sandy banks: those are armadillo burrows, you might see one if lucky!<br /> <br /> * '''From 2023-12-26 to 2023-12-28 //3 days // Hiking // NOBO // Anticlockwise // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Even if there's lot of people (around 15/20 departure per days at this time of the season), this section is in my opinion absolutely amazing ! The view on the icefield is outstanding ! I mostly followed the track, except on day two, where I continue to explore the surrounding of the Laguna de Los Esquies. Happy to be totally alone there, in front of this outstanding view. Hypnotic ! (It's almost the same that you can see at paso del viento, but closer to the icefield, and more chance to be by yourself here.<br /> <br /> You have to rent harnais in El Chaltén and pass threw two zip lines. That was very fun !<br /> <br /> I had a looooot of wind at paso del viento and paso del huemul. Reminds me tierra del fuego ! Could be very surprising as it's unpredictable squalls and so powerful ! <br /> <br /> The downhill after paso del huemul Is not funny as it's very slippery. Just have to take the time to be even more careful. <br /> <br /> Views along the whole trek are absolutely stunning ! A must do ! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-11-21 to 2023-11-26 / 5 days / RR / SOBO / anticlockwise / Anh'''<br /> <br /> GPT40 is no longer remote, there are 20 hikers on the trail every day.<br /> The trail is not marked, but not difficult to follow. No real river crossing necessary, there was always aid available. Snowfields are easy to cross.<br /> <br /> Day 1: a little muddy, but easy to walk.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Tyrolean Traverse is no fun as you have to pull yourself uphill. Alternative is an easy river crossing (knee deep, 10:00 AM good weather). 1km after that you can walk between RR or on the glacier (see presentation link at the end of this page). On the glacier trail you come back directly on the mountain of the same height. After the Paso del Viento (700m uphill in 6km, windy &amp; cold) I leave GPT40 and walk to Campamento Laguna de Los Esquies to get a bit closer to the glacier. The path is difficult to find as there are many snowfields (without footprints) in between. But I am alone at the glacier lake.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Mostly with CC back to GPT40 to Paso del Viento Camp<br /> <br /> Day 4: Shortly after windy Passo Huemul is time consuming downhill (500Hm in 1km). The trail is very slippery (in sunny weather) &amp; there is hardly any grip for the next step, take time for this part.<br /> <br /> Day 5: very easy trail &amp; Tyrolean Traverse is really fun (downhill zipline). Alternative river crossing is not easy (strong, 12:00 AM good weather).<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-01 to 2023-12-04 / 4 days / Hiking / RR counterclockwise/ Fangwen &amp; Tobi'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section. We did the recommended 4 day itinerary (together with about 20 other hikers). A few points to add to the existing comments here: first, there was a lot of really wet grasslands, especially on day 1 (at least when we did it, early December). Accept your fate and live with wet feet (and bring extra socks if you can). Second, the four day itinerary makes use of the best-sheltered campsites. Other campsites may offer less protection. Note that even if the Park Rangers say conditions are good, you might encounter very strong winds in many areas. Third, if you want to extend the (somewhat short) days a bit, you can hike to the viewpoint Loma del Pliegue on day 1, on the ridge just above the campsite on day 2 (nice to watch the sunset), and to the aptly named mirador del cóndor next to Huemul pass on day 3. On day 3, it's best not to arrive too late to the very scenic Bahia de los Témpanos camp, since space is limited. Lastly, the descent from the huemul pass on day 3 is indeed a bit tricky, especially if you were to go in wet conditions.<br /> <br /> One warning regarding water at the campsites: despite the park information claiming that the water is potable, we would recommend taking some care to get clean drinking water. On day 1, there is an excellent little stream 400m past the campsite. On day 2, take water from a little side stream ~600m before the campsite. The lack of the toilet means that the water from the river flowing into the lake is likely not safe to consume. Similarly on day 3, it is highly recommended to fill up plenty of water at the little waterfall at the end of the steep downhill section before going into camp. The lack of a toilet means that the water there is also unsafe to drink. Furthermore, next to the campsite is a carcass of a recently deceased cow. If the first three days gave you the impression that there is plenty of clean drinking water available during the day, be aware that this is not true of day 4. There is only one good looking stream, roughly at km52, and all the water will require treatment (we saw another three cow carcasses nearby the trail on day 4). Don't worry too much about this, if you plan ahead and think a bit about where to get the water, then it's no issue at all. Enjoy this excellent adventure!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-08 to 2023-Apr-11 / 4 days / RR / SOBO / Arthur, Rémi, Noé &amp; Louis'''<br /> <br /> Such a wonderful section ! One of our favorite ! Incredible views on the glaciers, with autumn's colors it was amazing !<br /> <br /> It is recommended by the guardaparques to have good weather on day 2 and 3 (for the passes), no cloud and no wind for us : perfect.<br /> <br /> We rented 1 harness for the 2 zip lines (day 2 and 4). 1 harness per group is sufficient but you have to rent a thin rope too in case the one in the pulley is broken. It is really worth it because the feeling is so good ! (We rented at Viento Oeste, north of San Martin street, the cheapest according to a friend).<br /> <br /> The thin rope is very helpful to suspend all your bags and things in camps. You have to do it because mice are at every camp and the will destroy your bag, your tent or whatever has food inside. This is the only annoying point of this section.<br /> <br /> About the trail : easy to follow, except when you have to walk on the glacier on day 2, it can be a bit challenging. Take care, do not go if there is fresh snow all over the glacier.<br /> <br /> The way down the paso Huemul on day 3 is very steep too.<br /> <br /> Do not forget to register online with the guardaparques (and to check out when you return !).<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-30 to 2023-Apr-01 / 3 days / El Chaltén counter clockwise / Anna &amp; Christopher'''<br /> <br /> We did the Huemul Circuit in 3 days. We started around 9 a.m. planning to camp at the Biwak Túnel the first night. The weather turned out to be so nice that we decided to continue and do the Paso del Viento the first day.<br /> <br /> The trail until the first Tyrolean traverse was really good even though it was partially covered in snow. We crossed the river easily by foot.<br /> After that the trail up to the pass gets more demanding and slower. Once you reach the Glaciar Túnel Inferior navigation gets more difficult. There are different paths and we firstly followed one going up and down on the gravel. It's probably easier to take the path on the glacier from the beginning on. We reached the pass at sunset and had an absolutely amazing view.<br /> <br /> We decided to camp at the end of Laguna Ferrari (to avoid the mice problem at the main campsites). The path to the lake was demanding, because the slope was covered with lot of snow and it was dark. At the campsite there are lots of well protected spots for tents.<br /> <br /> The next day we slept pretty long to recover from the previous big day and with better weather than anticipated we walked until km 39.3.<br /> There are two really good camping spots, one at the edge of the trees and one inside the small forest. No mice there.<br /> <br /> The steep trail down wasn't super easy and must be hard during rain. The second river crossing at km 54 was much more demanding. We crossed it further east of the Tyrolean, where the river divides in multiple branches. There the water went below Annas hips (1,63m). We walked to the viewpoint at km 62.4. Lots of people watched the sunset there with a great view of Fitz Roy and it was easy to get a ride for the last 2 km to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-10 to 2023-Mar-13 / 4 days / RR / SOBO / El Chaltén anticlockwise / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> I had the luxury of being able to wait for a good weather window and it really payed out. My hike was easy with magnificent views when climbing up to Paso del Viento. I even had a tranquil lunch at the top. The glacier walk and the snowy peaks are stunning.<br /> <br /> However, I believe gpt40 can turn into hell in windy weather or if camping outside the wind-sheltered camps. I met several people in El Chaltén who had to turn back because the wind didn’t let them climb up to the pass. One couple also had their tent teared apart in the middle of the night at Bahía de Hornos. If you can, avoid camping there for the last night. Instead, camp at Bahía de Tempános which offers far better wind protection.<br /> <br /> I enjoyed the recommended 4 day length. Each day section took me around 5-6 hours of walking. I believe that especially Day 1 and 2 could be combined into one (El Chaltén - Refugio del Viento) if the weather is favourable.<br /> <br /> Mice seem to be present at all of the official camps - best is to hang your food, cooking utensils and hygienne stuff on a tree away from your tent and avoid eating in your tent. I did that and had no problems with the animals, while some of my companions got holes bitten into their tents and other stuff. <br /> <br /> I rented harness and carabiniers for the tyrollean traverse at Viento Oeste. The traverse was fun to use and I was happy that I didn’t need to ford the cold rivers. Recommended!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-06 to 2023-Mar-07 / 2 days / Laguna Toro out and back / Will'''<br /> <br /> This is a tough one, I didn't make it. I waited out a few rainy days in town until the park office told me we had a good two day window. <br /> <br /> I spent the first night at Laguna Toro. Be careful of mice there. Quite a bit of rain and snow, but still too warm for the snow to stay on the ground. The next day we (25 or so tourists) set out to attempt the pass. <br /> <br /> I crossed the river on foot right by the zip line, the water was below my knees at noon. Painfully cold though. I climbed up until I got a view of the first glacier at which point the wind was too strong for me to trust my footing. I went back to the first camp planning to wait and try again the next day.<br /> <br /> Just after setting up the wind tore down a big green tree branch, which crushed and ripped my tent. Thankfully I wasn't inside. Walked back to El Chaltén in defeat.<br /> <br /> I guess that's the end of my GPT hike. It's been amazing, other than the miserable weather down here in the south!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-21 to 2023-Feb-24 / 4 days / GPT40 RR counter clockwise / Véronica &amp; Zach'''<br /> <br /> Route: Centro de Visitantes - Laguna Toro - Paso del Viento - Paso Huemul - Bahía de los Témpanos - Centro de Visitantes <br /> <br /> We hiked the Huemul Circuit in 4 days as recommended by the Park officials. You could do it in less, but it is so beautiful and it was nice not to rush and to take it all in. The park staff also informed us of the expected weather conditions. You only really need favourable weather on the 2d and 3d day, going over the two passes. It was extremely windy when we went, knocking me off my feet at times. <br /> <br /> I enjoyed having my microspikes for the crossing of Glaciar Túnel, allowing me to explore a bit further up on the ice, but they are not necessary. From the top of Paso Del Viento, the view of the Southern Patagonian Icefield is awe-inspiring, but there are no good sheltered spots at or near the top to pause and admire the view for very long before the descent. <br /> <br /> The Paso del Viento Camp (second night) is the most exposed of the camps, the tent sites are semi-protected by low rock walls, and some are better than others. The trail is easy to follow and is well-marked. <br /> <br /> We rented harnesses and cord for the Tyrolean traverses from the gear shop Viento Oeste, at 1,400 pesos per person per day. The cord was 250 extra pesos per day. It was fairly straightforward to figure out how the cable crossings worked. The first crossing of Río Túnel on day 2 seemed fordable, but not the second one on day 4. That Tyrolean traverse also did not have a rope to pull the pulley back, so we were glad to have one. <br /> <br /> This is the link to register for the trek online: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfP8lEz5ry97gEK6fzx2mlu1NAhPwBx8cRlnSZOH8mx8iUMHA/viewform<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Unknown / Helen and Craig'''<br /> <br /> Big forest fire around the 3rd bay near iceberg bay. Circuit was closed for a bit. Unsure on how well it's recovering. Have a chat with the rangers before leaving.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-08 / Alexis, Iris'''<br /> <br /> Same as below, follow the trail when it differs from the trace. <br /> Beware that on Day 2, the Paso del Viento can be very windy and you should check the weather forecast before leaving.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-04 to 2023-Jan-07 / 4 days / Helen and Craig (plus 8 trail friends!) Gabby, James, Hannah, Jess, Julia, Jacob, Caro and Ali.'''<br /> <br /> Trail was very easy to find.<br /> <br /> Wind guru was for us completely unreliable. Very strong winds to the point of blowing us off path for minutes at a time whilst predictions were minimal forecast. Heed advice from rangers.<br /> <br /> First river crossing was impassable. Worth bringing harnesses for zipline (worth it for the fun)<br /> The far far end of el chalten there's a shop called vende oste where we found good rates of hiring harnesses.<br /> <br /> If it's windy on the 3rd day pitch up in the iceberg bay bivi site rather than the second site. We stopped earlier than the rest of the gang due to being a bit tired. We had very peaceful night in strong winds where friends at the next site a hellish night. Iceberg bay was also my number one campsite of all GPT40-30! Watching icebergs flip to the sunset after a long dusty day of slipping sliding and being gusted off the path by winds on the mornings pass. This place is a true refuge for the soul.<br /> <br /> Ferry not running so not many options to hitchhike back to chalten for last part of last day. The liberal use of gaiters on trainers also recommend. Lots of spiky grass seeds and burrs on last days<br /> <br /> Very much worth the wait for a weather window. Incredibly diverse veiws. The glacier walk was a one of kind! Veiws of the ice field kinder the feeling of being about a small at a ant.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-15 / 3 days / RR anticlockwise / Frank'''<br /> <br /> Watch video of the hike @ national park office. Bring a harness &amp; learn how to do a Tyrolean traverse before you go (the NP video is useful for this) Where the trail differs from the track file it's easier to follow the trail which is generally good &amp; clear. You are required to register online for the trek (link given by Veronica &amp; Zach) &amp; sign out at the national park office when you are finished.<br /> <br /> The river above Laguna Toro was waist deep &amp; v fast, it nearly knocked me over. Not recommended to cross in the afternoon. In the early morning it may be only knee deep. Bring the harness anyway &amp; learn how to use it, you may need it. On the glacier stay near the edge, people tend to go too far out. At the far side you should see footprints &amp; cairns leading to the moraine. Camped @ small high camp just after exiting the moraine (Vivac Tunel) There are a few stone corrals there. Lined the tent with rocks - pegs alone will pop. Good &amp; sheltered camping @ Laguna Toro &amp; after Paso del Viento @ Refuge but I went from Vivac Tunel over Pasos Viento &amp; Huemul in 1 long day. Only a little snow @ Paso del Viento &amp; easy to cross. Very windy on Paso Huemul in the afternoon. Steep &amp; loose descent, slow going but I saw 2 huemul. Amazing views of the Icecap between the two passes. Campsite @ Iceberg Bay one of the best on GPT. You can watch the bergs that calve off the icefield breaking up. At lower Rio Tunel we forded 300M downstream from the cable where the river is braided into channels. OK to cross @ noon, knee deep &amp; fast but you need to pick a good spot. Definitely not fordable @ the cable where it runs deep in a single channel. Challenging hike but incredible views of the Icecap.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-02 / 2 days / Tom and Maddie'''<br /> <br /> 2 days anticlockwise. Trail is easy to follow. Talk to the rangers and they can let you know about any issues. Would be tough in bad weather but in clear weather there are no issues. For the glacier walk we were told to enter the glacier just after the beginning and to exit just after the end. I suspect due to the increased popularity a new route has been made in sections so follow the trail markers which divert from the GPX route. <br /> <br /> We hired harnesses in El Chalten for the river crossings. We crossed the first on foot in the morning and had no issues. The second one we crossed using the equipment for the novelty but the river looked fine to cross further down. However I can see the river being hard to cross in high levels of rain. <br /> <br /> This was a very beautiful section and very different to the northern sections.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-12 / 4 days / Oreste Marquis'''<br /> <br /> Did the trek counterclockwise wich is the only way to do it rangers say. You need to register to do this trek and guardaparques vive great advises. I crossed the rivers by foot and they were pretty hard, I recommand using the zipline. Awesome views with good weather, but the wind is really annoying! The campgrounds rangers told me to camp weren’t the ones on the trackfiles, but are pretty close to them so they are not hard to find. Great experience !!<br /> <br /> Verify the wind forecast! The hills are so steep, strong wind could be dangerous! There’s no snow anymore and you will not need crampons.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec / 3 days / Matthieu '''<br /> <br /> We did it in December with good weather, in 3 days ( instead of the 4 recommended, 2 first days in one big day). Awesome trekk and views. It is better to register first at the guardaparques office. <br /> <br /> Trekk easy to follow excepted on the walk on the glaciar before the paso del viento (a little one, not the Viedma). During this walk, I would not advise to try to walk by the wall of mud and rocks at the left of the glaciar, it is a steepy way and everything slips, we tried it and went on the ice after. The little walk on the ice just near didn´t feel unsafe to me, with the little rocks it doesn't really slip.<br /> <br /> Good camping sites, well protected from the weather conditions. <br /> <br /> The last downhill after the paso de Huemul is the most dangerous part, very steepy but with trees to hang for help. I would advise to do this part with good weather conditions, with mud it could be dangerous. <br /> <br /> For the rivercrossings (2 real ones) there is one way walking and one way with tyrolean on a zip Line. We did it with with the tyrolean, and it was extremly funny. Rental of material possible in El chalten. Of course you have to know how to insure yourself good, so inform yourself before going, it is not hard to understand though, but extremely dangerous if not done well. None of us had experience with it before. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-18 / Arnaud et Adriane'''<br /> <br /> After we have taken the information at the national parc office, we only had 2 days of correct weather. So we decided not to walk the entire section but to go only to the paso del viento to get the view on the campo de hielo (glaciar viedma), following the advises of the guardaparques.<br /> <br /> I think it is the highlight of the section but not sure since I have never walked it entirely.<br /> <br /> On the first day we also took the time to walk to the summit of the cerro loma del pliegue tumbado (1500m of height). It offers an amazing view on the fitz roy and on the cerro torre, the 2 rockstars of El Chalten.<br /> <br /> On the second day we went to el Paso del Viento. The view there on the campo de hielo is absolutely fascinating. The hike is very tough but is absolutely worth the effort. You walk on a glaciar during 2kms but no equipment or particular skill is needed. It was very very very windy (and happily it was a quiet day I do not imagine on other day).<br /> <br /> Day 1 : El Chalten-cerro loma del pliegue tumbado-laguna torro : 27km with big elevation gain (around 1700m)<br /> Day 2 : laguna toro - paso del viento - laguna toro : 18km.<br /> Day 3 : back to El Chalten : 17km.<br /> <br /> I definitely recomand to follow the guardaparques advises and pay a huge attention to the weather. On this section with a bad weather and a strong wind I think it is dangerous to try to walk it entirely. And if it is cloudy, you will miss amazing views.<br /> <br /> The riverford after the laguna toro was easy on the way to the paso del viento (on the morning) but very dangerous on the way back (on the afternoon with all the gletchers melting I think). The worst we've done yet.<br /> If you intend to get back after the paso del viento I advise to get equipment to be able to use the zip line that has been settled by the guardaparques. It us much more secured than crossing the river on the afternoon.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-6 / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe /7'''<br /> <br /> Equipment for Zip Line to cross rivers is not required anymore since this season.<br /> <br /> Most of the season the rivers are possible to cross on foot<br /> <br /> Paso Viedma had a decent amount of snow on it (Snow Line at 1000m), the ascent is straightforward but the descent on the side facing the ice field can be really iced over and difficult without crampons (ask at Visitor Center of the NP for current conditions)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-4 / 4 days / regular hiking route / counter-clockwise / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe '''<br /> <br /> Beautiful hike in good weather! Great views of the ice sheet and mountains from Paso Del Viento. Highly recommend waiting for clear weather so you don't miss the scenery! We went up right after a big storm. The trail was a bit muddy up to the Laguna Torro, and the lee of the pass had a decent amount of snow. The windward side was pretty icy and more difficult than the snow. The next day we took a detour and cut cross country to walk on the Campo De Hielo Sur. Our route took a bit of steep scrambling to get down to it and back up around Paso De Huemul, and there were lots of open crevasses on the ice, so it would be good to have some experience and navigation skills if you want to do the same. Dropping down Paso Huemul on the trail was steep and a knee killer, and from Lago Viedma we had a hard time staying on the right trail amidst all the cow path, but aside from a few spiky bushes it's easy to cut cross country. Unnecessary to use the zip lines this year to cross the rivers. You have to camp only in the designated campsites.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> * '''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18'''<br /> <br /> Notes to consider before beginning: GPT40 is more popularly known as the Huemul Circuit, a 57-kilometer trek in El Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Before embarking, the national park guard requires that every hiker obtain a permit, bring required safety gear, and watch a slideshow about the circuit. The safety gear consists of a harness, 2 carabiners (one steel and one aluminum), slings, and 35 m of rope. Most of this gear can be rented at any outfitter in town, but due to liability reasons, the outfitters won’t rent rope. We went to the local ferretería to purchase this. All of this gear is used for two river crossings on zip lines. <br /> <br /> We were told that the rangers required hikers to bring their safety gear to the station before a permit would be issued. I would recommend that anyone who wants to do this circuit go to the rangers station the day before to watch the video and get any other necessary information about weather, conditions, etc. Since rentals can get expensive, renting the same day you leave and then going to the rangers station to show them your safety gear and get a permit seems to be the best course of action. The guard station is located on the south side of the Río Fitz Roy just across the bridge. <br /> <br /> Most people hike the circuit clockwise (as the slideshow recommends). The trail begins just behind the rangers station and ascends up gentle grassy hills. It is fairly flat and well maintained. After passing Laguna Túnel o Tore, the trail deviates from the GPS route and loops to the first crossing of the Río Túnel on a zip line. During low water, it is possible to cross this river on foot by following the GPS track. After crossing the river, the trail climbs steeply to just above Glaciar Río Túnel Inferior. Along the south side of the glacier, the trail becomes hard to follow as it disappears in loose moraine. Walking on the edge of the glacier may be easier than trying to pick your way across the steep slope but be careful doing this. <br /> <br /> After passing the glacier, follow maintained switchbacks up the side of the mountain towards Paso del Viento, the high point of the circuit. For the next 20 km, expect amazing views of Glacier Viedma. I cannot speak to the quality of the trail descending from the pass because of the blanketing snowpack that was present during our trek, but the sections where the snow did melt looked maintained. There is a small refugio, Refugio Paso del Viento located at a pond about 3.5 km from Paso Viento. <br /> <br /> After passing the refugio, the trail contours and then climbs to Paso Huemul. Make sure to look back and enjoy the last view of Glacier Viedma. The descent is very steep and at one point there is even a rope to downclimb. There are also plenty of woody bushes (manzanita?) to cling to as you lower yourself down the trail. After completing the descent, the trail is straightforward and easygoing. There is camping on the beach at the peninsula, Camping Bahía de Hornos. There is one more river crossing with a zip line at the lower Río Túnel, and from there it is easy walking to the end!<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> 2023: There is a bus every evening at 8PM from El Chalten to Los Antiguos, arriving at about 7AM. The bus continues to Esquel, El Bolson &amp; Bariloche. From Los Antiguos you can go by local taxi or hitch to the border &amp; Chile Chico (there is no longer a bus across the border) There is also a bus once a day from Los Antiguos to El Chalten.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anh<br /> It’s possible to hike alone, you just have to make registration online before and after:<br /> [[Registration|https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfP8lEz5ry97gEK6fzx2mlu1NAhPwBx8cRlnSZOH8mx8iUMHA/viewform]]<br /> <br /> *2023 / Arthur, Rémi, Noé &amp; Louis<br /> Do not forget to register online with the guardaparques (and to check out when you return !).<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT40 - Glaciar Viedma]]<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anh<br /> InReach from ranger: pls ask the ranger the current phone number and email for inReach.<br /> <br /> You don’t have to watch video in ranger station anymore, they have new presentation:<br /> [[Presentation |https://drive.google.com/file/u/0/d/1U_Wp46EDCLM_yFlSgXdfyxZYnMFHTLlN/view?pli=1]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT39_(Monte_Fitzroy)&diff=120736 2025-03-12T21:25:22Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-10 &gt; 12 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 39-02 &gt; 39-B &gt; RR &gt; &lt;strike&gt;39-E&lt;/strike&gt; &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT37+GPT38+GPT39<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : péages, touristes, torrent impassable<br /> <br /> Le sentier le long du lac est un peu humide mais il est très bien entretenu. J'ai marché 4 km sur la gravel road puis un couple d'argentin super gentil m'ont emmené directement au km 31,7 au départ du sentier. Le péage était désert alors je suis passé sans payer direction le glacier Marconi 39-02. Après le camp du km 6,7 il faut passer au nord de la colline, le long du torrent. Globalement il faut utiliser son GPS, il y a des cairns et un marquage mais ça ne suffit pas. J'ai campé ici (-49.2126854, -73.06602) ça protège du vent dominant mais attention il y a des courants d'air. Le point de vue est ici maintenant (-49.2127844, -73.0944228) car le glacier a bien reculé. La glace tombe même sous nos yeux. Les sentiers 39-B (El Chaltén - Lago de los Tres) et RR (El Chaltén - Laguna Torre) sont saturés de touristes, ça ralenti vraiment le rythme. J'ai essayé de faire le sentier 39-E mais le torrent est totalement infranchissable près du lac. Il faut soit utiliser la tyrolienne au début du torrent, soit le franchir 1km plus bas puis passer dans le bois (bush-bashing). Le courant est très rapide, l'eau est totalement trouble, il y a des blocs de glace qui passent. Comme il fallait revenir par le même chemin je n'ai pas essayé, estimant le risque beaucoup trop important. Je ne comprend pas comment ce trail a pu être validé sans pont ni ford alors que même moi je n'arrive pas à traverser en fin de saison. J'ai continué vers El Chaltén. Attention ils ont un vrai probleme avec la CB et veulent tout le temps du liquide, et pas de liquide Chilien... Cependant j'ai pu faire mes courses avec ma CB.<br /> <br /> '''28Fev2025 - 1Mar2025 / hiking NOBO / RR - varB OH1 - RR / 2 days / Lilian and Clara'''<br /> <br /> No park ranger at begining of RR trail to Laguna Torre. <br /> Easy trail overrun ++, we decided to skip laguna torre. <br /> We went to laguna sucia and loved it, very majestic. <br /> <br /> Camp at laguna piedras blancas, nice view on the glaciar and fitz roy at the end of the trail but crazy wind. Some good wind sheltered spots for tent under huge rocks (one very good and even rain protected). <br /> <br /> Trail on OH1 is close but still easy to follow, no one there and really nice. <br /> No park ranger at rio electrico around 11am. <br /> It took us 30sec to get a ride to the lake at the end of the morning. <br /> There you have 1h free wifi that is good. Several solutions to eat (foodtruck and restaurant, minimarket with mostly drinks and sweats). possibility to pay by card. <br /> Boat going to north side of the lake several time per day (except no boat on monday), 40k ARG. <br /> <br /> Trail to north side along the lake is easy. <br /> <br /> Camp at the Argentinian border campsite : water, toilets and awsome view on lake + fitzroy. <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-21 to 2025-Feb-22 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 2 + variant B + Laguna Sucia + variant C / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Trail along Lago Desierto is nice and straight forward. We hitched the road to the start of Option 2. There's a ticket booth with the new park fees near the start however it was closed in the afternoon. We found somewhere hidden in the forest to camp.<br /> <br /> The rest was all straight forward. Didn't see anybody at Laguna Piedra Blancas, Lago De Los Tres was very busy as expected, Laguna Sucia was much quieter but still a few people. We took variant C to El Chalten as the weather looked bad the following day, very easy trail lots of tourists.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Feb-04 to 2025-Feb-05 / 1.5 days Hiking / SOBO/ RR/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: The trail along Lago del Desierto is nice and easy, sometimes a bit wet. When i reached the gravel road it took more than 1h to get a hitch. A friendly couple from Buenos Aires took me. Wanted to continue with the RR, but a sign said &quot;access only for guests of Hotel El Pilar&quot;. Was confused and continued some meters on the road and tried to bypass on a gravelroad. But it ended nowhere. Was frustrated and had to backtrack. Found a possibility to bypass Hotel El Pilar on this 4x4 track: -49.235541, -72.932263. It continues to the trail. From there it was easy hiking and at 8pm i pitched my tent hidden in the forest. <br /> <br /> Day 2: The official campsites like Poincenot now charge 15.000 ARS (~15US$). In my opinion it's pricey for what you get: a flat spot in the forest and access to a vault toilet without toilet paper. <br /> <br /> Went up to Laguna Sucia. Really beautiful, but the trail was suprinsingly technical with a short &amp; very steep ascent and a stretch on big boulders. <br /> <br /> It was very easy hiking until El Chaltén. Met tons of people. Missed Laguna Torre, want to do it later with Arno.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-22 to 2025-Jan-23 / 2 / &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO / RP + RR + Variant: C + B + new Option/ Roman'''<br /> <br /> Route: Started the section directly from GPT38. Started packrafting at Lake, Ferry {39} [0.1/507] (Lago del Desierto) to the other side of the ferry. Hitchhiked from there to El Chaiten. Went on a short one day hike to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres) via a new Option (Laguna Sucia).<br /> <br /> Weather: Day one was cloudy with little wind. Day two was clear and sunny until noon after that cloudy.<br /> <br /> Details: Started Packrafting at ~14:00 PM. There was a guard who wanted me to put in a helmet (which doesn't make sense for a lake crossing. I had full Packrafting gear (drysuit, life jacket, leash, etc.). Luckily a friend had a helmet i could use. After the guard verified that the weather was good i was allows to go. As pointed out earlier this isn't a official rule it depends on the guard. After starting i experienced the &quot;topical&quot; condiciones on the lake. Basically no wind at the shores (north/south shore) and strongish winds in the middle 20-30 km/h N. All of this can be read in the comments here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D38JiiEhq/ . After 2.25 hours and a average speed of 4.2 km/h. I After i reached the south shore i walked for 5km before I got a lift directly to El Chaiten. It's a busy, touristy and expensive place and I didn't not really enjoyed it.<br /> <br /> I went on a fast morning hike the next day to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres). There are 3 entry point where you have to buy a ticket for the national park. They also sometimes check if you have a ticket when you are exiting. The entrance fee can be avoided by 1) enter early in the morning 2) walk around the entry point. The same goes for the way out. You can download the 3 checkpoints at the end. I started in El Chaiten at 03:15 AM and followed variant C from the city center to GPT39-C start and followed the RR north up to GPT39-B end until this point: X {39-B} [0.6/736]. From there I went to Laguna Sucia - i didn't registered/notified anyone for taking this trail even though there was a sign. After that i scrambled my way up to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres) and backtracked the same way via Variant B back to El Chaiten. The route can be downloaded at the end.<br /> <br /> Overall: Packrafting Laguna del Desierto was really nice. After that i got way to touristy and crowded for me. I would reccomend continuing as fast as possible and not spending time at El Chaiten or the National Park. The hike to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres) was nice - as I was the only person at Laguna Sucia and I have only met a few people that early in the morning and I was already back around 09:30 AM.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Track &amp;Additional Markers):<br /> - Checkpoints of the national park &amp; New option: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tJYWBnZnqqOJStEPxQ<br /> <br /> Source: https://xn--sealcalafate-bhb.com/contenido/12931/el-lunes-comienza-el-cobro-de-acceso-a-turistas-en-la-zona-de-el-chalten<br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * '''Dec 22-23 / OH 39-02 + RR SOBO / wiiiim'''<br /> <br /> GPT39 was busy as expected, I hitched a ride from Lago Desierto &amp; entered the park in the afternoon from Rio Electrico on the OH, it has a park toll booth at the start about 200m in, it was closed that rainy afternoon. I camped in some very windy weather at -49.26410, -72.95542 there are several nice well protected rock bivvies, Laguna piedras blancas is a short/nice side trip, I wanted to avoid Poincenot which seems to get absolutely hammered, I was told they will start charging camp fees here very soon? I couldn’t verify this. <br /> Laguna Sucia was a highlight for me, if you’re short on time I would personally pick this over Laguna de los tres<br /> For what it’s worth the new park entry fee system is pretty poorly implemented, it’s currently a sport among back packers to avoid park control booths by starting the trails before 7am. Laguna Torre is still free, so technically you can enter from -49.33148, -72.89532 at any time and hike the RR NOBO without check points, they dont seem to validate inside or at park exits.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Apr-03 to 2024-Apr-05 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 1 + B + OSM Trail to Laguna Sucia / Joscha '''<br /> <br /> I combined Section 37, 38 and 39. It took me 10.5 days including 2.5 days waiting at Bahia Pescado for the ferry. I left a bag with food in Villa O'Higgins which the ferry brought me. And I could store food at the chilenian Border station. Therefore I never had to cary food for more than 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-31.8] + OH39-01 + OH39-B [0.6-0.2]<br /> <br /> I arrived at the southern end of lago de desierto at noon. I hiked for about 2 hours on the primary road until I got a hitch to the start of OH39-01. Its probably easier to get a hitch in the afternoon. At Laguna Piedras Blancas is a sign that the area around the Laguna is dangerous and it's forbidden to go to the Laguna. The sidetrail to the Laguna is a rock scramble. Because of wind and rain I did not went to the Laguna. But its possible to see the glacier without scrambling up to the Laguna (its also possible to see the glacier from the RR) and the rest of the trail is in good condition as well. I camped at the campsite Poincenot [39.4+0.2].<br /> <br /> Day 2: OH39-B [0.2-2.6] + OSM Trail to Laguna Sucia + RR [39.4-49.4]<br /> <br /> I went up to the Laguna de los Tres for sunrise with about 50 other hikers. The trail is officially closed for the season, but nobody cares. It was a little icy, but doable without spikes. I returned to the campsite Poincenot and went to the Laguna Sucia on the OSM trail. This trail is also officially closed, because it is suposed to be to dangerous. The last few hundred meters to the Laguna is a rock scramble, but in good conditions pretty easy. During the rock scramble you can go on both sides of the river. I liked the southern side a little more, even though the OSM trail is on the northern side. I can really recommend Laguna Sucia. Only few people and in my opinion more impressive than Laguna de los Tres. After that I returned to the RR and went to Laguna Torre. I camped at the Campsite D' Agostini at km 49.4.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [49.4-59.4]<br /> <br /> Easy walk to El Chalten.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Ma 20 to 22 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Juliette and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Day 1 : Argentinian gendarmeria - Punta Sur <br /> <br /> A small day with only a walk along the lago Desierto. Approximatly 5 hours of walk. Nice points of view on the fitz Roy. We sleeped at the « Hosteria y restaurante Punta sur »… It’s 48 000 argentinian pesos for a two people room with a breakfast included (and it’s allowed us to dry our stuff). There is a camping on the side with a small refuge inside in case of rain for 14 000 pesos per people.<br /> <br /> Day 2 : Punta Sur - Camp Poincenot <br /> <br /> We hitchhiked to skip the road to hike less (because of a foot pain). The detour to the Laguna Piedras Blancas worth it, but the ascenption to the lake on huge rock took us à long time, despite the low distance. Camping poincenot was crowded, but we didn’t heard of any mice. <br /> <br /> Day 3 : camp Poincenot - El Chalten <br /> <br /> Wake up early to contemplate to sun rise from the Lago los Tres. The ascenption from the camp is an hour long, easy beaucause overrun and the trail is maitained. A lot of people do the same (almost 20 or 30 I would say). It’s really beautiful, espacially if you have a good weather. Walking on the most famous trail around the fitz roy is really différent from the GPT. The trailed arouned Cerro Torre is really easy and overrun. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-08 to 2024-Mar-09/ 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Opt 01 + Var B+D / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Argentine Border Control – near Rio Electrico:<br /> <br /> Started at the Argentine Border Control at 14:00. (I stayed the night before in Candelario Mancilla, GPT38). It took me 3:45h of straight walking to reach the road on the southern end of the lake. Got a ride from there at 18:15 to the bridge over Rio Electrico. On OSM there was a camping indicated there, which does not exist. Due to the beginning darkness, I camped near the path of Option01 2km from the bridge – very windy night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: near Rio Electrico - Laguna Piedras Blancas - Laguna de Los Tres - Laguna Torre - El Chalten<br /> <br /> A very (too) long day due to a bad weather forecast for the following days. Option 1 is very nice though officially closed because in one season there had ocurred 18 accidents and one person dying. (Information of park ranger Miguel at whose house I stayed in ElChalten). Was lucky to see Fitz Roy from Laguna Piedras Blancas!<br /> It is very interesting to see how the tourists concentrate to certain hot spots all over the world. On the path to Laguna de Los Tres I “met” probably more people (hundreds) than on my whole 60 day GPT hike before!<br /> <br /> * '''24-Mar-03 to 2024-Mar-05 / 48 hours / Hiking / SOBO / RR, option 1, new option from Laguna Sucio to Laguna Torre / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I started at 1300 from the carabinieros. The trail to road took me 3 hours (with one 5 minute stop), it is not that horrible with ups and downs but it has its share, with the small ones at the end more unexpected. I wanted to catch a bus that supposedly leaves at 4 as previously noted. I met only one couple hiking one km from the road. How surprised was I by the full carpark (30 cars). The bus apparently leaves at five. I hitched a car instead after 15 minutes. The road seemed busy, maybe it was the Sunday afternoon but one car passed every 3-5 minutes (and there were cars going north too). Got off at start of option 1 - there is enormous parking lot there with maybe 50 cars.<br /> <br /> I took the option 1 which is supposed to be peopleless. It is, once you reach the X at 2.4. Or earlier, if you take the OSM trail after 1 km signposted to camping Poincenot. Follow that for 500 m and then turn right on a barely used trail. Shortcut the detour by CCing (roughly here:49.2387039S, 72.9553397W) to the left through open forest after cca 400 m on this trail. Once again on the GPT, you will come across a fence - I guess that is why this trail is not much used, it is probably not official. Viewpoint at 6.2 is really worth it - for me it was also the first time I saw Fitz Roy, as it was in the clouds previously. I camped at the turnoff to the viewpoint here: 49.2640959S, 72.9554167W. There is a place for tent but I used a cave-like space under a boulder 15 m upstream - it was big enough to allow me to use the inner part of my tent against the few mosquitoes around. Too small for two though. Not sure what the legal situation is, I heard when caught camping without a permit in the park, they take your gear and you must pay a fine in town. This trail is however rarely used (only signed by cairns), so probably they would not check here [also, sleeping under the lagoon might be dangerous as it could technically collapse at anytime).<br /> <br /> The next day I did not take variant B to Lago de los Tres. By the way the OSM trail there to Cerro Madsen in reality does not seem to go over glacier but in between them, the glaciars are shrinking (it is marked as SAC 4 which seems about right, looks easily walkable/lightly scramblable), you could also probably cut it from the Lago to Laguna Sucia going through this seemingly waterless valley/gulley: 49.2825930S, 72.9843467W. How do I know these? I went from Laguna Sucia (not on GPT yet, but it is on OSM partly) to Laguna Torre. This is a demanding but very fun and extremely beautiful scramble (at most SAC 5 but I did not exactly always aim for the easiest route), hopefully it will make it to the GPX files for the next season. For now, pictures and GPX link [https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1761957234310155/ here]. It goes like this: follow the OSM trail that goes from camping Poincenot to Laguna Sucia and then to Swiss Bivy/la Cueva. Once there, follow the trail a bit more (150 m) to get on top of the cliffy-like part of the slope, where it will be a bit flatter. Scramble horizontally to SE and then to E. The glacier is smaller than on the map - I got to its very end and crossed one of the small gullies near it. Then you traverse for some time on a less steep terrain, until you are roughly under a nameless lake. From there, go up. I took a ridge, which was fun, but easier would be to go up a slope. I got to about 1550 on the ridge that is above the lake from NW. Going down to the lake is a bit less slopy from there. There would be other ways, either going higher over this ridge, or even lower. One could also probably go straight up from the lake, or even with a bit bushbashing approach the lake from NE.<br /> <br /> At the lake, I met a Swiss couple who slept there. They built a very nice tent space there. This was a coincidence, this does not seem like popular traverse (though I saw a paraglider launch from Loma de las Pizzaras, which had a trail to it on OSM; that is what the Swiss took saying the trail stops 500 m before the peak; from there they went down to a valley south of the peak and over a pass). I went through the pass cca 200 m from Loma de las Pizzaras (which had usable if a bit spotty 4G Claro internet), down a valley and then over a miniscule pass to SW to a lake that is not even on OSM [2024: I since added it to OSM] yet here: 49.3051327S, 72.9861450W - a good camping spot, so I stayed (it was a very sunny calm and reasonably warm day/night), but the place seems more sheltered than the other lake where I met the Swiss. Did not bother to build a windwall, sorry. I met 12 people all day, 7 out of which were climbers lolling about their tents, they camped both just before Laguna Sucio and at the Swiss bivy. Not sure if this is tolerated or you need a permit (or possibly climbing gear). Took me about 4 hours from Swiss bivy to Loma de las Pizzaras. Incredible views, ice kept falling from the glaciers, once even to the lake. Usually the ice is down by the time you hear the rumbling, but I was close enough to watch two falls. Also saw Condors again after a long time. A perfect day and I am out of superlatives describing it; I guess this is what makes some people crazy about Patagonia. Fitz Roy is actually the only place I knew about before coming to Chile after googling &quot;long distance hike in South America&quot; 16 months earlier.<br /> <br /> The next day I went over a small pass to the west of the lake and then down, roughly aiming for end of variant D. Around 1050 m I crossed a stream (take water from it, there won't be much more) and kept it to my left, graduallly distancing myself from it to maybe 50-100m. There is a way between the greenery that does not involve BBing. Then you reach the forrest, which is open and you end up on the trail.<br /> <br /> From there to El Chalten, it is a highway (200 people met?), very easy and pretty (autumn is coming), but annoying with people. I do not like El Chalten, going on to GPT40 before the weather turns horrible.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-28 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / option 1 + Laguna Pollone + variant b + variant d / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : easy path to follow<br /> - Water : easy to find<br /> - Camping spot : poincenot is a nice campsite, camping piedra del fraile doesn't accept card so you need cash<br /> - Weather : sunny and cloudy<br /> - Resupply : from villa O'Higgins<br /> - Overall : amazing section, the views are amazing, really worth it to do the Fitz Roy for the sunrise and leave the tent and bags at the Poincenot campsite<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 / 4 day / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Charlie Gardner'''<br /> <br /> Not much to add, super straightforward hiking area. Only addition I’d recommend is hiking through Poincenot camp (or staying there) and taking western route that connects with the trail to Lago Piedra Blancas. This section was empty and georgeous. The short hike up the boulder field to the lake is absolutely worth. Piedra del Fraile is an awesome little campsite and Refugio as well. We didn’t go any further North by hiking on this route. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-13 / 1 day / Packrafting / SOBO / RR + Option 2A / Tom Pieper'''<br /> <br /> Not much to add. The free camping at gendarmeria argentina was indeed my most favourite 'official' camping spot of the entire GPT. Amazing view on Mt Fitz Roy in the evening! Talk to the gendarmeria. They might help organize boat transfer with a local farmer even outside the official hours. Tooked the motorboat in the morning, as wind was too strong to cross by packraft. Packrafting Rio de las vueltas was fun. Swift blue river which might a perfect packrafting river for beginners as there are no major obstacles. After every bend new stunning views on Mt Fitz Roy. Bring fishing equipment - a lot of trouts in there. I did not went for the lower part, but easily catched a ride via option 2A.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-03 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We camped by the border control. It was raining all night and still in the morning but we decided to do the hike along Laguna Desierto. Surprisingly it wasn't as muddy and slippery as we expected but of course the streams were pretty big and everything got absolutely soaked during the rain. We reached the other end of the lake in less than three hours and there were lots of cars and tourists there. No phone signal. We started hiking along the road and after 5km got a ride to El Chalten.<br /> <br /> The ferry doesn't go on Wednesdays, on Thursday it went at 11am from the side of the border control. Not sure of the price.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-16 to 2023-Dec-19 / 3.5 days / NOBO / El Chaltén - Lago del desierto / RR/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was a well marked section with amazing views. You nearly don't need your gps during the entire section and can enjoy the beautiful landscape. It felt like an easy first section for us. <br /> <br /> The trail to Laguna torre was full of people but once we turned out of it, it was really ok.<br /> <br /> The road walking between puente del río electrico and lago del desierto wasn't the most interesting but everything is better with a nice view!<br /> <br /> *2023 Anh OH-TL-V + RH-TL-V (Lago del Desierto)<br /> OH-TL-V is easy for Gpt hikers. The trails are easy to find. Just for the left trail of Laguna Torre you have to rent Harness to cross river via Tyrolean traverse.<br /> <br /> RH-TL-V along Lago del Desierto is easy to hike, official you should plan 6 hours. I just needed 4.5 hours (slow-normal speed) with heavy backpack (10 days food). Alternatively you can pay 55 USD (one way) for the ferry.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-19 to 2023-Mar-20 / 2 days / NOBO / El Chalten to Paso Fronterizo del Lago del desierto / Jess&amp;Paco'''<br /> <br /> Easy and wonderfull section especially the trail from lago Torre to Poincenot Camp passing by Lagos Madre e Hija. <br /> <br /> Be carefull after leaving the national park camping El pilar and Laguna Condor are quite expensive. Laguna Condor even refused a group of 5 mochileros without reservation we met the day after. Also the camping Ricanor seems definively closed and the land is to sale. Pitching your tent in the nearby forest is possible but not really authorised. It can be tolerated. But like in the National park and the majority of campsite indicated on the GPT tracks absolutly no fires is allowed.<br /> <br /> You can by snacks at the camping on the southern shore of Lago del desierto but it is not a good resuply spot.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-23 to 2023-Mar-26 / 4 days / SOBO / Lago del Desierto - El Chaltén / RR + option 1 + variant B / Anna &amp; Christopher'''<br /> <br /> What a contrast arriving from the last section without meeting anybody. At the southern end of Lago del Desierto there are lots of tourists. We continued from there around 3 p.m., when people slowly started to come back from their day trips. Our timing proved to be pretty good, because we got a ride after walking for a couple of minutes. There is also a bus to El Chaltén leaving atound 4 p.m. for 3.500 pesos.<br /> <br /> The car dropped us at the bridge at km 31.8 where option 1 starts. That night we camped somewhere between the rocks next to the trail around km 8. Camping at Piedra del Fraile is 3.000 pesos.<br /> <br /> The next day we knew it would rain in the afternoon so we got up early at sunrise, left our backpacks behind and went up to km 12.3 to get a nice view of the glacier. When the rain started, we fled to the hut at Piedra del Fraile to wait until it passes. <br /> <br /> If one is short in time, we would recommend to skip this glacier, because the other options of GPT 39 are definitely more spectacular.<br /> <br /> We loved the detour to Laguna Piedra blanca. <br /> <br /> Due to the horror stories of mice at the official campgrounds, we decided to stay away and camped approx. 1km away from the campsite <br /> &quot;Poincenot&quot; that night.<br /> <br /> The next day we got up early to see the sunrise at Lago de los Tres, which was beautiful, even though there were way more people than expected for sunrise ;) <br /> <br /> Up there we saw one possible camping spot surrounded by a stone wall. With strong wind it's probably not the best shelter though.<br /> <br /> The stretch to Laguna Torre is amazing. When we arrived there we could enjoy the spectacular view with sunny, windless weather for a while, before it suddenly got extremly windy and everyone looked for a shelter behind some rocks. We decided to return to the woods, camped there and wanted to continue with the options around Laguna Torre the next day. <br /> <br /> When we went up to Laguna Torre the wind still was extremely strong and unfortunately all mountains were covered by clouds, so we quickly continued to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-7 to 2023-Mar-14 / 2.5 days / SOBO / RR + Option 1 / Lago Desierto - El Chaltén / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> This section offers lot of impressive views of snowy peaks, turquoise rivers and glaciers - if one has the luck of a good weather. If you are going SOBO and want to do the weather-sensitive GPT40 afterwards, one way to reduce potential waiting days is to pause GPT39 once you get across Lago Desierto and hitchhike to El Chalten. This allows you to consult rangers in El Chalten about a good weather window for The Huemul Circuit (GPT40). You can complete the remainder of GPT39 while waiting for the weather window or after you have finished GPT40. I was on a relatively tight schedule and this strategy has worked well for me.<br /> <br /> Starting from the Argentinian checkpoint at Lago Desierto around midday, I did the lake stretch in the afternoon (took me around 5 hours) and camped at the official campsite at the other side of the lake. The rates were 3,000 Argentinian pesos per person. They have hot water but the pressure is really really bad. They also have a new common room (more like a big refugio) where you can cook and recharge devices (if you have the argentian plug, which I didn’t). The campsite also sels some biscuits, chips etc. There was also a big restaurant bulding, however, it closed at 6pm so I didn’t have a chance to check it out. <br /> <br /> On the second day I walked the road to the point where the trail branches off the road (km38.0). The road was quite scenic but in a hindsight the trail after km38.0 felt much more beautiful. Once you get closer to the trailhead you can observe the monumental Fitz Roy peak, weather permiting. In my case the forecast predicted rain all day. However, at noon the sky suddenly opened and after five gray days granted me beautiful views. This made me to change my strategy and hitch to El Chaltén from the crossroad (km38) hoping that I will be able to use this good weather window for the Huemul circuit (GPT40). This has indeed worked out. <br /> <br /> I hitched back to the crossroad (km38.0) few days later and continued with Option 1 (Laguna Piedras Blancas - L. De Los Tres - L. Torre - El Chaltén) with light backpack in a single day as I was short on time. I would prefer to spend at least two days on this portiom, exploring the lagunas further away. Very scenic and mantained trails in general. Easy to jog some parts for those who enjoy trail running.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-17 to 2023-Feb-20 / 4 days / RR / SOBO / also all the optional routes to the various lagunas on the way to El Chaltén / Véronica &amp; Zach '''<br /> <br /> Route: Lago Del Desierto - Río Las Vueltas - resupply in El Chaltén - Lagos Eléctrico y Marconi - Lago Piedras Blancas - Lago de los Tres - Lago Torre <br /> <br /> If packrafting Lago Desierto, consult the Gendarmaria for advice about current wind conditions. We can't speak about the trail or paddling along most of Lago del Desierto, thanks to a special encounter with a trail magician with a motorboat. We camped that night in a sheltered cove with a fantastic view of Monte Fitz Roy. The next morning, I walked ~3km to the south side of the lake while Zach packrafted down with a tailwind. We learned the ferry crosses the lake from south to north on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10 a.m., and returns from north to south those same days at 11 a.m. <br /> <br /> We walked a scenic dirt road to the put-in for Río de las Vueltas. From there, Zach packrafted and I walked the road. There were no signs along the river prohibiting paddling, but we heard you need a permit to go all the way into El Chaltén. <br /> <br /> We resupplied in El Chaltén that evening, then the next morning hitched back up to Bridge, X {39} [31.7/449], where Option 1 starts. For the next three days, we walked beautiful, well-maintained trails to the lagunas and viewpoints in the vicinity of Monte Fitz Roy. Most of them are out-and-back, and you can easily stash your backpack and walk unencumbered to the glaciers and lakes. Note: Option 39-E requires a harness to cross on a Tyrolean cable, or a burly ford.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-29 to 2023-Jan-01 / Helen and Craig /'''<br /> <br /> &gt;Well marked trails. Very busy on sunny days, Incredibly dusty camp sites in high winds (but nicely sheltered)<br /> <br /> &gt;Really sad amount of rubbish around the trail. Maybe because of this reason mice are a real proplem around the camp sites. *Secure food* (we have taken to sleeping with all food in the main compartment of our tent and don't trust drysacks and backpacks alone to protect). We picked up the bits we could carry but sad to see. Worst littering we have seen anywhere in Patagonia. Wished I had a bigger trash bag to pick up.<br /> <br /> &gt;We walked a very leisurely 3 night loop with side trails in high winds whilst waiting for a weather window for GPT40. Then hitchhiked up to rejoin the trail at Lago Desertio.<br /> <br /> &gt;To avoid the crowds, the popular miadors we walked to at odd times of day, sunset for the 'sunrise' veiw. Very much Worth it.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-09 to 2022-Dec-11 / 2 half days &amp; 1 full day walking / SOBO / Frank'''<br /> <br /> I came from Candelario Mansilla &amp; continued on the trail round Laguna del Desierto the same day. It was slow going around the lake with lots of up &amp; down over bluffs. At the end of the lake I crossed over a bridge (inflow stream for the lake) Just after the bridge there is a restaurant, (closed in the evening), campsite &amp; hut. I stayed in the hut (no beds but in good condition, slept on the wooden floor) From the campsite a trail goes up to Laguna Huemul, about 1 hour up. A worthwhile detour with good views of Glaciar Huemul. Next day I continued on the road then on the trail towards Laguna de los Tres. The high campsite was very busy &amp; noisy so I continued down to Laguna Capri &amp; camped there, better but still noisy. Lots of people on the trail also, a big change to the previous sections. From Laguna Capri I continued easily down to El Chalten. 2 half days &amp; 1 full day walking.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-18 / NOBO / Oreste'''<br /> <br /> The campground Ricanor near to Laguna Azul was close for maintenance when I passed there.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-16 / NOBO / Oreste Marquis'''<br /> <br /> Two first day were on the regular route. Could not see the Fotz Roy from close because of the cloud but still enjoyable route. I hitchike at the end of the second day and did not walk on the road to Lago del desierto because the camping Ricanor nesr to Laguna Azul was close for maintenance so I camp at the one close to the Lago.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec / 2 days / NOBO / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Trail easy to follow for the parts in the wood before the road. Long road to The Lago Desierto, and a possibility to take a boat on the Lago to join the post of Gendarmeria. The walk by the lake is beautiful though, worth it.<br /> <br /> No special difficulties. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-14 / Arnaud et Adriane /xfg'''<br /> <br /> It was a very rainy, windy and cold day so we walked to the road 12km (along the lago del desierto) and after 6 km on the road, we finished hitchhiking directly to El Chalten. Everything was covered with clouds so we sadly saw nothing.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-9 / 2 days / Regular hiking route / NOBO / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe'''<br /> <br /> The highlight of this section for us was visiting all the lagunas in the national park! We cheated and hitch hiked along the road when we hit it after El Pilar. It was not difficult to get a car in the morning when tourists are heading out to Lago Desierto; it might be harder to find one northbound in the evening would be my guess. It's necessary to pay to camp at Desierto, 800 Argentinian Pesos each, and it is not allowed to camp along the road.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18 / fgh:'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> Section GPT39 begins on the northern bank of Lago del Desierto. According to the Gendarmería, the Argentine Border Control, the wind patterns on the lake are unpredictable and shift frequently. There is also no good access to the trail on the east side if bailing becomes a necessity, so have caution when deciding whether to packraft or not.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''20Comment by Jan Dudeck: Lago del Desierto is an innocent looking beast. While very calm at the put in heavy wind at the middle of the lake can make a traverse demanding and dangerous.'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> There is a well-established trail that runs along the east side of the lake. However, it isn’t flat, and the 11 or so kilometers takes longer than expected. There is an option to take a ferry across the lake which is popular with Carretera Austral bicyclers. More information regarding times and prices can be found at the Argentine border control station on the north side of Lago del Desierto.<br /> <br /> Hungry hikers are rewarded when they reach the south end of the lake. A burger stand with some snack options is located here along with an established campground with showers, flush toilets, and a communal kitchen.<br /> <br /> Walk along RP23, a gravel road, for several kilometers until reaching the put-in for the packrafting section of Río de las Vueltas, which is a sloped rocky beach. The serpentine river section before Lago Condor is fairly swift with no rapids, only some wooden snags. After Lago Condor, the river widens and forms many braided channels.<br /> <br /> Alternate: Instead of exiting Río de las Vueltas onto RP23 as shown by the GPS track, we floated the river al the way to El Chaltén and took out just after the bridge crossing east of the town.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''Comment by Jan Dudeck:'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> To my knowledge packrafting the Rio de las Vueltas all the way to El Chalten requires a permit by the park rangers. Without this permit park rangers might get very nasty and may even confiscate your packraft. So better leave the river before this river enters the national park. Packraft track OP-RI-1@39-02-# only if you have a permit.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *El Chaltén is a medium sized town with several hostels, restaurants, and decent resupply options. There were also a few outdoor gear outfitters which offered rentals for the famous Huemul Circuit (GPT40).<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *2023 / Jess&amp;Paco<br /> You can by snacks at the camping on the southern shore of Lago del desierto but it is not a good resuply spot.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> 2023: There is a bus every evening at 8PM from El Chalten to Los Antiguos, arriving at about 7AM. The bus continues to Esquel, El Bolson &amp; Bariloche. From Los Antiguos you can go by local taxi or hitch to the border &amp; Chile Chico (there is no longer a bus across the border) There is also a bus once a day from Los Antiguos to El Chalten.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT39 - Monte Fitz Roy]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT38_(Glaciar_Chico)&diff=120735 2025-03-12T21:23:00Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> == Notes ==<br /> '''Note: the section was significantly redone around October 2024, so references to trails codes before that time are probably wrong.'''<br /> [Tomáš]: Previously, the route initially followed the MR that goes to the Argentinian border before taking what is now RH-TL-V {38} [20.2/57.1+15.2] and RH-TL-V {38} [21.8/27.2+9.3], before crossing into Argentina over the pass near Refugio Diablo and then the option now called 39-01 that follows down along Rio Diablo to the Argentinian border control. See Anh's story below on how he was searched for when he took this alternative. However, later Tomáš alone and Juliette and Martin together managed to follow the original regular route without major issues. It seems it is still ok if you stamp your passport one day at the Chilian border control and the next day at the Argentinian ones, but more datapoints are needed. [Roman]: This must be checked if this is possible see comments: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14tQ2XaaqZ/<br /> <br /> Don Ricardo at Candelario Mancilla (WhatsApp +56 9 9126 7007) is very friendly and can help with logistics. Don Lucho at Ventisquero Chico can be a bit more difficult to interact with, and he currently appears to charge CLP 20.000 per person for the ferry back and forth the river (quadrupeling the price in one season). <br /> <br /> Written by Tobi in Dec 2024, please keep edit this and keep it up to date.<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-08 &gt; 09 / 2 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; &lt;strike&gt;38-01&lt;/strike&gt; &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT37+GPT38+GPT39<br /> | Meteo : soleil, nuage puis pluie à la fin<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : frontière, sentier en mauvais état coté chilien<br /> <br /> Aux km 12 et 12,5 je suis passé sans me mouiller. Le sentier est globalement envahi du coté chilien, même végétation abrasive que sur la peninsula Florida. Pas de bush-bashing, juste beaucoup de végétation au point que j'ai souvent utilisé mon GPS. Je voulais faire la 38-01 mais j'ai appelé 1h et personne n'est venu. Pourtant j'ai vu le monsieur et je suis sûr qu'il m'a vu, ses chiens aussi. Je pense qu'il ne prend pas les gens seul car les 2 personnes qui m'en ont parlé y sont allé en couple (Sophie &amp; Gaspar, Tamar &amp; Nimrod). Je suis déçu même si je suis content de ne pas avoir payé 20 000 CLP pour 30m de barque. Je n'ai pas essayé de traverser à pied car il faisait trop froid, je ne pense pas que ce soit possible de toute façon. Attention aux marques rouge sur le sentier qui longe le lac, elles n'indiquent pas toujours le bon chemin. Le sentier est parfois très humide, difficile de garder ses chaussures sèches. Du côté argentin par contre, j'ai trouvé le sentier en bon état et il est balisé (il faut quand même utiliser son GPS).<br /> Il faut traverser plusieurs fois des cours d'eau, mais je n'ai eu de ford qu'au point (48.984882° S 72.877802° W). Le refuge Diablo est petit mais c'est un vrai refuge étanche avec 8 places pour dormir et un poêle. Camping à la Gendarmería. Le lendemain au contrôle argentin, ca n'a posé aucun problème que je sois resté deux jours sans autorisation.<br /> <br /> '''1Mar2025 / hiking NOBO / RR / 1 days / Lilian and Clara'''<br /> <br /> Trail up to the border is easy and nice in forest. Then dirt road down to camping. Weather became really bad and we were very lucky to see Ricardo briging people up to the border so then he took us down. <br /> <br /> Passing carabineros is a bit long cause you need to wait an answer on their computer but they didn't check (and even didn't ask) about our food. <br /> <br /> Then 3 days of bad weather and no boat make us stay at camping of Candelario Mancilla. There is a grange with table and seats, fire cooking range. Maria sells very good pans (500 pesos), huevos (500 pesos), pastas 400g (3k), tomato sauce (1k). Sometimes meet. Beers (2-3k). She has no more sweets at this period. <br /> Camping is 10k.<br /> There are also possibility to sleep in very little cabañas in the garden with only a double deb inside for 30k and also they have room in their house probably more pricey. <br /> <br /> You can purchase boat with her when arriving. Everything can be paid by card. <br /> <br /> We had almost good weather window for 37H so took ferry to bahia pescado with amigo patagon for 40k pp. <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-17 to 2025-Feb-20 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + 37H-08I / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> We decided to go to the glacier as an out back, going over the pass twice. We took 37H-08I from the campsite as its slightly shorter and avoids some road walking. Was fine. <br /> <br /> The three Fords on the way up the pass weren't a problem at all. As mentioned by others the trails is pretty overgrown towards the end of the descent.<br /> <br /> Camped in the forest at -48.54813, -72.57438<br /> <br /> Trail to the viewpoint (Mirador Marconi) is a bit overgrown in places too.<br /> <br /> Camped about 1.5km before settler 23.5km on the way back. There's a few options in the forest around here.<br /> <br /> On our way back to the camping at Candelario Mancilla we passed the cabineros after going around them on 37H-08I on our way to the glacoer. We got stopped and were told it wasn't a problem but that we should have registered with them before going to the glacier.<br /> <br /> Road walk to border was easy so was the trail to border control. Argentine border guard was very nice and chill, didn't check our backpacks or food at all. We camped here, beautiful spot with a unlocked toilet (door is a bit stiff!).<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Jan-31 to 2025-Feb-03 / 4 days Hiking / SOBO/ RH + RP to Viewpoint {38} [35.5/874] + OH 08l/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Summary: my favorite section so far, can really recommend to do GPT 38, although it's a detour. All trails did not present major difficulties. Especially the Peninsula La Carmela was awesome - i highly recommend to visit!<br /> <br /> Day 1: Bypassed the Carabinieros on the OH 08l directly from the Campground. Didn't want to waste time in the queue. The OH was nice to hike, good trail until you reach a swamp. There the good trail continues on the other side, but hikers need to go around on small animal trails. The trail up to the pass is easy to follow and in good condition. Sometimes the ground is wet, but not too bad. Ford {38} [6.8/556] was below knee and easy. Ford {38} [12.0/967] was half calf, Ford {38} [12.5/1005] can be crossed dry on rocks. The way down is easy until it leaves the forest. The last part down is partly overgrown and the gps is necessary. Directly continued with the trail to Mirador Marconi, but pitched my tent after 1h in the forest. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Several streams provide water and many options to pitch a tent in sheltered locations. Was rainy when i reached Mirador Marconi. Continued a bit on 04A, to reach the best viewpoint. Very impressive view at Glacier Chico! The trail from my camp 'til there was mostly easy to follow, but the part with many streams was not always straight forward. <br /> Before you reach Ford {38} [40.1/994] (dry crossing on rocks), the GPT leads you through a marshy area. I prefered to bypass most of the wetland in the open forest or on dry ground next to it. <br /> <br /> On my way back i met Anna and Josef, other GPT hikers. They have met Don Lucho at the puesto and had arranged a transfer to the Peninsula for the next day at 8am. We spend the night together 200m from Settler {38} [27.0/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?) - not abandoned, it belongs to Don Lucho and his son! <br /> <br /> Day 3: Easy hike to Ferry, Port {38} [25.0/259] (Desague Lago Chico). Son David brought us to the other side with a rowing boat. It's 20.000 CLP per person there and back. The trail to Viewpoint {38} [35.5/874] is easy, but a GPS is recommended because several animal trails are present. The view at Glacier O'Higgins is even better than Mirador Marconi, truely special scenery. I very much recommend to visit the Peninsula. It's definately worth the effort and the money. The investment in the settler's is a very good one! Hard to understand, why only few tourists visit this spot. <br /> Unfortunately weather was not good: rain showers and strong winds. Was glad to get back to camp, to warm up in the sleeping bag. Camped at the same spot like Day 2. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Backtracked on the same route like on day 1. Together with fresh snow on the mountain tops, the views were even more beautiful. Camped at Candelario Mansilla at Ricardo's place, which i highly recommend. 10.000CLP/person with hot shower and good WiFi.<br /> <br /> Next day i took Ricardo's Taxi to the argentinian border. It's 10k/person with at least 3 people. 30k solo. From there it was 1h easy walk to the argentinian Carabinieros. <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-18 to 2025-Jan-21 / 4 / &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO (clockwise)/ RR + RP + RH + Variant H + Option 01 + GPT-37H-08I/ Roman'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Route: Arrived at 08:00 at Candelario Mancilla with the ferry. Took the RR to X {38-01} [0.0/593] from there followed RP to GPT38-H end. There took Variant H to reach the shore of Lago Chico. Packrafted to Port, Lake {38} [49.1/391] (Glaciar Chico) via RP. From there followed Option 01 until the end at Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?). Packrafted Rio Chico. Hiked the same way back via RP and RR with GPT-37H-08I to Settler {38-A} [0.5/310]. Took the car to Border, Pass {38-01} [8.2/687] and hiked RR to Border Control AR {38} [48.0/514]. [Map of the route: https://imgur.com/a/Kjnkw4p]<br /> <br /> <br /> Weather: Sunny little wind on day 1. Sunny and close to no wind on day 2. Day 3 rain until noon after that cloudy. Day 4 cloudy little wind.<br /> <br /> Details: I arrived at 07:45 with the ferry from Lago o Higgins and started hiking right away without collecting a stamp as the Border crossing must have happen at the same say (see comments: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17fh9huMTn/ / i also edited the note of the article). I met at the end people who informed the Gendarmerie about they're trip - they took fotos and some information. I haven't done it. Hiking up the road is easy. The trial starts at X {38-01} [0.0/593] and is clearly visible and easy to hike still checking the GPS from time to time is worthwhile. The Ford {38} [6.8/556] was calf high and easy. Ford {38} [12.0/967] and Ford {38} [12.5/1005] could be crossed via stones. The last steep part (last 1 km) to Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?) is a bit overgrown and there a multiple animal trails so check the GPS. The Enstancia apparently belongs to Don and locked with heavy lockpad and can not be accessed. I continued to this point -48.982173, -72.988839 and camped there with water close by. There are multiple water/camp along the Route. All points marked with water have sufficient water flow during the time of hiking and I only included ones where I think they carry water for most time of the season. All of the additional markers can be downloaded at the end of the summary. <br /> <br /> The next day i stared at 07:30 AM and hiked up to GPT38-H end and took Variant H to reach the shore of the Lago Chico. The CC part is steep and goes trough a forest and across some vegetation. The trail is woth following. Going this way up is very demanding i imagine. Camp {38} [54.0/277] wasn't very clear for me but cou can definitely camp at the &quot;beach&quot; with protection from all sides except north. I started packrafting at 09:00 AM there was little wind (10 km/h from W) forecasted. At the end it was ~10km/h from S i guess it was mountain wind (cold air coming down from the mountains/glaciers). The packrafting was beautiful without any major difficulties. I stopped at Port, Lake {38} [49.1/391] (Glaciar Chico) around 11:00 AM and started hiking at 11:30 AM. The way to the Refuge {38} [47.1/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide) goes trough the valleys of the glacier rivers which is a bit exhausting to hike as everything is soft. As soon as you hike out of it along a dried out river bed it becomes easier. The Refuge {38} [47.1/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide) looks like a awesome place to stay and it was open and also had apparently electricity but I haven't tested it [see: https://imgur.com/a/PfqELJp and https://imgur.com/a/KFEcK5M]. After that it's easy CC up to GPT38-02 end. There the seep part starts. To provide some detail's. It's definitely steep with some parts going up to 50% but it absolutely doable. At the beginning there is ankle high vegetation which becomes lower and lower. As there is always stable vegetation and no rocks etc. you have good traction and there is no risk of falling/slipping (can't judge it if it's wet). It's important to mention that during the ascend there is no cover and you are completely exposed to wind/rain etc. You can walk the hill up in a fairly straight line until the rooks start. There you go left into a wide Couloir which takes you to compared &quot;flat&quot; valley which brings you to the pass where you find water again and you could pitch a tent. Picture of mountain and the path i took [see: https://imgur.com/a/xM1TpuT and https://imgur.com/a/WtkOH5h]. The way down from the Pass {38} [40.5/1225] to the trail start here -48.953238, -73.12036 ia family easy. From there on its a absolutely beautiful trail and you just blaze with fantastic views down to Ferry, Port {38} [25.1/259] (Desague Lago Chico). I met Don and I asked him if he offers a boat ride to Candelario Mancilla as i didn't want to hike in the rain but he only offerd the transfer across Rio Chico as described earlier before 07:00 AM or after 07:00 PM which i declined as i have used my packraft. Camped at Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?) Which was a beautiful place but i also have seen some mice. <br /> <br /> The next day i waited until 14:00 in the tent until the rain stopped. After that i backtracked the same way back to Settler {38-A} [0.5/310] with the Option GPT-37H-08I as this saved some KMs. Staying at Don Ricardo's place was a blast! Had a awsome dinner for 10.<br /> 000 CLP and hot chocolate for 3.000 CLP. Camping was 10.000 CLP and a friend was even allowed to stay in the hous for campers during the night to dry his stuff. <br /> <br /> The next day started with a awsome breakfast with the homemade bread for 8.000 CLP was fantastic! As I already hiked the street by this point in time two times I used Ricardo's shuttle to Border, Pass {38-01} [8.2/687] for 10.000 CLP on this day i collected the exit stamp in Chile (the salvoconducto i already requested at the 17.01.2025 for this date of crossing 21.01.2025. After that hiked to the end of the section at Border Control AR {38} [48.0/514].<br /> <br /> Overall: I really enjoyed the section and especially the remote parts of insula La Carmen and the packrafting close to the glacier. I would absolutely reccomend the section. If possible I would plan to camp at Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?), Refuge {38} [47.1/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide) and somewhere around Viewpoint {38} [35.6/874] and taking 38 RH around the island [RH-TL-V {38} [0.0/1.3+25.7]] but according to the latest information this is overgrown. This is why i backtracked.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Additional Markers):<br /> https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tJMdljpdL1kgWoU9KQ<br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-dic-18 to 2024/ 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + New opt + opt 1 + EXP 04A/ Celio '''<br /> <br /> We did the península la Carmela and Glaciar chico traverse going NoBo starting south of desierto lake at the toro valley and we ended in north shore of desierto lake. Then we did RR to candelorio mancilla and crossed to Bahia Pescado and did the west traverse of península la florida.<br /> <br /> This option involves bordercrossing, but for us it permitted to not go to the chilean border then back to la península. Since I did this hike couple years ago I wanted to discover another valley to arrived a the Glaciar chico, the Toro valley.<br /> <br /> We started here 49°06.687′ S 72°54.982′ W and followed a decent trail going up the valley left of the river. It's alternate between a trail and some easy CC until a ford on a tree (49°03.954′ S 72°57.700′ W), 200m further there is a bridge on the other river on the right, we crossed it and went to the casa Toro (49°03.961′ S 72°57.468′ W), hoping it was a hut, but unfortunately it's a closed &quot;luxury&quot; one. So we camped close to it.<br /> Next day we crossed again the bridge and find a decent trail going up the old, now forested, moraine, to arrive on open CC. You get good view of the lake and glaciar. From there it's easy CC until the actual climb of the pass. From 49°02.188′ S 73°00.044′ W to 49°02.306′ S 73°00.280′ W it's steep CC on loose rocks or snowfield, after this you get to the pass cañadon de los toros (49°02.347′ S 73°00.809′ W). The way down start with a moraine not very nice and then we arrived to the Glaciar lakes and the GPT38 EXP 04A. We forded the river just below the lakes and joined the GPT38 opt 4 at the refuge {38-04} [4.3/690] (Refugio Pantoja) (door is broken and exposed to the wind). Then we went down to the Glaciar chico and crossed it were there is nearly no crevasses (Glaciar experience recommended...). We joined and slept at the Refuge {38} [47.0/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide), it's feel like your are on the moon there!<br /> Next days we followed the GPT38 opt1, it's CC until Pass {38} [40.4/1225], then you follow a trail all the way. Lucho is still there at the estancia la Carmela with is son, but we had to wait the end of the day since they were working on the other side of the península. They made us crossed for 10000$ each (same as 10 years ago, no inflation!). We went back to the north shore of desierto lake by the diablo valley and went by the refuge (sleeping there is possible).<br /> Puesto {38} [35.0/530] (abandoned, Mosquito) is a ruin and there is only flat spot for a tent and cows to warms you during the night!<br /> At the desierto lake we got a food box sent from el chalten for the next 6 days for the GPT37H west traverse of península la florida.<br /> <br /> *21-11-2024 to 25-11-2024 / 4 days / NOBO / RR / Sophie and Gaspar<br /> <br /> After skirting Lago del Desierto with stunning views of Glacier Huemul, we crossed the border, passing an Argentine checkpoint at the lake's end and a Chilean checkpoint at Candelario Mancilla. There’s no other legal option but to go directly from one checkpoint to the other! In Candelario Mancilla, we were warmly hosted at the only available campsite by Don Ricardo and Doña María Luisa (you can purchase some basic provisions if needed, like tortillas, eggs, etc.). <br /> <br /> We decided to circle the peninsula to reach La Carmela, located at Ventisquero Chico, where Don Lucho and his son David live. To do so, you must first check back in with the Carabineros and inform them of your planned itinerary. They’ll take your photo, ask about your gear and food supply to ensure you’re well-equipped (apparently, rescues are not uncommon). We were the first this season to take the trail around the peninsula, and it’s virtually impossible without a GPS, as the path is often overgrown with bush and misleading animal tracks. It took us 11.5 hours to cover just 35 km—but the views of the lake and the peninsula Florida across it are spectacular! <br /> <br /> At Ventisquero Chico, to cross, you need to arrive before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. to be ferried across in their boat ($20/person). <br /> <br /> Once at La Carmela, the route becomes easier—4 hours to reach the viewpoint of O’Higgins Glacier and another 4 to return, following relatively straightforward paths. On our way back to Candelario Mancilla, we took the trail over the pass, which posed no major difficulties apart from a 50-meter section of bush at the start of the ascent.<br /> <br /> For the transfer from Candelario Mancilla to Villa O’Higgins, the best option is to speak with Don Ricardo or Doña María Luisa, who coordinate with the two companies that transport passengers. The service is not regular and depends heavily on weather conditions (especially wind) on the lake.<br /> <br /> '''Note: the section was significantly redone around October 2024, so references to trails codes before that time are probably wrong.'''<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Mar-30 to 2024-Apr-02 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 1 + 2 + 3 / Joscha '''<br /> <br /> I combined Section 37, 38 and 39. It took me 10.5 days including 2.5 days waiting at Bahia Pescado for the ferry. I left a bag with food in Villa O'Higgins which the ferry brought me. And I could store food at the chilenian Border station. Therefore I never had to cary food for more than 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-23.5] + OH37P-16 [14.0-15.6]<br /> <br /> After km 6.5 there is plenty of water. You have to do a few, easy fords before the Pass. At km 12.6 I stayed in the northern side of the Rio Bullicioso and rejoyned the RR st km 13.9. Therefore I avoided 2 Fords. The RR around the Pass was covered in a thin layer of snow. -48.902884, -72.929411 offers a nice view on Lago O'Higgins. I hiked on OH37P-16 to the strait of Lago O'Higgins and tried to get the attention of Don Lucho on the other side. But it didn't work. Its possible to camp on the shore there a little north of the trail, but without wind protection. Therefore I went back to the Settler at 23.5 and camped there. You have to hang your food, there are lots of mice here.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [23.5-33.4] + OH38-03 [0.0-4.3]<br /> <br /> I left my Tent at km 23.5 and hiked to the Glacier Chico Viewpoint and back. Plenty of water along this trail. I liked the views of glacier Chico on the first kilometer of OH38-03 more than those at the viewpoint. But the view of Lago Chico was pretty dope from the viewpoint. Trail was relatively easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Day 3: OH37P-16 [14.0-15.6] + OH38-2 [25.7-3.1]<br /> <br /> I hiked on OH37P-16 to the strait of Lago O'Higgins and tried to get the attention of Don Lucho on the other side. But it didn't work. Therefore I went back on OH38-02. I did not follow precisely the gpx track, because there are lots of trails. It worked out quite well. I only once came to close to the cliff coast and had to scramble up a little bit. I rejoyned the gpx track at around km 9.5. At 9.5 there is a flat meadow north of the trail for camping. I camped next to the abondend settler building at km 3.1. There was lots of water all allong the trail. <br /> <br /> Day 4: OH38-2 [3.1-0.0] + RR [0.0-6.5] + OH38-01<br /> <br /> I forgot to get the Certificado de Salvoconducto to leave Chile in advance. The border police let me use their wifi to apply for it. I had to wait about 90 minutes until I got the Certificado and than the exit stamp. There is plenty of water on the OH38-01. I camped right next to the argentinian border controll station. It is a really nice spot.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Ma 18 to 19/ 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Juliette and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Day 1 : Candelario Mancilla (Poste frontière) - -48.91420, -72.96117 (Estancia ventsisquiro Chico, abandonned : NOT ABANDONNED<br /> <br /> The ferry between villa O higgings and Candelario Mancilla (Chilean border crossing) costs 55,000 pesos per person and runs Monday/Thursday/Saturday from villa O higgings from 7am (subject to bad weather).<br /> <br /> Arrival at Chilean border crossing at 11:30 am. We ask if it's possible to stop halfway and pitch the tent before the Argentinian border post. Apparently there's no problem if we camp after the border with Argentina, but the Chilean police advise us to arrive at the Argentinian border today anyway. We choose to do the RR, since apparently the police won't come and get us if we don't reach the border that evening. <br /> <br /> There's snow quite early on at the first pass. Our feet are wet for the whole section. Before the pass, navigation is not too difficult, even if the path is full of water. After the pass, and before arriving at the puesto (which is not abandoned by the way), the paths no longer seem to be in use and the vegetation completely obscures the path. We arrive late at the camp. The puesto is by no means abandoned, but there's no possibility of sheltering in it, as it's locked with a padlock and belongs to someone. <br /> <br /> WARNING: We pitch our tent in the rain next to the abandoned puesto. Bad idea. Mice attack at night. Apparently they love oats. A bag of oats (zip-lock bag) inside the tent is nibbled (and the wall of the tent too). The only solution seems to be to hang them up. <br /> <br /> Day 2: -48.91420, -72.96117 (Estancia ventsisquiro Chico, abandoned: NOT ABANDONED - gendarmaria national argentina <br /> <br /> A long day. Sometimes we can see the glaciar Chico, but there are clouds in the sky. The route is difficult to follow during the day and there's a lot of snow at the pass (at least 20 cm on the ground (plus water underneath sometimes). We didn’t have time to dry ourlselves during the night, so thé section appeard us as really cold. The refuge at Lake El Diablo is a real lifesaver under the snow. It allowed us to eat sheltered from the wind. We could sleep in it, but we weren't sure whether we'd be able to build a fire inside. We decide to finish the section during the day to get the stamp to enter Argentina later that day. The Argentinian border post closes at 8pm. Fortunately, we arrive a few minutes early. No worries with our exit stamp, which was dated yesterday, and we don't give it a second thought. Don't expect anything from the gendarmerie post: after spending two days in the rain, snow and wet feet, we thought we could ask them to let us sleep somewhere dry. They categorically refused, and we couldn't even pitch our tent under a garage or any of the small shelters they owned. We're a little frustrated with their inhospitality, while it’s raining for deux days and their seem to have enough places inside. But it's clear that's not why they're here, so we can't really blame them. <br /> <br /> We recommend doing the trek in three days instead, as the path is difficult to follow, sometimes overgrown and in the water most of the time. Stop at the el diablo refuge to cut the second day into two. No need to worry about border stamps, apparently. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-05 to Mar-07 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Hiking to Mirador al Glaciar O`Higgins (RP km23.5 to 35.6) + Opt02 / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> The route: (Villa O`Higgins -) Candelario Mancilla – RR to Peninsula/Estancia Ventisquiero Chico - Mirador al Glaciar O`Higgins - back to Ventisquiero Chico – Opt02 to Candelario Mancilla<br /> <br /> I enjoyed the remote detour to the viewpoint of Glaciar O'Higgins and the icefield a lot! You have to be lucky to reach Don Luis for the short boat transfer from the peninsula (see below).<br /> <br /> Day1 - RR<br /> <br /> Arrived with the ferry around 9:00 am at Candelario Mancilla. At the border officials I had to fill in an “expedition” formular for my hiking specifying my route. They clearly pointed out I have to return before leaving to Argentina. I wanted to leave a bag there with stuff I didn`t need and asked them to radio to Don Luis for the boat transfer the next morning, but they denied both of my wishes. Hiking on the road on RR I was passed by Don Tito who is/was doing the taxi for the other tourists of the boat to the border. I could leave the bag with him :-), so continuing with lighter backpack.<br /> Like written here before, the trail leading to the pensinsula (formed by the old terminal moraine) is marked partially and easy to follow until it reaches previously (&gt;10 a) burned area when going downhill, then it is not clear and there is also partially bushbashing.<br /> Camped for two nights behind the estancia among cherry and apple trees with ripe fruits! First night very windy and it was difficult to built up the tent, though at first sight the place seemed a bit wind-protected.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - daytrip to the viewpoint of Glaciar O`Higgins<br /> <br /> Stunning views, VERY windy. The path is named 38RP as well as 37RP-option16! At the end of the península you have to cross the lake/river. It is too deep to ford, so one needs the help of Don Luis (he introduced himself with that name and also the border official used Luis and not the nickname Lucho). The farmer lives on the other side but from inside his house he has no view to the river. I was lucky this morning was not very windy anymore, so his dogs were alarmed by my shoutings and also lucky that Don Luis was still at home and not off with his horse. <br /> The path up to the next pass is again easy to find and sometimes marked. After that I partially followed the GPT track, partially other trails.<br /> <br /> Day 3 – option 02 back to Candelario Mancilla:<br /> <br /> I never used my GPS that constantly before on the GPT like on this trail. There is some bushbashing, overall the trail is okay. But there are very many other animal trails of same or better quality as an option… From Caleta Esmeralda onwards the trail is clear and easy. Stayed at the house of Don Tito (next to the campsite which is run by his brother Ricardo).<br /> <br /> Side plot:<br /> The first morning my gas cooker (MSR windburner) stopped working (and it still does not work). Probably because the jet is blocked. Changed to gas cooker with this GPT trip, before I was using gasoline cooker for years… They come with a filament to clean, for the gas cooker I could not find such a fine wire until now.<br /> <br /> * '''24-Mar-02 to 2024-Mar-03 / 26 hours / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I arrived at port at around 9:40. I set off immediately to border control and so was the first, which ensured a speedy processing. However, I was given a stamp with date of the previous day, which I did not check. The carabiniero did not ask nor told me anything and I reciprocated.<br /> <br /> I wanted to do the RR, figuring I would probably be able to do it in roughly 24 hours. Jan said we have 48 hours and I did not read Anh's report until midway, so I thought it would be fine. It was a very cold and superwindy morning walking up into snowy mountains, very pretty. There is a trail shortcut in the first zigzag of the MR. No further shortcuts found, one trail that looked promising turned into BB mid-way. After an hour, I turned off from the road. There used to be a bridge over Rio Obstaculo, but now it is an easy if freezing ford. The trail is initially marked with metal plates, but that soon stops. It feels like it used to be official but has since beem abandoned? However, the trail is mostly easy to follow. Once above the treeline, the wind was vicious. The valley was also quite marshy (after the rain?), I could not keep my shoes dry. Valley is faster going than the coastal traverse.<br /> <br /> Going down to the lake to the landbridge I kept loosing the trail and ended up CCing the last 200 vertical meters to the left of the trail. From the landbridge, the trail is marked with big red circles and is probably occasionaly used by tourists brought by ferry. The moutains were unfortunately semi-clouded but the views were still splendid. No worthy sidetrip for me then though. I reached Refugio Diabolo at 34.4 at 2130 and it was occupied (the only people on the trail apart from the road) and asleep, so I slept nearby in a tent. In the morning they told me I should have gone in.<br /> <br /> I started going down at 7:30 the next day (being a night owl, that is quite early for me). The first three km, I kept losing the trail, but it then improved. It is actually marked exactly like Huella Andina! I arrived at border control around eleven. Nobody seemed to be looking for me. The carabiniero noticed I had a date in my passport from two days ago. I tried explaining that it was a mistake of the Chilian side (I think - the date was wrong by one day), but I was almost ordered to walk back for a new stamp. In the end I softened him, showing him a picture from the port from the previous day. It was tense ten minutes. Seems to me the checking of people who crossed happens at least after noon? The regular route is perfectly doable by most people in 36 hours I think, so you might be fine as long as you arrive (at most in late afternoon) with no more than yesterday's stamp. It needs more datapoints I think. I would have preferred to be slower though.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-25 / 2 days / hiking / SOBO / option 1 / Andrew'''<br /> <br /> In the morning I said goodbye to Nicole and Miseal, and took the ferry from Bahia Pescado to Candelario Mancela. Stamped out on the Chilean side, then started hiking. Dirt road until the border, then a nice trail through the woods to the Argentinian customs at the north end of Lago Desierto. Camped (free) at the north end of Lago Desierto, then hiked to the south end. Caught a bus to El Chalten at the south of the lake, at the time it was 13.000 pesos and you can pay with card at the kiosk near the south campground. It also seemed easy to hitchhike.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-23 to 2024-Feb-23 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / option 1 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : gravel road and nice trail easy to follow in the forest<br /> - Water : easy to find<br /> - Camping spot : a camping in Candelario Mancela, a free camping just in front of the lake at the Argentinian border, a camping on the other side of the lake <br /> - Weather : sunny<br /> - Resupply : we left a bag of food in Villa O'Higgins at the ferry company and so had our ressuply back in Candelaria Mancela / at the end of the section in El chalten there is a little little 'shop' on the other side of the lake with crackers, cookies and some instant dishes, you can pay by card<br /> - Overall : easy section, some nice views on the Fitzroy<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb- 01 to 2024-Feb-02 / 2 days/hiking/ SOBO/38-01/Paulina'''<br /> <br /> I wanted to do section 38, it seems complicated due to boarder crossing rules, but I don't think it's impossible, I did not do it more because very bad weather forecast for 2 next days. <br /> Anyway, I met some people who tried to go from Lago Desierto to Paso Diabolo but they had to abondon their plan because of the very high level of the river to cross. <br /> <br /> Day 1 <br /> <br /> A very easy walk mostly on a gravel road. Very nice campground ( free) at Lago Desierto<br /> <br /> Day 2 <br /> Nice walk along Lago Desierto. No difficulties, nice path all the time. Once I reached the other siide of the Lago I hitch-hiked directly to El Chaiten ( very easy on this road)<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-6 / 7 day / Hiking + Packrafting / SOBO / RR + Option 2 + Option 1/ Tom Pieper'''<br /> <br /> Not much to add to the previous posts. Stunning route. A packraft is indeed really useful here as Don Lucho was not around when I crossed the river at his farm the first time. I waited two days for wind to calm down at perfectly wind protected camp {38} [32.1/744] (which I found superior to the other nearby campspot) but strong gale did not allowed me to pass beyond Viewpoint {38} [35.6/874]. Absolut impossible in that conditions. So I returned on the 3 day. I asked Don Lucho if he can notify carabinieros via radio that I will be delayed, which worked. I toked option 2 to return to Candelario Manzillo. Track is not the best from time to time. Stay close to GPT route as off trail might take much more longer. Good camp spots at the two abandoned settlers places and a really beautiful one at a turquoise river at S 48° 50.470’ W 072° 51.272’. There is no water after Port {38-02} [7.1/270] (Bahia Esmeralda) including second abandoned settler place. You might consider climbing down to the lake here to get water. Got my exit stamp at candelario manzillo and toked expensive transit (30,000$) by car to the border (option 1)<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-01 to 2023-01-03 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OPT1 + OPT2 // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Same story as previous contributions here, the customs officers (who were very nice by the way) said it was impossible to do the RR as I will be in illegal situation. <br /> If it would be only the illegality stuff, it wouldn't have been a problem, but the thing is that rhet communicate with the Chilean side, and if you're not on the other side after one day they engage research, what I absolutely want to avoid, that people have to commit material, technical or human resources simply for or because of me. <br /> <br /> It means if you want to explore glaciar chico or around : <br /> Going NOBO : you first have to go straight from ARG border to CH border, stamp your passport and then go explore the area.<br /> Going SOBO : explaining your expedition to the border but don't stamp your passport. Do your exploration, then come back to the CH border, stamp your passport and then go straight to ARG border.<br /> <br /> So from ARG border, I've been straight to the Chilean side. Then I said them that I wanted to explore the area near glaciar Chico. The carabineros agreed, but before letting me go, I had to fill a form to describe my expedition, my emergencies contacts, the number of days I planned to go, numbers of days of food I had, and took me in picture. I was surprised about the picture but he said to me that it was just in case of disappearance to be able to publish a wanted notice. Perfect aha ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, I backtracked until the junction tu &quot;La península&quot; then engage myself on this nice track. Had to cross 3 easy rivers, and have been scratched numerous times by the bush which took over at the end of the trail, which was not easy to follow by the way.<br /> <br /> The views on Lago O'Higgins were absolutely outstanding ! Glaciar Chico was a bit faraway, but still nice to see as well!<br /> <br /> I arrived to la peninsula and walked till the estencia la Carmelia, Trying to have the attention of the settler, at the estencia la Carmelia. But seems like that he was not there. So I had to backtrack and not go on the GPT37P option 16 to glaciar O'Higgins. Pretty disappointed about that, would have been amazing to have a packraft at this time.... Anyway. <br /> <br /> I backtrack the peninsula, then took the option 2 (Lago Costa). That was a very good decision, the views are stunning (again more at the end, when you arrive near the border). But track is not easy to find at all. We must congratulate the wild animals who created an incredible labyrinth of trails up there ! <br /> <br /> The bridge announced as destroyed is the one 400m from the border, above Rio Obstaculo. I looked at its condition 3 days before when I was at the border, to find out if it was feasible. and it was, that's why I decided to take this route. And didn't regretted it. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-02 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR+option 1 / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We arrived early morning at Candelario Manzilla, had no issues at the border control (we had our Salvaconducto). We did ask - just in case - if we could do the loop hike but the officer said the only way to hike the RR is to not exit Chile, hike out towards the west and then backtrack to the Chilean border control. The 21 km hike to the Argentinian border was easy, except for all the touristas with the bicycles😂. When it started chucking rain down we decided to camp there. Rained hard all night but no wind. There is a toilet for turistas and behind it a covered shelter with tables and benches, which was nice during rain.<br /> <br /> * '''GPT38 / Option 4 (Campo Hielo Sur: Glaciar Chico to Circo de los Altares and back) / 6 days Hiking on Glaciers with Mountain Guide / 2023-Dec-29 to 2024-Jan-03 / Meylin, Masha, Misha, Jan'''<br /> <br /> We planned this guided tour onto the Southern Patagonian Icefield several months in advance. We arranged this tour with the mountain guide Leo Muñoz (leoskatan@hotmail.com, WhatsApp +56 9 6904 9561) who knows the Northern and the Southern Patagonian Icefield very well and who lives with his family next to Glacier O’Higgins on the shore of Lago O’Higgins about 70 boat kilometers from Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> We agreed in November 2023 to make an attempt somewhen in the first half of January of 2024 as soon as the weather forecast promises a decent weather window. On December 25 Leo suggested to start on December 29 as wind and precipitation forecast predicted 6 decent days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: We met in the afternoon at Lago Chico (where Lago Chico drains into Lago O’Higgins), continued by boat on Lago Chico to an island that is partially covered by Glacier Chico, pulled the boat up into a safe location and started right on Glacier Chico. We reached in the evening the first refuge (Refugio Pantoja). Starting right on the glacier avoided an otherwise demanding river crossing.<br /> <br /> Day 2: In a long day we reached the third refuge (Refugio Garcia Soto). We walked mostly on Glacier Chico but in areas where this glacier is steep and with deep cracks we left the glacier and walked in rocky terrain. In this terrain is also the second refuge (Refugio Piedra Roja) where we stopped for lunch.<br /> <br /> Day 3: In a demanding day we walked over the icefield to Circo los Altares. The wet snow covered all cracks of the icefield but made walking tiresome. For safety reasons we walked the entire distance roped together (2 groups of 3 persons linked together). We camped one night at Circo los Altares and enjoyed a good view of Cerro Torres in the evening and morning.<br /> <br /> Day 4: In a similar tiresome day we returned to Refugio Garcia Soto. We arrived around 2 pm in afternoon what permitted a good rest. This refuge offers ample space and is a good place to wait a day or two if the weather makes this necessary.<br /> <br /> Day 5: We returned to the first refuge (Refugio Pantoja). If necessary we might have returned to the boat on the sane day but the good weather forecast for the next day made such an effort unnecessary.<br /> <br /> Day 6: On a short morning we returned on glacier Chico to the boat, packed our gear into the boat and travelled by boat to our guides home (Rio Condor). On the way we stopped briefly at a settlers home (La Carmela) to purchase a lamb for a Patagonian asado al palo.<br /> <br /> Conclusions:<br /> <br /> 1. Leaving the exact start date open was perfect as it permitted our guide to choose a descent weather window.<br /> <br /> 2. In case of a shorter weather window a shorter route could have been chosen (in example to Refuigo Garcia Soto only.<br /> <br /> 3. This was our first experience walking on glaciers but this was perfectly feasible with our experienced guide.<br /> <br /> 4. Boat safety regulations on Lago O’Higgins required our mountain guide to do the boat trip with a second person that has motor boat license. Therefore a second guide accompanied us. This added safety but also cost.<br /> <br /> 5. Returning with the mountain guide to his home at Rio Condor before continuing by packraft is an experience on its own and lift the entire trip to a higher level.<br /> <br /> 6. We send some of the required equipment in advance to our mountain guide but he would have been able to equip up to 6 persons with his gear.<br /> <br /> * '''Copied from Jan's Facebook post December 2023: &quot;GPT38: Border Crossing: Candelario Mancilla (CL) - Lago El Desierto (AR)'''<br /> <br /> We now learned that both border controls speak to each other and exchange how many persons crossed the border and are meant to arrive on the other side. If a person does not arrive within 2 days a search is initiated. Therefore it is not any more possible to hike the longer more scenic route between collecting the exit and entry stamps of both countries. <br /> <br /> Therefore all hikers must take the direct route (see image red line) and visit the more scenic parts around Lago Chico and Peninsula La Carmela either before exiting Chile or after collecting the Chilean entry stamp.<br /> <br /> Alternatively you might openly explain your plans and try to get an official approval but this seams quite unlikely.&quot;<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-20 to 2023-Dec-20 / 1 day/ NOBO / Lago del desierto - Candelario Mancilla/ Option 1/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> Since you have to collect your exit and entry stamp on the same day, we took the fastest way between the two border controls. Once we finished with the formalities on the chilean side, one boat for Villa O'Higgins was waiting for us. I think we got lucky.<br /> <br /> If you want to go to glaciar chico, you have to go to Candelario Mancilla and then, go and back to the glacier, all on the chilean side. Passo del diablo is a forbidden pass to cross the border between Argentina and Chile.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-10 to 13 Fangwen and Tobi / 4 days / NOBO / Hiking from Candelario Mansilla to Don Lucho peninsula and back'''<br /> <br /> This was an enjoyable hike with good views! When we came from Argentina, it rained a lot, and was very muddy. We stayed at the campsite at Candelario Mansilla for one night and went Westbound on the regular route, crossing the river shortly after the beginning of the trail at km7. After the substantial rainfall, it was almost waist deep, but crossable with caution. The pass towards the abandoned settler home at km23.5 was quite muddy again, and in the last bit of the descent, the trail was overgrown and required attention to not lose. We camped outside the hut. The next day we went on part of Option 37P-16 as a day trip. We headed to the river (outflow of Lago Chico) and waited for the settler Don Lucho to notice us and to ferry us to the other side using his boat. This worked finally, after waiting for almost 3h. We did a nice trip up to the pass and followed one of the many horse trails to some mountain lakes and viewpoints. We let Don Lucho ferry us back to camp and headed back the next day. After two days of dry weather, the previously problematic river was now easily passable, with water at knee level.<br /> <br /> Logistics: We combined sections 38 and 37 on our NOBO trip. We carried a lot of food with us from Argentina: enough for 38, 37 and to be able to spend a few days in Candelario Mansilla in case the ferry is delayed due to bad weather. We decided against road walking with heavy packs, and arranged for Ricardo (WhatsApp +56 9 9126 7007), who runs the campground at Candelario Mansilla, to pick us up from the border by car. Ricardo is a very nice guy, and we stayed in his hostel after registering at the border checkpoint. The hostel was 15.000 CLP per person, the pickup from the border 20.000 for two people and the drop-off at the junction (X {38-01} at km0) 10.000 for two people. In high season he might not have time or charge more. Don Lucho asked for 10.000 for the return trip for the two of us.<br /> I believe that Ricardo puts you in the first-come-first-served queue for the ferry from Candelario Mansilla when you first arrive there -- but I'm not even sure if there is even an official queue (in our case, the ferry was not full, so it didn't matter). When Ricardo drove us to the junction, he also made us register our hiking plans with border guards. The guards wanted to see that we are sufficiently prepared. We showed them our GPS and inReach, but they were most wow-ed by the locus maps app with the GPT track files and kept asking where they could get such a detailed map of the area ;-).<br /> For the logistics regarding section 37, see our trip report on [[GPT37H|that wiki page]].<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Ahn, Warning between exit &amp; entry:'''<br /> You have to reach the other border control within one day, since recently both border controls compare the data every day.<br /> If you do not arrive within one day, they (both border controls) will really go looking for you.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-04 Anh / 3 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V + RP-TL-V'''<br /> Day 1: After the exit stamp from the Argentinian border control in Lago del Desierto, I turned left to RR to Lago Diablo. The path is sometimes hard to find and with my heavy backpack I couldn‘t hike fast. I had to cross the stream twice without shoes. But it was no problem (knee-deep, good weather). After Lago Diablo I turned left via OH-TL-V to Glacier Chico. I did not find the camp {38-03} [1.8/878].<br /> <br /> Day 2: Back to RH-TL-V towards the connecting channel to Glaciar O'Higgins. The trail was a little easier to find, but not better to walk because hardly anyone had walked it in recent years.<br /> Settler {38} [23.5/261] in the intersection is no longer inhabited, but the owner has a sign in front of the house. He allows free camping on his property and possibly even overnight stays in the house (with kitchen).<br /> But I go on to Settler {38} [25.3/268] to cross the connecting channel by boat.<br /> <br /> It was already 5:00PM and I just wanted to set up my tent &amp; enjoy the evening quietly. At that moment, a motorboat with 3 men with backpacks arrived. They were not tourists, but border guards (carabineros). They were not pleasant at first. I understood from their Spanish that they were looking for me and that I was not allowed to be here. For the first time on this trip, I was lucky that I couldn't speak any Spanish and they couldn't speak any English. Otherwise they would be angry!<br /> <br /> I was able to explain with place names that I was not a criminal but a hiker. They had a long discussion in the house and in the end they said that I didn't have to come to the border station right now, but that they would come with me to Glaciar O'Higgins immediately!<br /> After a long day from Glaciar Chico, I didn't want to hike 7km up with 600Hm, but I had no other choice. So we started at 6:00 PM, the settler owner went ahead and the 3 young border guards climbed the mountain with full energy ahead, me behind. It was good that I don't usually run at my limit and still had a day's reserve at that moment. The 3 carabineros asked me from time to time how I was doing and whether I needed help -&gt; very nice.<br /> <br /> After 4km, the settler owner explained that it would soon be dark and he had to go back. He showed the Carabineros the way back on the (somewhat outdated) paper map. The Carabineros have the best modern equipment (GoreTex, expedition tent...) but no GPS navigation device and don't know the way. With my GPS navigation device, we became a team and had a lot of fun all the way to camp.<br /> The atmosphere around the campfire was much more relaxed. It turned out that they had taken a lot of food with them to look for me, but had left it behind in the settler. So of course I had cooked for them, it was really delicious and after a hike it was even better than usual. The 3 Carabineros said they had never eaten so well. We enjoyed the sunset at Glaciar O'Higgins together and laughed into the night.<br /> <br /> Day 3: At 7:00 AM, just like the military, we continued on RP-TL-V towards the pass. It was great fun with my 3 new friends and the views with the best weather were simply magnificent. However, 2km before the pass, my Carabineros wanted to go back because they now consider the hike to be strenuous and with respect. It's a pity but they are in charge despite their new friendship! I'm still very happy that they found me, it was an unforgettable experience! We were able to help each other, they are 3 cool and very very helpful Carabinos.<br /> RP-TL-V is easy for GPT hikers, much easier than the other two sections.<br /> <br /> Back to the settler they had called the patrol boat by radio and we went to Candelario Mancilla with the very modern and super stable HiTech boat. I got my entry stamps and was even invited to dinner at the border control station. After that I ended up in Villa O'Higgins.<br /> It was a bit of a shame to break off GPT38 like that, but I will never forget the best moments and the 3 new Carabineros friends. I'm starting to love GPT now!!!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-19 to 2023-Apr-21 / 3 days / RR / SOBO / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful section! The detour to Glaciar Chico is definitely worth it, and so is the viewpoint.<br /> <br /> On the first day, starting around 8 AM, we passed the border control without any problem, and followed the trail in quite good pace to the pass. It was very windy there in our case, but there are places to hide. The trail is pretty clear all the time. This changes during the descent down to the peninsula, where you need to look carefully at the navigation as the path divides into different directions. Marked camp on the peninsula looked like a good place to stay, but we decided to do some more and continued for about 4 km. We camped in the forest, where we were able to find a few spots almost without wind, but in more extreme conditions it might be harder to find a 100% safe place.<br /> <br /> On the next day we continued and left our backpacks in the forest to go check the viewpoint. It took us a little over 3 hrs + some time for the photos etc. The trail is very easy to follow and except of the beginning and end its not even that windy. If the weather is not the best or you don’t have time, we would recommend to do at least first few hundred meters of the optional trail to get better view of the glacier and floating icebergs. Back on the RR we made a little less than half of the way to the border control and again camped in the forest. <br /> <br /> The last day was all about forest walking. First views of the Fitz Roy on the way to the border control. There, the officer noticed the old stamp and asked where we stayed, but was probably just curious and had no problem with our honest answer about doing the detour and camping in the forest.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-20 to 2023-Mar-22 / SOBO / RR + option 4 / Villa O'Higgins - Lago del Desierto / Anna &amp; Christopher'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section, one of our favourites so far!<br /> <br /> In march and april the ferry that crosses Lago O'Higgins only leaves twice a week, which is mondays and thursdays at 8 a.m. (company Las Ruedas, reservation possible via whatsapp +56 966278836).<br /> <br /> We started with seven days worth of food, because we planned to go to El Chaltén without a resupply (GPT 38+39 with all options).<br /> The weather was great on our first day and after we got through the border control we started walking around 11:15 a.m.<br /> The trail is in a pretty good condition. Your feet will get wet though. With the nice weather and the good trail we camped at km 21 in the forest close to the stream.<br /> <br /> Then the trail becomes gradually a bit worse and we had to do some BB and CC along the lake. At the junction with option 4 we left our packs and went to the mirador. We had good weather and the view from up there is amazing. We highly recommend doing it, if the weather is good. Then we went back down again and camped in the forest at the junction. There is a stream close by to fetch water.<br /> <br /> The trail becomes super good again once you reach the settler at Lago del Desierto. The border control was fast and the staff was really friendly. We continued along the lake. At some point it started to rain, so we camped next to a stream at approx. km 4.6. At km 4.3 there would have been a more rain and wind protected camp.<br /> <br /> The next day we had a great view of Fitz Roy in the morning sun. We arrived at the other side around 10 a.m. There is no bus leaving around this hour, opposite of what the gendarm at the border told us. All the buses/cars leave in the afternoon around 4 p.m.<br /> We made a break at the restaurant and enjoyed a warming mate tea before we continued to section 39.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-16 to 2023-Mar-20 / 4 days / SOBO / RR + option 5 / Louis &amp; Rémi'''<br /> <br /> We started at Candelario Mansilla and we wanted to go in front of the Glaciar O'Higgins following the lake with option 5 and then option 2. Option 5 is really worth it, views all along the lake are incredible, I highly recommend it. We slept near the Settler @km 17.8, nobody was there.<br /> <br /> The next day we tried to cross this water canal between Lago O'Higgins and Lago Chico, but it is unfordable, you have to yell for the settler who lives on the other side. We did, we saw him, but he didnt come... So we slept next to the settler @km 23.5 on RR and we tried the 3rd day too but still nobody to help us to cross. Well, I think this settler isnt reliable if you wanna do option 2 without a packraft.<br /> <br /> So we continued our way to Argentina, sleeping @km 31.4 (the puesto is more than abandonned, it is destroyed but it is flat and there is no wind).<br /> <br /> This portion provide a nice view of the Glaciar Chico.<br /> <br /> Next we went directly to the Argentinian border and we didn't have any problem to get the stamp on our passports. We slept there, it is free, there is nobody and the view of the Fitz Roy above the Lago del Desierto is definitely worth it !<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-04 to 2023-Mar-07 / 3.5 days / SOBO / RR + Option 4 / Candelario Mansilla - Lago Desierto / Ondrej'''<br /> <br /> I wasn’t lucky with the weather so this section turned out into rainy, muddy and snowy feat for me. It felt remote and adventurous. If I could choose I would do at least the second day in a good weather to enjoy the views. <br /> <br /> On the first day, I got dropped of by the boat at Candelario Marcilla around 10am. Getting the stamp from Chilean carabineros took longer than expected, around one hour. A number of hikers accumulated there and the carabineros said that we have wait for them to upload our names to the system(?). Then they just asked for my occupation and gave me the exit stamp. I then hiked the stretch on the main road, forded Rio Obstaculo right after (the deepest ford on the section I would say, it was easy even after a day of rain) and then over the pass. At the pass you will come into a long flat valley which in my case started turning into a big muddy/swampy plain. It also started snowing. The falling wet snow and the soaky trails pushed the hike to the boundaries of my comfort limits (but still manageable). I camped at the Settler waypoint (km23.5). According to a person running a hostel in villa o higgins, the Settler’s place has been abandonded for a while now (presumably someone other bought the land) and both locals and international hikers are now using the garden of the settler’s house to camp. The area around the house features thick tall trees that provide a good shelter from wind and rain, some open sheds with a good roof (but all looked uncomfortable for sleeping) and a dry toilet. The house itself is locked with a padlock and cannot be used by visitors. I stayed in a tree covered area next to the house for two nights as the next day was raining all day. Foxes, various birds and wild cows kept me a company. <br /> <br /> From the settler, it is a relatively easy trail up to the crossroad at km33.4. The trail is ocassionaly overgrown and muddy but nothing dramatic. Nice views over the lake Chico and the glacier. I was impressed by a floating iceberg that made its way slowly across the lake. I had my lunch at the crossroad (km33.4) and decided to leave my backpack there and hike/jog to the glaciar viewpoint (Option 4). It took me about 2:10 hours there and back to the crossroad. I jogged parts of it. The weather got bad during the loop (clouds and rain/snow) so I unfortnunately saw nothing but a bit more of the Glaciar Chico once reaching the viewpoint. All distant peaks were obscured in clouds. My recommendation is to do the Option 4 only if the visibility is good, otherwise the detour might be not worth it. Once finished with the loop, I hiked over the Argentinian border and slept inside Refugio Diablo at km34.4. It is in good shape overall. Just the fireplace might not run well (i have not tried) as the chimney is broken. The refugio has two elevated platforms for sleeping (easily fits 4-8 people), a table and stools, and a dry toilet nearby. If staying there, I recommend to take water from a stream flowing into the lake Diablo before reaching the refugio. There is no quick water access from the building - one must go down to one of the lakes.<br /> <br /> From Refugio Diablo it took me about 5 hours to reach the argentinian police checkpoint at Lago Desierto. The part is relatively straightforward, again a bit swampy in my case. At he Argentinian police checkpoint I was actually asked why I had a three day old stamp. I wanted to avoid problems, so I said that I took a slow pace and did not walk on some days because it was raining constantly (which was true). I said that I built my tent, read a book and trying to wait out the rain. This (in a hindsight really poor) excuse was fortunately enough for the officer. He nodded and gave me the stamp. Maybe the policeman was simply curious and even if I told him where I came from he would be eventually fine with that. I didn’t want to take my chances though.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-10 / 2 days / Helen and Craig'''<br /> <br /> &gt;Lago Desertio ferry cost about 50 dollars (we didn't take it)<br /> <br /> &gt;O'Higgins ferry cost 60 dollars and they give you a lift to V O'Higgins at the other end<br /> <br /> &gt;We took the lake side trail. Beautifull veiws over Fitzroy range. Campsite at the border crossing is exposed but harbours some of the best campside veiws. 2nd best camp of GPT for us (but would be unpleasant in high winds)<br /> <br /> Border crossing was very easy with no proplems or searches either side. Had to take shorter route due to higher winds coming in and the O'Higgins ferry not due to run for the next week after. Shorter variation was very easy trail markings. Easy to walk in 4-5 hours<br /> Was sad to miss the extended route.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-13 to 2023-Feb-17 / 5 days / RR / SOBO / also Option 2 to Glaciar O'Higgins / Véronica &amp; Zach '''<br /> <br /> Route: Candelario Mancilla - Río Bullicioso - Lago Chico - Mirador Glaciar O'Higgins - Glaciar Chico - Lago Diablo - AR Border Control <br /> <br /> This may have been my favourite section of the GPT yet this year. After 4 days waiting in Villa Ohiggins for a calm ferry day, we waited at the Chilean carabineros post because the computer systems were down and it was lunchtime so everyone seemed to be on break. They asked everyone only occupations and marital status, nothing about our planned route. We were able to start walking only around 3 p.m. although we arrived at Candelario Mancilla around 1 p.m. <br /> <br /> The trail that veers off the minor road was clearly marked and easy to follow. Tons of crowberries/murtillas up in the alpine. We camped before the pass at km 14.5 when the trail was still going through sheltered forests. Up on the pass the next day, it was very cold and exposed and windy, with some snow on the ground. The trees start appearing again much later, when you can see Lago O'Higgins again. The trail switchbacks down to the settler's house at km 23.5 (Estancia Ventisquero Chico) were overgrown and confusing, branching into many paths. <br /> <br /> We wanted to take Option 2 in order to see Glaciar O'Higgins. This detour took us an extra day and a half. We crossed the narrow channel at km 25.1 in Zach's packraft quite easily, even though the wind was gusty from the south. There were virtually no waves and the water was flat. We met the settler Luis at km 25.3 (Estancia La Carmela), who was friendly and indicated the trail toward Glaciar O'Higgins. Both waypointed campsites on the west side of the peninsula are great and sheltered from the fierce west wind in the forest. The views of the lake and mountains and glaciers on this section of trail are beyond words beautiful. <br /> <br /> The way up the pass at km 40.5 is straightforward despite the lack of trail. The descent into the next valley is steep and somewhat tiring, but not dangerous, down a mountainside covered with murtilla plants. We stopped at the orange refugio (km 47.3) late in the afternoon. It is in great condition. The only thing deteriorated is the missing battery from the solar system. Feels like an airplane fusilage with some loud resonance when the wind is strong. Perfect place to shelter from the wind. <br /> <br /> We stayed mostly in the left side of the river as we traveled cross-country to the put-in at Lago Chico. The packrafting back to the east shore of the lake was wavy and windy, the wind coming strong off Glaciar Chico (southerly), requiring a hearty ferry crossing in front of the hanging ice.  From the put-in, the island (which appears on sattelite but not maps) looks like a peninsula, but if you paddle into what looks like a cove, you'll see the gap. We went around south of the island, then rode the wind northward to the takeout in a small cove. <br /> <br /> The refuge {38} [52.9+0.3/297] was clipped closed with two padlocks as chain links. Someone left clothes hanging and a plastic chest full of food which mice seem to have enjoyed. The floor was literally covered in mouse poop. Seemed hanta-ed. 👻 The climb back up to the regular hiking route was long but pleasant, and mostly cross-country across rock slabs and brushy fields. <br /> <br /> Back on the regular route, Refugio Diablo on the Argentine side of the border has a wooden table and platforms that could sleep four. When we got to the Argentine border control with a three-day-old Chilean exit stamp, the friendly border agent gave us our entry stamp without question. When asked about the wind on Lago Del Desierto, he walked Zach to the Gendarmeria boat captain who gave useful advice. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan / SOBO / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> The exit on the Chilean side worked without any problems and the officials did not ask about our route.<br /> <br /> No one was at home at the Estancia Ventisquiero Chico settler. We spent the night a little further away by the stream.<br /> <br /> The hike along Lago Chico was nice and easy. We made a detour via option 4. It is worth going almost to the end to the viewpoint at 1104 m a.s.l. The view of the glacier and the ice field was unique and one of the best viewpoints on the whole GPT.<br /> <br /> The next day we went to the Argentine border authorities. The officials were relaxed and since we wanted to spend the night there anyway, we agreed to do the stamp the next day.<br /> <br /> The exit stamp, which was 4 days old in the meantime, was no problem at all...<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-09 / half a day / SOBO / Frank'''<br /> <br /> The first 12KM of the direct route from Candelario Mansilla is on a road. There is a guy with a jeep who meets the ferry &amp; may offer to take luggage or even passengers along the road. At the pass a trail continues down to the Argentine border post. <br /> <br /> I continued around Laguna del Desierto the same day.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan / NOBO / Alexis y Iris'''<br /> <br /> Took 4 days between the two stamps without issues. The Chilean carabineros just asked our route and we said we hiked through Refugio Diablo. <br /> <br /> To ressuply in Candilla Mancilla, it is possible to ask Maria Louisa at the camping. There are more items than you could imagine but it's a bit expensive. <br /> <br /> Of note, it is possible to arrange a transfer directly to Bahia Pescado on the same boat that goes to Villa O'Higgins to hike the GPT37H, just ask the captain directly. <br /> <br /> The fare for a complete transfer is 60k CLP or 70 USD. We don't know the price for a drop off in Bahia Pescado.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-12 / SOBO / Arnaud et Adriane'''<br /> <br /> According to the team of our hotel in Villa O'Higgins, we officially have 24h to cross the 2 borders.<br /> <br /> So we prefered not to take risks with customs of Chile and Argentina and walked directly from Mancilla (chilean border) to punta Norte (argentinien border). There is 21km to walk and it is very easy.<br /> <br /> After the argentinian border, we walked to the mirador on the glaciar chico. It is the last 15kms of the real section 38. The view on the glaciar is amazing there and really worth the effort. After just walked back to the argentinian border. The walk is easy with some elevation but easy. We took a path that was marked but differed a little with the gps track (maybe sometimes 300m away) and had only one easy riverford.<br /> <br /> Don't say to the argentinian customs that you were there because the mirador is officially in chile (200m after the border but without any puesto) just say that you walked to the refugio del Diablo which is on the path and 200m before the border. This refugio is very basic in metal and can help in case of rain but is not cosy at all.<br /> <br /> It is a total of 51kms and without any risk with the 2 borders but you maybe miss some other highlights of the real section 38.<br /> <br /> We did it in 1 day and a half.<br /> <br /> Comment Jan Dudeck: In recent years we and other hikers had no issues staying several days between the Chilean and Argentine border post. Some years ago the situation was different but both sides seams more relaxed now as long as you arrive on the other side with an exit stamp.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-10 / 1 day / Regular hiking route / NOBO / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe '''<br /> <br /> We chose to do this hike in one long day, but were told we could camp near the Argentinian passport control, or in the sort of no-mans-land up the trail further between borders. Make sure you know what day the ferry is leaving before hiking or you could end up waiting in Candelaria a couple days! There aren't any stores in Candelaria, though we heard the lady at the campground might sell you some eggs or some other supplies.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-10 / Jan Dudeck '''<br /> <br /> The regular hiking and packrafting route passes the Chilean border control post in Candelario Mansilla and the Argentine border control post at the northern end of Lago el Desierto. These posts are 26 km apart (shortest distance) and if you do not walk into these two border controls posts yourself you will not get the required exit and entry stamp and become an “illegal immigrant” in the neighboring country. Don’t expect anything at the border itself or to get stopped by the police in the corresponding places.<br /> <br /> Be aware that the GPT route takes a significant detour between these border controls and crosses the actual border at an non-officil location at the Refugio el Diabolo. If you ask the border police for permission to cross the border in this location than your request will probably be denied so better don’t ask and just tell that you are on the way to the Chile/Argentina without specifying the exact route (when asking for your exit stamp).<br /> <br /> We have taken this non-official route twice in January 2017 and January 2019 without any issue.<br /> <br /> Worst case scenario is that you arrive with a several days old exit stamp on the other side and the border control police becomes upset and ask you to walk back on the shortest route (Option 1) to get a fresh stamp but I have not heard this happening in recent years.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> *'''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18'''<br /> <br /> Notes to consider before beginning: At Calendario Mancilla, there is a Carabineros border control outpost. They asked that we fill out an expedition hiking form since the GPT follows a little used route. After discussing the route, the Carabineros informed us that entering Argentina at Lago Diablo, which is the current GPS route, is illegal. There is an alternate route, as described below, which remains in Chile that we decided to take instead. <br /> <br /> From the Chilean border control, follow the gravel road for a short distance and turn onto a trail marked by white sign with green lettering that says “Rio Obsticulos” as shown by the current GPS track (hikers may want to consider following the alternate listed at the end of this section description to and from Glacier O’Higgins because that trail is of much higher quality, more scenic, and more pleasant than the one that follows the bank of Lago O’Higgins/San Martin). <br /> <br /> After crossing the wooden bridge, hike along an ill-defined track that winds up and down the shoreline of Lago O’Higgins/San Martin to the land bridge north of Lago Chico. There is one residence as well as the occasional small camp spot along this route. <br /> <br /> There is another residence located on the east side of the land bridge, and hikers may pass through a wire gate on north side of the corral. A faint trail heads west and terminates at the bank of the narrow channel that connects Lago O’Higgins/San Martin and Lago Chico. A packraft is required to cross this channel. <br /> <br /> There is another residence on the west side of the channel. When the large ferry out of Villa O’Higgins is functional, it drops people off near this residence so they may hike the Sendero a Candelario Mancilla which is marked with orange and white blazes. This trail is well-formed and climbs the hill south of the residence. After exiting the treeline, be aware that there is limited camping for many kilometers. From this point, the route is very exposed and there is no cover until the route re-crosses Lago Chico. <br /> <br /> Glacier O’Higgins is beautiful; it is composed of glistening blue ice that terminates into the lake. Sadly, as the University of Valdevía has documented, the glacier is receding at an alarming rate and is in danger. As you enjoy the views, the trail continues to wind up and down above the lake but eventually disappears. Navigation is easy due to a lack of vegetation, but camping is poor due to exposure and the steep terrain. <br /> <br /> An orange refugio is located 2 km from Lago Chico on the glacial moraine. It is equipped with solar panels and is a good place to ride out a storm. The route continues down rocks and sand to the lake edge. The lake paddle is very pleasant, and depending on the season, it may involve weaving through icebergs to get to open water. Be careful not to get too close to the icebergs! Many of them are unstable and falling ice is common. <br /> <br /> Alternate:<br /> The GPS route indicates a northbound float on Lago Chico for approximately 4 km until take-out, but high winds forced us off of the lake early. We exited at the southern end of Lago Chico and from there faced a very difficult, brushy, and steep climb up to a trail at about elevation 750 m. Weather permitting, it may be easier to packraft all the way back to the land bridge between Lago Chico and Lago O’Higgins/San Martin. The trail on east side of the lake is well-formed, however, and there is one established campsite near a run down shack at the Lago Diablo turn off. <br /> <br /> In order to avoid the illegal Lago Diablo crossing into Argentina, just after passing a large wooden sign that says “Sendero de Chile,” turn off to the east on a well-formed track and climb up through the forest. The track is well-formed, easy to follow, and passes by several good places to camp. There are some orange and white blazes which are hard to spot because they mark the track in the opposite direction. There is a brief cross-country section over the pass through open tundra, but the trail reappears as the route renters the trees. There are a couple river crossing, and the trail ends at the gravel road. Follow the road north back to the Carabineros outpost to inform them you made it back safely and to obtain an exit stamp.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2016/17==<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anna &amp; Christopher<br /> In march and april the ferry that crosses Lago O'Higgins only leaves twice a week, which is mondays and thursdays at 8 a.m. (company Las Ruedas, reservation possible via whatsapp +56 966278836).<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> * 2023 December / Anh<br /> <br /> Warning between exit &amp; entry:<br /> You have to reach the other border control within one day, since recently both border controls compare the data every day.<br /> If you do not arrive within one day, they (both border controls) will actually go looking for you.<br /> <br /> *Permit for Gpt38<br /> For glaciers Chico and O'Higgins you can apply for an &quot;Expedition Paper&quot; at the Chilean border control. However, this does not allow you to cross the border to Argentina.<br /> At the argentinian border control, you can ask for the route Lago del Desierto - Lago Diablo (with return / no border crossing).<br /> Conclusion: there is currently no standard procedure for GPT38 with border crossing. The two border controls check by radio whether all persons arrive on the other side within one day (and start search operations if necessary)!<br /> <br /> *2023 / Ondrej <br /> At he Argentinian police checkpoint I was actually asked why I had a three day old stamp. I wanted to avoid problems, so I said that I took a slow pace and did not walk on some days because it was raining constantly (which was true). I said that I built my tent, read a book and trying to wait out the rain. This (in a hindsight really poor) excuse was fortunately enough for the officer. He nodded and gave me the stamp. <br /> <br /> *2019 / Jan Dudeck<br /> Be aware that the GPT route takes a significant detour between these border controls and crosses the actual border at an non-officil location at the Refugio el Diabolo. If you ask the border police for permission to cross the border in this location than your request will probably be denied so better don’t ask and just tell that you are on the way to the Chile/Argentina without specifying the exact route (when asking for your exit stamp).<br /> We have taken this non-official route twice in January 2017 and January 2019 without any issue.<br /> Worst case scenario is that you arrive with a several days old exit stamp on the other side and the border control police becomes upset and ask you to walk back on the shortest route (Option 1) to get a fresh stamp but I have not heard this happening in recent years.<br /> <br /> *Comment Jan Dudeck: In recent years we and other hikers had no issues staying several days between the Chilean and Argentine border post. Some years ago the situation was different but both sides seams more relaxed now as long as you arrive on the other side with an exit stamp.<br /> <br /> *2019 / Arnaud et Adriane<br /> <br /> According to the team of our hotel in Villa O'Higgins, we officially have 24h to cross the border.(...) Don't say to the argentinian customs that you were there because the mirador is officially in chile (200m after the border but without any puesto) just say that you walked to the refugio del Diablo which is on the path and 200m before the border.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT38 - Glaciar Chico]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT39_(Monte_Fitzroy)&diff=120734 2025-03-12T21:21:42Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-10 &gt; 12 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 39-02 &gt; 39-B &gt; RR &gt; &lt;strike&gt;39-E&lt;/strike&gt; &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT37+GPT38+GPT39<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : péages, touristes, torrent impassable<br /> <br /> Le sentier le long du lac est un peu humide mais il est très bien entretenu. J'ai marché 4 km sur la gravel road puis un couple d'argentin super gentil m'ont emmené directement au km 31,7 au départ du sentier. Le péage était désert alors je suis passé sans payer direction le glacier Marconi 39-02. Après le camp du km 6,7 il faut passer au nord de la colline, le long du torrent. Globalement il faut utiliser son GPS, il y a des cairns et un marquage mais ça ne suffit pas. J'ai campé ici (-49.2126854, -73.06602) ça protège du vent dominant mais attention il y a des courants d'air. Le point de vue est ici maintenant (-49.2127844, -73.0944228) car le glacier a bien reculé. La glace tombe même sous nos yeux. Les sentiers 39-B (El Chaltén - Lago de los Tres) et RR (El Chaltén - Laguna Torre) sont saturés de touristes, ça ralenti vraiment le rythme. J'ai essayé de faire le sentier 39-E mais le torrent est totalement infranchissable près du lac. Il faut soit utiliser la tyrolienne au début du torrent, soit le franchir 1km plus bas puis passer dans le bois (bush-bashing). Le courant est très rapide, l'eau est totalement trouble, il y a des blocs de glace qui passent. Comme il fallait revenir par le même chemin je n'ai pas essayé, estimant le risque beaucoup trop important. Je ne comprend pas comment ce trail a pu être validé sans pont ni ford alors que même moi je n'arrive pas à traverser en fin de saison. J'ai continué vers El Chaltén. Attention ils ont un vrai probleme avec la CB et veulent tout le temps du liquide, et pas de liquide Chilien... Cependant j'ai pu faire mes courses avec ma CB.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''28Fev2025 - 1Mar2025 / hiking NOBO / RR - varB OH1 - RR / 2 days / Lilian and Clara'''<br /> <br /> No park ranger at begining of RR trail to Laguna Torre. <br /> Easy trail overrun ++, we decided to skip laguna torre. <br /> We went to laguna sucia and loved it, very majestic. <br /> <br /> Camp at laguna piedras blancas, nice view on the glaciar and fitz roy at the end of the trail but crazy wind. Some good wind sheltered spots for tent under huge rocks (one very good and even rain protected). <br /> <br /> Trail on OH1 is close but still easy to follow, no one there and really nice. <br /> No park ranger at rio electrico around 11am. <br /> It took us 30sec to get a ride to the lake at the end of the morning. <br /> There you have 1h free wifi that is good. Several solutions to eat (foodtruck and restaurant, minimarket with mostly drinks and sweats). possibility to pay by card. <br /> Boat going to north side of the lake several time per day (except no boat on monday), 40k ARG. <br /> <br /> Trail to north side along the lake is easy. <br /> <br /> Camp at the Argentinian border campsite : water, toilets and awsome view on lake + fitzroy. <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-21 to 2025-Feb-22 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 2 + variant B + Laguna Sucia + variant C / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Trail along Lago Desierto is nice and straight forward. We hitched the road to the start of Option 2. There's a ticket booth with the new park fees near the start however it was closed in the afternoon. We found somewhere hidden in the forest to camp.<br /> <br /> The rest was all straight forward. Didn't see anybody at Laguna Piedra Blancas, Lago De Los Tres was very busy as expected, Laguna Sucia was much quieter but still a few people. We took variant C to El Chalten as the weather looked bad the following day, very easy trail lots of tourists.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Feb-04 to 2025-Feb-05 / 1.5 days Hiking / SOBO/ RR/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: The trail along Lago del Desierto is nice and easy, sometimes a bit wet. When i reached the gravel road it took more than 1h to get a hitch. A friendly couple from Buenos Aires took me. Wanted to continue with the RR, but a sign said &quot;access only for guests of Hotel El Pilar&quot;. Was confused and continued some meters on the road and tried to bypass on a gravelroad. But it ended nowhere. Was frustrated and had to backtrack. Found a possibility to bypass Hotel El Pilar on this 4x4 track: -49.235541, -72.932263. It continues to the trail. From there it was easy hiking and at 8pm i pitched my tent hidden in the forest. <br /> <br /> Day 2: The official campsites like Poincenot now charge 15.000 ARS (~15US$). In my opinion it's pricey for what you get: a flat spot in the forest and access to a vault toilet without toilet paper. <br /> <br /> Went up to Laguna Sucia. Really beautiful, but the trail was suprinsingly technical with a short &amp; very steep ascent and a stretch on big boulders. <br /> <br /> It was very easy hiking until El Chaltén. Met tons of people. Missed Laguna Torre, want to do it later with Arno.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-22 to 2025-Jan-23 / 2 / &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO / RP + RR + Variant: C + B + new Option/ Roman'''<br /> <br /> Route: Started the section directly from GPT38. Started packrafting at Lake, Ferry {39} [0.1/507] (Lago del Desierto) to the other side of the ferry. Hitchhiked from there to El Chaiten. Went on a short one day hike to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres) via a new Option (Laguna Sucia).<br /> <br /> Weather: Day one was cloudy with little wind. Day two was clear and sunny until noon after that cloudy.<br /> <br /> Details: Started Packrafting at ~14:00 PM. There was a guard who wanted me to put in a helmet (which doesn't make sense for a lake crossing. I had full Packrafting gear (drysuit, life jacket, leash, etc.). Luckily a friend had a helmet i could use. After the guard verified that the weather was good i was allows to go. As pointed out earlier this isn't a official rule it depends on the guard. After starting i experienced the &quot;topical&quot; condiciones on the lake. Basically no wind at the shores (north/south shore) and strongish winds in the middle 20-30 km/h N. All of this can be read in the comments here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D38JiiEhq/ . After 2.25 hours and a average speed of 4.2 km/h. I After i reached the south shore i walked for 5km before I got a lift directly to El Chaiten. It's a busy, touristy and expensive place and I didn't not really enjoyed it.<br /> <br /> I went on a fast morning hike the next day to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres). There are 3 entry point where you have to buy a ticket for the national park. They also sometimes check if you have a ticket when you are exiting. The entrance fee can be avoided by 1) enter early in the morning 2) walk around the entry point. The same goes for the way out. You can download the 3 checkpoints at the end. I started in El Chaiten at 03:15 AM and followed variant C from the city center to GPT39-C start and followed the RR north up to GPT39-B end until this point: X {39-B} [0.6/736]. From there I went to Laguna Sucia - i didn't registered/notified anyone for taking this trail even though there was a sign. After that i scrambled my way up to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres) and backtracked the same way via Variant B back to El Chaiten. The route can be downloaded at the end.<br /> <br /> Overall: Packrafting Laguna del Desierto was really nice. After that i got way to touristy and crowded for me. I would reccomend continuing as fast as possible and not spending time at El Chaiten or the National Park. The hike to Viewpoint {39-B} [2.6/1158] (Laguna de los Tres) was nice - as I was the only person at Laguna Sucia and I have only met a few people that early in the morning and I was already back around 09:30 AM.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Track &amp;Additional Markers):<br /> - Checkpoints of the national park &amp; New option: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tJYWBnZnqqOJStEPxQ<br /> <br /> Source: https://xn--sealcalafate-bhb.com/contenido/12931/el-lunes-comienza-el-cobro-de-acceso-a-turistas-en-la-zona-de-el-chalten<br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * '''Dec 22-23 / OH 39-02 + RR SOBO / wiiiim'''<br /> <br /> GPT39 was busy as expected, I hitched a ride from Lago Desierto &amp; entered the park in the afternoon from Rio Electrico on the OH, it has a park toll booth at the start about 200m in, it was closed that rainy afternoon. I camped in some very windy weather at -49.26410, -72.95542 there are several nice well protected rock bivvies, Laguna piedras blancas is a short/nice side trip, I wanted to avoid Poincenot which seems to get absolutely hammered, I was told they will start charging camp fees here very soon? I couldn’t verify this. <br /> Laguna Sucia was a highlight for me, if you’re short on time I would personally pick this over Laguna de los tres<br /> For what it’s worth the new park entry fee system is pretty poorly implemented, it’s currently a sport among back packers to avoid park control booths by starting the trails before 7am. Laguna Torre is still free, so technically you can enter from -49.33148, -72.89532 at any time and hike the RR NOBO without check points, they dont seem to validate inside or at park exits.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Apr-03 to 2024-Apr-05 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 1 + B + OSM Trail to Laguna Sucia / Joscha '''<br /> <br /> I combined Section 37, 38 and 39. It took me 10.5 days including 2.5 days waiting at Bahia Pescado for the ferry. I left a bag with food in Villa O'Higgins which the ferry brought me. And I could store food at the chilenian Border station. Therefore I never had to cary food for more than 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-31.8] + OH39-01 + OH39-B [0.6-0.2]<br /> <br /> I arrived at the southern end of lago de desierto at noon. I hiked for about 2 hours on the primary road until I got a hitch to the start of OH39-01. Its probably easier to get a hitch in the afternoon. At Laguna Piedras Blancas is a sign that the area around the Laguna is dangerous and it's forbidden to go to the Laguna. The sidetrail to the Laguna is a rock scramble. Because of wind and rain I did not went to the Laguna. But its possible to see the glacier without scrambling up to the Laguna (its also possible to see the glacier from the RR) and the rest of the trail is in good condition as well. I camped at the campsite Poincenot [39.4+0.2].<br /> <br /> Day 2: OH39-B [0.2-2.6] + OSM Trail to Laguna Sucia + RR [39.4-49.4]<br /> <br /> I went up to the Laguna de los Tres for sunrise with about 50 other hikers. The trail is officially closed for the season, but nobody cares. It was a little icy, but doable without spikes. I returned to the campsite Poincenot and went to the Laguna Sucia on the OSM trail. This trail is also officially closed, because it is suposed to be to dangerous. The last few hundred meters to the Laguna is a rock scramble, but in good conditions pretty easy. During the rock scramble you can go on both sides of the river. I liked the southern side a little more, even though the OSM trail is on the northern side. I can really recommend Laguna Sucia. Only few people and in my opinion more impressive than Laguna de los Tres. After that I returned to the RR and went to Laguna Torre. I camped at the Campsite D' Agostini at km 49.4.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [49.4-59.4]<br /> <br /> Easy walk to El Chalten.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Ma 20 to 22 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Juliette and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Day 1 : Argentinian gendarmeria - Punta Sur <br /> <br /> A small day with only a walk along the lago Desierto. Approximatly 5 hours of walk. Nice points of view on the fitz Roy. We sleeped at the « Hosteria y restaurante Punta sur »… It’s 48 000 argentinian pesos for a two people room with a breakfast included (and it’s allowed us to dry our stuff). There is a camping on the side with a small refuge inside in case of rain for 14 000 pesos per people.<br /> <br /> Day 2 : Punta Sur - Camp Poincenot <br /> <br /> We hitchhiked to skip the road to hike less (because of a foot pain). The detour to the Laguna Piedras Blancas worth it, but the ascenption to the lake on huge rock took us à long time, despite the low distance. Camping poincenot was crowded, but we didn’t heard of any mice. <br /> <br /> Day 3 : camp Poincenot - El Chalten <br /> <br /> Wake up early to contemplate to sun rise from the Lago los Tres. The ascenption from the camp is an hour long, easy beaucause overrun and the trail is maitained. A lot of people do the same (almost 20 or 30 I would say). It’s really beautiful, espacially if you have a good weather. Walking on the most famous trail around the fitz roy is really différent from the GPT. The trailed arouned Cerro Torre is really easy and overrun. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-08 to 2024-Mar-09/ 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Opt 01 + Var B+D / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Argentine Border Control – near Rio Electrico:<br /> <br /> Started at the Argentine Border Control at 14:00. (I stayed the night before in Candelario Mancilla, GPT38). It took me 3:45h of straight walking to reach the road on the southern end of the lake. Got a ride from there at 18:15 to the bridge over Rio Electrico. On OSM there was a camping indicated there, which does not exist. Due to the beginning darkness, I camped near the path of Option01 2km from the bridge – very windy night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: near Rio Electrico - Laguna Piedras Blancas - Laguna de Los Tres - Laguna Torre - El Chalten<br /> <br /> A very (too) long day due to a bad weather forecast for the following days. Option 1 is very nice though officially closed because in one season there had ocurred 18 accidents and one person dying. (Information of park ranger Miguel at whose house I stayed in ElChalten). Was lucky to see Fitz Roy from Laguna Piedras Blancas!<br /> It is very interesting to see how the tourists concentrate to certain hot spots all over the world. On the path to Laguna de Los Tres I “met” probably more people (hundreds) than on my whole 60 day GPT hike before!<br /> <br /> * '''24-Mar-03 to 2024-Mar-05 / 48 hours / Hiking / SOBO / RR, option 1, new option from Laguna Sucio to Laguna Torre / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I started at 1300 from the carabinieros. The trail to road took me 3 hours (with one 5 minute stop), it is not that horrible with ups and downs but it has its share, with the small ones at the end more unexpected. I wanted to catch a bus that supposedly leaves at 4 as previously noted. I met only one couple hiking one km from the road. How surprised was I by the full carpark (30 cars). The bus apparently leaves at five. I hitched a car instead after 15 minutes. The road seemed busy, maybe it was the Sunday afternoon but one car passed every 3-5 minutes (and there were cars going north too). Got off at start of option 1 - there is enormous parking lot there with maybe 50 cars.<br /> <br /> I took the option 1 which is supposed to be peopleless. It is, once you reach the X at 2.4. Or earlier, if you take the OSM trail after 1 km signposted to camping Poincenot. Follow that for 500 m and then turn right on a barely used trail. Shortcut the detour by CCing (roughly here:49.2387039S, 72.9553397W) to the left through open forest after cca 400 m on this trail. Once again on the GPT, you will come across a fence - I guess that is why this trail is not much used, it is probably not official. Viewpoint at 6.2 is really worth it - for me it was also the first time I saw Fitz Roy, as it was in the clouds previously. I camped at the turnoff to the viewpoint here: 49.2640959S, 72.9554167W. There is a place for tent but I used a cave-like space under a boulder 15 m upstream - it was big enough to allow me to use the inner part of my tent against the few mosquitoes around. Too small for two though. Not sure what the legal situation is, I heard when caught camping without a permit in the park, they take your gear and you must pay a fine in town. This trail is however rarely used (only signed by cairns), so probably they would not check here [also, sleeping under the lagoon might be dangerous as it could technically collapse at anytime).<br /> <br /> The next day I did not take variant B to Lago de los Tres. By the way the OSM trail there to Cerro Madsen in reality does not seem to go over glacier but in between them, the glaciars are shrinking (it is marked as SAC 4 which seems about right, looks easily walkable/lightly scramblable), you could also probably cut it from the Lago to Laguna Sucia going through this seemingly waterless valley/gulley: 49.2825930S, 72.9843467W. How do I know these? I went from Laguna Sucia (not on GPT yet, but it is on OSM partly) to Laguna Torre. This is a demanding but very fun and extremely beautiful scramble (at most SAC 5 but I did not exactly always aim for the easiest route), hopefully it will make it to the GPX files for the next season. For now, pictures and GPX link [https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1761957234310155/ here]. It goes like this: follow the OSM trail that goes from camping Poincenot to Laguna Sucia and then to Swiss Bivy/la Cueva. Once there, follow the trail a bit more (150 m) to get on top of the cliffy-like part of the slope, where it will be a bit flatter. Scramble horizontally to SE and then to E. The glacier is smaller than on the map - I got to its very end and crossed one of the small gullies near it. Then you traverse for some time on a less steep terrain, until you are roughly under a nameless lake. From there, go up. I took a ridge, which was fun, but easier would be to go up a slope. I got to about 1550 on the ridge that is above the lake from NW. Going down to the lake is a bit less slopy from there. There would be other ways, either going higher over this ridge, or even lower. One could also probably go straight up from the lake, or even with a bit bushbashing approach the lake from NE.<br /> <br /> At the lake, I met a Swiss couple who slept there. They built a very nice tent space there. This was a coincidence, this does not seem like popular traverse (though I saw a paraglider launch from Loma de las Pizzaras, which had a trail to it on OSM; that is what the Swiss took saying the trail stops 500 m before the peak; from there they went down to a valley south of the peak and over a pass). I went through the pass cca 200 m from Loma de las Pizzaras (which had usable if a bit spotty 4G Claro internet), down a valley and then over a miniscule pass to SW to a lake that is not even on OSM [2024: I since added it to OSM] yet here: 49.3051327S, 72.9861450W - a good camping spot, so I stayed (it was a very sunny calm and reasonably warm day/night), but the place seems more sheltered than the other lake where I met the Swiss. Did not bother to build a windwall, sorry. I met 12 people all day, 7 out of which were climbers lolling about their tents, they camped both just before Laguna Sucio and at the Swiss bivy. Not sure if this is tolerated or you need a permit (or possibly climbing gear). Took me about 4 hours from Swiss bivy to Loma de las Pizzaras. Incredible views, ice kept falling from the glaciers, once even to the lake. Usually the ice is down by the time you hear the rumbling, but I was close enough to watch two falls. Also saw Condors again after a long time. A perfect day and I am out of superlatives describing it; I guess this is what makes some people crazy about Patagonia. Fitz Roy is actually the only place I knew about before coming to Chile after googling &quot;long distance hike in South America&quot; 16 months earlier.<br /> <br /> The next day I went over a small pass to the west of the lake and then down, roughly aiming for end of variant D. Around 1050 m I crossed a stream (take water from it, there won't be much more) and kept it to my left, graduallly distancing myself from it to maybe 50-100m. There is a way between the greenery that does not involve BBing. Then you reach the forrest, which is open and you end up on the trail.<br /> <br /> From there to El Chalten, it is a highway (200 people met?), very easy and pretty (autumn is coming), but annoying with people. I do not like El Chalten, going on to GPT40 before the weather turns horrible.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-28 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / option 1 + Laguna Pollone + variant b + variant d / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : easy path to follow<br /> - Water : easy to find<br /> - Camping spot : poincenot is a nice campsite, camping piedra del fraile doesn't accept card so you need cash<br /> - Weather : sunny and cloudy<br /> - Resupply : from villa O'Higgins<br /> - Overall : amazing section, the views are amazing, really worth it to do the Fitz Roy for the sunrise and leave the tent and bags at the Poincenot campsite<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 / 4 day / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Charlie Gardner'''<br /> <br /> Not much to add, super straightforward hiking area. Only addition I’d recommend is hiking through Poincenot camp (or staying there) and taking western route that connects with the trail to Lago Piedra Blancas. This section was empty and georgeous. The short hike up the boulder field to the lake is absolutely worth. Piedra del Fraile is an awesome little campsite and Refugio as well. We didn’t go any further North by hiking on this route. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-13 / 1 day / Packrafting / SOBO / RR + Option 2A / Tom Pieper'''<br /> <br /> Not much to add. The free camping at gendarmeria argentina was indeed my most favourite 'official' camping spot of the entire GPT. Amazing view on Mt Fitz Roy in the evening! Talk to the gendarmeria. They might help organize boat transfer with a local farmer even outside the official hours. Tooked the motorboat in the morning, as wind was too strong to cross by packraft. Packrafting Rio de las vueltas was fun. Swift blue river which might a perfect packrafting river for beginners as there are no major obstacles. After every bend new stunning views on Mt Fitz Roy. Bring fishing equipment - a lot of trouts in there. I did not went for the lower part, but easily catched a ride via option 2A.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-03 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We camped by the border control. It was raining all night and still in the morning but we decided to do the hike along Laguna Desierto. Surprisingly it wasn't as muddy and slippery as we expected but of course the streams were pretty big and everything got absolutely soaked during the rain. We reached the other end of the lake in less than three hours and there were lots of cars and tourists there. No phone signal. We started hiking along the road and after 5km got a ride to El Chalten.<br /> <br /> The ferry doesn't go on Wednesdays, on Thursday it went at 11am from the side of the border control. Not sure of the price.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-16 to 2023-Dec-19 / 3.5 days / NOBO / El Chaltén - Lago del desierto / RR/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was a well marked section with amazing views. You nearly don't need your gps during the entire section and can enjoy the beautiful landscape. It felt like an easy first section for us. <br /> <br /> The trail to Laguna torre was full of people but once we turned out of it, it was really ok.<br /> <br /> The road walking between puente del río electrico and lago del desierto wasn't the most interesting but everything is better with a nice view!<br /> <br /> *2023 Anh OH-TL-V + RH-TL-V (Lago del Desierto)<br /> OH-TL-V is easy for Gpt hikers. The trails are easy to find. Just for the left trail of Laguna Torre you have to rent Harness to cross river via Tyrolean traverse.<br /> <br /> RH-TL-V along Lago del Desierto is easy to hike, official you should plan 6 hours. I just needed 4.5 hours (slow-normal speed) with heavy backpack (10 days food). Alternatively you can pay 55 USD (one way) for the ferry.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-19 to 2023-Mar-20 / 2 days / NOBO / El Chalten to Paso Fronterizo del Lago del desierto / Jess&amp;Paco'''<br /> <br /> Easy and wonderfull section especially the trail from lago Torre to Poincenot Camp passing by Lagos Madre e Hija. <br /> <br /> Be carefull after leaving the national park camping El pilar and Laguna Condor are quite expensive. Laguna Condor even refused a group of 5 mochileros without reservation we met the day after. Also the camping Ricanor seems definively closed and the land is to sale. Pitching your tent in the nearby forest is possible but not really authorised. It can be tolerated. But like in the National park and the majority of campsite indicated on the GPT tracks absolutly no fires is allowed.<br /> <br /> You can by snacks at the camping on the southern shore of Lago del desierto but it is not a good resuply spot.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-23 to 2023-Mar-26 / 4 days / SOBO / Lago del Desierto - El Chaltén / RR + option 1 + variant B / Anna &amp; Christopher'''<br /> <br /> What a contrast arriving from the last section without meeting anybody. At the southern end of Lago del Desierto there are lots of tourists. We continued from there around 3 p.m., when people slowly started to come back from their day trips. Our timing proved to be pretty good, because we got a ride after walking for a couple of minutes. There is also a bus to El Chaltén leaving atound 4 p.m. for 3.500 pesos.<br /> <br /> The car dropped us at the bridge at km 31.8 where option 1 starts. That night we camped somewhere between the rocks next to the trail around km 8. Camping at Piedra del Fraile is 3.000 pesos.<br /> <br /> The next day we knew it would rain in the afternoon so we got up early at sunrise, left our backpacks behind and went up to km 12.3 to get a nice view of the glacier. When the rain started, we fled to the hut at Piedra del Fraile to wait until it passes. <br /> <br /> If one is short in time, we would recommend to skip this glacier, because the other options of GPT 39 are definitely more spectacular.<br /> <br /> We loved the detour to Laguna Piedra blanca. <br /> <br /> Due to the horror stories of mice at the official campgrounds, we decided to stay away and camped approx. 1km away from the campsite <br /> &quot;Poincenot&quot; that night.<br /> <br /> The next day we got up early to see the sunrise at Lago de los Tres, which was beautiful, even though there were way more people than expected for sunrise ;) <br /> <br /> Up there we saw one possible camping spot surrounded by a stone wall. With strong wind it's probably not the best shelter though.<br /> <br /> The stretch to Laguna Torre is amazing. When we arrived there we could enjoy the spectacular view with sunny, windless weather for a while, before it suddenly got extremly windy and everyone looked for a shelter behind some rocks. We decided to return to the woods, camped there and wanted to continue with the options around Laguna Torre the next day. <br /> <br /> When we went up to Laguna Torre the wind still was extremely strong and unfortunately all mountains were covered by clouds, so we quickly continued to El Chaltén.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-7 to 2023-Mar-14 / 2.5 days / SOBO / RR + Option 1 / Lago Desierto - El Chaltén / Ondrej '''<br /> <br /> This section offers lot of impressive views of snowy peaks, turquoise rivers and glaciers - if one has the luck of a good weather. If you are going SOBO and want to do the weather-sensitive GPT40 afterwards, one way to reduce potential waiting days is to pause GPT39 once you get across Lago Desierto and hitchhike to El Chalten. This allows you to consult rangers in El Chalten about a good weather window for The Huemul Circuit (GPT40). You can complete the remainder of GPT39 while waiting for the weather window or after you have finished GPT40. I was on a relatively tight schedule and this strategy has worked well for me.<br /> <br /> Starting from the Argentinian checkpoint at Lago Desierto around midday, I did the lake stretch in the afternoon (took me around 5 hours) and camped at the official campsite at the other side of the lake. The rates were 3,000 Argentinian pesos per person. They have hot water but the pressure is really really bad. They also have a new common room (more like a big refugio) where you can cook and recharge devices (if you have the argentian plug, which I didn’t). The campsite also sels some biscuits, chips etc. There was also a big restaurant bulding, however, it closed at 6pm so I didn’t have a chance to check it out. <br /> <br /> On the second day I walked the road to the point where the trail branches off the road (km38.0). The road was quite scenic but in a hindsight the trail after km38.0 felt much more beautiful. Once you get closer to the trailhead you can observe the monumental Fitz Roy peak, weather permiting. In my case the forecast predicted rain all day. However, at noon the sky suddenly opened and after five gray days granted me beautiful views. This made me to change my strategy and hitch to El Chaltén from the crossroad (km38) hoping that I will be able to use this good weather window for the Huemul circuit (GPT40). This has indeed worked out. <br /> <br /> I hitched back to the crossroad (km38.0) few days later and continued with Option 1 (Laguna Piedras Blancas - L. De Los Tres - L. Torre - El Chaltén) with light backpack in a single day as I was short on time. I would prefer to spend at least two days on this portiom, exploring the lagunas further away. Very scenic and mantained trails in general. Easy to jog some parts for those who enjoy trail running.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-17 to 2023-Feb-20 / 4 days / RR / SOBO / also all the optional routes to the various lagunas on the way to El Chaltén / Véronica &amp; Zach '''<br /> <br /> Route: Lago Del Desierto - Río Las Vueltas - resupply in El Chaltén - Lagos Eléctrico y Marconi - Lago Piedras Blancas - Lago de los Tres - Lago Torre <br /> <br /> If packrafting Lago Desierto, consult the Gendarmaria for advice about current wind conditions. We can't speak about the trail or paddling along most of Lago del Desierto, thanks to a special encounter with a trail magician with a motorboat. We camped that night in a sheltered cove with a fantastic view of Monte Fitz Roy. The next morning, I walked ~3km to the south side of the lake while Zach packrafted down with a tailwind. We learned the ferry crosses the lake from south to north on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10 a.m., and returns from north to south those same days at 11 a.m. <br /> <br /> We walked a scenic dirt road to the put-in for Río de las Vueltas. From there, Zach packrafted and I walked the road. There were no signs along the river prohibiting paddling, but we heard you need a permit to go all the way into El Chaltén. <br /> <br /> We resupplied in El Chaltén that evening, then the next morning hitched back up to Bridge, X {39} [31.7/449], where Option 1 starts. For the next three days, we walked beautiful, well-maintained trails to the lagunas and viewpoints in the vicinity of Monte Fitz Roy. Most of them are out-and-back, and you can easily stash your backpack and walk unencumbered to the glaciers and lakes. Note: Option 39-E requires a harness to cross on a Tyrolean cable, or a burly ford.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-29 to 2023-Jan-01 / Helen and Craig /'''<br /> <br /> &gt;Well marked trails. Very busy on sunny days, Incredibly dusty camp sites in high winds (but nicely sheltered)<br /> <br /> &gt;Really sad amount of rubbish around the trail. Maybe because of this reason mice are a real proplem around the camp sites. *Secure food* (we have taken to sleeping with all food in the main compartment of our tent and don't trust drysacks and backpacks alone to protect). We picked up the bits we could carry but sad to see. Worst littering we have seen anywhere in Patagonia. Wished I had a bigger trash bag to pick up.<br /> <br /> &gt;We walked a very leisurely 3 night loop with side trails in high winds whilst waiting for a weather window for GPT40. Then hitchhiked up to rejoin the trail at Lago Desertio.<br /> <br /> &gt;To avoid the crowds, the popular miadors we walked to at odd times of day, sunset for the 'sunrise' veiw. Very much Worth it.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-09 to 2022-Dec-11 / 2 half days &amp; 1 full day walking / SOBO / Frank'''<br /> <br /> I came from Candelario Mansilla &amp; continued on the trail round Laguna del Desierto the same day. It was slow going around the lake with lots of up &amp; down over bluffs. At the end of the lake I crossed over a bridge (inflow stream for the lake) Just after the bridge there is a restaurant, (closed in the evening), campsite &amp; hut. I stayed in the hut (no beds but in good condition, slept on the wooden floor) From the campsite a trail goes up to Laguna Huemul, about 1 hour up. A worthwhile detour with good views of Glaciar Huemul. Next day I continued on the road then on the trail towards Laguna de los Tres. The high campsite was very busy &amp; noisy so I continued down to Laguna Capri &amp; camped there, better but still noisy. Lots of people on the trail also, a big change to the previous sections. From Laguna Capri I continued easily down to El Chalten. 2 half days &amp; 1 full day walking.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-18 / NOBO / Oreste'''<br /> <br /> The campground Ricanor near to Laguna Azul was close for maintenance when I passed there.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-16 / NOBO / Oreste Marquis'''<br /> <br /> Two first day were on the regular route. Could not see the Fotz Roy from close because of the cloud but still enjoyable route. I hitchike at the end of the second day and did not walk on the road to Lago del desierto because the camping Ricanor nesr to Laguna Azul was close for maintenance so I camp at the one close to the Lago.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec / 2 days / NOBO / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> Trail easy to follow for the parts in the wood before the road. Long road to The Lago Desierto, and a possibility to take a boat on the Lago to join the post of Gendarmeria. The walk by the lake is beautiful though, worth it.<br /> <br /> No special difficulties. <br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-14 / Arnaud et Adriane /xfg'''<br /> <br /> It was a very rainy, windy and cold day so we walked to the road 12km (along the lago del desierto) and after 6 km on the road, we finished hitchhiking directly to El Chalten. Everything was covered with clouds so we sadly saw nothing.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-9 / 2 days / Regular hiking route / NOBO / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe'''<br /> <br /> The highlight of this section for us was visiting all the lagunas in the national park! We cheated and hitch hiked along the road when we hit it after El Pilar. It was not difficult to get a car in the morning when tourists are heading out to Lago Desierto; it might be harder to find one northbound in the evening would be my guess. It's necessary to pay to camp at Desierto, 800 Argentinian Pesos each, and it is not allowed to camp along the road.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18 / fgh:'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> Section GPT39 begins on the northern bank of Lago del Desierto. According to the Gendarmería, the Argentine Border Control, the wind patterns on the lake are unpredictable and shift frequently. There is also no good access to the trail on the east side if bailing becomes a necessity, so have caution when deciding whether to packraft or not.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''20Comment by Jan Dudeck: Lago del Desierto is an innocent looking beast. While very calm at the put in heavy wind at the middle of the lake can make a traverse demanding and dangerous.'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> There is a well-established trail that runs along the east side of the lake. However, it isn’t flat, and the 11 or so kilometers takes longer than expected. There is an option to take a ferry across the lake which is popular with Carretera Austral bicyclers. More information regarding times and prices can be found at the Argentine border control station on the north side of Lago del Desierto.<br /> <br /> Hungry hikers are rewarded when they reach the south end of the lake. A burger stand with some snack options is located here along with an established campground with showers, flush toilets, and a communal kitchen.<br /> <br /> Walk along RP23, a gravel road, for several kilometers until reaching the put-in for the packrafting section of Río de las Vueltas, which is a sloped rocky beach. The serpentine river section before Lago Condor is fairly swift with no rapids, only some wooden snags. After Lago Condor, the river widens and forms many braided channels.<br /> <br /> Alternate: Instead of exiting Río de las Vueltas onto RP23 as shown by the GPS track, we floated the river al the way to El Chaltén and took out just after the bridge crossing east of the town.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''Comment by Jan Dudeck:'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> To my knowledge packrafting the Rio de las Vueltas all the way to El Chalten requires a permit by the park rangers. Without this permit park rangers might get very nasty and may even confiscate your packraft. So better leave the river before this river enters the national park. Packraft track OP-RI-1@39-02-# only if you have a permit.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *El Chaltén is a medium sized town with several hostels, restaurants, and decent resupply options. There were also a few outdoor gear outfitters which offered rentals for the famous Huemul Circuit (GPT40).<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *2023 / Jess&amp;Paco<br /> You can by snacks at the camping on the southern shore of Lago del desierto but it is not a good resuply spot.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> 2023: There is a bus every evening at 8PM from El Chalten to Los Antiguos, arriving at about 7AM. The bus continues to Esquel, El Bolson &amp; Bariloche. From Los Antiguos you can go by local taxi or hitch to the border &amp; Chile Chico (there is no longer a bus across the border) There is also a bus once a day from Los Antiguos to El Chalten.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT39 - Monte Fitz Roy]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT38_(Glaciar_Chico)&diff=120733 2025-03-12T21:18:44Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> == Notes ==<br /> '''Note: the section was significantly redone around October 2024, so references to trails codes before that time are probably wrong.'''<br /> [Tomáš]: Previously, the route initially followed the MR that goes to the Argentinian border before taking what is now RH-TL-V {38} [20.2/57.1+15.2] and RH-TL-V {38} [21.8/27.2+9.3], before crossing into Argentina over the pass near Refugio Diablo and then the option now called 39-01 that follows down along Rio Diablo to the Argentinian border control. See Anh's story below on how he was searched for when he took this alternative. However, later Tomáš alone and Juliette and Martin together managed to follow the original regular route without major issues. It seems it is still ok if you stamp your passport one day at the Chilian border control and the next day at the Argentinian ones, but more datapoints are needed. [Roman]: This must be checked if this is possible see comments: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14tQ2XaaqZ/<br /> <br /> Don Ricardo at Candelario Mancilla (WhatsApp +56 9 9126 7007) is very friendly and can help with logistics. Don Lucho at Ventisquero Chico can be a bit more difficult to interact with, and he currently appears to charge CLP 20.000 per person for the ferry back and forth the river (quadrupeling the price in one season). <br /> <br /> Written by Tobi in Dec 2024, please keep edit this and keep it up to date.<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-08 &gt; 09 / 2 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &lt;strike&gt;38-01&lt;/strike&gt; &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT37+GPT38+GPT39<br /> | Meteo : soleil, nuage puis pluie à la fin<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : frontière, sentier en mauvais état coté chilien<br /> <br /> Aux km 12 et 12,5 je suis passé sans me mouiller. Le sentier est globalement envahi du coté chilien, même végétation abrasive que sur la peninsula Florida. Pas de bush-bashing, juste beaucoup de végétation au point que j'ai souvent utilisé mon GPS. Je voulais faire la 38-01 mais j'ai appelé 1h et personne n'est venu. Pourtant j'ai vu le monsieur et je suis sûr qu'il m'a vu, ses chiens aussi. Je pense qu'il ne prend pas les gens seul car les 2 personnes qui m'en ont parlé y sont allé en couple (Sophie &amp; Gaspar, Tamar &amp; Nimrod). Je suis déçu même si je suis content de ne pas avoir payé 20 000 CLP pour 30m de barque. Je n'ai pas essayé de traverser à pied car il faisait trop froid, je ne pense pas que ce soit possible de toute façon. Attention aux marques rouge sur le sentier qui longe le lac, elles n'indiquent pas toujours le bon chemin. Le sentier est parfois très humide, difficile de garder ses chaussures sèches. Du côté argentin par contre, j'ai trouvé le sentier en bon état et il est balisé (il faut quand même utiliser son GPS).<br /> Il faut traverser plusieurs fois des cours d'eau, mais je n'ai eu de ford qu'au point (48.984882° S 72.877802° W). Le refuge Diablo est petit mais c'est un vrai refuge étanche avec 8 places pour dormir et un poêle. Camping à la Gendarmería. Le lendemain au contrôle argentin, ca n'a posé aucun problème que je sois resté deux jours sans autorisation.<br /> <br /> '''1Mar2025 / hiking NOBO / RR / 1 days / Lilian and Clara'''<br /> <br /> Trail up to the border is easy and nice in forest. Then dirt road down to camping. Weather became really bad and we were very lucky to see Ricardo briging people up to the border so then he took us down. <br /> <br /> Passing carabineros is a bit long cause you need to wait an answer on their computer but they didn't check (and even didn't ask) about our food. <br /> <br /> Then 3 days of bad weather and no boat make us stay at camping of Candelario Mancilla. There is a grange with table and seats, fire cooking range. Maria sells very good pans (500 pesos), huevos (500 pesos), pastas 400g (3k), tomato sauce (1k). Sometimes meet. Beers (2-3k). She has no more sweets at this period. <br /> Camping is 10k.<br /> There are also possibility to sleep in very little cabañas in the garden with only a double deb inside for 30k and also they have room in their house probably more pricey. <br /> <br /> You can purchase boat with her when arriving. Everything can be paid by card. <br /> <br /> We had almost good weather window for 37H so took ferry to bahia pescado with amigo patagon for 40k pp. <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-17 to 2025-Feb-20 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + 37H-08I / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> We decided to go to the glacier as an out back, going over the pass twice. We took 37H-08I from the campsite as its slightly shorter and avoids some road walking. Was fine. <br /> <br /> The three Fords on the way up the pass weren't a problem at all. As mentioned by others the trails is pretty overgrown towards the end of the descent.<br /> <br /> Camped in the forest at -48.54813, -72.57438<br /> <br /> Trail to the viewpoint (Mirador Marconi) is a bit overgrown in places too.<br /> <br /> Camped about 1.5km before settler 23.5km on the way back. There's a few options in the forest around here.<br /> <br /> On our way back to the camping at Candelario Mancilla we passed the cabineros after going around them on 37H-08I on our way to the glacoer. We got stopped and were told it wasn't a problem but that we should have registered with them before going to the glacier.<br /> <br /> Road walk to border was easy so was the trail to border control. Argentine border guard was very nice and chill, didn't check our backpacks or food at all. We camped here, beautiful spot with a unlocked toilet (door is a bit stiff!).<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Jan-31 to 2025-Feb-03 / 4 days Hiking / SOBO/ RH + RP to Viewpoint {38} [35.5/874] + OH 08l/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Summary: my favorite section so far, can really recommend to do GPT 38, although it's a detour. All trails did not present major difficulties. Especially the Peninsula La Carmela was awesome - i highly recommend to visit!<br /> <br /> Day 1: Bypassed the Carabinieros on the OH 08l directly from the Campground. Didn't want to waste time in the queue. The OH was nice to hike, good trail until you reach a swamp. There the good trail continues on the other side, but hikers need to go around on small animal trails. The trail up to the pass is easy to follow and in good condition. Sometimes the ground is wet, but not too bad. Ford {38} [6.8/556] was below knee and easy. Ford {38} [12.0/967] was half calf, Ford {38} [12.5/1005] can be crossed dry on rocks. The way down is easy until it leaves the forest. The last part down is partly overgrown and the gps is necessary. Directly continued with the trail to Mirador Marconi, but pitched my tent after 1h in the forest. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Several streams provide water and many options to pitch a tent in sheltered locations. Was rainy when i reached Mirador Marconi. Continued a bit on 04A, to reach the best viewpoint. Very impressive view at Glacier Chico! The trail from my camp 'til there was mostly easy to follow, but the part with many streams was not always straight forward. <br /> Before you reach Ford {38} [40.1/994] (dry crossing on rocks), the GPT leads you through a marshy area. I prefered to bypass most of the wetland in the open forest or on dry ground next to it. <br /> <br /> On my way back i met Anna and Josef, other GPT hikers. They have met Don Lucho at the puesto and had arranged a transfer to the Peninsula for the next day at 8am. We spend the night together 200m from Settler {38} [27.0/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?) - not abandoned, it belongs to Don Lucho and his son! <br /> <br /> Day 3: Easy hike to Ferry, Port {38} [25.0/259] (Desague Lago Chico). Son David brought us to the other side with a rowing boat. It's 20.000 CLP per person there and back. The trail to Viewpoint {38} [35.5/874] is easy, but a GPS is recommended because several animal trails are present. The view at Glacier O'Higgins is even better than Mirador Marconi, truely special scenery. I very much recommend to visit the Peninsula. It's definately worth the effort and the money. The investment in the settler's is a very good one! Hard to understand, why only few tourists visit this spot. <br /> Unfortunately weather was not good: rain showers and strong winds. Was glad to get back to camp, to warm up in the sleeping bag. Camped at the same spot like Day 2. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Backtracked on the same route like on day 1. Together with fresh snow on the mountain tops, the views were even more beautiful. Camped at Candelario Mansilla at Ricardo's place, which i highly recommend. 10.000CLP/person with hot shower and good WiFi.<br /> <br /> Next day i took Ricardo's Taxi to the argentinian border. It's 10k/person with at least 3 people. 30k solo. From there it was 1h easy walk to the argentinian Carabinieros. <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-18 to 2025-Jan-21 / 4 / &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO (clockwise)/ RR + RP + RH + Variant H + Option 01 + GPT-37H-08I/ Roman'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Route: Arrived at 08:00 at Candelario Mancilla with the ferry. Took the RR to X {38-01} [0.0/593] from there followed RP to GPT38-H end. There took Variant H to reach the shore of Lago Chico. Packrafted to Port, Lake {38} [49.1/391] (Glaciar Chico) via RP. From there followed Option 01 until the end at Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?). Packrafted Rio Chico. Hiked the same way back via RP and RR with GPT-37H-08I to Settler {38-A} [0.5/310]. Took the car to Border, Pass {38-01} [8.2/687] and hiked RR to Border Control AR {38} [48.0/514]. [Map of the route: https://imgur.com/a/Kjnkw4p]<br /> <br /> <br /> Weather: Sunny little wind on day 1. Sunny and close to no wind on day 2. Day 3 rain until noon after that cloudy. Day 4 cloudy little wind.<br /> <br /> Details: I arrived at 07:45 with the ferry from Lago o Higgins and started hiking right away without collecting a stamp as the Border crossing must have happen at the same say (see comments: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17fh9huMTn/ / i also edited the note of the article). I met at the end people who informed the Gendarmerie about they're trip - they took fotos and some information. I haven't done it. Hiking up the road is easy. The trial starts at X {38-01} [0.0/593] and is clearly visible and easy to hike still checking the GPS from time to time is worthwhile. The Ford {38} [6.8/556] was calf high and easy. Ford {38} [12.0/967] and Ford {38} [12.5/1005] could be crossed via stones. The last steep part (last 1 km) to Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?) is a bit overgrown and there a multiple animal trails so check the GPS. The Enstancia apparently belongs to Don and locked with heavy lockpad and can not be accessed. I continued to this point -48.982173, -72.988839 and camped there with water close by. There are multiple water/camp along the Route. All points marked with water have sufficient water flow during the time of hiking and I only included ones where I think they carry water for most time of the season. All of the additional markers can be downloaded at the end of the summary. <br /> <br /> The next day i stared at 07:30 AM and hiked up to GPT38-H end and took Variant H to reach the shore of the Lago Chico. The CC part is steep and goes trough a forest and across some vegetation. The trail is woth following. Going this way up is very demanding i imagine. Camp {38} [54.0/277] wasn't very clear for me but cou can definitely camp at the &quot;beach&quot; with protection from all sides except north. I started packrafting at 09:00 AM there was little wind (10 km/h from W) forecasted. At the end it was ~10km/h from S i guess it was mountain wind (cold air coming down from the mountains/glaciers). The packrafting was beautiful without any major difficulties. I stopped at Port, Lake {38} [49.1/391] (Glaciar Chico) around 11:00 AM and started hiking at 11:30 AM. The way to the Refuge {38} [47.1/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide) goes trough the valleys of the glacier rivers which is a bit exhausting to hike as everything is soft. As soon as you hike out of it along a dried out river bed it becomes easier. The Refuge {38} [47.1/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide) looks like a awesome place to stay and it was open and also had apparently electricity but I haven't tested it [see: https://imgur.com/a/PfqELJp and https://imgur.com/a/KFEcK5M]. After that it's easy CC up to GPT38-02 end. There the seep part starts. To provide some detail's. It's definitely steep with some parts going up to 50% but it absolutely doable. At the beginning there is ankle high vegetation which becomes lower and lower. As there is always stable vegetation and no rocks etc. you have good traction and there is no risk of falling/slipping (can't judge it if it's wet). It's important to mention that during the ascend there is no cover and you are completely exposed to wind/rain etc. You can walk the hill up in a fairly straight line until the rooks start. There you go left into a wide Couloir which takes you to compared &quot;flat&quot; valley which brings you to the pass where you find water again and you could pitch a tent. Picture of mountain and the path i took [see: https://imgur.com/a/xM1TpuT and https://imgur.com/a/WtkOH5h]. The way down from the Pass {38} [40.5/1225] to the trail start here -48.953238, -73.12036 ia family easy. From there on its a absolutely beautiful trail and you just blaze with fantastic views down to Ferry, Port {38} [25.1/259] (Desague Lago Chico). I met Don and I asked him if he offers a boat ride to Candelario Mancilla as i didn't want to hike in the rain but he only offerd the transfer across Rio Chico as described earlier before 07:00 AM or after 07:00 PM which i declined as i have used my packraft. Camped at Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?) Which was a beautiful place but i also have seen some mice. <br /> <br /> The next day i waited until 14:00 in the tent until the rain stopped. After that i backtracked the same way back to Settler {38-A} [0.5/310] with the Option GPT-37H-08I as this saved some KMs. Staying at Don Ricardo's place was a blast! Had a awsome dinner for 10.<br /> 000 CLP and hot chocolate for 3.000 CLP. Camping was 10.000 CLP and a friend was even allowed to stay in the hous for campers during the night to dry his stuff. <br /> <br /> The next day started with a awsome breakfast with the homemade bread for 8.000 CLP was fantastic! As I already hiked the street by this point in time two times I used Ricardo's shuttle to Border, Pass {38-01} [8.2/687] for 10.000 CLP on this day i collected the exit stamp in Chile (the salvoconducto i already requested at the 17.01.2025 for this date of crossing 21.01.2025. After that hiked to the end of the section at Border Control AR {38} [48.0/514].<br /> <br /> Overall: I really enjoyed the section and especially the remote parts of insula La Carmen and the packrafting close to the glacier. I would absolutely reccomend the section. If possible I would plan to camp at Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?), Refuge {38} [47.1/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide) and somewhere around Viewpoint {38} [35.6/874] and taking 38 RH around the island [RH-TL-V {38} [0.0/1.3+25.7]] but according to the latest information this is overgrown. This is why i backtracked.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Additional Markers):<br /> https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tJMdljpdL1kgWoU9KQ<br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-dic-18 to 2024/ 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + New opt + opt 1 + EXP 04A/ Celio '''<br /> <br /> We did the península la Carmela and Glaciar chico traverse going NoBo starting south of desierto lake at the toro valley and we ended in north shore of desierto lake. Then we did RR to candelorio mancilla and crossed to Bahia Pescado and did the west traverse of península la florida.<br /> <br /> This option involves bordercrossing, but for us it permitted to not go to the chilean border then back to la península. Since I did this hike couple years ago I wanted to discover another valley to arrived a the Glaciar chico, the Toro valley.<br /> <br /> We started here 49°06.687′ S 72°54.982′ W and followed a decent trail going up the valley left of the river. It's alternate between a trail and some easy CC until a ford on a tree (49°03.954′ S 72°57.700′ W), 200m further there is a bridge on the other river on the right, we crossed it and went to the casa Toro (49°03.961′ S 72°57.468′ W), hoping it was a hut, but unfortunately it's a closed &quot;luxury&quot; one. So we camped close to it.<br /> Next day we crossed again the bridge and find a decent trail going up the old, now forested, moraine, to arrive on open CC. You get good view of the lake and glaciar. From there it's easy CC until the actual climb of the pass. From 49°02.188′ S 73°00.044′ W to 49°02.306′ S 73°00.280′ W it's steep CC on loose rocks or snowfield, after this you get to the pass cañadon de los toros (49°02.347′ S 73°00.809′ W). The way down start with a moraine not very nice and then we arrived to the Glaciar lakes and the GPT38 EXP 04A. We forded the river just below the lakes and joined the GPT38 opt 4 at the refuge {38-04} [4.3/690] (Refugio Pantoja) (door is broken and exposed to the wind). Then we went down to the Glaciar chico and crossed it were there is nearly no crevasses (Glaciar experience recommended...). We joined and slept at the Refuge {38} [47.0/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide), it's feel like your are on the moon there!<br /> Next days we followed the GPT38 opt1, it's CC until Pass {38} [40.4/1225], then you follow a trail all the way. Lucho is still there at the estancia la Carmela with is son, but we had to wait the end of the day since they were working on the other side of the península. They made us crossed for 10000$ each (same as 10 years ago, no inflation!). We went back to the north shore of desierto lake by the diablo valley and went by the refuge (sleeping there is possible).<br /> Puesto {38} [35.0/530] (abandoned, Mosquito) is a ruin and there is only flat spot for a tent and cows to warms you during the night!<br /> At the desierto lake we got a food box sent from el chalten for the next 6 days for the GPT37H west traverse of península la florida.<br /> <br /> *21-11-2024 to 25-11-2024 / 4 days / NOBO / RR / Sophie and Gaspar<br /> <br /> After skirting Lago del Desierto with stunning views of Glacier Huemul, we crossed the border, passing an Argentine checkpoint at the lake's end and a Chilean checkpoint at Candelario Mancilla. There’s no other legal option but to go directly from one checkpoint to the other! In Candelario Mancilla, we were warmly hosted at the only available campsite by Don Ricardo and Doña María Luisa (you can purchase some basic provisions if needed, like tortillas, eggs, etc.). <br /> <br /> We decided to circle the peninsula to reach La Carmela, located at Ventisquero Chico, where Don Lucho and his son David live. To do so, you must first check back in with the Carabineros and inform them of your planned itinerary. They’ll take your photo, ask about your gear and food supply to ensure you’re well-equipped (apparently, rescues are not uncommon). We were the first this season to take the trail around the peninsula, and it’s virtually impossible without a GPS, as the path is often overgrown with bush and misleading animal tracks. It took us 11.5 hours to cover just 35 km—but the views of the lake and the peninsula Florida across it are spectacular! <br /> <br /> At Ventisquero Chico, to cross, you need to arrive before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. to be ferried across in their boat ($20/person). <br /> <br /> Once at La Carmela, the route becomes easier—4 hours to reach the viewpoint of O’Higgins Glacier and another 4 to return, following relatively straightforward paths. On our way back to Candelario Mancilla, we took the trail over the pass, which posed no major difficulties apart from a 50-meter section of bush at the start of the ascent.<br /> <br /> For the transfer from Candelario Mancilla to Villa O’Higgins, the best option is to speak with Don Ricardo or Doña María Luisa, who coordinate with the two companies that transport passengers. The service is not regular and depends heavily on weather conditions (especially wind) on the lake.<br /> <br /> '''Note: the section was significantly redone around October 2024, so references to trails codes before that time are probably wrong.'''<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Mar-30 to 2024-Apr-02 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 1 + 2 + 3 / Joscha '''<br /> <br /> I combined Section 37, 38 and 39. It took me 10.5 days including 2.5 days waiting at Bahia Pescado for the ferry. I left a bag with food in Villa O'Higgins which the ferry brought me. And I could store food at the chilenian Border station. Therefore I never had to cary food for more than 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-23.5] + OH37P-16 [14.0-15.6]<br /> <br /> After km 6.5 there is plenty of water. You have to do a few, easy fords before the Pass. At km 12.6 I stayed in the northern side of the Rio Bullicioso and rejoyned the RR st km 13.9. Therefore I avoided 2 Fords. The RR around the Pass was covered in a thin layer of snow. -48.902884, -72.929411 offers a nice view on Lago O'Higgins. I hiked on OH37P-16 to the strait of Lago O'Higgins and tried to get the attention of Don Lucho on the other side. But it didn't work. Its possible to camp on the shore there a little north of the trail, but without wind protection. Therefore I went back to the Settler at 23.5 and camped there. You have to hang your food, there are lots of mice here.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [23.5-33.4] + OH38-03 [0.0-4.3]<br /> <br /> I left my Tent at km 23.5 and hiked to the Glacier Chico Viewpoint and back. Plenty of water along this trail. I liked the views of glacier Chico on the first kilometer of OH38-03 more than those at the viewpoint. But the view of Lago Chico was pretty dope from the viewpoint. Trail was relatively easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Day 3: OH37P-16 [14.0-15.6] + OH38-2 [25.7-3.1]<br /> <br /> I hiked on OH37P-16 to the strait of Lago O'Higgins and tried to get the attention of Don Lucho on the other side. But it didn't work. Therefore I went back on OH38-02. I did not follow precisely the gpx track, because there are lots of trails. It worked out quite well. I only once came to close to the cliff coast and had to scramble up a little bit. I rejoyned the gpx track at around km 9.5. At 9.5 there is a flat meadow north of the trail for camping. I camped next to the abondend settler building at km 3.1. There was lots of water all allong the trail. <br /> <br /> Day 4: OH38-2 [3.1-0.0] + RR [0.0-6.5] + OH38-01<br /> <br /> I forgot to get the Certificado de Salvoconducto to leave Chile in advance. The border police let me use their wifi to apply for it. I had to wait about 90 minutes until I got the Certificado and than the exit stamp. There is plenty of water on the OH38-01. I camped right next to the argentinian border controll station. It is a really nice spot.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Ma 18 to 19/ 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Juliette and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Day 1 : Candelario Mancilla (Poste frontière) - -48.91420, -72.96117 (Estancia ventsisquiro Chico, abandonned : NOT ABANDONNED<br /> <br /> The ferry between villa O higgings and Candelario Mancilla (Chilean border crossing) costs 55,000 pesos per person and runs Monday/Thursday/Saturday from villa O higgings from 7am (subject to bad weather).<br /> <br /> Arrival at Chilean border crossing at 11:30 am. We ask if it's possible to stop halfway and pitch the tent before the Argentinian border post. Apparently there's no problem if we camp after the border with Argentina, but the Chilean police advise us to arrive at the Argentinian border today anyway. We choose to do the RR, since apparently the police won't come and get us if we don't reach the border that evening. <br /> <br /> There's snow quite early on at the first pass. Our feet are wet for the whole section. Before the pass, navigation is not too difficult, even if the path is full of water. After the pass, and before arriving at the puesto (which is not abandoned by the way), the paths no longer seem to be in use and the vegetation completely obscures the path. We arrive late at the camp. The puesto is by no means abandoned, but there's no possibility of sheltering in it, as it's locked with a padlock and belongs to someone. <br /> <br /> WARNING: We pitch our tent in the rain next to the abandoned puesto. Bad idea. Mice attack at night. Apparently they love oats. A bag of oats (zip-lock bag) inside the tent is nibbled (and the wall of the tent too). The only solution seems to be to hang them up. <br /> <br /> Day 2: -48.91420, -72.96117 (Estancia ventsisquiro Chico, abandoned: NOT ABANDONED - gendarmaria national argentina <br /> <br /> A long day. Sometimes we can see the glaciar Chico, but there are clouds in the sky. The route is difficult to follow during the day and there's a lot of snow at the pass (at least 20 cm on the ground (plus water underneath sometimes). We didn’t have time to dry ourlselves during the night, so thé section appeard us as really cold. The refuge at Lake El Diablo is a real lifesaver under the snow. It allowed us to eat sheltered from the wind. We could sleep in it, but we weren't sure whether we'd be able to build a fire inside. We decide to finish the section during the day to get the stamp to enter Argentina later that day. The Argentinian border post closes at 8pm. Fortunately, we arrive a few minutes early. No worries with our exit stamp, which was dated yesterday, and we don't give it a second thought. Don't expect anything from the gendarmerie post: after spending two days in the rain, snow and wet feet, we thought we could ask them to let us sleep somewhere dry. They categorically refused, and we couldn't even pitch our tent under a garage or any of the small shelters they owned. We're a little frustrated with their inhospitality, while it’s raining for deux days and their seem to have enough places inside. But it's clear that's not why they're here, so we can't really blame them. <br /> <br /> We recommend doing the trek in three days instead, as the path is difficult to follow, sometimes overgrown and in the water most of the time. Stop at the el diablo refuge to cut the second day into two. No need to worry about border stamps, apparently. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-05 to Mar-07 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Hiking to Mirador al Glaciar O`Higgins (RP km23.5 to 35.6) + Opt02 / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> The route: (Villa O`Higgins -) Candelario Mancilla – RR to Peninsula/Estancia Ventisquiero Chico - Mirador al Glaciar O`Higgins - back to Ventisquiero Chico – Opt02 to Candelario Mancilla<br /> <br /> I enjoyed the remote detour to the viewpoint of Glaciar O'Higgins and the icefield a lot! You have to be lucky to reach Don Luis for the short boat transfer from the peninsula (see below).<br /> <br /> Day1 - RR<br /> <br /> Arrived with the ferry around 9:00 am at Candelario Mancilla. At the border officials I had to fill in an “expedition” formular for my hiking specifying my route. They clearly pointed out I have to return before leaving to Argentina. I wanted to leave a bag there with stuff I didn`t need and asked them to radio to Don Luis for the boat transfer the next morning, but they denied both of my wishes. Hiking on the road on RR I was passed by Don Tito who is/was doing the taxi for the other tourists of the boat to the border. I could leave the bag with him :-), so continuing with lighter backpack.<br /> Like written here before, the trail leading to the pensinsula (formed by the old terminal moraine) is marked partially and easy to follow until it reaches previously (&gt;10 a) burned area when going downhill, then it is not clear and there is also partially bushbashing.<br /> Camped for two nights behind the estancia among cherry and apple trees with ripe fruits! First night very windy and it was difficult to built up the tent, though at first sight the place seemed a bit wind-protected.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - daytrip to the viewpoint of Glaciar O`Higgins<br /> <br /> Stunning views, VERY windy. The path is named 38RP as well as 37RP-option16! At the end of the península you have to cross the lake/river. It is too deep to ford, so one needs the help of Don Luis (he introduced himself with that name and also the border official used Luis and not the nickname Lucho). The farmer lives on the other side but from inside his house he has no view to the river. I was lucky this morning was not very windy anymore, so his dogs were alarmed by my shoutings and also lucky that Don Luis was still at home and not off with his horse. <br /> The path up to the next pass is again easy to find and sometimes marked. After that I partially followed the GPT track, partially other trails.<br /> <br /> Day 3 – option 02 back to Candelario Mancilla:<br /> <br /> I never used my GPS that constantly before on the GPT like on this trail. There is some bushbashing, overall the trail is okay. But there are very many other animal trails of same or better quality as an option… From Caleta Esmeralda onwards the trail is clear and easy. Stayed at the house of Don Tito (next to the campsite which is run by his brother Ricardo).<br /> <br /> Side plot:<br /> The first morning my gas cooker (MSR windburner) stopped working (and it still does not work). Probably because the jet is blocked. Changed to gas cooker with this GPT trip, before I was using gasoline cooker for years… They come with a filament to clean, for the gas cooker I could not find such a fine wire until now.<br /> <br /> * '''24-Mar-02 to 2024-Mar-03 / 26 hours / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I arrived at port at around 9:40. I set off immediately to border control and so was the first, which ensured a speedy processing. However, I was given a stamp with date of the previous day, which I did not check. The carabiniero did not ask nor told me anything and I reciprocated.<br /> <br /> I wanted to do the RR, figuring I would probably be able to do it in roughly 24 hours. Jan said we have 48 hours and I did not read Anh's report until midway, so I thought it would be fine. It was a very cold and superwindy morning walking up into snowy mountains, very pretty. There is a trail shortcut in the first zigzag of the MR. No further shortcuts found, one trail that looked promising turned into BB mid-way. After an hour, I turned off from the road. There used to be a bridge over Rio Obstaculo, but now it is an easy if freezing ford. The trail is initially marked with metal plates, but that soon stops. It feels like it used to be official but has since beem abandoned? However, the trail is mostly easy to follow. Once above the treeline, the wind was vicious. The valley was also quite marshy (after the rain?), I could not keep my shoes dry. Valley is faster going than the coastal traverse.<br /> <br /> Going down to the lake to the landbridge I kept loosing the trail and ended up CCing the last 200 vertical meters to the left of the trail. From the landbridge, the trail is marked with big red circles and is probably occasionaly used by tourists brought by ferry. The moutains were unfortunately semi-clouded but the views were still splendid. No worthy sidetrip for me then though. I reached Refugio Diabolo at 34.4 at 2130 and it was occupied (the only people on the trail apart from the road) and asleep, so I slept nearby in a tent. In the morning they told me I should have gone in.<br /> <br /> I started going down at 7:30 the next day (being a night owl, that is quite early for me). The first three km, I kept losing the trail, but it then improved. It is actually marked exactly like Huella Andina! I arrived at border control around eleven. Nobody seemed to be looking for me. The carabiniero noticed I had a date in my passport from two days ago. I tried explaining that it was a mistake of the Chilian side (I think - the date was wrong by one day), but I was almost ordered to walk back for a new stamp. In the end I softened him, showing him a picture from the port from the previous day. It was tense ten minutes. Seems to me the checking of people who crossed happens at least after noon? The regular route is perfectly doable by most people in 36 hours I think, so you might be fine as long as you arrive (at most in late afternoon) with no more than yesterday's stamp. It needs more datapoints I think. I would have preferred to be slower though.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-25 / 2 days / hiking / SOBO / option 1 / Andrew'''<br /> <br /> In the morning I said goodbye to Nicole and Miseal, and took the ferry from Bahia Pescado to Candelario Mancela. Stamped out on the Chilean side, then started hiking. Dirt road until the border, then a nice trail through the woods to the Argentinian customs at the north end of Lago Desierto. Camped (free) at the north end of Lago Desierto, then hiked to the south end. Caught a bus to El Chalten at the south of the lake, at the time it was 13.000 pesos and you can pay with card at the kiosk near the south campground. It also seemed easy to hitchhike.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-23 to 2024-Feb-23 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / option 1 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : gravel road and nice trail easy to follow in the forest<br /> - Water : easy to find<br /> - Camping spot : a camping in Candelario Mancela, a free camping just in front of the lake at the Argentinian border, a camping on the other side of the lake <br /> - Weather : sunny<br /> - Resupply : we left a bag of food in Villa O'Higgins at the ferry company and so had our ressuply back in Candelaria Mancela / at the end of the section in El chalten there is a little little 'shop' on the other side of the lake with crackers, cookies and some instant dishes, you can pay by card<br /> - Overall : easy section, some nice views on the Fitzroy<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb- 01 to 2024-Feb-02 / 2 days/hiking/ SOBO/38-01/Paulina'''<br /> <br /> I wanted to do section 38, it seems complicated due to boarder crossing rules, but I don't think it's impossible, I did not do it more because very bad weather forecast for 2 next days. <br /> Anyway, I met some people who tried to go from Lago Desierto to Paso Diabolo but they had to abondon their plan because of the very high level of the river to cross. <br /> <br /> Day 1 <br /> <br /> A very easy walk mostly on a gravel road. Very nice campground ( free) at Lago Desierto<br /> <br /> Day 2 <br /> Nice walk along Lago Desierto. No difficulties, nice path all the time. Once I reached the other siide of the Lago I hitch-hiked directly to El Chaiten ( very easy on this road)<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-6 / 7 day / Hiking + Packrafting / SOBO / RR + Option 2 + Option 1/ Tom Pieper'''<br /> <br /> Not much to add to the previous posts. Stunning route. A packraft is indeed really useful here as Don Lucho was not around when I crossed the river at his farm the first time. I waited two days for wind to calm down at perfectly wind protected camp {38} [32.1/744] (which I found superior to the other nearby campspot) but strong gale did not allowed me to pass beyond Viewpoint {38} [35.6/874]. Absolut impossible in that conditions. So I returned on the 3 day. I asked Don Lucho if he can notify carabinieros via radio that I will be delayed, which worked. I toked option 2 to return to Candelario Manzillo. Track is not the best from time to time. Stay close to GPT route as off trail might take much more longer. Good camp spots at the two abandoned settlers places and a really beautiful one at a turquoise river at S 48° 50.470’ W 072° 51.272’. There is no water after Port {38-02} [7.1/270] (Bahia Esmeralda) including second abandoned settler place. You might consider climbing down to the lake here to get water. Got my exit stamp at candelario manzillo and toked expensive transit (30,000$) by car to the border (option 1)<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-01 to 2023-01-03 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OPT1 + OPT2 // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Same story as previous contributions here, the customs officers (who were very nice by the way) said it was impossible to do the RR as I will be in illegal situation. <br /> If it would be only the illegality stuff, it wouldn't have been a problem, but the thing is that rhet communicate with the Chilean side, and if you're not on the other side after one day they engage research, what I absolutely want to avoid, that people have to commit material, technical or human resources simply for or because of me. <br /> <br /> It means if you want to explore glaciar chico or around : <br /> Going NOBO : you first have to go straight from ARG border to CH border, stamp your passport and then go explore the area.<br /> Going SOBO : explaining your expedition to the border but don't stamp your passport. Do your exploration, then come back to the CH border, stamp your passport and then go straight to ARG border.<br /> <br /> So from ARG border, I've been straight to the Chilean side. Then I said them that I wanted to explore the area near glaciar Chico. The carabineros agreed, but before letting me go, I had to fill a form to describe my expedition, my emergencies contacts, the number of days I planned to go, numbers of days of food I had, and took me in picture. I was surprised about the picture but he said to me that it was just in case of disappearance to be able to publish a wanted notice. Perfect aha ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, I backtracked until the junction tu &quot;La península&quot; then engage myself on this nice track. Had to cross 3 easy rivers, and have been scratched numerous times by the bush which took over at the end of the trail, which was not easy to follow by the way.<br /> <br /> The views on Lago O'Higgins were absolutely outstanding ! Glaciar Chico was a bit faraway, but still nice to see as well!<br /> <br /> I arrived to la peninsula and walked till the estencia la Carmelia, Trying to have the attention of the settler, at the estencia la Carmelia. But seems like that he was not there. So I had to backtrack and not go on the GPT37P option 16 to glaciar O'Higgins. Pretty disappointed about that, would have been amazing to have a packraft at this time.... Anyway. <br /> <br /> I backtrack the peninsula, then took the option 2 (Lago Costa). That was a very good decision, the views are stunning (again more at the end, when you arrive near the border). But track is not easy to find at all. We must congratulate the wild animals who created an incredible labyrinth of trails up there ! <br /> <br /> The bridge announced as destroyed is the one 400m from the border, above Rio Obstaculo. I looked at its condition 3 days before when I was at the border, to find out if it was feasible. and it was, that's why I decided to take this route. And didn't regretted it. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-02 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR+option 1 / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We arrived early morning at Candelario Manzilla, had no issues at the border control (we had our Salvaconducto). We did ask - just in case - if we could do the loop hike but the officer said the only way to hike the RR is to not exit Chile, hike out towards the west and then backtrack to the Chilean border control. The 21 km hike to the Argentinian border was easy, except for all the touristas with the bicycles😂. When it started chucking rain down we decided to camp there. Rained hard all night but no wind. There is a toilet for turistas and behind it a covered shelter with tables and benches, which was nice during rain.<br /> <br /> * '''GPT38 / Option 4 (Campo Hielo Sur: Glaciar Chico to Circo de los Altares and back) / 6 days Hiking on Glaciers with Mountain Guide / 2023-Dec-29 to 2024-Jan-03 / Meylin, Masha, Misha, Jan'''<br /> <br /> We planned this guided tour onto the Southern Patagonian Icefield several months in advance. We arranged this tour with the mountain guide Leo Muñoz (leoskatan@hotmail.com, WhatsApp +56 9 6904 9561) who knows the Northern and the Southern Patagonian Icefield very well and who lives with his family next to Glacier O’Higgins on the shore of Lago O’Higgins about 70 boat kilometers from Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> We agreed in November 2023 to make an attempt somewhen in the first half of January of 2024 as soon as the weather forecast promises a decent weather window. On December 25 Leo suggested to start on December 29 as wind and precipitation forecast predicted 6 decent days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: We met in the afternoon at Lago Chico (where Lago Chico drains into Lago O’Higgins), continued by boat on Lago Chico to an island that is partially covered by Glacier Chico, pulled the boat up into a safe location and started right on Glacier Chico. We reached in the evening the first refuge (Refugio Pantoja). Starting right on the glacier avoided an otherwise demanding river crossing.<br /> <br /> Day 2: In a long day we reached the third refuge (Refugio Garcia Soto). We walked mostly on Glacier Chico but in areas where this glacier is steep and with deep cracks we left the glacier and walked in rocky terrain. In this terrain is also the second refuge (Refugio Piedra Roja) where we stopped for lunch.<br /> <br /> Day 3: In a demanding day we walked over the icefield to Circo los Altares. The wet snow covered all cracks of the icefield but made walking tiresome. For safety reasons we walked the entire distance roped together (2 groups of 3 persons linked together). We camped one night at Circo los Altares and enjoyed a good view of Cerro Torres in the evening and morning.<br /> <br /> Day 4: In a similar tiresome day we returned to Refugio Garcia Soto. We arrived around 2 pm in afternoon what permitted a good rest. This refuge offers ample space and is a good place to wait a day or two if the weather makes this necessary.<br /> <br /> Day 5: We returned to the first refuge (Refugio Pantoja). If necessary we might have returned to the boat on the sane day but the good weather forecast for the next day made such an effort unnecessary.<br /> <br /> Day 6: On a short morning we returned on glacier Chico to the boat, packed our gear into the boat and travelled by boat to our guides home (Rio Condor). On the way we stopped briefly at a settlers home (La Carmela) to purchase a lamb for a Patagonian asado al palo.<br /> <br /> Conclusions:<br /> <br /> 1. Leaving the exact start date open was perfect as it permitted our guide to choose a descent weather window.<br /> <br /> 2. In case of a shorter weather window a shorter route could have been chosen (in example to Refuigo Garcia Soto only.<br /> <br /> 3. This was our first experience walking on glaciers but this was perfectly feasible with our experienced guide.<br /> <br /> 4. Boat safety regulations on Lago O’Higgins required our mountain guide to do the boat trip with a second person that has motor boat license. Therefore a second guide accompanied us. This added safety but also cost.<br /> <br /> 5. Returning with the mountain guide to his home at Rio Condor before continuing by packraft is an experience on its own and lift the entire trip to a higher level.<br /> <br /> 6. We send some of the required equipment in advance to our mountain guide but he would have been able to equip up to 6 persons with his gear.<br /> <br /> * '''Copied from Jan's Facebook post December 2023: &quot;GPT38: Border Crossing: Candelario Mancilla (CL) - Lago El Desierto (AR)'''<br /> <br /> We now learned that both border controls speak to each other and exchange how many persons crossed the border and are meant to arrive on the other side. If a person does not arrive within 2 days a search is initiated. Therefore it is not any more possible to hike the longer more scenic route between collecting the exit and entry stamps of both countries. <br /> <br /> Therefore all hikers must take the direct route (see image red line) and visit the more scenic parts around Lago Chico and Peninsula La Carmela either before exiting Chile or after collecting the Chilean entry stamp.<br /> <br /> Alternatively you might openly explain your plans and try to get an official approval but this seams quite unlikely.&quot;<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-20 to 2023-Dec-20 / 1 day/ NOBO / Lago del desierto - Candelario Mancilla/ Option 1/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> Since you have to collect your exit and entry stamp on the same day, we took the fastest way between the two border controls. Once we finished with the formalities on the chilean side, one boat for Villa O'Higgins was waiting for us. I think we got lucky.<br /> <br /> If you want to go to glaciar chico, you have to go to Candelario Mancilla and then, go and back to the glacier, all on the chilean side. Passo del diablo is a forbidden pass to cross the border between Argentina and Chile.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-10 to 13 Fangwen and Tobi / 4 days / NOBO / Hiking from Candelario Mansilla to Don Lucho peninsula and back'''<br /> <br /> This was an enjoyable hike with good views! When we came from Argentina, it rained a lot, and was very muddy. We stayed at the campsite at Candelario Mansilla for one night and went Westbound on the regular route, crossing the river shortly after the beginning of the trail at km7. After the substantial rainfall, it was almost waist deep, but crossable with caution. The pass towards the abandoned settler home at km23.5 was quite muddy again, and in the last bit of the descent, the trail was overgrown and required attention to not lose. We camped outside the hut. The next day we went on part of Option 37P-16 as a day trip. We headed to the river (outflow of Lago Chico) and waited for the settler Don Lucho to notice us and to ferry us to the other side using his boat. This worked finally, after waiting for almost 3h. We did a nice trip up to the pass and followed one of the many horse trails to some mountain lakes and viewpoints. We let Don Lucho ferry us back to camp and headed back the next day. After two days of dry weather, the previously problematic river was now easily passable, with water at knee level.<br /> <br /> Logistics: We combined sections 38 and 37 on our NOBO trip. We carried a lot of food with us from Argentina: enough for 38, 37 and to be able to spend a few days in Candelario Mansilla in case the ferry is delayed due to bad weather. We decided against road walking with heavy packs, and arranged for Ricardo (WhatsApp +56 9 9126 7007), who runs the campground at Candelario Mansilla, to pick us up from the border by car. Ricardo is a very nice guy, and we stayed in his hostel after registering at the border checkpoint. The hostel was 15.000 CLP per person, the pickup from the border 20.000 for two people and the drop-off at the junction (X {38-01} at km0) 10.000 for two people. In high season he might not have time or charge more. Don Lucho asked for 10.000 for the return trip for the two of us.<br /> I believe that Ricardo puts you in the first-come-first-served queue for the ferry from Candelario Mansilla when you first arrive there -- but I'm not even sure if there is even an official queue (in our case, the ferry was not full, so it didn't matter). When Ricardo drove us to the junction, he also made us register our hiking plans with border guards. The guards wanted to see that we are sufficiently prepared. We showed them our GPS and inReach, but they were most wow-ed by the locus maps app with the GPT track files and kept asking where they could get such a detailed map of the area ;-).<br /> For the logistics regarding section 37, see our trip report on [[GPT37H|that wiki page]].<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Ahn, Warning between exit &amp; entry:'''<br /> You have to reach the other border control within one day, since recently both border controls compare the data every day.<br /> If you do not arrive within one day, they (both border controls) will really go looking for you.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-04 Anh / 3 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V + RP-TL-V'''<br /> Day 1: After the exit stamp from the Argentinian border control in Lago del Desierto, I turned left to RR to Lago Diablo. The path is sometimes hard to find and with my heavy backpack I couldn‘t hike fast. I had to cross the stream twice without shoes. But it was no problem (knee-deep, good weather). After Lago Diablo I turned left via OH-TL-V to Glacier Chico. I did not find the camp {38-03} [1.8/878].<br /> <br /> Day 2: Back to RH-TL-V towards the connecting channel to Glaciar O'Higgins. The trail was a little easier to find, but not better to walk because hardly anyone had walked it in recent years.<br /> Settler {38} [23.5/261] in the intersection is no longer inhabited, but the owner has a sign in front of the house. He allows free camping on his property and possibly even overnight stays in the house (with kitchen).<br /> But I go on to Settler {38} [25.3/268] to cross the connecting channel by boat.<br /> <br /> It was already 5:00PM and I just wanted to set up my tent &amp; enjoy the evening quietly. At that moment, a motorboat with 3 men with backpacks arrived. They were not tourists, but border guards (carabineros). They were not pleasant at first. I understood from their Spanish that they were looking for me and that I was not allowed to be here. For the first time on this trip, I was lucky that I couldn't speak any Spanish and they couldn't speak any English. Otherwise they would be angry!<br /> <br /> I was able to explain with place names that I was not a criminal but a hiker. They had a long discussion in the house and in the end they said that I didn't have to come to the border station right now, but that they would come with me to Glaciar O'Higgins immediately!<br /> After a long day from Glaciar Chico, I didn't want to hike 7km up with 600Hm, but I had no other choice. So we started at 6:00 PM, the settler owner went ahead and the 3 young border guards climbed the mountain with full energy ahead, me behind. It was good that I don't usually run at my limit and still had a day's reserve at that moment. The 3 carabineros asked me from time to time how I was doing and whether I needed help -&gt; very nice.<br /> <br /> After 4km, the settler owner explained that it would soon be dark and he had to go back. He showed the Carabineros the way back on the (somewhat outdated) paper map. The Carabineros have the best modern equipment (GoreTex, expedition tent...) but no GPS navigation device and don't know the way. With my GPS navigation device, we became a team and had a lot of fun all the way to camp.<br /> The atmosphere around the campfire was much more relaxed. It turned out that they had taken a lot of food with them to look for me, but had left it behind in the settler. So of course I had cooked for them, it was really delicious and after a hike it was even better than usual. The 3 Carabineros said they had never eaten so well. We enjoyed the sunset at Glaciar O'Higgins together and laughed into the night.<br /> <br /> Day 3: At 7:00 AM, just like the military, we continued on RP-TL-V towards the pass. It was great fun with my 3 new friends and the views with the best weather were simply magnificent. However, 2km before the pass, my Carabineros wanted to go back because they now consider the hike to be strenuous and with respect. It's a pity but they are in charge despite their new friendship! I'm still very happy that they found me, it was an unforgettable experience! We were able to help each other, they are 3 cool and very very helpful Carabinos.<br /> RP-TL-V is easy for GPT hikers, much easier than the other two sections.<br /> <br /> Back to the settler they had called the patrol boat by radio and we went to Candelario Mancilla with the very modern and super stable HiTech boat. I got my entry stamps and was even invited to dinner at the border control station. After that I ended up in Villa O'Higgins.<br /> It was a bit of a shame to break off GPT38 like that, but I will never forget the best moments and the 3 new Carabineros friends. I'm starting to love GPT now!!!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-19 to 2023-Apr-21 / 3 days / RR / SOBO / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful section! The detour to Glaciar Chico is definitely worth it, and so is the viewpoint.<br /> <br /> On the first day, starting around 8 AM, we passed the border control without any problem, and followed the trail in quite good pace to the pass. It was very windy there in our case, but there are places to hide. The trail is pretty clear all the time. This changes during the descent down to the peninsula, where you need to look carefully at the navigation as the path divides into different directions. Marked camp on the peninsula looked like a good place to stay, but we decided to do some more and continued for about 4 km. We camped in the forest, where we were able to find a few spots almost without wind, but in more extreme conditions it might be harder to find a 100% safe place.<br /> <br /> On the next day we continued and left our backpacks in the forest to go check the viewpoint. It took us a little over 3 hrs + some time for the photos etc. The trail is very easy to follow and except of the beginning and end its not even that windy. If the weather is not the best or you don’t have time, we would recommend to do at least first few hundred meters of the optional trail to get better view of the glacier and floating icebergs. Back on the RR we made a little less than half of the way to the border control and again camped in the forest. <br /> <br /> The last day was all about forest walking. First views of the Fitz Roy on the way to the border control. There, the officer noticed the old stamp and asked where we stayed, but was probably just curious and had no problem with our honest answer about doing the detour and camping in the forest.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-20 to 2023-Mar-22 / SOBO / RR + option 4 / Villa O'Higgins - Lago del Desierto / Anna &amp; Christopher'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section, one of our favourites so far!<br /> <br /> In march and april the ferry that crosses Lago O'Higgins only leaves twice a week, which is mondays and thursdays at 8 a.m. (company Las Ruedas, reservation possible via whatsapp +56 966278836).<br /> <br /> We started with seven days worth of food, because we planned to go to El Chaltén without a resupply (GPT 38+39 with all options).<br /> The weather was great on our first day and after we got through the border control we started walking around 11:15 a.m.<br /> The trail is in a pretty good condition. Your feet will get wet though. With the nice weather and the good trail we camped at km 21 in the forest close to the stream.<br /> <br /> Then the trail becomes gradually a bit worse and we had to do some BB and CC along the lake. At the junction with option 4 we left our packs and went to the mirador. We had good weather and the view from up there is amazing. We highly recommend doing it, if the weather is good. Then we went back down again and camped in the forest at the junction. There is a stream close by to fetch water.<br /> <br /> The trail becomes super good again once you reach the settler at Lago del Desierto. The border control was fast and the staff was really friendly. We continued along the lake. At some point it started to rain, so we camped next to a stream at approx. km 4.6. At km 4.3 there would have been a more rain and wind protected camp.<br /> <br /> The next day we had a great view of Fitz Roy in the morning sun. We arrived at the other side around 10 a.m. There is no bus leaving around this hour, opposite of what the gendarm at the border told us. All the buses/cars leave in the afternoon around 4 p.m.<br /> We made a break at the restaurant and enjoyed a warming mate tea before we continued to section 39.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-16 to 2023-Mar-20 / 4 days / SOBO / RR + option 5 / Louis &amp; Rémi'''<br /> <br /> We started at Candelario Mansilla and we wanted to go in front of the Glaciar O'Higgins following the lake with option 5 and then option 2. Option 5 is really worth it, views all along the lake are incredible, I highly recommend it. We slept near the Settler @km 17.8, nobody was there.<br /> <br /> The next day we tried to cross this water canal between Lago O'Higgins and Lago Chico, but it is unfordable, you have to yell for the settler who lives on the other side. We did, we saw him, but he didnt come... So we slept next to the settler @km 23.5 on RR and we tried the 3rd day too but still nobody to help us to cross. Well, I think this settler isnt reliable if you wanna do option 2 without a packraft.<br /> <br /> So we continued our way to Argentina, sleeping @km 31.4 (the puesto is more than abandonned, it is destroyed but it is flat and there is no wind).<br /> <br /> This portion provide a nice view of the Glaciar Chico.<br /> <br /> Next we went directly to the Argentinian border and we didn't have any problem to get the stamp on our passports. We slept there, it is free, there is nobody and the view of the Fitz Roy above the Lago del Desierto is definitely worth it !<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-04 to 2023-Mar-07 / 3.5 days / SOBO / RR + Option 4 / Candelario Mansilla - Lago Desierto / Ondrej'''<br /> <br /> I wasn’t lucky with the weather so this section turned out into rainy, muddy and snowy feat for me. It felt remote and adventurous. If I could choose I would do at least the second day in a good weather to enjoy the views. <br /> <br /> On the first day, I got dropped of by the boat at Candelario Marcilla around 10am. Getting the stamp from Chilean carabineros took longer than expected, around one hour. A number of hikers accumulated there and the carabineros said that we have wait for them to upload our names to the system(?). Then they just asked for my occupation and gave me the exit stamp. I then hiked the stretch on the main road, forded Rio Obstaculo right after (the deepest ford on the section I would say, it was easy even after a day of rain) and then over the pass. At the pass you will come into a long flat valley which in my case started turning into a big muddy/swampy plain. It also started snowing. The falling wet snow and the soaky trails pushed the hike to the boundaries of my comfort limits (but still manageable). I camped at the Settler waypoint (km23.5). According to a person running a hostel in villa o higgins, the Settler’s place has been abandonded for a while now (presumably someone other bought the land) and both locals and international hikers are now using the garden of the settler’s house to camp. The area around the house features thick tall trees that provide a good shelter from wind and rain, some open sheds with a good roof (but all looked uncomfortable for sleeping) and a dry toilet. The house itself is locked with a padlock and cannot be used by visitors. I stayed in a tree covered area next to the house for two nights as the next day was raining all day. Foxes, various birds and wild cows kept me a company. <br /> <br /> From the settler, it is a relatively easy trail up to the crossroad at km33.4. The trail is ocassionaly overgrown and muddy but nothing dramatic. Nice views over the lake Chico and the glacier. I was impressed by a floating iceberg that made its way slowly across the lake. I had my lunch at the crossroad (km33.4) and decided to leave my backpack there and hike/jog to the glaciar viewpoint (Option 4). It took me about 2:10 hours there and back to the crossroad. I jogged parts of it. The weather got bad during the loop (clouds and rain/snow) so I unfortnunately saw nothing but a bit more of the Glaciar Chico once reaching the viewpoint. All distant peaks were obscured in clouds. My recommendation is to do the Option 4 only if the visibility is good, otherwise the detour might be not worth it. Once finished with the loop, I hiked over the Argentinian border and slept inside Refugio Diablo at km34.4. It is in good shape overall. Just the fireplace might not run well (i have not tried) as the chimney is broken. The refugio has two elevated platforms for sleeping (easily fits 4-8 people), a table and stools, and a dry toilet nearby. If staying there, I recommend to take water from a stream flowing into the lake Diablo before reaching the refugio. There is no quick water access from the building - one must go down to one of the lakes.<br /> <br /> From Refugio Diablo it took me about 5 hours to reach the argentinian police checkpoint at Lago Desierto. The part is relatively straightforward, again a bit swampy in my case. At he Argentinian police checkpoint I was actually asked why I had a three day old stamp. I wanted to avoid problems, so I said that I took a slow pace and did not walk on some days because it was raining constantly (which was true). I said that I built my tent, read a book and trying to wait out the rain. This (in a hindsight really poor) excuse was fortunately enough for the officer. He nodded and gave me the stamp. Maybe the policeman was simply curious and even if I told him where I came from he would be eventually fine with that. I didn’t want to take my chances though.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-10 / 2 days / Helen and Craig'''<br /> <br /> &gt;Lago Desertio ferry cost about 50 dollars (we didn't take it)<br /> <br /> &gt;O'Higgins ferry cost 60 dollars and they give you a lift to V O'Higgins at the other end<br /> <br /> &gt;We took the lake side trail. Beautifull veiws over Fitzroy range. Campsite at the border crossing is exposed but harbours some of the best campside veiws. 2nd best camp of GPT for us (but would be unpleasant in high winds)<br /> <br /> Border crossing was very easy with no proplems or searches either side. Had to take shorter route due to higher winds coming in and the O'Higgins ferry not due to run for the next week after. Shorter variation was very easy trail markings. Easy to walk in 4-5 hours<br /> Was sad to miss the extended route.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-13 to 2023-Feb-17 / 5 days / RR / SOBO / also Option 2 to Glaciar O'Higgins / Véronica &amp; Zach '''<br /> <br /> Route: Candelario Mancilla - Río Bullicioso - Lago Chico - Mirador Glaciar O'Higgins - Glaciar Chico - Lago Diablo - AR Border Control <br /> <br /> This may have been my favourite section of the GPT yet this year. After 4 days waiting in Villa Ohiggins for a calm ferry day, we waited at the Chilean carabineros post because the computer systems were down and it was lunchtime so everyone seemed to be on break. They asked everyone only occupations and marital status, nothing about our planned route. We were able to start walking only around 3 p.m. although we arrived at Candelario Mancilla around 1 p.m. <br /> <br /> The trail that veers off the minor road was clearly marked and easy to follow. Tons of crowberries/murtillas up in the alpine. We camped before the pass at km 14.5 when the trail was still going through sheltered forests. Up on the pass the next day, it was very cold and exposed and windy, with some snow on the ground. The trees start appearing again much later, when you can see Lago O'Higgins again. The trail switchbacks down to the settler's house at km 23.5 (Estancia Ventisquero Chico) were overgrown and confusing, branching into many paths. <br /> <br /> We wanted to take Option 2 in order to see Glaciar O'Higgins. This detour took us an extra day and a half. We crossed the narrow channel at km 25.1 in Zach's packraft quite easily, even though the wind was gusty from the south. There were virtually no waves and the water was flat. We met the settler Luis at km 25.3 (Estancia La Carmela), who was friendly and indicated the trail toward Glaciar O'Higgins. Both waypointed campsites on the west side of the peninsula are great and sheltered from the fierce west wind in the forest. The views of the lake and mountains and glaciers on this section of trail are beyond words beautiful. <br /> <br /> The way up the pass at km 40.5 is straightforward despite the lack of trail. The descent into the next valley is steep and somewhat tiring, but not dangerous, down a mountainside covered with murtilla plants. We stopped at the orange refugio (km 47.3) late in the afternoon. It is in great condition. The only thing deteriorated is the missing battery from the solar system. Feels like an airplane fusilage with some loud resonance when the wind is strong. Perfect place to shelter from the wind. <br /> <br /> We stayed mostly in the left side of the river as we traveled cross-country to the put-in at Lago Chico. The packrafting back to the east shore of the lake was wavy and windy, the wind coming strong off Glaciar Chico (southerly), requiring a hearty ferry crossing in front of the hanging ice.  From the put-in, the island (which appears on sattelite but not maps) looks like a peninsula, but if you paddle into what looks like a cove, you'll see the gap. We went around south of the island, then rode the wind northward to the takeout in a small cove. <br /> <br /> The refuge {38} [52.9+0.3/297] was clipped closed with two padlocks as chain links. Someone left clothes hanging and a plastic chest full of food which mice seem to have enjoyed. The floor was literally covered in mouse poop. Seemed hanta-ed. 👻 The climb back up to the regular hiking route was long but pleasant, and mostly cross-country across rock slabs and brushy fields. <br /> <br /> Back on the regular route, Refugio Diablo on the Argentine side of the border has a wooden table and platforms that could sleep four. When we got to the Argentine border control with a three-day-old Chilean exit stamp, the friendly border agent gave us our entry stamp without question. When asked about the wind on Lago Del Desierto, he walked Zach to the Gendarmeria boat captain who gave useful advice. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan / SOBO / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> The exit on the Chilean side worked without any problems and the officials did not ask about our route.<br /> <br /> No one was at home at the Estancia Ventisquiero Chico settler. We spent the night a little further away by the stream.<br /> <br /> The hike along Lago Chico was nice and easy. We made a detour via option 4. It is worth going almost to the end to the viewpoint at 1104 m a.s.l. The view of the glacier and the ice field was unique and one of the best viewpoints on the whole GPT.<br /> <br /> The next day we went to the Argentine border authorities. The officials were relaxed and since we wanted to spend the night there anyway, we agreed to do the stamp the next day.<br /> <br /> The exit stamp, which was 4 days old in the meantime, was no problem at all...<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-09 / half a day / SOBO / Frank'''<br /> <br /> The first 12KM of the direct route from Candelario Mansilla is on a road. There is a guy with a jeep who meets the ferry &amp; may offer to take luggage or even passengers along the road. At the pass a trail continues down to the Argentine border post. <br /> <br /> I continued around Laguna del Desierto the same day.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan / NOBO / Alexis y Iris'''<br /> <br /> Took 4 days between the two stamps without issues. The Chilean carabineros just asked our route and we said we hiked through Refugio Diablo. <br /> <br /> To ressuply in Candilla Mancilla, it is possible to ask Maria Louisa at the camping. There are more items than you could imagine but it's a bit expensive. <br /> <br /> Of note, it is possible to arrange a transfer directly to Bahia Pescado on the same boat that goes to Villa O'Higgins to hike the GPT37H, just ask the captain directly. <br /> <br /> The fare for a complete transfer is 60k CLP or 70 USD. We don't know the price for a drop off in Bahia Pescado.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-12 / SOBO / Arnaud et Adriane'''<br /> <br /> According to the team of our hotel in Villa O'Higgins, we officially have 24h to cross the 2 borders.<br /> <br /> So we prefered not to take risks with customs of Chile and Argentina and walked directly from Mancilla (chilean border) to punta Norte (argentinien border). There is 21km to walk and it is very easy.<br /> <br /> After the argentinian border, we walked to the mirador on the glaciar chico. It is the last 15kms of the real section 38. The view on the glaciar is amazing there and really worth the effort. After just walked back to the argentinian border. The walk is easy with some elevation but easy. We took a path that was marked but differed a little with the gps track (maybe sometimes 300m away) and had only one easy riverford.<br /> <br /> Don't say to the argentinian customs that you were there because the mirador is officially in chile (200m after the border but without any puesto) just say that you walked to the refugio del Diablo which is on the path and 200m before the border. This refugio is very basic in metal and can help in case of rain but is not cosy at all.<br /> <br /> It is a total of 51kms and without any risk with the 2 borders but you maybe miss some other highlights of the real section 38.<br /> <br /> We did it in 1 day and a half.<br /> <br /> Comment Jan Dudeck: In recent years we and other hikers had no issues staying several days between the Chilean and Argentine border post. Some years ago the situation was different but both sides seams more relaxed now as long as you arrive on the other side with an exit stamp.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-10 / 1 day / Regular hiking route / NOBO / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe '''<br /> <br /> We chose to do this hike in one long day, but were told we could camp near the Argentinian passport control, or in the sort of no-mans-land up the trail further between borders. Make sure you know what day the ferry is leaving before hiking or you could end up waiting in Candelaria a couple days! There aren't any stores in Candelaria, though we heard the lady at the campground might sell you some eggs or some other supplies.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-10 / Jan Dudeck '''<br /> <br /> The regular hiking and packrafting route passes the Chilean border control post in Candelario Mansilla and the Argentine border control post at the northern end of Lago el Desierto. These posts are 26 km apart (shortest distance) and if you do not walk into these two border controls posts yourself you will not get the required exit and entry stamp and become an “illegal immigrant” in the neighboring country. Don’t expect anything at the border itself or to get stopped by the police in the corresponding places.<br /> <br /> Be aware that the GPT route takes a significant detour between these border controls and crosses the actual border at an non-officil location at the Refugio el Diabolo. If you ask the border police for permission to cross the border in this location than your request will probably be denied so better don’t ask and just tell that you are on the way to the Chile/Argentina without specifying the exact route (when asking for your exit stamp).<br /> <br /> We have taken this non-official route twice in January 2017 and January 2019 without any issue.<br /> <br /> Worst case scenario is that you arrive with a several days old exit stamp on the other side and the border control police becomes upset and ask you to walk back on the shortest route (Option 1) to get a fresh stamp but I have not heard this happening in recent years.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> *'''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18'''<br /> <br /> Notes to consider before beginning: At Calendario Mancilla, there is a Carabineros border control outpost. They asked that we fill out an expedition hiking form since the GPT follows a little used route. After discussing the route, the Carabineros informed us that entering Argentina at Lago Diablo, which is the current GPS route, is illegal. There is an alternate route, as described below, which remains in Chile that we decided to take instead. <br /> <br /> From the Chilean border control, follow the gravel road for a short distance and turn onto a trail marked by white sign with green lettering that says “Rio Obsticulos” as shown by the current GPS track (hikers may want to consider following the alternate listed at the end of this section description to and from Glacier O’Higgins because that trail is of much higher quality, more scenic, and more pleasant than the one that follows the bank of Lago O’Higgins/San Martin). <br /> <br /> After crossing the wooden bridge, hike along an ill-defined track that winds up and down the shoreline of Lago O’Higgins/San Martin to the land bridge north of Lago Chico. There is one residence as well as the occasional small camp spot along this route. <br /> <br /> There is another residence located on the east side of the land bridge, and hikers may pass through a wire gate on north side of the corral. A faint trail heads west and terminates at the bank of the narrow channel that connects Lago O’Higgins/San Martin and Lago Chico. A packraft is required to cross this channel. <br /> <br /> There is another residence on the west side of the channel. When the large ferry out of Villa O’Higgins is functional, it drops people off near this residence so they may hike the Sendero a Candelario Mancilla which is marked with orange and white blazes. This trail is well-formed and climbs the hill south of the residence. After exiting the treeline, be aware that there is limited camping for many kilometers. From this point, the route is very exposed and there is no cover until the route re-crosses Lago Chico. <br /> <br /> Glacier O’Higgins is beautiful; it is composed of glistening blue ice that terminates into the lake. Sadly, as the University of Valdevía has documented, the glacier is receding at an alarming rate and is in danger. As you enjoy the views, the trail continues to wind up and down above the lake but eventually disappears. Navigation is easy due to a lack of vegetation, but camping is poor due to exposure and the steep terrain. <br /> <br /> An orange refugio is located 2 km from Lago Chico on the glacial moraine. It is equipped with solar panels and is a good place to ride out a storm. The route continues down rocks and sand to the lake edge. The lake paddle is very pleasant, and depending on the season, it may involve weaving through icebergs to get to open water. Be careful not to get too close to the icebergs! Many of them are unstable and falling ice is common. <br /> <br /> Alternate:<br /> The GPS route indicates a northbound float on Lago Chico for approximately 4 km until take-out, but high winds forced us off of the lake early. We exited at the southern end of Lago Chico and from there faced a very difficult, brushy, and steep climb up to a trail at about elevation 750 m. Weather permitting, it may be easier to packraft all the way back to the land bridge between Lago Chico and Lago O’Higgins/San Martin. The trail on east side of the lake is well-formed, however, and there is one established campsite near a run down shack at the Lago Diablo turn off. <br /> <br /> In order to avoid the illegal Lago Diablo crossing into Argentina, just after passing a large wooden sign that says “Sendero de Chile,” turn off to the east on a well-formed track and climb up through the forest. The track is well-formed, easy to follow, and passes by several good places to camp. There are some orange and white blazes which are hard to spot because they mark the track in the opposite direction. There is a brief cross-country section over the pass through open tundra, but the trail reappears as the route renters the trees. There are a couple river crossing, and the trail ends at the gravel road. Follow the road north back to the Carabineros outpost to inform them you made it back safely and to obtain an exit stamp.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2016/17==<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anna &amp; Christopher<br /> In march and april the ferry that crosses Lago O'Higgins only leaves twice a week, which is mondays and thursdays at 8 a.m. (company Las Ruedas, reservation possible via whatsapp +56 966278836).<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> * 2023 December / Anh<br /> <br /> Warning between exit &amp; entry:<br /> You have to reach the other border control within one day, since recently both border controls compare the data every day.<br /> If you do not arrive within one day, they (both border controls) will actually go looking for you.<br /> <br /> *Permit for Gpt38<br /> For glaciers Chico and O'Higgins you can apply for an &quot;Expedition Paper&quot; at the Chilean border control. However, this does not allow you to cross the border to Argentina.<br /> At the argentinian border control, you can ask for the route Lago del Desierto - Lago Diablo (with return / no border crossing).<br /> Conclusion: there is currently no standard procedure for GPT38 with border crossing. The two border controls check by radio whether all persons arrive on the other side within one day (and start search operations if necessary)!<br /> <br /> *2023 / Ondrej <br /> At he Argentinian police checkpoint I was actually asked why I had a three day old stamp. I wanted to avoid problems, so I said that I took a slow pace and did not walk on some days because it was raining constantly (which was true). I said that I built my tent, read a book and trying to wait out the rain. This (in a hindsight really poor) excuse was fortunately enough for the officer. He nodded and gave me the stamp. <br /> <br /> *2019 / Jan Dudeck<br /> Be aware that the GPT route takes a significant detour between these border controls and crosses the actual border at an non-officil location at the Refugio el Diabolo. If you ask the border police for permission to cross the border in this location than your request will probably be denied so better don’t ask and just tell that you are on the way to the Chile/Argentina without specifying the exact route (when asking for your exit stamp).<br /> We have taken this non-official route twice in January 2017 and January 2019 without any issue.<br /> Worst case scenario is that you arrive with a several days old exit stamp on the other side and the border control police becomes upset and ask you to walk back on the shortest route (Option 1) to get a fresh stamp but I have not heard this happening in recent years.<br /> <br /> *Comment Jan Dudeck: In recent years we and other hikers had no issues staying several days between the Chilean and Argentine border post. Some years ago the situation was different but both sides seams more relaxed now as long as you arrive on the other side with an exit stamp.<br /> <br /> *2019 / Arnaud et Adriane<br /> <br /> According to the team of our hotel in Villa O'Higgins, we officially have 24h to cross the border.(...) Don't say to the argentinian customs that you were there because the mirador is officially in chile (200m after the border but without any puesto) just say that you walked to the refugio del Diablo which is on the path and 200m before the border.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT38 - Glaciar Chico]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT38_(Glaciar_Chico)&diff=120732 2025-03-12T21:15:14Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> == Notes ==<br /> '''Note: the section was significantly redone around October 2024, so references to trails codes before that time are probably wrong.'''<br /> [Tomáš]: Previously, the route initially followed the MR that goes to the Argentinian border before taking what is now RH-TL-V {38} [20.2/57.1+15.2] and RH-TL-V {38} [21.8/27.2+9.3], before crossing into Argentina over the pass near Refugio Diablo and then the option now called 39-01 that follows down along Rio Diablo to the Argentinian border control. See Anh's story below on how he was searched for when he took this alternative. However, later Tomáš alone and Juliette and Martin together managed to follow the original regular route without major issues. It seems it is still ok if you stamp your passport one day at the Chilian border control and the next day at the Argentinian ones, but more datapoints are needed. [Roman]: This must be checked if this is possible see comments: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14tQ2XaaqZ/<br /> <br /> Don Ricardo at Candelario Mancilla (WhatsApp +56 9 9126 7007) is very friendly and can help with logistics. Don Lucho at Ventisquero Chico can be a bit more difficult to interact with, and he currently appears to charge CLP 20.000 per person for the ferry back and forth the river (quadrupeling the price in one season). <br /> <br /> Written by Tobi in Dec 2024, please keep edit this and keep it up to date.<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-08 &gt; 09 / 2 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &lt;strike&gt;38-01&lt;/strike&gt; &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT37+GPT38+GPT39<br /> | Meteo : soleil, nuage puis pluie à la fin<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : frontière, sentier en mauvais état coté chilien<br /> <br /> Aux km 12 et 12,5 je suis passé sans me mouiller. Le sentier est globalement envahi du coté chilien, même végétation abrasive que sur la peninsula Florida. Pas de bush-bashing, juste beaucoup de végétation au point que j'ai souvent utilisé mon GPS. Je voulais faire la 38-01 mais j'ai appelé 1h et personne n'est venu. Pourtant j'ai vu le monsieur et je suis sûr qu'il m'a vu, ses chiens aussi. Je pense qu'il ne prend pas les gens seul car les 2 personnes qui m'en ont parlé y sont allé en couple (Sophie &amp; Gaspar, Tamar &amp; Nimrod). Je suis déçu même si je suis content de ne pas avoir payé 20 000 CLP pour 30m de barque. Je n'ai pas essayé de traverser à pied car il faisait trop froid. Attention aux marques rouge sur le sentier qui longe le lac, elles n'indiquent pas toujours le bon chemin. Le sentier est parfois très humide, difficile de garder ses chaussures sèches. Du côté argentin par contre, j'ai trouvé le sentier en bon état et il est balisé (il faut quand même utiliser son GPS).<br /> Il faut traverser plusieurs fois des cours d'eau, mais je n'ai eu de ford qu'au point (48.984882° S 72.877802° W). Le refuge Diablo est petit mais c'est un vrai refuge étanche avec 8 places pour dormir et un poêle. Camping à la Gendarmería. Le lendemain au contrôle argentin, ca n'a posé aucun problème que je sois resté deux jours sans autorisation.<br /> <br /> '''1Mar2025 / hiking NOBO / RR / 1 days / Lilian and Clara'''<br /> <br /> Trail up to the border is easy and nice in forest. Then dirt road down to camping. Weather became really bad and we were very lucky to see Ricardo briging people up to the border so then he took us down. <br /> <br /> Passing carabineros is a bit long cause you need to wait an answer on their computer but they didn't check (and even didn't ask) about our food. <br /> <br /> Then 3 days of bad weather and no boat make us stay at camping of Candelario Mancilla. There is a grange with table and seats, fire cooking range. Maria sells very good pans (500 pesos), huevos (500 pesos), pastas 400g (3k), tomato sauce (1k). Sometimes meet. Beers (2-3k). She has no more sweets at this period. <br /> Camping is 10k.<br /> There are also possibility to sleep in very little cabañas in the garden with only a double deb inside for 30k and also they have room in their house probably more pricey. <br /> <br /> You can purchase boat with her when arriving. Everything can be paid by card. <br /> <br /> We had almost good weather window for 37H so took ferry to bahia pescado with amigo patagon for 40k pp. <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-17 to 2025-Feb-20 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + 37H-08I / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> We decided to go to the glacier as an out back, going over the pass twice. We took 37H-08I from the campsite as its slightly shorter and avoids some road walking. Was fine. <br /> <br /> The three Fords on the way up the pass weren't a problem at all. As mentioned by others the trails is pretty overgrown towards the end of the descent.<br /> <br /> Camped in the forest at -48.54813, -72.57438<br /> <br /> Trail to the viewpoint (Mirador Marconi) is a bit overgrown in places too.<br /> <br /> Camped about 1.5km before settler 23.5km on the way back. There's a few options in the forest around here.<br /> <br /> On our way back to the camping at Candelario Mancilla we passed the cabineros after going around them on 37H-08I on our way to the glacoer. We got stopped and were told it wasn't a problem but that we should have registered with them before going to the glacier.<br /> <br /> Road walk to border was easy so was the trail to border control. Argentine border guard was very nice and chill, didn't check our backpacks or food at all. We camped here, beautiful spot with a unlocked toilet (door is a bit stiff!).<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Jan-31 to 2025-Feb-03 / 4 days Hiking / SOBO/ RH + RP to Viewpoint {38} [35.5/874] + OH 08l/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Summary: my favorite section so far, can really recommend to do GPT 38, although it's a detour. All trails did not present major difficulties. Especially the Peninsula La Carmela was awesome - i highly recommend to visit!<br /> <br /> Day 1: Bypassed the Carabinieros on the OH 08l directly from the Campground. Didn't want to waste time in the queue. The OH was nice to hike, good trail until you reach a swamp. There the good trail continues on the other side, but hikers need to go around on small animal trails. The trail up to the pass is easy to follow and in good condition. Sometimes the ground is wet, but not too bad. Ford {38} [6.8/556] was below knee and easy. Ford {38} [12.0/967] was half calf, Ford {38} [12.5/1005] can be crossed dry on rocks. The way down is easy until it leaves the forest. The last part down is partly overgrown and the gps is necessary. Directly continued with the trail to Mirador Marconi, but pitched my tent after 1h in the forest. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Several streams provide water and many options to pitch a tent in sheltered locations. Was rainy when i reached Mirador Marconi. Continued a bit on 04A, to reach the best viewpoint. Very impressive view at Glacier Chico! The trail from my camp 'til there was mostly easy to follow, but the part with many streams was not always straight forward. <br /> Before you reach Ford {38} [40.1/994] (dry crossing on rocks), the GPT leads you through a marshy area. I prefered to bypass most of the wetland in the open forest or on dry ground next to it. <br /> <br /> On my way back i met Anna and Josef, other GPT hikers. They have met Don Lucho at the puesto and had arranged a transfer to the Peninsula for the next day at 8am. We spend the night together 200m from Settler {38} [27.0/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?) - not abandoned, it belongs to Don Lucho and his son! <br /> <br /> Day 3: Easy hike to Ferry, Port {38} [25.0/259] (Desague Lago Chico). Son David brought us to the other side with a rowing boat. It's 20.000 CLP per person there and back. The trail to Viewpoint {38} [35.5/874] is easy, but a GPS is recommended because several animal trails are present. The view at Glacier O'Higgins is even better than Mirador Marconi, truely special scenery. I very much recommend to visit the Peninsula. It's definately worth the effort and the money. The investment in the settler's is a very good one! Hard to understand, why only few tourists visit this spot. <br /> Unfortunately weather was not good: rain showers and strong winds. Was glad to get back to camp, to warm up in the sleeping bag. Camped at the same spot like Day 2. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Backtracked on the same route like on day 1. Together with fresh snow on the mountain tops, the views were even more beautiful. Camped at Candelario Mansilla at Ricardo's place, which i highly recommend. 10.000CLP/person with hot shower and good WiFi.<br /> <br /> Next day i took Ricardo's Taxi to the argentinian border. It's 10k/person with at least 3 people. 30k solo. From there it was 1h easy walk to the argentinian Carabinieros. <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-18 to 2025-Jan-21 / 4 / &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO (clockwise)/ RR + RP + RH + Variant H + Option 01 + GPT-37H-08I/ Roman'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Route: Arrived at 08:00 at Candelario Mancilla with the ferry. Took the RR to X {38-01} [0.0/593] from there followed RP to GPT38-H end. There took Variant H to reach the shore of Lago Chico. Packrafted to Port, Lake {38} [49.1/391] (Glaciar Chico) via RP. From there followed Option 01 until the end at Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?). Packrafted Rio Chico. Hiked the same way back via RP and RR with GPT-37H-08I to Settler {38-A} [0.5/310]. Took the car to Border, Pass {38-01} [8.2/687] and hiked RR to Border Control AR {38} [48.0/514]. [Map of the route: https://imgur.com/a/Kjnkw4p]<br /> <br /> <br /> Weather: Sunny little wind on day 1. Sunny and close to no wind on day 2. Day 3 rain until noon after that cloudy. Day 4 cloudy little wind.<br /> <br /> Details: I arrived at 07:45 with the ferry from Lago o Higgins and started hiking right away without collecting a stamp as the Border crossing must have happen at the same say (see comments: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17fh9huMTn/ / i also edited the note of the article). I met at the end people who informed the Gendarmerie about they're trip - they took fotos and some information. I haven't done it. Hiking up the road is easy. The trial starts at X {38-01} [0.0/593] and is clearly visible and easy to hike still checking the GPS from time to time is worthwhile. The Ford {38} [6.8/556] was calf high and easy. Ford {38} [12.0/967] and Ford {38} [12.5/1005] could be crossed via stones. The last steep part (last 1 km) to Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?) is a bit overgrown and there a multiple animal trails so check the GPS. The Enstancia apparently belongs to Don and locked with heavy lockpad and can not be accessed. I continued to this point -48.982173, -72.988839 and camped there with water close by. There are multiple water/camp along the Route. All points marked with water have sufficient water flow during the time of hiking and I only included ones where I think they carry water for most time of the season. All of the additional markers can be downloaded at the end of the summary. <br /> <br /> The next day i stared at 07:30 AM and hiked up to GPT38-H end and took Variant H to reach the shore of the Lago Chico. The CC part is steep and goes trough a forest and across some vegetation. The trail is woth following. Going this way up is very demanding i imagine. Camp {38} [54.0/277] wasn't very clear for me but cou can definitely camp at the &quot;beach&quot; with protection from all sides except north. I started packrafting at 09:00 AM there was little wind (10 km/h from W) forecasted. At the end it was ~10km/h from S i guess it was mountain wind (cold air coming down from the mountains/glaciers). The packrafting was beautiful without any major difficulties. I stopped at Port, Lake {38} [49.1/391] (Glaciar Chico) around 11:00 AM and started hiking at 11:30 AM. The way to the Refuge {38} [47.1/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide) goes trough the valleys of the glacier rivers which is a bit exhausting to hike as everything is soft. As soon as you hike out of it along a dried out river bed it becomes easier. The Refuge {38} [47.1/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide) looks like a awesome place to stay and it was open and also had apparently electricity but I haven't tested it [see: https://imgur.com/a/PfqELJp and https://imgur.com/a/KFEcK5M]. After that it's easy CC up to GPT38-02 end. There the seep part starts. To provide some detail's. It's definitely steep with some parts going up to 50% but it absolutely doable. At the beginning there is ankle high vegetation which becomes lower and lower. As there is always stable vegetation and no rocks etc. you have good traction and there is no risk of falling/slipping (can't judge it if it's wet). It's important to mention that during the ascend there is no cover and you are completely exposed to wind/rain etc. You can walk the hill up in a fairly straight line until the rooks start. There you go left into a wide Couloir which takes you to compared &quot;flat&quot; valley which brings you to the pass where you find water again and you could pitch a tent. Picture of mountain and the path i took [see: https://imgur.com/a/xM1TpuT and https://imgur.com/a/WtkOH5h]. The way down from the Pass {38} [40.5/1225] to the trail start here -48.953238, -73.12036 ia family easy. From there on its a absolutely beautiful trail and you just blaze with fantastic views down to Ferry, Port {38} [25.1/259] (Desague Lago Chico). I met Don and I asked him if he offers a boat ride to Candelario Mancilla as i didn't want to hike in the rain but he only offerd the transfer across Rio Chico as described earlier before 07:00 AM or after 07:00 PM which i declined as i have used my packraft. Camped at Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?) Which was a beautiful place but i also have seen some mice. <br /> <br /> The next day i waited until 14:00 in the tent until the rain stopped. After that i backtracked the same way back to Settler {38-A} [0.5/310] with the Option GPT-37H-08I as this saved some KMs. Staying at Don Ricardo's place was a blast! Had a awsome dinner for 10.<br /> 000 CLP and hot chocolate for 3.000 CLP. Camping was 10.000 CLP and a friend was even allowed to stay in the hous for campers during the night to dry his stuff. <br /> <br /> The next day started with a awsome breakfast with the homemade bread for 8.000 CLP was fantastic! As I already hiked the street by this point in time two times I used Ricardo's shuttle to Border, Pass {38-01} [8.2/687] for 10.000 CLP on this day i collected the exit stamp in Chile (the salvoconducto i already requested at the 17.01.2025 for this date of crossing 21.01.2025. After that hiked to the end of the section at Border Control AR {38} [48.0/514].<br /> <br /> Overall: I really enjoyed the section and especially the remote parts of insula La Carmen and the packrafting close to the glacier. I would absolutely reccomend the section. If possible I would plan to camp at Settler {38} [23.5/261] (Estancia Ventisquiero Chico, abandoned ?), Refuge {38} [47.1/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide) and somewhere around Viewpoint {38} [35.6/874] and taking 38 RH around the island [RH-TL-V {38} [0.0/1.3+25.7]] but according to the latest information this is overgrown. This is why i backtracked.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Additional Markers):<br /> https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tJMdljpdL1kgWoU9KQ<br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-dic-18 to 2024/ 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + New opt + opt 1 + EXP 04A/ Celio '''<br /> <br /> We did the península la Carmela and Glaciar chico traverse going NoBo starting south of desierto lake at the toro valley and we ended in north shore of desierto lake. Then we did RR to candelorio mancilla and crossed to Bahia Pescado and did the west traverse of península la florida.<br /> <br /> This option involves bordercrossing, but for us it permitted to not go to the chilean border then back to la península. Since I did this hike couple years ago I wanted to discover another valley to arrived a the Glaciar chico, the Toro valley.<br /> <br /> We started here 49°06.687′ S 72°54.982′ W and followed a decent trail going up the valley left of the river. It's alternate between a trail and some easy CC until a ford on a tree (49°03.954′ S 72°57.700′ W), 200m further there is a bridge on the other river on the right, we crossed it and went to the casa Toro (49°03.961′ S 72°57.468′ W), hoping it was a hut, but unfortunately it's a closed &quot;luxury&quot; one. So we camped close to it.<br /> Next day we crossed again the bridge and find a decent trail going up the old, now forested, moraine, to arrive on open CC. You get good view of the lake and glaciar. From there it's easy CC until the actual climb of the pass. From 49°02.188′ S 73°00.044′ W to 49°02.306′ S 73°00.280′ W it's steep CC on loose rocks or snowfield, after this you get to the pass cañadon de los toros (49°02.347′ S 73°00.809′ W). The way down start with a moraine not very nice and then we arrived to the Glaciar lakes and the GPT38 EXP 04A. We forded the river just below the lakes and joined the GPT38 opt 4 at the refuge {38-04} [4.3/690] (Refugio Pantoja) (door is broken and exposed to the wind). Then we went down to the Glaciar chico and crossed it were there is nearly no crevasses (Glaciar experience recommended...). We joined and slept at the Refuge {38} [47.0/397] (Refugio Militar Valle Piramide), it's feel like your are on the moon there!<br /> Next days we followed the GPT38 opt1, it's CC until Pass {38} [40.4/1225], then you follow a trail all the way. Lucho is still there at the estancia la Carmela with is son, but we had to wait the end of the day since they were working on the other side of the península. They made us crossed for 10000$ each (same as 10 years ago, no inflation!). We went back to the north shore of desierto lake by the diablo valley and went by the refuge (sleeping there is possible).<br /> Puesto {38} [35.0/530] (abandoned, Mosquito) is a ruin and there is only flat spot for a tent and cows to warms you during the night!<br /> At the desierto lake we got a food box sent from el chalten for the next 6 days for the GPT37H west traverse of península la florida.<br /> <br /> *21-11-2024 to 25-11-2024 / 4 days / NOBO / RR / Sophie and Gaspar<br /> <br /> After skirting Lago del Desierto with stunning views of Glacier Huemul, we crossed the border, passing an Argentine checkpoint at the lake's end and a Chilean checkpoint at Candelario Mancilla. There’s no other legal option but to go directly from one checkpoint to the other! In Candelario Mancilla, we were warmly hosted at the only available campsite by Don Ricardo and Doña María Luisa (you can purchase some basic provisions if needed, like tortillas, eggs, etc.). <br /> <br /> We decided to circle the peninsula to reach La Carmela, located at Ventisquero Chico, where Don Lucho and his son David live. To do so, you must first check back in with the Carabineros and inform them of your planned itinerary. They’ll take your photo, ask about your gear and food supply to ensure you’re well-equipped (apparently, rescues are not uncommon). We were the first this season to take the trail around the peninsula, and it’s virtually impossible without a GPS, as the path is often overgrown with bush and misleading animal tracks. It took us 11.5 hours to cover just 35 km—but the views of the lake and the peninsula Florida across it are spectacular! <br /> <br /> At Ventisquero Chico, to cross, you need to arrive before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. to be ferried across in their boat ($20/person). <br /> <br /> Once at La Carmela, the route becomes easier—4 hours to reach the viewpoint of O’Higgins Glacier and another 4 to return, following relatively straightforward paths. On our way back to Candelario Mancilla, we took the trail over the pass, which posed no major difficulties apart from a 50-meter section of bush at the start of the ascent.<br /> <br /> For the transfer from Candelario Mancilla to Villa O’Higgins, the best option is to speak with Don Ricardo or Doña María Luisa, who coordinate with the two companies that transport passengers. The service is not regular and depends heavily on weather conditions (especially wind) on the lake.<br /> <br /> '''Note: the section was significantly redone around October 2024, so references to trails codes before that time are probably wrong.'''<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Mar-30 to 2024-Apr-02 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 1 + 2 + 3 / Joscha '''<br /> <br /> I combined Section 37, 38 and 39. It took me 10.5 days including 2.5 days waiting at Bahia Pescado for the ferry. I left a bag with food in Villa O'Higgins which the ferry brought me. And I could store food at the chilenian Border station. Therefore I never had to cary food for more than 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-23.5] + OH37P-16 [14.0-15.6]<br /> <br /> After km 6.5 there is plenty of water. You have to do a few, easy fords before the Pass. At km 12.6 I stayed in the northern side of the Rio Bullicioso and rejoyned the RR st km 13.9. Therefore I avoided 2 Fords. The RR around the Pass was covered in a thin layer of snow. -48.902884, -72.929411 offers a nice view on Lago O'Higgins. I hiked on OH37P-16 to the strait of Lago O'Higgins and tried to get the attention of Don Lucho on the other side. But it didn't work. Its possible to camp on the shore there a little north of the trail, but without wind protection. Therefore I went back to the Settler at 23.5 and camped there. You have to hang your food, there are lots of mice here.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [23.5-33.4] + OH38-03 [0.0-4.3]<br /> <br /> I left my Tent at km 23.5 and hiked to the Glacier Chico Viewpoint and back. Plenty of water along this trail. I liked the views of glacier Chico on the first kilometer of OH38-03 more than those at the viewpoint. But the view of Lago Chico was pretty dope from the viewpoint. Trail was relatively easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Day 3: OH37P-16 [14.0-15.6] + OH38-2 [25.7-3.1]<br /> <br /> I hiked on OH37P-16 to the strait of Lago O'Higgins and tried to get the attention of Don Lucho on the other side. But it didn't work. Therefore I went back on OH38-02. I did not follow precisely the gpx track, because there are lots of trails. It worked out quite well. I only once came to close to the cliff coast and had to scramble up a little bit. I rejoyned the gpx track at around km 9.5. At 9.5 there is a flat meadow north of the trail for camping. I camped next to the abondend settler building at km 3.1. There was lots of water all allong the trail. <br /> <br /> Day 4: OH38-2 [3.1-0.0] + RR [0.0-6.5] + OH38-01<br /> <br /> I forgot to get the Certificado de Salvoconducto to leave Chile in advance. The border police let me use their wifi to apply for it. I had to wait about 90 minutes until I got the Certificado and than the exit stamp. There is plenty of water on the OH38-01. I camped right next to the argentinian border controll station. It is a really nice spot.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Ma 18 to 19/ 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Juliette and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Day 1 : Candelario Mancilla (Poste frontière) - -48.91420, -72.96117 (Estancia ventsisquiro Chico, abandonned : NOT ABANDONNED<br /> <br /> The ferry between villa O higgings and Candelario Mancilla (Chilean border crossing) costs 55,000 pesos per person and runs Monday/Thursday/Saturday from villa O higgings from 7am (subject to bad weather).<br /> <br /> Arrival at Chilean border crossing at 11:30 am. We ask if it's possible to stop halfway and pitch the tent before the Argentinian border post. Apparently there's no problem if we camp after the border with Argentina, but the Chilean police advise us to arrive at the Argentinian border today anyway. We choose to do the RR, since apparently the police won't come and get us if we don't reach the border that evening. <br /> <br /> There's snow quite early on at the first pass. Our feet are wet for the whole section. Before the pass, navigation is not too difficult, even if the path is full of water. After the pass, and before arriving at the puesto (which is not abandoned by the way), the paths no longer seem to be in use and the vegetation completely obscures the path. We arrive late at the camp. The puesto is by no means abandoned, but there's no possibility of sheltering in it, as it's locked with a padlock and belongs to someone. <br /> <br /> WARNING: We pitch our tent in the rain next to the abandoned puesto. Bad idea. Mice attack at night. Apparently they love oats. A bag of oats (zip-lock bag) inside the tent is nibbled (and the wall of the tent too). The only solution seems to be to hang them up. <br /> <br /> Day 2: -48.91420, -72.96117 (Estancia ventsisquiro Chico, abandoned: NOT ABANDONED - gendarmaria national argentina <br /> <br /> A long day. Sometimes we can see the glaciar Chico, but there are clouds in the sky. The route is difficult to follow during the day and there's a lot of snow at the pass (at least 20 cm on the ground (plus water underneath sometimes). We didn’t have time to dry ourlselves during the night, so thé section appeard us as really cold. The refuge at Lake El Diablo is a real lifesaver under the snow. It allowed us to eat sheltered from the wind. We could sleep in it, but we weren't sure whether we'd be able to build a fire inside. We decide to finish the section during the day to get the stamp to enter Argentina later that day. The Argentinian border post closes at 8pm. Fortunately, we arrive a few minutes early. No worries with our exit stamp, which was dated yesterday, and we don't give it a second thought. Don't expect anything from the gendarmerie post: after spending two days in the rain, snow and wet feet, we thought we could ask them to let us sleep somewhere dry. They categorically refused, and we couldn't even pitch our tent under a garage or any of the small shelters they owned. We're a little frustrated with their inhospitality, while it’s raining for deux days and their seem to have enough places inside. But it's clear that's not why they're here, so we can't really blame them. <br /> <br /> We recommend doing the trek in three days instead, as the path is difficult to follow, sometimes overgrown and in the water most of the time. Stop at the el diablo refuge to cut the second day into two. No need to worry about border stamps, apparently. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-05 to Mar-07 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Hiking to Mirador al Glaciar O`Higgins (RP km23.5 to 35.6) + Opt02 / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> The route: (Villa O`Higgins -) Candelario Mancilla – RR to Peninsula/Estancia Ventisquiero Chico - Mirador al Glaciar O`Higgins - back to Ventisquiero Chico – Opt02 to Candelario Mancilla<br /> <br /> I enjoyed the remote detour to the viewpoint of Glaciar O'Higgins and the icefield a lot! You have to be lucky to reach Don Luis for the short boat transfer from the peninsula (see below).<br /> <br /> Day1 - RR<br /> <br /> Arrived with the ferry around 9:00 am at Candelario Mancilla. At the border officials I had to fill in an “expedition” formular for my hiking specifying my route. They clearly pointed out I have to return before leaving to Argentina. I wanted to leave a bag there with stuff I didn`t need and asked them to radio to Don Luis for the boat transfer the next morning, but they denied both of my wishes. Hiking on the road on RR I was passed by Don Tito who is/was doing the taxi for the other tourists of the boat to the border. I could leave the bag with him :-), so continuing with lighter backpack.<br /> Like written here before, the trail leading to the pensinsula (formed by the old terminal moraine) is marked partially and easy to follow until it reaches previously (&gt;10 a) burned area when going downhill, then it is not clear and there is also partially bushbashing.<br /> Camped for two nights behind the estancia among cherry and apple trees with ripe fruits! First night very windy and it was difficult to built up the tent, though at first sight the place seemed a bit wind-protected.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - daytrip to the viewpoint of Glaciar O`Higgins<br /> <br /> Stunning views, VERY windy. The path is named 38RP as well as 37RP-option16! At the end of the península you have to cross the lake/river. It is too deep to ford, so one needs the help of Don Luis (he introduced himself with that name and also the border official used Luis and not the nickname Lucho). The farmer lives on the other side but from inside his house he has no view to the river. I was lucky this morning was not very windy anymore, so his dogs were alarmed by my shoutings and also lucky that Don Luis was still at home and not off with his horse. <br /> The path up to the next pass is again easy to find and sometimes marked. After that I partially followed the GPT track, partially other trails.<br /> <br /> Day 3 – option 02 back to Candelario Mancilla:<br /> <br /> I never used my GPS that constantly before on the GPT like on this trail. There is some bushbashing, overall the trail is okay. But there are very many other animal trails of same or better quality as an option… From Caleta Esmeralda onwards the trail is clear and easy. Stayed at the house of Don Tito (next to the campsite which is run by his brother Ricardo).<br /> <br /> Side plot:<br /> The first morning my gas cooker (MSR windburner) stopped working (and it still does not work). Probably because the jet is blocked. Changed to gas cooker with this GPT trip, before I was using gasoline cooker for years… They come with a filament to clean, for the gas cooker I could not find such a fine wire until now.<br /> <br /> * '''24-Mar-02 to 2024-Mar-03 / 26 hours / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I arrived at port at around 9:40. I set off immediately to border control and so was the first, which ensured a speedy processing. However, I was given a stamp with date of the previous day, which I did not check. The carabiniero did not ask nor told me anything and I reciprocated.<br /> <br /> I wanted to do the RR, figuring I would probably be able to do it in roughly 24 hours. Jan said we have 48 hours and I did not read Anh's report until midway, so I thought it would be fine. It was a very cold and superwindy morning walking up into snowy mountains, very pretty. There is a trail shortcut in the first zigzag of the MR. No further shortcuts found, one trail that looked promising turned into BB mid-way. After an hour, I turned off from the road. There used to be a bridge over Rio Obstaculo, but now it is an easy if freezing ford. The trail is initially marked with metal plates, but that soon stops. It feels like it used to be official but has since beem abandoned? However, the trail is mostly easy to follow. Once above the treeline, the wind was vicious. The valley was also quite marshy (after the rain?), I could not keep my shoes dry. Valley is faster going than the coastal traverse.<br /> <br /> Going down to the lake to the landbridge I kept loosing the trail and ended up CCing the last 200 vertical meters to the left of the trail. From the landbridge, the trail is marked with big red circles and is probably occasionaly used by tourists brought by ferry. The moutains were unfortunately semi-clouded but the views were still splendid. No worthy sidetrip for me then though. I reached Refugio Diabolo at 34.4 at 2130 and it was occupied (the only people on the trail apart from the road) and asleep, so I slept nearby in a tent. In the morning they told me I should have gone in.<br /> <br /> I started going down at 7:30 the next day (being a night owl, that is quite early for me). The first three km, I kept losing the trail, but it then improved. It is actually marked exactly like Huella Andina! I arrived at border control around eleven. Nobody seemed to be looking for me. The carabiniero noticed I had a date in my passport from two days ago. I tried explaining that it was a mistake of the Chilian side (I think - the date was wrong by one day), but I was almost ordered to walk back for a new stamp. In the end I softened him, showing him a picture from the port from the previous day. It was tense ten minutes. Seems to me the checking of people who crossed happens at least after noon? The regular route is perfectly doable by most people in 36 hours I think, so you might be fine as long as you arrive (at most in late afternoon) with no more than yesterday's stamp. It needs more datapoints I think. I would have preferred to be slower though.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-25 / 2 days / hiking / SOBO / option 1 / Andrew'''<br /> <br /> In the morning I said goodbye to Nicole and Miseal, and took the ferry from Bahia Pescado to Candelario Mancela. Stamped out on the Chilean side, then started hiking. Dirt road until the border, then a nice trail through the woods to the Argentinian customs at the north end of Lago Desierto. Camped (free) at the north end of Lago Desierto, then hiked to the south end. Caught a bus to El Chalten at the south of the lake, at the time it was 13.000 pesos and you can pay with card at the kiosk near the south campground. It also seemed easy to hitchhike.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-23 to 2024-Feb-23 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / option 1 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : gravel road and nice trail easy to follow in the forest<br /> - Water : easy to find<br /> - Camping spot : a camping in Candelario Mancela, a free camping just in front of the lake at the Argentinian border, a camping on the other side of the lake <br /> - Weather : sunny<br /> - Resupply : we left a bag of food in Villa O'Higgins at the ferry company and so had our ressuply back in Candelaria Mancela / at the end of the section in El chalten there is a little little 'shop' on the other side of the lake with crackers, cookies and some instant dishes, you can pay by card<br /> - Overall : easy section, some nice views on the Fitzroy<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb- 01 to 2024-Feb-02 / 2 days/hiking/ SOBO/38-01/Paulina'''<br /> <br /> I wanted to do section 38, it seems complicated due to boarder crossing rules, but I don't think it's impossible, I did not do it more because very bad weather forecast for 2 next days. <br /> Anyway, I met some people who tried to go from Lago Desierto to Paso Diabolo but they had to abondon their plan because of the very high level of the river to cross. <br /> <br /> Day 1 <br /> <br /> A very easy walk mostly on a gravel road. Very nice campground ( free) at Lago Desierto<br /> <br /> Day 2 <br /> Nice walk along Lago Desierto. No difficulties, nice path all the time. Once I reached the other siide of the Lago I hitch-hiked directly to El Chaiten ( very easy on this road)<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-6 / 7 day / Hiking + Packrafting / SOBO / RR + Option 2 + Option 1/ Tom Pieper'''<br /> <br /> Not much to add to the previous posts. Stunning route. A packraft is indeed really useful here as Don Lucho was not around when I crossed the river at his farm the first time. I waited two days for wind to calm down at perfectly wind protected camp {38} [32.1/744] (which I found superior to the other nearby campspot) but strong gale did not allowed me to pass beyond Viewpoint {38} [35.6/874]. Absolut impossible in that conditions. So I returned on the 3 day. I asked Don Lucho if he can notify carabinieros via radio that I will be delayed, which worked. I toked option 2 to return to Candelario Manzillo. Track is not the best from time to time. Stay close to GPT route as off trail might take much more longer. Good camp spots at the two abandoned settlers places and a really beautiful one at a turquoise river at S 48° 50.470’ W 072° 51.272’. There is no water after Port {38-02} [7.1/270] (Bahia Esmeralda) including second abandoned settler place. You might consider climbing down to the lake here to get water. Got my exit stamp at candelario manzillo and toked expensive transit (30,000$) by car to the border (option 1)<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-01 to 2023-01-03 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OPT1 + OPT2 // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Same story as previous contributions here, the customs officers (who were very nice by the way) said it was impossible to do the RR as I will be in illegal situation. <br /> If it would be only the illegality stuff, it wouldn't have been a problem, but the thing is that rhet communicate with the Chilean side, and if you're not on the other side after one day they engage research, what I absolutely want to avoid, that people have to commit material, technical or human resources simply for or because of me. <br /> <br /> It means if you want to explore glaciar chico or around : <br /> Going NOBO : you first have to go straight from ARG border to CH border, stamp your passport and then go explore the area.<br /> Going SOBO : explaining your expedition to the border but don't stamp your passport. Do your exploration, then come back to the CH border, stamp your passport and then go straight to ARG border.<br /> <br /> So from ARG border, I've been straight to the Chilean side. Then I said them that I wanted to explore the area near glaciar Chico. The carabineros agreed, but before letting me go, I had to fill a form to describe my expedition, my emergencies contacts, the number of days I planned to go, numbers of days of food I had, and took me in picture. I was surprised about the picture but he said to me that it was just in case of disappearance to be able to publish a wanted notice. Perfect aha ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, I backtracked until the junction tu &quot;La península&quot; then engage myself on this nice track. Had to cross 3 easy rivers, and have been scratched numerous times by the bush which took over at the end of the trail, which was not easy to follow by the way.<br /> <br /> The views on Lago O'Higgins were absolutely outstanding ! Glaciar Chico was a bit faraway, but still nice to see as well!<br /> <br /> I arrived to la peninsula and walked till the estencia la Carmelia, Trying to have the attention of the settler, at the estencia la Carmelia. But seems like that he was not there. So I had to backtrack and not go on the GPT37P option 16 to glaciar O'Higgins. Pretty disappointed about that, would have been amazing to have a packraft at this time.... Anyway. <br /> <br /> I backtrack the peninsula, then took the option 2 (Lago Costa). That was a very good decision, the views are stunning (again more at the end, when you arrive near the border). But track is not easy to find at all. We must congratulate the wild animals who created an incredible labyrinth of trails up there ! <br /> <br /> The bridge announced as destroyed is the one 400m from the border, above Rio Obstaculo. I looked at its condition 3 days before when I was at the border, to find out if it was feasible. and it was, that's why I decided to take this route. And didn't regretted it. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-02 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR+option 1 / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We arrived early morning at Candelario Manzilla, had no issues at the border control (we had our Salvaconducto). We did ask - just in case - if we could do the loop hike but the officer said the only way to hike the RR is to not exit Chile, hike out towards the west and then backtrack to the Chilean border control. The 21 km hike to the Argentinian border was easy, except for all the touristas with the bicycles😂. When it started chucking rain down we decided to camp there. Rained hard all night but no wind. There is a toilet for turistas and behind it a covered shelter with tables and benches, which was nice during rain.<br /> <br /> * '''GPT38 / Option 4 (Campo Hielo Sur: Glaciar Chico to Circo de los Altares and back) / 6 days Hiking on Glaciers with Mountain Guide / 2023-Dec-29 to 2024-Jan-03 / Meylin, Masha, Misha, Jan'''<br /> <br /> We planned this guided tour onto the Southern Patagonian Icefield several months in advance. We arranged this tour with the mountain guide Leo Muñoz (leoskatan@hotmail.com, WhatsApp +56 9 6904 9561) who knows the Northern and the Southern Patagonian Icefield very well and who lives with his family next to Glacier O’Higgins on the shore of Lago O’Higgins about 70 boat kilometers from Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> We agreed in November 2023 to make an attempt somewhen in the first half of January of 2024 as soon as the weather forecast promises a decent weather window. On December 25 Leo suggested to start on December 29 as wind and precipitation forecast predicted 6 decent days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: We met in the afternoon at Lago Chico (where Lago Chico drains into Lago O’Higgins), continued by boat on Lago Chico to an island that is partially covered by Glacier Chico, pulled the boat up into a safe location and started right on Glacier Chico. We reached in the evening the first refuge (Refugio Pantoja). Starting right on the glacier avoided an otherwise demanding river crossing.<br /> <br /> Day 2: In a long day we reached the third refuge (Refugio Garcia Soto). We walked mostly on Glacier Chico but in areas where this glacier is steep and with deep cracks we left the glacier and walked in rocky terrain. In this terrain is also the second refuge (Refugio Piedra Roja) where we stopped for lunch.<br /> <br /> Day 3: In a demanding day we walked over the icefield to Circo los Altares. The wet snow covered all cracks of the icefield but made walking tiresome. For safety reasons we walked the entire distance roped together (2 groups of 3 persons linked together). We camped one night at Circo los Altares and enjoyed a good view of Cerro Torres in the evening and morning.<br /> <br /> Day 4: In a similar tiresome day we returned to Refugio Garcia Soto. We arrived around 2 pm in afternoon what permitted a good rest. This refuge offers ample space and is a good place to wait a day or two if the weather makes this necessary.<br /> <br /> Day 5: We returned to the first refuge (Refugio Pantoja). If necessary we might have returned to the boat on the sane day but the good weather forecast for the next day made such an effort unnecessary.<br /> <br /> Day 6: On a short morning we returned on glacier Chico to the boat, packed our gear into the boat and travelled by boat to our guides home (Rio Condor). On the way we stopped briefly at a settlers home (La Carmela) to purchase a lamb for a Patagonian asado al palo.<br /> <br /> Conclusions:<br /> <br /> 1. Leaving the exact start date open was perfect as it permitted our guide to choose a descent weather window.<br /> <br /> 2. In case of a shorter weather window a shorter route could have been chosen (in example to Refuigo Garcia Soto only.<br /> <br /> 3. This was our first experience walking on glaciers but this was perfectly feasible with our experienced guide.<br /> <br /> 4. Boat safety regulations on Lago O’Higgins required our mountain guide to do the boat trip with a second person that has motor boat license. Therefore a second guide accompanied us. This added safety but also cost.<br /> <br /> 5. Returning with the mountain guide to his home at Rio Condor before continuing by packraft is an experience on its own and lift the entire trip to a higher level.<br /> <br /> 6. We send some of the required equipment in advance to our mountain guide but he would have been able to equip up to 6 persons with his gear.<br /> <br /> * '''Copied from Jan's Facebook post December 2023: &quot;GPT38: Border Crossing: Candelario Mancilla (CL) - Lago El Desierto (AR)'''<br /> <br /> We now learned that both border controls speak to each other and exchange how many persons crossed the border and are meant to arrive on the other side. If a person does not arrive within 2 days a search is initiated. Therefore it is not any more possible to hike the longer more scenic route between collecting the exit and entry stamps of both countries. <br /> <br /> Therefore all hikers must take the direct route (see image red line) and visit the more scenic parts around Lago Chico and Peninsula La Carmela either before exiting Chile or after collecting the Chilean entry stamp.<br /> <br /> Alternatively you might openly explain your plans and try to get an official approval but this seams quite unlikely.&quot;<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-20 to 2023-Dec-20 / 1 day/ NOBO / Lago del desierto - Candelario Mancilla/ Option 1/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> Since you have to collect your exit and entry stamp on the same day, we took the fastest way between the two border controls. Once we finished with the formalities on the chilean side, one boat for Villa O'Higgins was waiting for us. I think we got lucky.<br /> <br /> If you want to go to glaciar chico, you have to go to Candelario Mancilla and then, go and back to the glacier, all on the chilean side. Passo del diablo is a forbidden pass to cross the border between Argentina and Chile.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-10 to 13 Fangwen and Tobi / 4 days / NOBO / Hiking from Candelario Mansilla to Don Lucho peninsula and back'''<br /> <br /> This was an enjoyable hike with good views! When we came from Argentina, it rained a lot, and was very muddy. We stayed at the campsite at Candelario Mansilla for one night and went Westbound on the regular route, crossing the river shortly after the beginning of the trail at km7. After the substantial rainfall, it was almost waist deep, but crossable with caution. The pass towards the abandoned settler home at km23.5 was quite muddy again, and in the last bit of the descent, the trail was overgrown and required attention to not lose. We camped outside the hut. The next day we went on part of Option 37P-16 as a day trip. We headed to the river (outflow of Lago Chico) and waited for the settler Don Lucho to notice us and to ferry us to the other side using his boat. This worked finally, after waiting for almost 3h. We did a nice trip up to the pass and followed one of the many horse trails to some mountain lakes and viewpoints. We let Don Lucho ferry us back to camp and headed back the next day. After two days of dry weather, the previously problematic river was now easily passable, with water at knee level.<br /> <br /> Logistics: We combined sections 38 and 37 on our NOBO trip. We carried a lot of food with us from Argentina: enough for 38, 37 and to be able to spend a few days in Candelario Mansilla in case the ferry is delayed due to bad weather. We decided against road walking with heavy packs, and arranged for Ricardo (WhatsApp +56 9 9126 7007), who runs the campground at Candelario Mansilla, to pick us up from the border by car. Ricardo is a very nice guy, and we stayed in his hostel after registering at the border checkpoint. The hostel was 15.000 CLP per person, the pickup from the border 20.000 for two people and the drop-off at the junction (X {38-01} at km0) 10.000 for two people. In high season he might not have time or charge more. Don Lucho asked for 10.000 for the return trip for the two of us.<br /> I believe that Ricardo puts you in the first-come-first-served queue for the ferry from Candelario Mansilla when you first arrive there -- but I'm not even sure if there is even an official queue (in our case, the ferry was not full, so it didn't matter). When Ricardo drove us to the junction, he also made us register our hiking plans with border guards. The guards wanted to see that we are sufficiently prepared. We showed them our GPS and inReach, but they were most wow-ed by the locus maps app with the GPT track files and kept asking where they could get such a detailed map of the area ;-).<br /> For the logistics regarding section 37, see our trip report on [[GPT37H|that wiki page]].<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Ahn, Warning between exit &amp; entry:'''<br /> You have to reach the other border control within one day, since recently both border controls compare the data every day.<br /> If you do not arrive within one day, they (both border controls) will really go looking for you.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-04 Anh / 3 days / NOBO / RR + OH-TL-V + RP-TL-V'''<br /> Day 1: After the exit stamp from the Argentinian border control in Lago del Desierto, I turned left to RR to Lago Diablo. The path is sometimes hard to find and with my heavy backpack I couldn‘t hike fast. I had to cross the stream twice without shoes. But it was no problem (knee-deep, good weather). After Lago Diablo I turned left via OH-TL-V to Glacier Chico. I did not find the camp {38-03} [1.8/878].<br /> <br /> Day 2: Back to RH-TL-V towards the connecting channel to Glaciar O'Higgins. The trail was a little easier to find, but not better to walk because hardly anyone had walked it in recent years.<br /> Settler {38} [23.5/261] in the intersection is no longer inhabited, but the owner has a sign in front of the house. He allows free camping on his property and possibly even overnight stays in the house (with kitchen).<br /> But I go on to Settler {38} [25.3/268] to cross the connecting channel by boat.<br /> <br /> It was already 5:00PM and I just wanted to set up my tent &amp; enjoy the evening quietly. At that moment, a motorboat with 3 men with backpacks arrived. They were not tourists, but border guards (carabineros). They were not pleasant at first. I understood from their Spanish that they were looking for me and that I was not allowed to be here. For the first time on this trip, I was lucky that I couldn't speak any Spanish and they couldn't speak any English. Otherwise they would be angry!<br /> <br /> I was able to explain with place names that I was not a criminal but a hiker. They had a long discussion in the house and in the end they said that I didn't have to come to the border station right now, but that they would come with me to Glaciar O'Higgins immediately!<br /> After a long day from Glaciar Chico, I didn't want to hike 7km up with 600Hm, but I had no other choice. So we started at 6:00 PM, the settler owner went ahead and the 3 young border guards climbed the mountain with full energy ahead, me behind. It was good that I don't usually run at my limit and still had a day's reserve at that moment. The 3 carabineros asked me from time to time how I was doing and whether I needed help -&gt; very nice.<br /> <br /> After 4km, the settler owner explained that it would soon be dark and he had to go back. He showed the Carabineros the way back on the (somewhat outdated) paper map. The Carabineros have the best modern equipment (GoreTex, expedition tent...) but no GPS navigation device and don't know the way. With my GPS navigation device, we became a team and had a lot of fun all the way to camp.<br /> The atmosphere around the campfire was much more relaxed. It turned out that they had taken a lot of food with them to look for me, but had left it behind in the settler. So of course I had cooked for them, it was really delicious and after a hike it was even better than usual. The 3 Carabineros said they had never eaten so well. We enjoyed the sunset at Glaciar O'Higgins together and laughed into the night.<br /> <br /> Day 3: At 7:00 AM, just like the military, we continued on RP-TL-V towards the pass. It was great fun with my 3 new friends and the views with the best weather were simply magnificent. However, 2km before the pass, my Carabineros wanted to go back because they now consider the hike to be strenuous and with respect. It's a pity but they are in charge despite their new friendship! I'm still very happy that they found me, it was an unforgettable experience! We were able to help each other, they are 3 cool and very very helpful Carabinos.<br /> RP-TL-V is easy for GPT hikers, much easier than the other two sections.<br /> <br /> Back to the settler they had called the patrol boat by radio and we went to Candelario Mancilla with the very modern and super stable HiTech boat. I got my entry stamps and was even invited to dinner at the border control station. After that I ended up in Villa O'Higgins.<br /> It was a bit of a shame to break off GPT38 like that, but I will never forget the best moments and the 3 new Carabineros friends. I'm starting to love GPT now!!!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Apr-19 to 2023-Apr-21 / 3 days / RR / SOBO / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Beautiful section! The detour to Glaciar Chico is definitely worth it, and so is the viewpoint.<br /> <br /> On the first day, starting around 8 AM, we passed the border control without any problem, and followed the trail in quite good pace to the pass. It was very windy there in our case, but there are places to hide. The trail is pretty clear all the time. This changes during the descent down to the peninsula, where you need to look carefully at the navigation as the path divides into different directions. Marked camp on the peninsula looked like a good place to stay, but we decided to do some more and continued for about 4 km. We camped in the forest, where we were able to find a few spots almost without wind, but in more extreme conditions it might be harder to find a 100% safe place.<br /> <br /> On the next day we continued and left our backpacks in the forest to go check the viewpoint. It took us a little over 3 hrs + some time for the photos etc. The trail is very easy to follow and except of the beginning and end its not even that windy. If the weather is not the best or you don’t have time, we would recommend to do at least first few hundred meters of the optional trail to get better view of the glacier and floating icebergs. Back on the RR we made a little less than half of the way to the border control and again camped in the forest. <br /> <br /> The last day was all about forest walking. First views of the Fitz Roy on the way to the border control. There, the officer noticed the old stamp and asked where we stayed, but was probably just curious and had no problem with our honest answer about doing the detour and camping in the forest.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-20 to 2023-Mar-22 / SOBO / RR + option 4 / Villa O'Higgins - Lago del Desierto / Anna &amp; Christopher'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section, one of our favourites so far!<br /> <br /> In march and april the ferry that crosses Lago O'Higgins only leaves twice a week, which is mondays and thursdays at 8 a.m. (company Las Ruedas, reservation possible via whatsapp +56 966278836).<br /> <br /> We started with seven days worth of food, because we planned to go to El Chaltén without a resupply (GPT 38+39 with all options).<br /> The weather was great on our first day and after we got through the border control we started walking around 11:15 a.m.<br /> The trail is in a pretty good condition. Your feet will get wet though. With the nice weather and the good trail we camped at km 21 in the forest close to the stream.<br /> <br /> Then the trail becomes gradually a bit worse and we had to do some BB and CC along the lake. At the junction with option 4 we left our packs and went to the mirador. We had good weather and the view from up there is amazing. We highly recommend doing it, if the weather is good. Then we went back down again and camped in the forest at the junction. There is a stream close by to fetch water.<br /> <br /> The trail becomes super good again once you reach the settler at Lago del Desierto. The border control was fast and the staff was really friendly. We continued along the lake. At some point it started to rain, so we camped next to a stream at approx. km 4.6. At km 4.3 there would have been a more rain and wind protected camp.<br /> <br /> The next day we had a great view of Fitz Roy in the morning sun. We arrived at the other side around 10 a.m. There is no bus leaving around this hour, opposite of what the gendarm at the border told us. All the buses/cars leave in the afternoon around 4 p.m.<br /> We made a break at the restaurant and enjoyed a warming mate tea before we continued to section 39.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-16 to 2023-Mar-20 / 4 days / SOBO / RR + option 5 / Louis &amp; Rémi'''<br /> <br /> We started at Candelario Mansilla and we wanted to go in front of the Glaciar O'Higgins following the lake with option 5 and then option 2. Option 5 is really worth it, views all along the lake are incredible, I highly recommend it. We slept near the Settler @km 17.8, nobody was there.<br /> <br /> The next day we tried to cross this water canal between Lago O'Higgins and Lago Chico, but it is unfordable, you have to yell for the settler who lives on the other side. We did, we saw him, but he didnt come... So we slept next to the settler @km 23.5 on RR and we tried the 3rd day too but still nobody to help us to cross. Well, I think this settler isnt reliable if you wanna do option 2 without a packraft.<br /> <br /> So we continued our way to Argentina, sleeping @km 31.4 (the puesto is more than abandonned, it is destroyed but it is flat and there is no wind).<br /> <br /> This portion provide a nice view of the Glaciar Chico.<br /> <br /> Next we went directly to the Argentinian border and we didn't have any problem to get the stamp on our passports. We slept there, it is free, there is nobody and the view of the Fitz Roy above the Lago del Desierto is definitely worth it !<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-04 to 2023-Mar-07 / 3.5 days / SOBO / RR + Option 4 / Candelario Mansilla - Lago Desierto / Ondrej'''<br /> <br /> I wasn’t lucky with the weather so this section turned out into rainy, muddy and snowy feat for me. It felt remote and adventurous. If I could choose I would do at least the second day in a good weather to enjoy the views. <br /> <br /> On the first day, I got dropped of by the boat at Candelario Marcilla around 10am. Getting the stamp from Chilean carabineros took longer than expected, around one hour. A number of hikers accumulated there and the carabineros said that we have wait for them to upload our names to the system(?). Then they just asked for my occupation and gave me the exit stamp. I then hiked the stretch on the main road, forded Rio Obstaculo right after (the deepest ford on the section I would say, it was easy even after a day of rain) and then over the pass. At the pass you will come into a long flat valley which in my case started turning into a big muddy/swampy plain. It also started snowing. The falling wet snow and the soaky trails pushed the hike to the boundaries of my comfort limits (but still manageable). I camped at the Settler waypoint (km23.5). According to a person running a hostel in villa o higgins, the Settler’s place has been abandonded for a while now (presumably someone other bought the land) and both locals and international hikers are now using the garden of the settler’s house to camp. The area around the house features thick tall trees that provide a good shelter from wind and rain, some open sheds with a good roof (but all looked uncomfortable for sleeping) and a dry toilet. The house itself is locked with a padlock and cannot be used by visitors. I stayed in a tree covered area next to the house for two nights as the next day was raining all day. Foxes, various birds and wild cows kept me a company. <br /> <br /> From the settler, it is a relatively easy trail up to the crossroad at km33.4. The trail is ocassionaly overgrown and muddy but nothing dramatic. Nice views over the lake Chico and the glacier. I was impressed by a floating iceberg that made its way slowly across the lake. I had my lunch at the crossroad (km33.4) and decided to leave my backpack there and hike/jog to the glaciar viewpoint (Option 4). It took me about 2:10 hours there and back to the crossroad. I jogged parts of it. The weather got bad during the loop (clouds and rain/snow) so I unfortnunately saw nothing but a bit more of the Glaciar Chico once reaching the viewpoint. All distant peaks were obscured in clouds. My recommendation is to do the Option 4 only if the visibility is good, otherwise the detour might be not worth it. Once finished with the loop, I hiked over the Argentinian border and slept inside Refugio Diablo at km34.4. It is in good shape overall. Just the fireplace might not run well (i have not tried) as the chimney is broken. The refugio has two elevated platforms for sleeping (easily fits 4-8 people), a table and stools, and a dry toilet nearby. If staying there, I recommend to take water from a stream flowing into the lake Diablo before reaching the refugio. There is no quick water access from the building - one must go down to one of the lakes.<br /> <br /> From Refugio Diablo it took me about 5 hours to reach the argentinian police checkpoint at Lago Desierto. The part is relatively straightforward, again a bit swampy in my case. At he Argentinian police checkpoint I was actually asked why I had a three day old stamp. I wanted to avoid problems, so I said that I took a slow pace and did not walk on some days because it was raining constantly (which was true). I said that I built my tent, read a book and trying to wait out the rain. This (in a hindsight really poor) excuse was fortunately enough for the officer. He nodded and gave me the stamp. Maybe the policeman was simply curious and even if I told him where I came from he would be eventually fine with that. I didn’t want to take my chances though.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-10 / 2 days / Helen and Craig'''<br /> <br /> &gt;Lago Desertio ferry cost about 50 dollars (we didn't take it)<br /> <br /> &gt;O'Higgins ferry cost 60 dollars and they give you a lift to V O'Higgins at the other end<br /> <br /> &gt;We took the lake side trail. Beautifull veiws over Fitzroy range. Campsite at the border crossing is exposed but harbours some of the best campside veiws. 2nd best camp of GPT for us (but would be unpleasant in high winds)<br /> <br /> Border crossing was very easy with no proplems or searches either side. Had to take shorter route due to higher winds coming in and the O'Higgins ferry not due to run for the next week after. Shorter variation was very easy trail markings. Easy to walk in 4-5 hours<br /> Was sad to miss the extended route.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-13 to 2023-Feb-17 / 5 days / RR / SOBO / also Option 2 to Glaciar O'Higgins / Véronica &amp; Zach '''<br /> <br /> Route: Candelario Mancilla - Río Bullicioso - Lago Chico - Mirador Glaciar O'Higgins - Glaciar Chico - Lago Diablo - AR Border Control <br /> <br /> This may have been my favourite section of the GPT yet this year. After 4 days waiting in Villa Ohiggins for a calm ferry day, we waited at the Chilean carabineros post because the computer systems were down and it was lunchtime so everyone seemed to be on break. They asked everyone only occupations and marital status, nothing about our planned route. We were able to start walking only around 3 p.m. although we arrived at Candelario Mancilla around 1 p.m. <br /> <br /> The trail that veers off the minor road was clearly marked and easy to follow. Tons of crowberries/murtillas up in the alpine. We camped before the pass at km 14.5 when the trail was still going through sheltered forests. Up on the pass the next day, it was very cold and exposed and windy, with some snow on the ground. The trees start appearing again much later, when you can see Lago O'Higgins again. The trail switchbacks down to the settler's house at km 23.5 (Estancia Ventisquero Chico) were overgrown and confusing, branching into many paths. <br /> <br /> We wanted to take Option 2 in order to see Glaciar O'Higgins. This detour took us an extra day and a half. We crossed the narrow channel at km 25.1 in Zach's packraft quite easily, even though the wind was gusty from the south. There were virtually no waves and the water was flat. We met the settler Luis at km 25.3 (Estancia La Carmela), who was friendly and indicated the trail toward Glaciar O'Higgins. Both waypointed campsites on the west side of the peninsula are great and sheltered from the fierce west wind in the forest. The views of the lake and mountains and glaciers on this section of trail are beyond words beautiful. <br /> <br /> The way up the pass at km 40.5 is straightforward despite the lack of trail. The descent into the next valley is steep and somewhat tiring, but not dangerous, down a mountainside covered with murtilla plants. We stopped at the orange refugio (km 47.3) late in the afternoon. It is in great condition. The only thing deteriorated is the missing battery from the solar system. Feels like an airplane fusilage with some loud resonance when the wind is strong. Perfect place to shelter from the wind. <br /> <br /> We stayed mostly in the left side of the river as we traveled cross-country to the put-in at Lago Chico. The packrafting back to the east shore of the lake was wavy and windy, the wind coming strong off Glaciar Chico (southerly), requiring a hearty ferry crossing in front of the hanging ice.  From the put-in, the island (which appears on sattelite but not maps) looks like a peninsula, but if you paddle into what looks like a cove, you'll see the gap. We went around south of the island, then rode the wind northward to the takeout in a small cove. <br /> <br /> The refuge {38} [52.9+0.3/297] was clipped closed with two padlocks as chain links. Someone left clothes hanging and a plastic chest full of food which mice seem to have enjoyed. The floor was literally covered in mouse poop. Seemed hanta-ed. 👻 The climb back up to the regular hiking route was long but pleasant, and mostly cross-country across rock slabs and brushy fields. <br /> <br /> Back on the regular route, Refugio Diablo on the Argentine side of the border has a wooden table and platforms that could sleep four. When we got to the Argentine border control with a three-day-old Chilean exit stamp, the friendly border agent gave us our entry stamp without question. When asked about the wind on Lago Del Desierto, he walked Zach to the Gendarmeria boat captain who gave useful advice. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan / SOBO / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> The exit on the Chilean side worked without any problems and the officials did not ask about our route.<br /> <br /> No one was at home at the Estancia Ventisquiero Chico settler. We spent the night a little further away by the stream.<br /> <br /> The hike along Lago Chico was nice and easy. We made a detour via option 4. It is worth going almost to the end to the viewpoint at 1104 m a.s.l. The view of the glacier and the ice field was unique and one of the best viewpoints on the whole GPT.<br /> <br /> The next day we went to the Argentine border authorities. The officials were relaxed and since we wanted to spend the night there anyway, we agreed to do the stamp the next day.<br /> <br /> The exit stamp, which was 4 days old in the meantime, was no problem at all...<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec-09 / half a day / SOBO / Frank'''<br /> <br /> The first 12KM of the direct route from Candelario Mansilla is on a road. There is a guy with a jeep who meets the ferry &amp; may offer to take luggage or even passengers along the road. At the pass a trail continues down to the Argentine border post. <br /> <br /> I continued around Laguna del Desierto the same day.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Jan / NOBO / Alexis y Iris'''<br /> <br /> Took 4 days between the two stamps without issues. The Chilean carabineros just asked our route and we said we hiked through Refugio Diablo. <br /> <br /> To ressuply in Candilla Mancilla, it is possible to ask Maria Louisa at the camping. There are more items than you could imagine but it's a bit expensive. <br /> <br /> Of note, it is possible to arrange a transfer directly to Bahia Pescado on the same boat that goes to Villa O'Higgins to hike the GPT37H, just ask the captain directly. <br /> <br /> The fare for a complete transfer is 60k CLP or 70 USD. We don't know the price for a drop off in Bahia Pescado.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-12 / SOBO / Arnaud et Adriane'''<br /> <br /> According to the team of our hotel in Villa O'Higgins, we officially have 24h to cross the 2 borders.<br /> <br /> So we prefered not to take risks with customs of Chile and Argentina and walked directly from Mancilla (chilean border) to punta Norte (argentinien border). There is 21km to walk and it is very easy.<br /> <br /> After the argentinian border, we walked to the mirador on the glaciar chico. It is the last 15kms of the real section 38. The view on the glaciar is amazing there and really worth the effort. After just walked back to the argentinian border. The walk is easy with some elevation but easy. We took a path that was marked but differed a little with the gps track (maybe sometimes 300m away) and had only one easy riverford.<br /> <br /> Don't say to the argentinian customs that you were there because the mirador is officially in chile (200m after the border but without any puesto) just say that you walked to the refugio del Diablo which is on the path and 200m before the border. This refugio is very basic in metal and can help in case of rain but is not cosy at all.<br /> <br /> It is a total of 51kms and without any risk with the 2 borders but you maybe miss some other highlights of the real section 38.<br /> <br /> We did it in 1 day and a half.<br /> <br /> Comment Jan Dudeck: In recent years we and other hikers had no issues staying several days between the Chilean and Argentine border post. Some years ago the situation was different but both sides seams more relaxed now as long as you arrive on the other side with an exit stamp.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-10 / 1 day / Regular hiking route / NOBO / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe '''<br /> <br /> We chose to do this hike in one long day, but were told we could camp near the Argentinian passport control, or in the sort of no-mans-land up the trail further between borders. Make sure you know what day the ferry is leaving before hiking or you could end up waiting in Candelaria a couple days! There aren't any stores in Candelaria, though we heard the lady at the campground might sell you some eggs or some other supplies.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-10 / Jan Dudeck '''<br /> <br /> The regular hiking and packrafting route passes the Chilean border control post in Candelario Mansilla and the Argentine border control post at the northern end of Lago el Desierto. These posts are 26 km apart (shortest distance) and if you do not walk into these two border controls posts yourself you will not get the required exit and entry stamp and become an “illegal immigrant” in the neighboring country. Don’t expect anything at the border itself or to get stopped by the police in the corresponding places.<br /> <br /> Be aware that the GPT route takes a significant detour between these border controls and crosses the actual border at an non-officil location at the Refugio el Diabolo. If you ask the border police for permission to cross the border in this location than your request will probably be denied so better don’t ask and just tell that you are on the way to the Chile/Argentina without specifying the exact route (when asking for your exit stamp).<br /> <br /> We have taken this non-official route twice in January 2017 and January 2019 without any issue.<br /> <br /> Worst case scenario is that you arrive with a several days old exit stamp on the other side and the border control police becomes upset and ask you to walk back on the shortest route (Option 1) to get a fresh stamp but I have not heard this happening in recent years.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> *'''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18'''<br /> <br /> Notes to consider before beginning: At Calendario Mancilla, there is a Carabineros border control outpost. They asked that we fill out an expedition hiking form since the GPT follows a little used route. After discussing the route, the Carabineros informed us that entering Argentina at Lago Diablo, which is the current GPS route, is illegal. There is an alternate route, as described below, which remains in Chile that we decided to take instead. <br /> <br /> From the Chilean border control, follow the gravel road for a short distance and turn onto a trail marked by white sign with green lettering that says “Rio Obsticulos” as shown by the current GPS track (hikers may want to consider following the alternate listed at the end of this section description to and from Glacier O’Higgins because that trail is of much higher quality, more scenic, and more pleasant than the one that follows the bank of Lago O’Higgins/San Martin). <br /> <br /> After crossing the wooden bridge, hike along an ill-defined track that winds up and down the shoreline of Lago O’Higgins/San Martin to the land bridge north of Lago Chico. There is one residence as well as the occasional small camp spot along this route. <br /> <br /> There is another residence located on the east side of the land bridge, and hikers may pass through a wire gate on north side of the corral. A faint trail heads west and terminates at the bank of the narrow channel that connects Lago O’Higgins/San Martin and Lago Chico. A packraft is required to cross this channel. <br /> <br /> There is another residence on the west side of the channel. When the large ferry out of Villa O’Higgins is functional, it drops people off near this residence so they may hike the Sendero a Candelario Mancilla which is marked with orange and white blazes. This trail is well-formed and climbs the hill south of the residence. After exiting the treeline, be aware that there is limited camping for many kilometers. From this point, the route is very exposed and there is no cover until the route re-crosses Lago Chico. <br /> <br /> Glacier O’Higgins is beautiful; it is composed of glistening blue ice that terminates into the lake. Sadly, as the University of Valdevía has documented, the glacier is receding at an alarming rate and is in danger. As you enjoy the views, the trail continues to wind up and down above the lake but eventually disappears. Navigation is easy due to a lack of vegetation, but camping is poor due to exposure and the steep terrain. <br /> <br /> An orange refugio is located 2 km from Lago Chico on the glacial moraine. It is equipped with solar panels and is a good place to ride out a storm. The route continues down rocks and sand to the lake edge. The lake paddle is very pleasant, and depending on the season, it may involve weaving through icebergs to get to open water. Be careful not to get too close to the icebergs! Many of them are unstable and falling ice is common. <br /> <br /> Alternate:<br /> The GPS route indicates a northbound float on Lago Chico for approximately 4 km until take-out, but high winds forced us off of the lake early. We exited at the southern end of Lago Chico and from there faced a very difficult, brushy, and steep climb up to a trail at about elevation 750 m. Weather permitting, it may be easier to packraft all the way back to the land bridge between Lago Chico and Lago O’Higgins/San Martin. The trail on east side of the lake is well-formed, however, and there is one established campsite near a run down shack at the Lago Diablo turn off. <br /> <br /> In order to avoid the illegal Lago Diablo crossing into Argentina, just after passing a large wooden sign that says “Sendero de Chile,” turn off to the east on a well-formed track and climb up through the forest. The track is well-formed, easy to follow, and passes by several good places to camp. There are some orange and white blazes which are hard to spot because they mark the track in the opposite direction. There is a brief cross-country section over the pass through open tundra, but the trail reappears as the route renters the trees. There are a couple river crossing, and the trail ends at the gravel road. Follow the road north back to the Carabineros outpost to inform them you made it back safely and to obtain an exit stamp.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2016/17==<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anna &amp; Christopher<br /> In march and april the ferry that crosses Lago O'Higgins only leaves twice a week, which is mondays and thursdays at 8 a.m. (company Las Ruedas, reservation possible via whatsapp +56 966278836).<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> * 2023 December / Anh<br /> <br /> Warning between exit &amp; entry:<br /> You have to reach the other border control within one day, since recently both border controls compare the data every day.<br /> If you do not arrive within one day, they (both border controls) will actually go looking for you.<br /> <br /> *Permit for Gpt38<br /> For glaciers Chico and O'Higgins you can apply for an &quot;Expedition Paper&quot; at the Chilean border control. However, this does not allow you to cross the border to Argentina.<br /> At the argentinian border control, you can ask for the route Lago del Desierto - Lago Diablo (with return / no border crossing).<br /> Conclusion: there is currently no standard procedure for GPT38 with border crossing. The two border controls check by radio whether all persons arrive on the other side within one day (and start search operations if necessary)!<br /> <br /> *2023 / Ondrej <br /> At he Argentinian police checkpoint I was actually asked why I had a three day old stamp. I wanted to avoid problems, so I said that I took a slow pace and did not walk on some days because it was raining constantly (which was true). I said that I built my tent, read a book and trying to wait out the rain. This (in a hindsight really poor) excuse was fortunately enough for the officer. He nodded and gave me the stamp. <br /> <br /> *2019 / Jan Dudeck<br /> Be aware that the GPT route takes a significant detour between these border controls and crosses the actual border at an non-officil location at the Refugio el Diabolo. If you ask the border police for permission to cross the border in this location than your request will probably be denied so better don’t ask and just tell that you are on the way to the Chile/Argentina without specifying the exact route (when asking for your exit stamp).<br /> We have taken this non-official route twice in January 2017 and January 2019 without any issue.<br /> Worst case scenario is that you arrive with a several days old exit stamp on the other side and the border control police becomes upset and ask you to walk back on the shortest route (Option 1) to get a fresh stamp but I have not heard this happening in recent years.<br /> <br /> *Comment Jan Dudeck: In recent years we and other hikers had no issues staying several days between the Chilean and Argentine border post. Some years ago the situation was different but both sides seams more relaxed now as long as you arrive on the other side with an exit stamp.<br /> <br /> *2019 / Arnaud et Adriane<br /> <br /> According to the team of our hotel in Villa O'Higgins, we officially have 24h to cross the border.(...) Don't say to the argentinian customs that you were there because the mirador is officially in chile (200m after the border but without any puesto) just say that you walked to the refugio del Diablo which is on the path and 200m before the border.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT38 - Glaciar Chico]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT35_(Parque_Patagonia)&diff=120731 2025-03-12T20:35:47Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-02-25 to 2025-03-02 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, variant R,S. Leaving trough option 3,/ Thijmen Scholten'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> * I stayed in Hospedaje Rio Baker in Chile Chico it's cheap and very friendly, recommended. <br /> * The pass/Platform very weather exposed, so check the weather forecast before you go. <br /> * You can camp sheltered just before the pass <br /> * Besides all the guanacos There are also Some nice oyster like stones <br /> * I could not really find a trail on the first part but it's a easy CC at which you do not have to be perfectly on the indicated trail. Just more or less in the same direction. <br /> * I found a truly beautiful stone but forgot it and it's at the source of water source 30.6. it's heavy but I wanted to give it to the people who would take me hitchhiking or at the park entrance office. So if you want this beautiful stone you can take it !<br /> * Camped somewhere next to the river on the way down. Took CC shortcut to bridge at 42.7<br /> * next day hitchhiked , pay entrance , easy walk.<br /> * After camp valley Hermosa there were many river crossings (ankle to knee deep). Best to keep your sandals or (non gortex) shoes on and just accept you will have cold feet in the next hour. <br /> * Camped: 100m before refuge 94.7 at an nice little windfree spot next to the river. <br /> * 7 Laguna's trail. About 1km before end of lake and about 1 and 4km after pass are decent streams to get water from. For the rest only water from the lakes. <br /> * Trail fairly easy to follow in forest because of sawn trunks and in grassland because one plant species grows everywhere expect on the trail. <br /> * Trail is not maintained anymore. Therefore would be nice if everyone did some trail maintenance (remove some branches from trail, break some branches , indicate wrong trail with row of stones etc. <br /> * Internet entell at end of the pass 111.6 <br /> * Look out that you don't miss the junction at the last lake. <br /> * Option R: is badly overgrown with spiky Plants and seeds! I went 1/3 of the way and turned back. I would not take it <br /> * Variant 3: is nice and clear. At Valle Chacabuco there is a very nice Museum! And a bus to Cocrane @17.00 cost 15.00 CLP. <br /> <br /> ''' 2025-FEV-21 &gt; 25 / 4,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 35-02 &gt; 35-03A &gt; 35-03 &gt; 35-R &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : (GPT34)+GPT35<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : parfois difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : chenilles urticantes, rivière<br /> <br /> J'ai laissé ma machette à Coyhaique pour m'alléger. J'ai dormi à l'hostel Ayékan à Chile Chico puis j'ai commencé la randonnée à 9h. J'ai eu du mal à faire de l'auto-stop mais après 4 km de marche une voiture m'a emmenée au km 8. Il y a pas mal d'eau sur le plateau, bien plus qu'indiqué sur le GPS. Il y avait beaucoup de vent sur le plateau mais il faisait beau alors ça s'est bien passé. J'ai campé au km 36 mais il y avait de petites mouches qui piquent, pas super pour se laver. Malheureusement le vent s'est levé et il a pas mal plu dès 20h alors j'ai passé une nuit difficile. J'ai eu beaucoup de chance et j'ai pu faire du stop du km 45 au km 53. Très peu de voitures sur cette gravel road. Les arbres n'ont plus de feuilles car des chenilles ravagent tout dans le parc (https://laderasur.com/articulo/cuncunas-espinosas-a-la-vista-los-impactos-de-una-especie-que-ha-defoliado-miles-de-hectareas-de-lenga-en-chile/). Comme il a bien plu pendant la nuit, toutes les rivières sont en crues. C'est bien car les sentiers sont désert, mais les ford sont très dangereux. Le ranger et un monsieur du coin m'a dit que je pouvais tout franchir en faisant attention. Il n'y a pas de refuges aux km 81,8, 94,7 et 119,1. A partir du km 98, il n'y a plus de rivière, juste de petits ruisseau vaseux et les lacs bien sûr. Au km 10,4 du 35-R, le bâtiment peu servir de refuge. Il est très propre et je n'ai pas vu de rongeurs malgré la mise en garde. Le seul problème c'est qu'il n'y a pas d'eau. Il a neigé au dessus de 1000m. Je suis arrivé à 10h à Cochrane alors j'ai pris un hotel pour y passer la journée.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-FEB-16 to 2025-FEB-22 / 7 hiking days / Hiking / SOBO / RR/ Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> Beautiful section! Very special for us, and we were lucky to have good weather! first part had a lot of animals. second part had many tourquize lakes and snowy mountains around+ black caterpillars. third part had pampa terrain and 8 beautiful blue lakes. <br /> <br /> Day 1- started walking at noon from Chile Chico. There were a lot of hichhikers, so decided to walk the PR. A dog followed us and slept the night with us at camp (14.1/923).<br /> <br /> Day 2- started walking with the dog (even though we tried getting rid of him he was very stubborn). Got to puesto (15.8/1075) and asked Claudio the settler if he would like to adopt the sweet dog, which he happily agreed to. Claudio invited us to watch him slaughter a sheep and for breakfast.<br /> Continued walking, saw many guanacos (they make such silly sounds!), and some flamingos as well. Camped at (-46.722612, -71.904105) like Miamzelt-thanks!. Was a long day for us. <br /> <br /> Day 3- walked to national park. Until the MR it can be a bit swampy a times- best to keep near fence for dry feet. Saw many dead guanacos near the fence - was interesting to see their anatomy but also sad because it looks like they get traped in the fence and die miserably. <br /> On MR got a ride for last 10k.<br /> In national park payed online for entrance fee- 11,000 each, free wifi. We asked about whether as well and figured we'll have only 2 more days until it will start raining for many days. We decided we would not want to walk in the rain and try to walk longer days then planed to try and finish before the rain and from Casa Piedra take a hitch. Walked up to valle hermoso camp site- great views on the way a few fords before the campsite- easy but cold. <br /> <br /> Day 4- after valle hermoso many fords in the morning- more then written in gps files, easy but cold. <br /> Lovely scenary.<br /> Very high and cool bridge at the end of the day. Shelter 94.7 was a bit dirty, we found a nice cozy spot between the trees sheltered from the wind. About 100 meters before the shelter.<br /> <br /> Day 5-: thought this will be our last day- but when we got to Casa Piedra we checked the wether again and no rain for the next few days! Decided to continue as planed at first. The first lake we passed had a lot of rip calafate- delicious and juicy! Slept in (-47.09768, -72.28546) as suggested below. Small stream, wind sheltered by the trees, and flat. Thank you!<br /> <br /> Day 6- walked though many lakes. Crazy wind! A tree fell 20 meters from us right on the trail- be alert while walking for sounds of cracking trees! Maybe not a good time for airpods. Slept near the lake in camp 138.4. We later discovered that there are two wood shelters a few meters from where we slept. Was not locked and looked pretty clean. <br /> <br /> Day 7- walked to Cochrane. Last kms where with many day hikers. Were Many comfortable places to take a dip in the lake.<br /> <br /> '''2025 Feb 02 to Feb 14 / 10 hiking days, 3 zero days / SOBO, NOBO / Hiking / RR, Opt 6 Fachinal / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: The plateau at the beginning of RR is best done in good weather, but definitely worth it; the park is beautiful, though in summer there were a fair amount of people, though less than Cerro Castillo; Opt 6 Fachinal is a really beautiful and adventurous optional route and well worth it, though in our opinion better as an exit than an entrance to the section.<br /> <br /> CAMPS: <br /> <br /> Night 01: -46.60658, -71.80980 (nice views, water is about 150 m away, can be semi-protected by the hill depending on which way the winds come from)<br /> <br /> Night 02: -46.66455, -71.84387 (some wind protection from the hill if the winds come from the west, water is about 170 m away, only really good in good weather)<br /> <br /> Night 03: -46.73523, -71.89404 (water is close, not wind protected)<br /> <br /> Night 04: El Silencio campground<br /> <br /> Night 05 and 06 : Camp Raleigh<br /> <br /> Night 07 to 09: Camp Valle Hermoso<br /> <br /> Night 10: -46.75834, -72.22028 (good water access, not that wind protected, ground is difficult to get tent stakes into)<br /> <br /> Night 11: -46.69923, -72.22451 (some wind protection, water not close)<br /> <br /> Night 12: -46.62948, -72.27663 (some wind protection, water about 200 m away)<br /> <br /> <br /> WATER: water was generally easy to find throughout the section, even on the plateau<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 01 - Feb 02<br /> <br /> We took the bus from Chile Chico. The company was Buses Interlagos, +56 9 9038 6338. We made a reservation. There is a sign in the terminal in Chile Chico that says they leave at 09:00, but when I messaged to make the reservation they said they would leave at 08:00. It is due to regular road closures for road work, so it is recommended to message in advance to get the correct time if you take the bus. Also, the bus driver knew about a trail to Parque Patagonia, but it wasn't the GPT track, so it's good to watch the map to not overshoot. He charged us 2.000 each for the 8 km ride. The route up initially was just a road so easy going. There were multiple places to get water. At Puesto 15.8 we met Claudio who invited us in. His wife and son had passed us going the opposite way as we hiked up. We stayed and talked with Claudio for about an hour. He was very friendly and hospitable. He said a lot of backpackers go through there, some to the park, but a lot for a rock climbing area nearby. We camped at (-46.60658, -71.80980), water was a little ways away. It snowed briefly just before we set up the tent, then cleared up and was sunny for the rest of the day. The night was completely calm.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 02 - Feb 03<br /> <br /> We headed up to the pass. We followed the OSM track more than the GPT track which worked well. The landscape on the way up was very impressive and we saw our first guanacos. On the plateau it was pretty windy, but as others have said, there are spots where the topography shields you from the wind and you can get a break from it. We had seen on Windy before leaving that the next day on the plateau was supposed to be essentially windless and with full sun, so we wanted to stay for the night. We found a spot that was protected from the prevailing winds which were from the west that day and had a peaceful night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 03 - Feb 04<br /> <br /> We woke up to a silent morning that was quite warm. We took the whole day to walk across the plateau, carefully observed by guanacos the whole way. They seemed to work in shifts with at least one acting as lookout at all times. We found it very endearing. We stopped at a lake for lunch and watched 8 flamingos there as well as other birds. We also came across a curious hill that appeared to be made largely of giant ancient seashells. They looked like oyster shells, and some still looked like they had bits of mother of pearl on the inside. It was just the one hill. The descent was easy, gradual and with nice views. We found camping a little below camp 32.6 in a grassy area near the stream. It was not wind protected but we had a quiet night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 04 - Feb 05<br /> <br /> We wrapped up camp quickly, just before it started raining. We went under a fence and did CC between the GPT track and the OSM track. Around km 36.6, just before where the OSM and GPT tracks join, we found a well maintained trail that was not on the map that led down to a puesto. The man who lives there, Leopoldo, was friendly. He opened the gate for us and took us to another gate close by and pointed us to a 2 track road that rejoined with the GPT track after about 500 m. On the main road to the park, few cars passed and they were all full. We had lunch at the Bridge 42.7. The Camp 42.9 looked reasonably good, but it was visible from the road, so not that private. We walked about 1 km before we finally caught a hitch to the park entrance. The park office had an open StarLink wifi network. We bought tickets, 11.400 each. Camping 53.3, Camping El Silencio, was free. Each site had a covered area with tables and benches. Water spigots at the sites were not working so we took water from the outflow of the lake next to the bridge. The caterpillar apocalypse was definitely not overstated. Live, dead, dying, they were everywhere, most ominously in some places as enormous mounds of dead ones, like something out of a horror movie. The park office had to close the main bathrooms due to them and opened a temporary one at the office. They let us charge our devices in the office overnight and pick them up in the morning.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 05 - Feb 06<br /> <br /> We had a short day just hiking to Camp Raleigh. We stopped and had lunch on the beach of Lago Jenimeni. We passed several groups of day hikers on the way, but were the only ones called for the night. The caterpillars were not as bad there.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 06 - Feb 07<br /> <br /> We took a zero day to wait out an all day rain event. Two other groups showed up part way through the day, one going either direction. Both intended to keep moving but after two hours of waiting and no break in the rain, they both decided to stay and move the next day.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 07 - Feb 08<br /> <br /> The hike to Valle Hermoso was fairly easy. All fords were below the knee. At the last ford we went a little higher up and towards a small beach as the direct crossing to the trail marker was quite deep. Up to the pass was easy. On the way down the other side there were a few areas where it was steep and the trail was covered in scree, and a few places where the trail had been washed out, but nothing very difficult. There were some amazing views on the way down. All the fords until the camp were knee deep or below. Four other groups were staying at Valle Hermoso camp that night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 08 - Feb 09<br /> <br /> We took another zero day to wait out another all day rain event. All but one of the other groups stayed as well. The river went up about 15 cm over the course of the day and turned completely brown from all the sediment.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 09 - Feb 10<br /> <br /> We had intended to do some exploration toward Opt 7 Mallin Grande because Garmin weather report said it was supposed to be partly sunny for the day. It turned out to be very cloudy with high winds and very cold, alternating light rain and some snow. The valley was also mostly covered in clouds and fog so we decided to just take another zero day.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 10 - Feb 11<br /> <br /> We had good weather in the morning. We left for Opt 6 Fachinal. It was a really beautiful walk up. We were in water shoes until the first lake as there were many stream crossings. The first lake is a popular side trip from Valle Hermoso. One of the Chileans at the campsite mentioned that the valley was called Valle de los Glaciers. I'm not sure if that's an official name or just a common name, but we did see three huge glaciers, one above Ventisquero, and the other above the second lake. We passed a private refuge (-46.79249, -72.20797) that was locked, however they had prepped camp sites and an outhouse with running water, so it was possible to use the outdoor facilities if no one was there (if you use the toilet or sink, the water gate is down on the floor to the left of the toilet). It was too early to stop so we continued on. The trail around the bowl above the lake was faint but we were able to follow it. Over the pass the next valley opens up and is mostly flat. A lot of it was wetland, but we were able to find dry foot crossings by staying more on the west side. Occasionally we would come across a bit of trail and then it would disappear again. Around (-46.76362, -72.22212) where the track turns sharply east before heading north again, we switched to water shoes to cross the river. After that point we just left them on. As the track goes north again it enters a shallow canyon and we had to cross back and forth several times. We found a place to set up the tent near the stream at (-46.75834, -72.22028). A very short distance away (-46.75795, -72.22048) was a spot under some trees that was too small for an X-Mid 2, but would be nice for a 1-person tent or a smaller 2-person tent. It was fairly flat with nothing spikey and had great wind protection.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 11 - Feb 12<br /> <br /> We started the day in water shoes. All the way to the pass we crossed back and forth across the stream. It was never deeper than half-calf, and no serious current. There is a really beautiful lake at the top just before they pass. There is a trail along the west side, but it was so overgrown and muddy that we just walked in the water along the edge of the lake. The pass is a low pass. Going down the other side we struggled through a lot of it. We would find what looked like a good trail and follow it, and then it would just abruptly end leaving us to bushwack for some distance before finding another piece of it. It was strange how some sections would look almost meticulously maintained and then suddenly it would look as if there had never been a trail at all. The track files were very helpful, especially since there were other trail sections that led in different directions. At (-46.69923, -72.22451) there was an abandoned puesto with a single grave next to it. We camped inside the corral of the puesto. Just before it we had passed by the second private refuge. That one did not have as good of quality campsites and the toilet was a latrine with no water. Water access was further down the trail in the direction of the first Tyrolean traverse. That last 400 m is currently marked as CC in the track files, however a trail now exists there and is very easy to follow.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 12 - Feb 13<br /> <br /> We got up early to do the first ford. Water was crotch height (we're both about 165 cm) and with a good amount of current. The water was icy cold, milky and so hard to see through, and the bottom of the river had very large rocks so it was very uneven. It was one of the more challenging fords we've done. There is a second ford point listed in the track files, but we would not recommend using that point. It looks like a much easier ford, however in the far side there is a rock slide with very large rocks between it and the way to go forward on the trail. It looked to us like the area around the Tyrolean traverse was the only suitable place to cross. After the cross the trail follows the river for a couple hundred meters then heads very steeply up for a few hundred meters. Once up it was fairly easy to follow the trails, but we recommend again keeping an eye on the GPS as there were several trails, and while they often reconnected, sometimes they didn't. The second ford was just above the knee and with less current than the first, much easier for us. There was a flat area that would be good for camping on the far side. The trail then passed through open forest with a fairly clear trail, and through a few pastures where the trail disappeared. There seems to be less trail maintenance than in previous reports with a lot of downed trees not cleared. At around km 31 the trail heads downhill along a fence. There is a path that goes left to stay on the trail or goes right. We went right about 100 m and found an old puesto that has been completely broken down, but that has a nice flat area (-46.62948, -72.27663). We camped there for the night. Water was back out along the track through the fence. There was a side stream feeding into the river.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 13 - Feb 14<br /> <br /> We had to use water shoes to ford the side stream as even in the morning we couldn't find a suitable place to cross dry foot. The day was warm and sunny and the trail was very pleasant. In a few places other trails showed up. They usually rejoined later. A section of the GPT track had been washed out by the river, so there were a few CC areas. Towards the end the trail passes through an area where a fire has gone through a few years prior. We made it down to the road around 14:00. Hitching was not easy. Very few cars passed by and nearly all of them were full. After about two and a half hours someone picked us up and dropped us off in Puerto Guadal.<br /> <br /> <br /> We really enjoyed Opt 6 Fachinal and were very happy we chose to walk it. It was beautiful and had a varied landscape, and it felt very “GPT” compared to the park routes. We didn't see anyone else while we were on it. However we would recommend it as an exit since there is a lot of up and down and BB in parts that would be much easier without a full resupply. We would also recommend, if going NOBO, knowing the schedule for buses that pass along the road as it did seem that hitchhiking was not easy, and it was about 45 km or so of rather unpleasant, exposed and dusty road walking in either direction to the nearest towns. During the 24/25 season there were supposedly buses passing one direction or the other at least once during the day every day except Saturday. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> ''' 2025-Jan-28 to 2025-Jan-30/3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RH / Davide Materia '''<br /> <br /> I pretty much had the same experience of MiamZelt, with same camping locations as him.<br /> Details:<br /> 1- day. I would probably camp either a bit up than were he suggested, or a bit further down, as there are spots of grass created by dried pond, which if dry enough are perfect location for a tent, in general the location of the first camp is not ideal, many rocks and not that easy to find a spot. This mountain can get pretty windy, I would in general restrain myself from starting the section in bad weather, as even in good weather the wind is really strong, this also suggest why good care must be paid for the location of the tent.<br /> 2 trail is next to impossible to keep without gps, I doubt it even exist a real single trail. One good trick here is to jump over the fence and stay always on the right but following the fence until the gpx track and the former diverge. At that point there is a bit more of &quot;grass-bashing&quot; but you are getting closer to the off-track road. For the rest, I hitchhiked to the park once I reached the road and went to camping valle Hermosa, and damn Hermosa it was!!! Resting next to the river under the sun was the best moment in this section.<br /> 3 I kept following the track. Many fordings, more than the 2nd day. Luckily I restrained myself from the temptation of packrafting the river beside the trail as ~15km before Casa Piedra it gets inside canyons and becomes a deathtrap, there's a reason if Jan didn't do it by packraft, as always.<br /> Camping Casa Piedra actually has hot shower if the stove warming up the water has been turned on quite in advance, no such luck for me...<br /> <br /> 4-The next day after deciding to not do Rio chacabuco given all the bad reports of previous years I hiked around 2 hours on the road until some locals picked me up to cochrane.<br /> <br /> Awesome section, one I will remember for a long time<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-23 to 2025-Jan-28 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus at 9am to skip the paved road walk.<br /> <br /> After puesto 15.8km the gpx files are CC but there's a trail on OSM which we loosely followed to pass 20.8km, worked out well.<br /> <br /> Very exposed and windy from 19km to 32km. <br /> <br /> Camp 32.6km was wet, we camped about 500m further.<br /> <br /> Got a hitch around 43.5km to park ranger 53km. Paid 11,400 each entrance.<br /> <br /> Camp 53.3km and 61.7km have been taken over by caterpillars.<br /> <br /> Ford 66.4km about knee deep at about 6pm on a rainy day.<br /> <br /> Camped at valle hermosa 68.1km - well sheltered in the forest but lots of people.<br /> <br /> Fords 68.4 - 71.6km, 79.3, 82.6, 86.2 all below the knee and easy in the morning after a rainy day.<br /> <br /> Camped at 88.6km - slight protected from the wind.<br /> <br /> Camped at 98.9km Casa Piedra to wait out some bad weather. 8k pp. WiFi, cooking room, warm showers.<br /> <br /> Camped at Refuge 118.3km some wind protection but not great.<br /> <br /> Easy walk out, camp 136.9km looked nice we debated staying but walked out instead.<br /> Trail condition is really good after 139.1km so is pretty fast<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Jan-13 to 2025-Jan-17 / 5 days Hiking / SOBO/ RR + Variant L / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> I very much enjoyed this lovely section. Took the bus to skip the first 6.5km of Roadwalk. CC was indeed easy, on the way up i didn't follow the Track very closely. Crazy windy between km 19-30. Surprinsingly there were some small areas that had way less wind. Guess it should be possible to find a campspot somehow sheltered by the curves of the landscape, when you can't make it further. Camp {35} [32.6/1300] is exposed and has no shelter besides from the tiny stonewall. Camped here: -46.722612, -71.904105. Was sheltered by the valley and fits a 1 person tent, wind was ok. 100m below there is a spot which can fit a 2 person tent. While sitting in the tent 2 german GPT hikers arrived and took the spot below. I very much enjoyed their company. <br /> <br /> Day 2 i could follow animal trails very often. Walked 4km on the road until i got a hitch. Entrance fee was 11400 for foreigner. You have to pay online, but they have WiFi. Tons of black caterpillars everywhere, gets better after Laguna Verde. Trail was in very good shape. Ford {35} [67.0/877] was up to the knees. Stayed at Camp Valle Hermoso, which is very good sheltered by the forest. <br /> <br /> Day 3 i met no one, until i reached the camp. Trail was 99% in good shape, few meters overgrown with young beech trees. -46.89382, -72.161099 campspots with shelter from the forest. All fords were easy. Stayed at Camping Casa Piedra. 8000 per person, can pay cash or card. They have WiFi, Room to cook inside and a shower (not hot). Most campspots are sheltered by trees or buildings. Spots next to buildings were occupied by carcampers. Trees provided good protection, although 80km/h winds according to Windy. <br /> <br /> Sendero 7 Lagunas was mostly in good to ok shape, <br /> only in few parts the trail isn't visible at all. -47.094236, -72.286568 near pass has lots of flat space and is sheltered by the forest. Small stream here: -47.097866, -72.285581. Also flat areas nearby to create a makeshift campsite. Later the only sources for water were the lakes. Refuge, X {35} [119.1/716] is collapsed, but flat space protected by trees and bushes for one bigger tent. Water from the lake. Stayed at small flat space with very little wind here -47.140176, -72.372035 and listened to the birds. <br /> <br /> Day 5 was mostly straight forward. Saw 2 Huemuls near the Minor Road. Lago Cochrane is a real gem. Open and abandoned huts here: -47.198091, -72.457465. There was a sign, saying danger becaus of rodents. Maybe not good to sleep in, but would be a good shelter in heavy rain. 1km later i saw the first dayhikers. Lot's of steep ups and downs at Sendero Carpinteros, but very beautiful. Got a hitch to Cochrane after 1.5km on the paved road. <br /> <br /> *'''GPT 35 SOBO RR // hiking, hitchhiking // 4 days 1-4.01.2025 Maks &amp; Gabi'''<br /> <br /> Simply magical section with lots of guanacos, birds and beautiful landscapes. We hitchhiked the first 8 km and then from Casa de Piedra to Cochrane. <br /> CC parts were quite easy and visible, later on when entering the park by Lago Jeinimeni the trail is incredibly well maintained. You can buy a ticket by the entrance because the is a wi-fi.<br /> <br /> One thing that is worth taking into account when planning the hike, are insects - there are tons of mosquitos and quite a lot of horseflies. Furthermore the ranger (Jeinimeni entrance) warned us about black worms that are in the forests (not sure what is the name in eng). For that reason we did not sleep at the camping by the lake (see pictures), choosing a camp spot by the bridge at 50.0 km instead. It is better not to camp by the trees. <br /> If you have a spare moment we really recommend the visitors center near Casa de Piedra as they have a really nice museum. If you already bought a ticket to the park it is free of charge.<br /> <br /> About trail itself it's hard to say something new compare to the previous notes. There was no snow, all ford's easy to cross.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-Nov-08 to 2024-Nov-16 / 8.5 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Jonas'''<br /> Day 01: 08.11.2024<br /> Arrived by ferry from Puerto Ibanez in Chile Chico at 1430. Started walking right away. Caught a ride for about 3 km. After street, needed to open fence and door.<br /> Dog kept following all day. Couldn't make him leave.<br /> Settlers (mother &amp; daughter) offered a ride but kept walking. Camp spot at 14.1 was too wet to stay there. Looked for another spot. Nothing was good, wanted to look after puesto at 15.8. settlers offered me mate and asked if I wanna pitch my tent here since it got late. Stayed close to their place. Same settler family who offered me a ride.<br /> <br /> Day 02: 09.11.2024<br /> Starting from the settlers puesto CC had light snow when packing my tent. Didn't follow the route exactly. On the way to the first pass, saw the first guanacos. Started snowing stronger. Didn't follow the track or the OSM path to avoid snowfields. Tried to follow the trails but not always possible. Stronger snow and windy. After the first pass went too far to the east to avoid snowfields, thought it'd be easy to come back to the trail but took a longer detour. At least saw the first flamingos! In the plateau it was crazy windy. Sometimes followed track, sometimes OSM. Often in between because of snowfields. Snowfields were not steep, just wanted to avoid them. More guanacos only on the way down. Camp at 32.6 was too wet. ~250 m further down found a protected spot close to a small river/creek.<br /> <br /> Day 03: 10.11.2024<br /> Woke up late. Water in pot was frozen about 1 cm thick. Walked down, saw a lot of bones. Followed not the OSM track. Crossed the fence relatively far to the west. CC walking was nice. Maybe as others mentioned there is a path sooner if you cross/stay further east. Hit the dirt road and walked to the main dirt road. Already afternoon. First Pick Up stopped and gave me a ride to the park entrance. Didn't book the ticket before. You can book it at the CONAF station with their WiFi for the same day. 11.400 CLP for the entrance. Camping is free. Walked to camp Raleigh (about two hours) and found a nice spot there.<br /> <br /> Day04: 11.11.2024<br /> Short day. Started late, trail easy to follow. In the beginning keep left if other trails are there. First fording section is well marked in the track files. Keep your shoes off until Ford Stop. Climb to pass is sometimes steep but easy. Climb down is ready with stunning view of Valle Hermoso. Some parts with some rock slides. After descend two rivers to ford. Until camp Valle Hermoso some stretches in wind protected first in the river bed, some stretches in open river bed. Easy to follow. Camp Valle Hermoso has two roofed areas.<br /> <br /> Day 05 12.11.2024<br /> Started from camp Valle Hermoso. If you keep south you can avoid all the fords. At least at this time of the year. <br /> Trail is easy walking, landscape is stunning! Did a detour to Laguna Escondida. Nice and windy up there. To get there keep close to the track files. <br /> Only needed to take the boots off for the ford at 79.3. The rest was easy to navigate around or enough rocks/trees in the river.<br /> Camped at refuge 81.0 at the broken down cabin.<br /> <br /> Day 06: 13.11.2024<br /> Easy walking all day. Trail was easy to follow. Needed to ford once.<br /> The bridge at 90.9 is something if you're afraid of heights.<br /> Arrived early at Casa Piedra. Could use the infrastructure including warmish water. Since I said I won't pass the ranger station it was fine without paying.<br /> <br /> Day 07: 14.11.2024<br /> Trail is easy to follow. Lago Gutierrez looks amazing and quite windy. Some beach walking off track is nice. After Lago Gutierrez the trail is mainly easy to follow. Checked the GPS every now and then. Climb to the pass takes some time. Filled water up at a stream at the end of Lago Gutierrez. There was on running stream in the middle of the stretch to the pass. Not sure if it has water all year. Way down is through a beautiful forest. Nice views of the valley along the way. Some trees on the path but easy enough to climb them or walk around them. <br /> Stayed at the collapsed refuge. Enough wind protection even though it was quite windy.<br /> <br /> Day 08: 15.11.2024<br /> Trail was easy to follow in the forest. Outside the forest check your GPS when you think you might be off trail. <br /> Water in the beginning mainly from the lakes, later streams existed as well. Took the MR on the RR easy fast walking, no GPS checking necessary. Settler at 138.7 wasn't there passed by his house and followed the RR on a horse trail. Camped at around 142 at Lago Cochrane. Beautiful lake with clear water.<br /> <br /> Day 09: 16.11.2024<br /> For the last 12 km it was easy to follow the trail. Quite some up and down. Nice views on the lake. Arrived the CONAF office at lunch time. Did a self checkout. Stayed in Cochrane for two nights before the next bus to Villa O'Higgins left.<br /> <br /> Really nice hike! Due to the time of the year I only met one other hiker. It snowed a bit in the first days but not too much. Trails were generally easy to follow. Fording was not too much, might be different at another time.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-14 to 2024-Dec-18 / 4.5 / Hiking / SOBO/ RR + Variant J, L / Roman'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Route: Hitchhiked from Chile Chico to X {35} [8.1/505]. Hiked to X {35} [41.5/768]. Hitchhiked from there to Park Ranger {35} [53.0/843] and hiked from there to -47.244414, -72.529165 and hitchhiked from there to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> Started in the Morning in Chile Chico and and started hiking at X {35} [8.1/505]. It's a small easy hiking road up to Puesto {35} [15.8/1075]. It's easy CC. I camped at Camp {35} [32.6/1300]. The next day was a easy hike to X {35} [41.5/768]. I was waiting 25 minutes for the first car to come by which picked me up around 11:30 AM - so prepared to either walk or wait quite some time. At the Ranger Station (Park Ranger {35} [53.0/843]) is fesh water, a toilet. There you have free internet via starlink. I have heard multiple stories and read multiple prices for entry. I would recommend to just show up. You will scan the QR code and buy the ticket online. I said that I hike to &quot;Casa Piedra camping&quot;. I had to buy the ticket &quot;Parque Nacional Patagonia - Sector Chacabuco&quot; for 5.200 CLP. Link here: https://tickets.pasesparques.cl/events/parque-nacional-patagonia-sector-chacabuco . From there i hiked to Camped at Refuge {35} [69.0/867] there are multiple fordings (river bed walking) which had a few banks and tables and a shelter hut. The next day hiked to Camp $, Refuge {35} [99.8/379] (Casa dePiedra). The Camp has electricity and a warm (not hot ;)) shower and toilets and 3 rooms with benches and tables for cooking etc. I was staying there with 2 other people and the Ranger. Apparently the Ranger doesn't collect/want money - i/we didn't needed to pay. There is Apparently a lady coming from time to time to collect a fee - so we were lucky. The trail was maintained and easy to hike. At the beginning there was some fording.<br /> <br /> The next day I camped at Refuge {35} [131.2/556] which is only a emergency shelter but has some flat spots to pich a tent. The trail is not maintained and is sometimes very good or not visible at all - you need you GPS! Overall good easy to hike with some fallen trees. There is a bridge at -47.160823, -72.407796 also with water which makes the Refuge a great place to say. Picture of bridge https://imgur.com/a/ZydIQ7f and Refuge: https://imgur.com/a/NDMT0FP . After that it's a easy hike all the way to -47.244414, -72.529165 where I hitchhiked to Cochrane. I haven't camped there but this location looked like the best stay you could get in the trail here: https://imgur.com/a/rtak82Q. -47.198106, -72.457406 close to Camp {35} [138.4/173].<br /> <br /> Stayed at Camping, Refugio ,Cabaña y HostelCochrane which i can highly recommend (camping 7k, dorm 9k, laundry 5k and a supermarket across the street)<br /> <br /> Contact: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-Dec-13 to 2024-Dec-17 / 5 days / GPT35 SOBO RR / wiiiim<br /> Relatively uncomplicated &amp; fast section, lots of info exists so just a summary here. In essence it feels like 3 parts<br /> <br /> - part 1 Chile Chico to the park entrance: mostly cross country over a barren plateau with lots of animals. I arranged a taxi out of Chile Chico to skip the first 9km of road walk at 7am for an early start - Alexis +56 9 7971 5823. Surprisingly lots of water on this section.<br /> <br /> - part 2 Park entrance to Casa de Piedra, park fee is 11400, very easy going, well marked trail, lots of water<br /> <br /> - part 3 Casa de piedra to Cochrane, somewhat overgrown, less water, mostly from the lagunas so good to have a filter<br /> <br /> I took the bus from Cochrane to Villa O’Higgins, it runs every Monday, Wednesday &amp; Saturday at 8:30am (returning the next day), it’s a small publicly funded bus (8400 pesos) with about 25 seats, they typically want you to buy a ticket in person in Cochrane in the bus terminal upstairs (I believe the company is Gardy?), I got a ticket the afternoon before and it had 5 seats left.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-Dec-12 to 2024-Dec-14 / 3 days go and back / GPT35 SOBO option 1 by car and Regular Road with a little part of option D and OH-CC-A-{35-06} to the first laguna/ Julien Mamari <br /> <br /> All the way to the Releigh Camp is really easy and try with bridges.<br /> Into the Releigh Camp and the 3rd camp you have 2 rivers to cross with the Gloria pass but it's really easy with sandals... Water to the knees maximum (on my time)<br /> If you go to the first Laguna (option 6) on the right sise of valley better beguin on the left side for around 1km then you have obligation to cross and the best its to keep always on de right side, it's dry.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-07 to 2024-Nov-10 / 4 days with one day of rest at home of Daniel “Huemul” / GPT35 Regular Route SOBO from Kilometer 100 to 150 / Sendero 7 Lagunas / Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> This scenic route inside Parque Patagonia is officially closed due to lack of trail maintenance but still easily traversable. As we entered from the north we did not speak with any Conaf personnel and learned about the closure when exiting this route in Cochrane.<br /> <br /> The GPT track file 2024 precisely documents the official route of Sendero 7 Lagunas from Kilometer 37 to Kilometer 5 (GPT35 Regular Route) where the Regular Route connects on other trails to Cochrane. Note that the OSM data is in large parts incorrect. OSM is showing a now partially overgrown and less attractive routing on disused trails and minor roads. So all topographic maps based on OSM data are unreliable in this respect.<br /> <br /> About 30% of the trail is clearly visible, about 60% of the trail is vaguely visible and 10% of the trail are invisible as trail. There is just a trail mark every kilometer but no other visual aids to follow the official trail. This makes frequent GPS verifications essential. Without a GPS and without the correct tracks loaded to the GPS hikers get inevitably lost numerous times and it would be very time consuming to find the correct trail just based on visual references. But with a GPS it’s easy to stay on the trail.<br /> <br /> There was no snow left on the 1126 m high pass.<br /> <br /> In the forest numerous fallen trees block the trail but there is always an easy way around.<br /> <br /> There are no noteworthy river crossings and the trail is dry. Water can be obtained regularly at smaller streams or at the lakes.<br /> <br /> There are numerous potential camp sites except from the northern trail head and the 1126 m high pass. This northern end is mostly wind exposed with very little shelter to pitch a tent.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-02 to 2024-Nov-05 / 4 days (but 50 km hitchhiked) / Hiking / SOBO / Option 4 (Ruta RP41 in Argentina) / Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> This option provides an alternative to the weather-exposed regular route of GPT35. Therefore this option should be considered early or late in the season (October, November or April) or whenever poor weather makes the regular route of GPT35 unsafe. This option is east of the Andes main mountain chain in Argentina and the clouds that typically come from the west unload most snow and rain while crossing the higher peaks in Chile. Anyway, the maximum altitude of just under 1500 m should not be undermined. Up on the pass area, weather can become unpleasant all year around.<br /> <br /> This road walking option is certainly not as attractive as the regular route but the insignificant traffic and the scenic scenery makes it a worthwhile hiking choice. The landscape is that attractive that one tour company in Los Antiguos offers guided excursions along this route.<br /> <br /> This option connects back to regular route of GPT35 at the trailhead of “Sendero 7 Lagunas” that becomes also traversable early in the season (October or November).<br /> <br /> Route description:<br /> <br /> The border crossing from Chile to Argentina is a 13 km hike or hitchhike as there is not organized public transport. Argentines rarely check luggage of backpackers, therefore bringing all supplies from Chile should not cause problems. Don’t be surprised when Argentine border controls don’t stamp your passport on entry. It’s not any more a given, that all travelers with passports receive an entry stamp when crossing into Argentina.<br /> <br /> Before starting on RP41 consider a good meal in Los Antiguos.<br /> <br /> The first 43 km on RP41 from Los Antiguos to Estancia Los Alamos are wind-exposed and dry. We were lucky to ride most of this stretch on the back of a pickups truck. From the road we could only see one more reliable water source at kilometer 39.5. And descending 100 to 200 m into gorge of Rio Jenimeni just to refill water supplies seams an ordeal that should be avoided.<br /> <br /> The owners of Estancia Los Alamos are welcoming and helpful. We were invited for lunch and offered a bed for a night. But to get moving we opted to start hiking in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Estancia La Frontera at kilometer 46 of RP41 just after the bridge over Rio Zaballos seams also to offer accommodation on request. And here starts the more scenic part with patches of forest and more regular water streams crossing the road.<br /> <br /> At kilometer 54 of RP41 by-passes are welcome to camp just next to Rio Lincoln. Here we spend our first night.<br /> <br /> At kilometer 64 of RP41 the last patches of forest are left behind and exposed but scenic landscape is crossed.<br /> <br /> The highest point of RP41 (“portezuelo”) is reached at kilometer 76 with just under 1500 m. The last snowmelt washed a part of road away stopping currently most transit traffic but hikers and bikers can cross this damaged road section without problems.<br /> <br /> While walking from Rio Lincoln up to the “portezuelo” the wind and the light snowfall increased. But compared to the weather in Chile at the same time our conditions where quite manageable. The lack of wind-sheltered places keep us moving to kilometer 79 of RP41. Here, an unlocked puesto with a wood stove provided a surprisingly convenient shelter for our second night en route. We just had to seal some gaps in the walls to reduce the wind and snow from entering our temporary refuge. When getting up on the next morning a thin layer of fresh snow covered everything around us.<br /> <br /> The descent to Paso Roballos at kilometer 96 of RP41 traverses open but scenic landscape with little natural shelter. <br /> <br /> The best places to camp after the pass are:<br /> Kilometer 79: unlocked puesto<br /> Kilometer 87: maybe near puesto at 47°06'47&quot;S 71°50'00&quot;W<br /> Kilometer 96: the crossing to Paso Roballos 2 km before the Argentine border control <br /> <br /> At the Argentine border control camping is not permitted.<br /> <br /> When exiting Argentina make sure to get an exit stamp. This stamp is required to enter into Chile.<br /> <br /> Another good option is the abandoned Chilean military post 4 km after the Argentine border control. Most buildings of this small compound are sealed closed but one shelter is open and one mostly closed veranda provided good shelter for us for one night while rain and snow made pitching a tent less pleasant.<br /> <br /> The Chilean border control is 11 km inland from the border.<br /> <br /> From the Chilean border control it’s another 26 km to the trail head of “Sendero 7 Lagunas” with a brilliant camp site halfway (“camping alto valle”).<br /> <br /> * '''Note:''' The RR was changed between Lago Jeinemeni and Lago Verge in October 2024, so numbering of options in the reports below might be slightly off.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 14 to 2024 Mar 19 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Maddi and Tom'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Hiked out of Cochrane after lunch in light rain. Hiked up Sendero Las Aguilas then Las Lengas, easy trail and well defined. Rain got heavier as we approached Laguna El Cangrejo. Camped on the west side of the lake, started snowing lightly as we set up. One of the colder nights and we considered turning back and taking the lower route as we weren't sure how passable Laguna Altas would be in the snow.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Woke up to a snowy morning so decided to wait it out in the tent. Packed up once it stopped around 11am and followed Sendero Los Condores. Luckily had a bit of sun as we went over the pass but as we were coming down the other side the rain and wind picked up. Abandoned our plans to hike the Lagunas Altas circuit and instead followed it straight down to Westwind campsite. Sat there for a bit hoping to see a puma but only guanaco in sight. Hiked towards Valle Chacabuco hoping for a hitch but no cars came past. Kept walking along Paso Roballos trying for a hitch, eventually a couple from the UK picked us up and dropped us at Casa Piedra. Spent the night there and got a hot shower which was excellent after all the rain and snow. Didn't end up paying any entry fees for the park or the camping as noone asked.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Got up fairly early to overcast day but no rain. Followed the eastern branch of the Sendero Aviles which was clearly marked and easy to follow. The bridge over the canyon is fun to rejoin the west branch of the trail. Kept following the track along, easy going until you hit the river bed and then there are many crossings back and forth. We did a bit of dodgy scrambling up the banks to avoid getting wet feet. We were going to push on but it started raining lightly about 4pm so we set up camp in the trees along the river. Another group joined us later that night as it was raining heavily and it was the first flat and clear spot.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Started along the track, excellent views as you pass Cerro Jeinimeni. Fairly easy track down to the next river, followed by a lot of walking in the river bed. Gave in and just walked through the water to Lago Verde. Crossings were never really over ankle deep. Track around Lago Verde is fine to follow with excellent views. Very windy as we got over the pass and the path down is quite eroded (but manageable). Hiked around to Raleigh. There is a new suspension bridge over the river at Raleigh that connects to Sendero Laguna Esmerelda. It isn't marked on Gaia or Maps Me so a group behind us went around the other way and had to do a hip deep river crossing. Going via Raleigh and Sendero Esmerelda avoids all river crossings and is an easy track to follow. Hiked all the way to El Silencio for the night, noone there so didn't pay any fees.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Started the hike out along the road hoping for a hitch but no cars went by. Headed up the plateau following a minor road, then relying on GPS and animal tracks. Lots of guanaco. Kept hiking up the hill as the wind picked up. Found a camp spot somewhat out of the wind towards the top of the plateau with a small river passing by for water. Started snowing as we went to sleep.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Woke up to a few cms of snow on the ground and tent and started a very frosty walk up and over the plateau. Lots of guanaco around but not much else other than snow. Luckily the sun came out as we were coming back down the other side as it was freezing up the top and was difficult navigating with the snow cover. Once it cleared we had awesome views of the Torres de Avellano and the lake. The descent track is pretty eroded and very slippery in parts where mud is hidden under small stones. Eventually joined up to the minor road and followed it down to Ruta 265. I had a weird phenomenon with my shoes picking up enormous amounts of sticky mud on the minor road, making my feet a few kgs heavier and having to scrape it off every 100m. Got a hitch to Chile Chico from Ruta 265.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-12 to 2024-Mar-17 / 4 + 2×0.5 = 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH D + F / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-16.7]<br /> <br /> I startet around 2 pm and did not try to hitch the first 8 km on the primary road. There is a good flowing stream at the water marker (km 12.2) and at the camp (km 14.1). The flat spot that is camp 14.1 is swampy and therefore not ideal for camping. I camped at -46.60658, -71.80980 which is at least a little bit wind protected. There is also a stream on the other side of the RR close to this spot. <br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [16.7-48.2]<br /> <br /> There was plenty of water. The RR was covered in snow from about km 23 to 28. I took a CC shortcut from km 40.8 to 42.7. I camped at -46.810258, -71.965073.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [48.2-59.1] + OSM trail to Laguna Verde + OH35-D + RR [62.4-88.9] + OH35-F + RR [70.3-78.9]<br /> <br /> The park gate at km 50.1 is open from 9 am to 5 pm. But the ranger didn't mind, that I entered before 9 am. I paid 17000 Pesos at the ranger station (km 53). This fee allows camping at all the Campgrounds in the park. I followed the official park trail which branches off at km 59,1 to Laguna Verde. From there it returns via OH35-D to the RR. All fords today were below my knees. After km 75.5 the RR was partially flooded and you had to walk through some branches. Therefore I sometimes walked in the river bed on the eastern side of Rio Aviles. I camped at km 78.9. Its an official campground of the park, but there is nothing. But its flat and wind protected.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [78.9-106.3]<br /> <br /> The roof of the refuge at km 93.9 is collapsed. Casa de Piedra is a real house with bathrooms and some common rooms to hang out and probably sleep. I camped on the lakeshore at -47.074614, -72.25701. I would not recommend this spot for windy nights.<br /> <br /> Day 5: RR [106.3-137.6]<br /> <br /> The next reliable water source after Lago Gutierrez (km 106.3) is a stream at km 113.8. Its possible to camp just south of the pass (km 110.8). I did a shortcut from km 129.1 to 130.3. I had to cross a small swampy area for that. Camping at km 137.6 is nice.<br /> <br /> Day 6: RR [137.6-150.4]<br /> <br /> Nice campsite at km 146.0 (RN Tamango) with sheltered tables and spots for camping. I stayed at camping calafate in Cochrane (-47.254013, -72.568419). It has a kitchen with common area (heated by wood oven), wifi and hot showers for 7000 pp.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Mar-01 / 6.5 days / &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO / RR+&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;RP&lt;/span&gt; / Lauren &amp; Seb'''<br /> <br /> Much has been said about this section, so we will share only our impressions.<br /> <br /> Day 1: After reaching wp Settler {35} [8.9/539] by taxi in the early evening, we hiked a short distance and camped at wp Camp {35} [14.1/923]. On a windy day it’s basically unprotected in a narrow valley. There was no wind that day, making it a spot with a great view.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Upon reaching the plateau, it felt like a guanaco/flamencos safari as previously described. To get up there, you have to CC on one manageable steep stretch. Follow the dotted line in OSM relatively far to the left and not the GPT files. We camped north of wp Water {35} [28.1/1579].<br /> <br /> Day 3: We headed across the pass and amazing views opened up before us. On the downhill, follow the GPT line until you reach a fence. Go through the fence on the left end and follow the fence line towards wp Puesto {35} [34.6/1191]. From the side of the puesto, you can easily follow well trodded horse tracks along the fence line until -46.75064, -71.89899. Follow the trails along the river towards the south until you hit the MR. We stopped for the night at wp Camp {35} [42.9+0.2/713].<br /> <br /> Day 4: Cars did not appear until after 10am but we eventually got a ride to the park entrance. From here, the more touristy part begins. Once inside the park we decided to walk the MR around Lago Jeinemeni and only inflated the packraft at Lago Verde. This was an absolutely great paddle on the most turquoise waters and we were lucky with the afternoon wind. We stayed the night at Refuge {35} [68.1/867]. <br /> <br /> Day 5: The next part has lots of fording so expect slow progress. We left our crocs on for the next 3 km. Well marked trail through the forest and across the pass. On the other side, however there is a new official route which starts here -46.87696, -72.17213 and requires more fording. The old trail still exists and no fording was necessary. Stick to the GPS here if you want to save time taking your shoes off! The rest of the way down the valley was enjoyable and we stayed the night just before wp Ford {35} [82.6/805].<br /> <br /> Day 6: Easy hiking down to Camp Piedra where we stayed and camped early.<br /> <br /> Day 7: We started paddling Rio Chacabuco the next morning, but I would advise packrafters against doing so (at least in the late season). Conditions of the river included low water levels with frequent ground contact and many trees in the water. The river splits often, making the already low water even lower and obstacles in the tightly winding corners become even more tricky. First time that we hit a tree since we are on the GPT. As if that wasn’t enough, wind picked up early and forced us out of the water. We decided to water-out here -47.05177, -72.29040 and hiked up the road, where a car took us towards Cochrane after 2 hours.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-27 to 2024-Mar-04 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {35-S} - {35-D} - RR - {35-J} - RR - {35-L} - RR / Lilian &amp; Rainbow '''<br /> <br /> Safari = GPT35, we saw foxes, bunny, flamingos, ostrich, owl, woodpecker, and more than 100 guanacos at this section!<br /> <br /> We standing at the end of town more than 1 hour and found that it is really difficult to hitch out by low traffic. So we go to tourist information ask for help maybe a ride, a man at there said he can take us to x[8.1/505] for 10k CLP, but lastly he just took us to the junction at km5.9, and said he don't want to drive on a non paved road, then don't wait us to respond and throw our backpacks out from his car immediately, and ask for the money.<br /> <br /> So, DON'T ask any ride in tourist information at Chile Chico, they cheated our trust.<br /> <br /> Km12 : flat spot (-46.57669, -71.82779) can fit some tents at other side of a stream, the stream is flowing good and dry feet crossable by rock hopping.<br /> <br /> Km12.75 : viewpoint(-46.58294, -71.82549) of a valley with sky blue colour, super beautiful, don't miss it!<br /> <br /> Camp[14.1/923] : grassland spot, a small stream is flowing low beside it.<br /> <br /> Km16.6 : flat spot(-46.60658, -71.80980), have some covers can stay away from the wind tunnel in valley at north.(wind from north)<br /> <br /> After this spot, no more camping spot or flat spot have wind protection until camp[32.6/1300]. Wind is crazy at the plateau.<br /> <br /> Camp[32.6/1300] : tiny wind protection from a rock wall, just fit 1 tent for it. Better wind protection nearby camp[42.9/713].<br /> <br /> Short cut CC from 38.2 to 42.7, it doesn't save much time, better follow GPX track, MR is completely finished and super easy to walk. It also walk beside some beautiful meadows that are nice to camp(no wind protection).<br /> <br /> Camp[42.9/713] : spots at a wet muddy road. Better spots nearby at (-46.79053, -71.91127), dry and 2-3 sides wind protection by bushes, can fit many tents there.<br /> <br /> Didn't see any cars going south at morning, so road walking all the way to entrance. 11k CLP for entrance fee, 6k CLP for camping fee, total 17k CLP, can pay by credit card.<br /> <br /> Camp,$,bridge,lake[53.3/852] : El Silencio campsite and Lago Jeinemeni. This campsite is a little bit crown with car camping, and the lake is amazing beautiful!<br /> <br /> HIGHLY RECOMMEND walking on the shore of lake from km56.65 - km57.75(from the junction of viewpoint, to the point that trail met the beach), easy, dry feet and excellent beautiful!<br /> <br /> Bridge[58.9/856] : after this bridge, follow south route ( {35-S} &amp; RP{35} ) to Lago Verde, then take the bridge(-46.86056, -72.07982) to cross the river. Lastly follow {35-D} rejoin RR. Dry feet.<br /> <br /> Lake [59.2/840] : Laguna Esmeralda. Didn't find any camping possibilities. Better views at trail.<br /> <br /> Refuge[61.7/856] : beside Laguna Esmeralda, a super blue lake. This refuge is not a cabin, just a shelter with 3 side wooden wall, good wind protection, but I'm not sure about heavy rain, because i saw many holes at the wall. Better camping spot with views beside the lake(not much wind protection).<br /> <br /> Ford start/end[63.4/896] : late season, all the way easy dry feet crossing, walking on log or rock hopping.<br /> <br /> Pass[64.5/1132] : no camping spot here, the spot shown on OSM, is already covered by many blowdowns. Nice viewpoint(-46.84093, -72.10324) of Lago Verde just SW of here.<br /> <br /> Ford[66.1/877] : better river crossing point at (-46.83741, -72.11991), there is a sign at another side of river. Below knee, easy.<br /> <br /> Ford[66.4/859] : river breaks into some parts, below knee, easy.<br /> <br /> Refuge[68.1/867] : shelter with 2 walls, nice weather protection. Refuge with 4 walls, but huge air tunnel at ceiling, so just wind protection. A sign book inside refuge too. Camping spots at here can fit lot of tents, mostly have some wind protection, but not much, because trees are too tall, and just 1 spot behind a blowdowns have well wind protection.<br /> <br /> Fords[68.4/869] - [71.6/905] : lot of river crossing, some trail can go around the river, but not much help and they are overgrown, so finally you need to be crossing and crossing then wet feet.<br /> <br /> Km74.7 : camping spot(-46.87204, -72.17630), can fit 3-4 tents with some weather protection by the forest. Have a shelter made by logs here, can squat 1-2 hiker inside for emergency, but not much help, because it is really small and too many holes on it.<br /> <br /> Km75.7 : camping spot(-46.87886, -72.16954), can fit 3-4 tents with some weather protection by the forest.<br /> <br /> Km78.9 :camping spot(-46.90498, -72.15591), and some more spots nearby, total can fit 4-6 tents with some weather protection by the forest.<br /> <br /> Ford[79.3/846] : Below knee, easy.<br /> <br /> Refuge[81.0/819] : no refuge, no shelter. Camping spot with views can fit 2 tents but no protection.<br /> <br /> Ford[82.6/805] : Below knee. Camping spot(-46.93485, -72.15869), can fit 2 tents with not much weather protection by the bushes, before the crossing.<br /> <br /> Km83.3 : camping spot(-46.94089, -72.15600), can fit 2-3 tents with some weather protection by some trees. Also one spot at south but not much protection.<br /> <br /> Km84.7 : camping spot(-46.95268, -72.15123), can fit 1 tent with some weather protection by some brushes.<br /> <br /> Km88.6 : camping spot(-46.98397, -72.15988), can fit 2 tents with weather protection by some trees and brushes. Flat area nearby can fit many tents with good views but no protection.<br /> <br /> Bridge[90.9/635] : classic bridge! Worth to take a look and walk on it!<br /> <br /> We took {35-J} instead RR here, because less puds, also walking on a plateau looks like more scenic.<br /> <br /> {35-J} Km5 : viewpoint(-47.03902, -72.19077) of the whole valley, very beautiful! Don't miss it!<br /> <br /> Camp,$,refuge[98.9/379] : Casa de Piedra campground. Have some shelters with picnic table for cooking, and a refuge with hot(warm) shower, toilet and some tables for meals. If you decide to camp here, please expect sleep late. This spot mostly are campers and tourists. They'll speaking and cooking until 10 or 11 or midnight.<br /> <br /> You can take a shuttle form here to Cochrane(30k CLP per person) or Camping Los West Wind(15k CLP per person)<br /> <br /> Time schedule: 9am Cochrane - 9.45am Museo, 10am Museo - 10.15am Camping Los West Wind, 10.30am Camping Los West Wind - 10.45am Museo, 12noon Museo - 1pm Camping Casa de Piedra, 4.30pm Camping Casa de Piedra - 5.15pm Museo, 5.30pm Museo - 6.30pm Cochrane<br /> <br /> Start from here, the trail is not maintained anymore, but still in good condition.<br /> <br /> Km103 : Lago Gutierrez, amazing beautiful lake, have some minutes i thought back to Norway again.<br /> <br /> Km103.85 : a small stream(-47.07911, -72.22738) flowing good with clear water, easy to collect.<br /> <br /> Pass[110.8/1126] : some fresh snow remain at here.<br /> <br /> Km112.45 : emergency camping spot(-47.10718, -72.28893), the ground is a little soft, but is flat and some wind protection, can fit many tents here.<br /> <br /> Km116.9 : Laguna Guagua. Camping spot(-47.13350, -72.30170), can fit 2-3 tents with some wind protection from west by bushes, SW of the spot have a side trail to lake. BUT, DON'T go for {35-02A} back to RR, it is completely CC and BB with spike plants, not fun. Better CC climbing up to RR from camping spot directly.<br /> <br /> Refuge,X[118.3/716] : no refuge, it is collapsed. The woods becomes a super small shelter here. If you lost your backpack, crawling inside maybe can save your life. Otherwise just for photos snapping function.<br /> <br /> From here to km125.0, you will walk beside 3 lakes, didn't see any wind protection camping spots there, but if you have good luck at a no wind night, you maybe find some spots at the last lake.<br /> <br /> Km125.0 : road walking start. Flat spot with some wind protection on the road can fit 1-2 tents at here too.<br /> <br /> Km125.9 : junction of RR and {35-L}, because the road is too easy to walk and follow, we completely miss this junction and walk a long time then realised RR is a different way, so we keep going on {35-L} and rejoin RR later.<br /> <br /> {35-L} km3.6 : a small stream(-47.17383, -72.37063) flowing good with clear water, easy to collect. Flat spot can fit 1-2 tents after the crossing.<br /> <br /> We walked the whole way{35-L} and rejoin RR at km130.8.<br /> <br /> RR Km132.4 : flat spot(-47.17220, -72.42231) can fit 1 tent at the end of lake. With some wind protection by forest.<br /> <br /> Camp[136.9/162] : can fit 2-4 tents with weather protection by forest, but if the wind is come from south, it is not much help. Excellent views on the beach.<br /> <br /> Camp[137.6/173] : can fit 2-3 tents with wind protection from east and north by trees. Excellent views on the beach. Just beside a port, looks like can take a boat to here.<br /> <br /> Km138.3 : camping spot(-47.20064, -72.46718), total can fit 3-5 tents at several stage, some spots have good wind protection by trees and bushes.<br /> <br /> From here to km146.0, lot of up and down beside some cliffs (maybe slippery in rain), but it is a trail with lot of amazing views, we are really enjoyed it.<br /> <br /> Km139.77 : a tiny stream(-47.20803, -72.47813) flowing good with clear water, easy to collect.<br /> <br /> Km141.73 : side trail to viewpoint(-47.21986, -72.49280) and cell service for Movistar.<br /> <br /> Km142.15 : flat grassland(-47.22231, -72.49623) can fit 4 tents just beside the beautiful lake, some wind protection by valley itself.<br /> <br /> X[143.9/244] : cell service for Entel(-47.23128, -72.50780)<br /> <br /> Km146.0 : RN Tamango campground, some shelters for cooking, large arae for camping, hot shower and trash can, 7k CLP per person.<br /> <br /> Km146.5 : the last flat spot(-47.24353, -72.53067) before Cochrane, some wind protection by brushes, can fit 1-3 tents with nice sunrise, you can arrive there by a clear trail beside ranger station, the trail is shown on OSM map.<br /> <br /> Cochrane : <br /> <br /> Lot of accommodation, markets and restaurants, and 2 outdoor gear shops.<br /> <br /> 230g gas canisters, power bank, chargers and tent stakes at Supermercado Melero(-47.25386, -72.57414).<br /> <br /> Sunglasses, micro spikes, snow shoes and some clothes at La Ruta 7 Patagonia(-47.25591, -72.57320).<br /> <br /> Sleeping bag, tents, boots(just 1 trail runner), socks, base layer, warm clothes and pants at Kalfu Patagonia(-47.25474, -72.57018).<br /> <br /> Clothes at Vansy(-47.25417, -72.57431), not a outdoor gear shop, but some sporty clothes and pants for a low price at here.<br /> <br /> Some campground and lot of indoor stays at Cochrane. The only hostel is Camping, Refugio ,Cabaña y Hostel(a long name) (-47.25446, -72.57497). And most of the rooms here include breakfast(without kitchen), 20k CLP per person. The only one we found with kitchen(but no breakfast) is Casa Raíces Hostal(-47.25113, -72.56848).<br /> <br /> Bus terminal to Coyhaique, Villa Cerro Castillo, Villa O' Higgins, Chile Chico, Puerto Rio Tranquilo and Tortel at (-47.25137, -72.57317).<br /> <br /> Tourist information(-47.25439, -72.57283).<br /> <br /> I recommend La Martica(-47.25112, -72.57266), local restaurant with nice food in a good price.<br /> <br /> * '''24-Feb-17 to 2024-Feb-22 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Variant L / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> There were several hitchhiker groups out of Chile Chico so we took a taxi (990250968) to the settler at 8.9 for 10,000 CLP. Nobody was there, but there is a locked gate so it would not be possible to take a taxi further up. For pedestrians, there is an unlocked door. One can shortcut the first zigzag of the road thereafter and several others, it is open terrain. We camped in a dry lakebed (for windprotection) about 1 km after the first pass. Despite strong wind in Chile Chico and a forecast of wind gusts over 60km/hr, the night was largely peaceful with just one hour of wind. The plateau has terrain features and it seemed to us it is not that impossible to camp there, but maybe we were just lucky.<br /> <br /> The next day was like a safari, lots of animals and little wind. Pawprints on lake bed turned out to be a big dog and not a puma according to the rangers though. Going down from the plateau, it is possible to shortcut the GPX track to the SE and end near the puesto at 34.6. Trail starts above the puesto but is not so easy to follow and the GPX does not seem to be the most precise. It is advisable to take a CC shortcut to bridge at 42.7 as mentioned by Adrien Kunzli: about 1 km before the end of MR 38.2, veer right aiming for a black outcrop on the mountain on the other side of the valley and you will pop out above the bridge. We got lucky and got a ride at around 16:30 to the parkoffice. We paid 15000 CLP only for one person - they forget to charge the other one. They were friendly and told us the weather forecast. We did not get any receipt or pass though. Walked two hours to campsite Raleigh, there were two other foreign tents there. The new trail is technically the old &quot;laguna Esmeralda&quot; (RP 59.2) trail with a new bridge, so keep left to avoid fords, combined with variant D it seems preferable to RR even when not intending to camp [November 20224: this is not RR].<br /> <br /> From Raleigh, the first fords were possible to cross without fording thanks to logs and stones. The next valley is indeed beautiful, especially Lago Verde. There were about ten tents but no people near the refugio at 67.6. Tomáš tried to go around the second fords through the forest on the left and he eventually reached variant F, which exists but partially goes through a marsh and does not avoid fording anyway: it is pointless, just ford. Initially the start of the fords seem like a marsh, go around it from the right through the river, it is a nice riverbed thereafter. Rio Aviles was kneedeep and ok. Ford 71.2 is mighty - go downstream about 200 m, it splits and is easy there (there is a cairn in the middle). We camped at a camping site marked on OSM about 2 km further down from there. There is a place for one tent about 20 m from a creek. Very nice spot. Having a headstart to people starting from the park office, we only met three groups of foreigners all day.<br /> <br /> Variant J does not avoid any substabtial fords, water at 96.1 is easily jumpable and the river is bridged on both J and RR. <br /> Casa de Piedra is a nice spot with resident guanacos (and some tourists). Tomáš had a hot shower! We were asked for our passes - we explained we were not given them and it was ok. We went on. The Siete Lagunas trail is surprisingly in a rather good shape. It is little used but not much overgrown and generally easy to follow, needing a GPS only occasionally. Tomáš liked it tremendeously. Did not meet anyone on it.<br /> <br /> We slept near the pass next to a marsh. It rained most of the night but stopped before morning, luckily the trail was not too wet the next day. The first stream after the pass is very weak (not flowing if not raining?); it flows from the marsh by which we slept and is about 500 m after the pass waypoint. The next stream is about 1 km further down, it had more water. After that, water is only in the lakes. Tomáš cleaned a lot of the logs and branches from the trail, if you can spare a moment, please do likewise. We could not see any traces of option 02A or option K. We took option L near km 129.9 - we were confused by other reports because we thought people were taking the much longer part of L that follows a MR. RR leaves the Siete lagunas trail at the end of option L after 29 km. The trail probably goes to Valle Chacabuco. [OSM has Variant F and L marked as &quot;Sendero 7 Lagunas&quot;, this is wrong. Variant K looks to be indeed CC and variant L looks to be an unnecessary detour on a MR (overgrown and with logs at first when RR is on this MR - when you cross the MR again after four km on RR, it no longer looks that overgrown). November 2024: OSM has been corrected.] On L, one can easily take a CC shortcut from top of the hill to MR. We found two shortcutting trails to the MR. We met Daniel who was coming back from cutting invasive pines with his chainsaw, he had a friendly and humorous attitude. Camped at the lake at the wind protected camp.<br /> <br /> The night brought surprisingly strong wind and rain - try to camp deeper in the forest. We followed a faint trail tracing the shore of the lake instead of CC 137.6, in the middle of it there was an apple tree that will be ripe in March probably. Did not meet anybody until the viewpoint above the lake that says &quot;signal Movistar&quot; (we have Entel, which has a sign 2 km further on but it did not work, just wait one hour until Cochrane proper), from then on, there were daytrippers. CONAF had a lunch break so we passed unnoticed. Cochrane as a town is ok.<br /> <br /> Nat's Notes:<br /> The Bulk shop in Chile Chico (Güenta Emporio) is not open on weekends, they have weird hours and sometimes need to call before; Andrea +56 9 9540 1708. I recommend the hospedaje Rio Baker, 15mil pp which is the general price here. <br /> The plateau <br /> - Besides Descabezado, this area was one of the most visually interesting sections for me. I haven't had that much fun taking photos in a long time. At first the guanacos scared me a little, I felt like I was surrounded by ninjas, eventually I warmed up to them. A good place for a zoom camera.<br /> -For me the going was slow, besides being tired and equipped with rash-covered feet I found the navigation tricky. I kept aiming for the wrong pass because there are many rolling hills. However I found things got better near and after pass km28.8.<br /> - Water in the plateau is still frequent. If one wants to camp as close to the plateau as possible (SOBO) I suggest this spot:-46.62397, -71.81920. Also there is a nice grassy and fairly sheltered spot near water km23.9: -46.66437, -71.84393 and a big flat grass patch at water 30.6. There is a huge boulder for wind protection if needed here; -46.65469, -71.83997. In the valley bottom near the puesto, there are less/no camping spots. I did not like all the dogs at puesto 34.6, so I purposely avoided it. <br /> - When finishing the plateau section, I filled up on water at the last stream that wasn't the main river here: -46.72842, -71.89633, as I didn't think we would get a hitch to the park office.<br /> <br /> Sendero Avilés<br /> - The descent from pass km64.5 is nothing, just a bit of dirt dust that makes traction hard. The only part on this track that I would worry about safety-wise (apart from the two river crossings) is a new steep traverse 2ish kms after pass km74.1: -46.88996, -72.16428. I decided to throw my bag down 5m instead of walking down the &quot;free fall&quot;. (Alternatively you could ford rio Aviles twice.)<br /> - The series of mini river crossings were all fine, there is a nice water source before pass km74 in the forest once you finish all the fords, it comes from a waterfall not far away. <br /> - Near the end I took Variant J bcs I thought it avoided a river crossing (no rivers to cross but RR doesn't either). If you do this option I recommend still going to the hanging bridge at the X of J and RR bcs it is a fun and unique bridge!<br /> - Cassandra at Case Piedra was nice and easy to get along with.<br /> <br /> Siete Lagunas<br /> - The water we took from the marsh was probably the grossest water I have had to drink, lots of algae and oil, I filtered and boiled. (The second stream was much better.)<br /> - As noted the trail is not hard to follow at this moment, only a handful of times I lost it. That being said it could be because we were walking near the end of the season and therefore it was obvious where ppl had been walking (pushed down grass), I think it would be a lot harder at the beginning of the season. Another bonus was that most spikees were gone.<br /> - Near to camp 136.9, there is a water source. It is at the end of the beach, 200-300m west of camp. There are two or three more water sources on the first part of the trail but after the look-out, there are no more.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-6 to 2024-Feb-11 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + option L / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Tess &amp; Lukas'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : really nice overall // the trail is sometimes overgrown and easy to loose from km 113,5 to km 122, so just keep an eye on the gps<br /> - Water : easy to find plenty of rivers and lagunas<br /> - Camping spot : we camped at km 32,6 and it was a bad idea, too exposed and we got snow and a lot of wind during the night, would really recommend to go down more // we camped near the lago Gutiérrez at km 106,15 there is place for 2 tents<br /> - Weather : windy, sunny, snow, rain <br /> - River crossing : easy<br /> - Resupply : in Chile Chico (a bulk shop just opened in front of the camping Nandu) // in Cochrane everything you need<br /> - Entrance fee : for park Patagonia 11 000 pesos per pp + 6 000 pesos for camping per pp<br /> - Overall : really nice section, we were happy to encounter 3 huemuls<br /> <br /> *'''2024-Jan- 18 to 2024-Jan-24/ 7 days/hiking/SOBO/ 35/ 35-02a( from 47.1567357S, 72.4154650W)/ 35-02 ( from S 47.12123, W 072.46099) /35-03 ( from S 47.11712 W072.48494)/35-03c ( from Laguna El Cangrejo)/35-03d/ 35 from Lago Cochrane/ Paulina'''<br /> Long, beautiful tour in Parque Patagonia, as I mixed different variants, it allowed me to see all the divercity of the park. Almost no people, a lot of guanacos, a really beautiful section!<br /> <br /> Day 1 The way from Chile Chico to Lago Jeinimeni. I was prepared to walk all the way, but as some cars stoped and it was a very hot day, I took a lift ( I have walked maybe 8 km in total ). I stopped at 46.7304997S, 71.7415019W, to do the loop of about 7 km in the first reserve of Jeinimeni. The entrance is paid 6000 CLP but the ticket is valid later, at the main entrance at Lago Jeinimeni ( the next 2 days). It's really worth to walk on this place. The rock formations are amasing. It takes about 3h and you can leave your backpack at the park reception After that, another car stoped and took me to the main entrance of Lago Jeinimeni. The views from the road are really scenic, it's a pity not to walk some parts of this road, lucky my car was old and slow so I could admire the views.<br /> <br /> Day 2 From Lago Jeinimeni to the refugio and camping at 46.8406732S, 72.1409082W. The first part of the trail to Portezuelo La Gloria is rather easy, it stays mostly in the valley, the ascent to the pass is not very difficult and rather short. On the way down from the pass there are some steeper moments and there are some places where the trail is distroyed by a kind of stone avalanche so you have to find your way thru the stones. Amasing views on Laguna Verde. Once you are down at Laguna, there are some fords, when I was there, the highest one was till knees.<br /> <br /> Day 3 A lot of fords all the way in Valle Hermoso, there were all easy to cross. Also, you can't clearly see the path but anyway, you have to follow the valley. Sometimes there are signes so you will always find the way. This day, the only a bit more difficult place you can find around S 46.89032 W 072.16461. Going SOBO it's a steep descent, it's very short but steep. Can be dangerous after the rain. Later the views on the canyon on Aviles river became really amasing, it was for me one of the most beautiful part in all the park.<br /> <br /> Day 4/5 I had 6 km till Casa de Piedra ( there was a tiny spot for one tent with a stream at this distance) and I started the part Siete Lagunas. At Casa de Piedra I asked the ranger if the trail was walkable and he confirmed that it was ok and I could go. But, as the others already mentioned , the trail is not maintained anymore. Till the end of Laguna Gutierrez it's rather easy to find the way without gps, but later, there are some places where the path is not at all visible. With trail on gps is not very difficult to find the way, but without this, can be very difficult to follow this trail. There are also a lot of fallen trees, some BB. If they do nothing, I think in 2 years the path will completely disapear. But it's a beautiful trail, wild, you meet nobody, a pure and intacked nature. Just take enough water, the first day of this sendero the water was at Lago Gutierrez and later about 1h after the pass.<br /> <br /> Day 6 Instead to continue on RR I went to Valle Chacabuco to discoverer also this sector. I started with the trail Lagunas Atlas. Well marked, beautiful, various views, it was the most frequented part of the park, but still I can't say it was crowded. Beautiful camp on Laguna el Cangrejo.<br /> <br /> Day 7 The views on Lago Cochrane are really amasing. The landscapes and the vegetation are in this part different than before.<br /> <br /> To conclude, I did not encontered really difficult places on this long hike. As I walked through all sections of the park, it allowed me to see all the divercity of the area. Except maybe 3 h in Valle Chacabuco, I did not really meet people in the park. It was a beautiful section! In Cochrane, you will find a lot of shops where you can find everything you need for next section. There are several campings ( I liked a lot Camping Lorenzo not crowded, nice place to cook with gaz, friendly owner, spots with twin protection<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-04 / 8 days / RR / SOBO / Roshi'''<br /> <br /> I hitchhiked from Chile Chico to X{35}[8.1/505] and did not see the settler at El Ciprés. It was very windy and I decided to cross the plateau at midday which was maybe not the best idea. The cross country I found very challenging and the extreme head wind across the plateau was in relentless. Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed the amazing landscape and the challenge, although a less windy day or starting earlier would have made it more enjoyable. I camped close to Camp 32.6/1300 at a dry spot and the next day followed the fence down to the road and walked to the Park entrance at Jenimeni. The park rangers told me of an alternative route to the start of the Avilés trail to Casa de Piedra and gave me some maps and info, they were very friendly. I paid 3000 pesos for park entry. I camped at Valle Hermoso which lives up to its name and then did a day hike to the glacial lake leaving my tent at the Refugio Valle Hermoso and following Estero Ventisquero or part of OH-CC-A {35-06} After packing up I then hiked a couple of kms down to a next campsite (there are a couple of established places to set up your tent on the way to Casa de Piedra). From Casa de Piedra I followed the Site Laguna's trail which was overgrown and difficult to follow and navigate and for me probably my least favourite part. The kms are marked but you really have to follow the GPS me there aren't many places to pitch if you don't feel like hiking anymore. I think going down into Chacobuco (which I had done previously) would have been nicer. I loved the Lago Cochrane and Tamango reserve the views and colours were amazing and the trails very easy to follow and not very busy. I got a lift into Cochrane halfway from the entrance but the road walk is not long anyway and I was not actively hitching. <br /> <br /> Annoyances were horse flies but I got good advice to &quot;out Zen&quot; them and to be honest once you let it go and enjoy the views and being in nature generally they are easy to deal with. Just don't stop between 2 and 8 PM ;) <br /> And from Jenimeni to Casa de Piedra is lots of river crossings so just accept wet feet :) and try do river crossings in the morning especially on hot days ( esp Avilés) Be safe and sensible obviously!<br /> I would have maybe even liked to stay longer on this part of the trail, there were lots of little day hikes and alternative routes I'd have loved to explore, but I didn't have enough food. It's a beautiful part of the world, enjoy it! <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''From 2023-01-15 to 2023-01-19 // 5 days // Hiking // NOBO // VARIANT P + OPT3 + OPT3A + RR + VARIANT J + VARIANT I + VARIANT D + Sendero Laguna Esmeralda (no variant on that one yet) + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> From Cochrane, I thought it was sad to go straight along the Lago Cochrane without checking what's going up there, and have a view over the vallee Chacabuco. So that's what I did. <br /> <br /> I just took the beginning of Variant P, you have to pass threw a gate saying &quot;no passar&quot; then you have to bifurcate to the option 3 (tamango) to reach the pass between vallée tamango and chacabuco. Very nice views. Then instead of going down into vallée Chacabuco, I went straight, and continue on the sendero de las siete lagunas, wich is an old track, sometimes hard to guess, so check the GPS, but mostly easy to folllow (you still have the mark every kilometers). <br /> <br /> Really loved the colours at the end of Lago guitterrez ! <br /> <br /> Main difficulties on the section are these horrible horseflies, and the no less terrible little spiky plants that stay sticks in your shoes and socks. <br /> <br /> Then you reach casa de piedras. I took the variant J to don't have to put my crocs for the river crossing (yeah, I'm a lazy walker aha). <br /> <br /> Then follow the river until the vallée hermoso, wich lives up to its name. And at this time it's just a mix between walking and crossing rivers. No need to ask, I putted my crocs on aha ! <br /> <br /> The pass up to Lago Verde was steep but the view so outstanding and the colours .. same amazing colours on Lago jeinemeni ! <br /> <br /> Didn't stayed at, but the Raleigh camp is very nice if you may choose a camp around ! <br /> <br /> Second part of NP was CC, and that was so cool ! Just have the directions and go straight to this point. Passing from mountains to others, surrounded by an unnumerable number of curious guanacos ! <br /> <br /> Hardest part is to deal with the strong wind during the ascend and at the highest point. And the descent is quite unstable, stay close to the GPX tracks, I tried to shorttrack but it led me down to slippery slopes, so I had to backtrack to find again the GPX. <br /> <br /> Then it's 15 km down to reach Chile Chico (8km on the asphalt). Settler wasn't angry against me and saluate me kindly when I passed threw his land.<br /> <br /> <br /> Very nice stretch. Very diversificate, great landscapes, wildlife. I loved it ! <br /> <br /> And about the entrance fees, It was not my intention, but I haven't paid for as I entered by variant P which is not a porper enter. And haven't seen any guardaparque at all. <br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2023-Dec-30 / 1 day / Packrafting / SOBO / Option 10 C / Tom Pieper'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> I attempted this option as an alternative starting point for section 36G. Hitchhiked to the bridge of Carreterra Austral over Rio Chacabuco. I scouted rapid {35-10C} [2.3/121] from 100 m above and it looked feasible. This was not true when I approached on the river after entering just before the bridge. The rapid was impassable (late afternoon) which brought me into serious troubles. The canyon is pretty steep here and there is no way back. It was not fun to climb the steep slopes cliffs to escape the 100 m deep canyon. Its really dangerous. The rapid is pretty hard to investigate from above. I would recommend to only go later in the season and only in the morning or at least with company.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-21 / 8 day / Hiking + &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO / RR + Option 10 + Old and new tracks to Administration Parque Patagonia Valle Chacabuco / Tom Pieper'''<br /> <br /> Most have been described by Kris and Stina. The plateau and the entire track is awesome. After the kind Arriero at the puesto {35} [15.8/1075] (actually its his house) I found it a little bit tricky to find a good route first but then just ascended and found a nice cross country route. Camped before the plateau. There are nice spots just before 1400 m, after that its just rocky until you descend to the Water {35} [23.9/1586]. Camp {35} [32.6/1300] was a little bit swampy. Found a better spot 300 m south. Try to be early at the road if you want to hitchhike. I was lucky and got the last car passing at 14.00 to the park at day. On the 25/12 the park entrance (but only the entrance) is always closed! Keep in mind if you come around christmas. At the park entrance you must disinfect your packrafting gear due to Didymo algae. I could not packraft lago jenimeni and verde due to wind but its still stunning. Between Water {35} [75.5/937] and Ford {35} [79.3/846] there is a approx. 3-4 steep bluff. I felt really uncomfortable with my heavy backpack as a lot of erosion happened to the steep ‘steps’. Maybe exploring an additional bush bashing route is feasible here. The ford was rather deep and could be a problem for shorter persons but I crossed in the evening, so in the morning it should be fine. Collapsed Refuge {35} [81.0/819] makes a nice camp spot. The other forts were fine. Stayed one night at Casa Piedra were I met Tobi and Fangwen and spend dinner and breakfast together the next day. CONAF first denied to packraft Rio Chacabuco due to conservation reasons, but after I mentioned that I came along all the track with my gear and rangers et sector jenimeni they were fine with me going on that river. The river is a bit unspectacular. I left at the River Out {35} [119.8/277] and I followed the old trail/road to Park Ranger, Refuge, Camp {35} [123.2/263]. There is a new picknick hut and I spend the night in there with a spectacular view of the valle chacabuco to the rims of campo hielo norte. The next day I continued the old track right side of the river (not in the GPT track files) until the bridge {35-10} [4.7/265]. Track is still in good conditions and occasionally used by the horses and guanacos there. A wonderful hike with massive views. I than continued on the CONAF trail (also not in the GPT track files) to Park administracion at Lodging $$$ {35-03} [1.9/340]. Would not recommend the restaurant. 65 $ for a 3 course meal but nothing fancy. Better spend for dinner in Cochrane. But for a post hike drink at the bar it is a lovely place and staff is kind. Also liked the museum and stayed the night at the campsite approximately 2 km away. The puma still seems to be there occasionally. Next day I hitchhiked out to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-18 to 2023-Dec-23/ 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> Got a taxi for the first 8 kilometers of the roadwalk. Nobody present at the farm where the dirtroad starts to go uphill, gates easy to get through, friendly dog. We hiked just 6km and made camp by a stream.<br /> <br /> The next day passed the puesto at km15.8, owner seemed friendly and waved. Slowly climbed up to the plateau, lots of water everywhere, very few snowpatches en route. Perfect day - not much wind. Saw lots of guanacos, hares, flamingos. Moving cross-country was ok throughout. Climbed a few barbed-wire fences. Finally found the dirt road, hiked to camp at km42.9.<br /> <br /> In the morning hitched a ride to the park entry with a ranger. We had no online booking as we didn't know when we'd arrive, they had us make one on site. Super friendly guys, said that there is currently fewer visitors than normally at this time. The route between Rio San Antonio crossing and Camp Raleigh has been changed, partially new trail built; follows mainly the Lago Esmeralda trail. There is now a brand new hanging bridge over Rio San Antonio right next to Camp Raleigh, avoiding all the needless crossings.<br /> <br /> After the camp there trail seems new in places, but then resorts to many rivercrossings again. The way up and down the Puertozuela La Gloria is steep and loose. After Lago Verde there are a million more crossings until you turn South. Here the trail is not much maintained, lots of fallen trees. The next 25km to Casa Piedra the trail is a bit harder to see at first but then gets much better. The guy (not a ranger) at Casa Piedra informed us that the Siete Lagos trail is closed but couldn't say why. It's definitely overgrown in parts, lots of fallen trees - need to keep track on the gpx at all times. After settler at km135.2 the trail has been recently maintained and bushes cut.<br /> <br /> For photos and stories, you can follow us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-31 to 2023-Apr-06 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option J / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We enjoyed this section a lot, especially with all the beautiful autumn colors in early April and basically without people until the last part before Cochrane. PN Patagonia closed some sectors on the first Monday in April, so we were the last ones to get a permission and do this section ‘legally’. Be prepared for this if you want to do this part in April or later. The problem is they close Casa Del Piedra and probably won’t let you pass to that sector from Lago Jeinemeni, where the entrance stays open for longer time. Sneaking around the guards house early in the morning or just not be specific about your plans might work if needed, its very unlikely you would meet anyone on the way from the main entrance.<br /> <br /> Just like others we found the plateau between km 20-28 very very windy. Definitely don’t count with camping there. We found a good spot right after the secound pass, aprox. 500m down the hill where you can find a wind protected place. The descent down is a little slow but with nice views, guanacos, horses.. simply amazing. Once back on the road, it’s not too far to the PN entrance where we met a guard, but fortunately were able to get a permission as described above. The trail from Lago Jeinemeni was one of our favorites. All the fords were easy, but expect quite slow progress in the CC parts. We camped in a forrest at km 81 where is a destroyed refugio but still a good spot for camping. The rest of the trail to Casa Del Piedra is again straightforward and the landscape is somehow more dry. We didn’t cross the first bridge but went with the J option which turned out to be a good decision as we met a xx of guanacos that let us come really close to them. Closed and locked refugio still provides a good shelter, but when open it must be a perfect stop in the middle of this long section. Water was turned off as well but there is a stream behind the house.<br /> <br /> We spent the next night on the beach of Lago Gutierrez where is enough space to build a tent - bushes around the trail are otherwise very thorny and sharp. After the ascent to the pass was a good stream of water, probably the last place to safely take unfiltered water for the next couple of kms. The trail from there leads around all the lakes and is nice and easy. We spent the night in a refugio at km 134. This one was the only one standing from what we have seen and its a good shelter when it rains, however we decided to stay in our tent anyway. You can make fire inside. Closest water is actually the one in a lake uphill, the stream on the other side of the path was very dirty and hard to gather anyway.<br /> <br /> From there its a one more day until the finish with a good pace. We haven’t met the settler Daniel, but he’s definitely still living there. Beautiful beach of Lago Cochrane and from there we started to meet more and more tourists, doing just a day hike or some circuit around the lake - might be a good option as well in this beautiful region. The last kms felt a little long for us as we were looking forward to have some rest and enjoy all the fun in town. At the official campsite were a few people but no one asked us about anything. There are nice toilets and shower. From there its around 30m to Cochrane. Good to remember they celebrate Easter holidays in Chile as well, but we still managed to find some shop and bakery open.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''12/03/2023 - 18/03/2023 / RR SOBO / Jakub+Veronika:'''<br /> <br /> Doing section 35 was due to closure of the Patagonia NP caused by heavy rains with helicopter rescue of several tourists from Valle Hermoso quite complicated, we did walk all we could in Tamango reserve and later (when it was opened) in Chacabuco valley. Be sure not to miss the museum. It's really worth it. The northern part was opened as the last one, that's why we've skipped it and hitchhiked back to Caretera. All paths in great condition. When going from Tamango to Chacabuco there's one suggestion:<br /> <br /> It seems that on RR (35, km 141) ends new 11km long track ”Huemules” which starts at the parking in Chacabuco valley on RP (35, km 132.5). That trail might be a nice alternative to RR (mud road) leading over private land of settler David Huemul.<br /> <br /> *8.02. - 05.03.23 / Anna &amp; Christopher / SOBO, Chile Chico - Cochrane<br /> <br /> We started in Chile Chico around 5 pm walking the first km on the road. After a while we got a ride to the Bahía Jara cross and camped a few hundred meters further near the street (we carried water from Chile Chico).<br /> <br /> The ascent to the plateau is mostly easy dirtroad walking and the last CC part easy to navigate. The whole stretch on the plateau until the street at km 41.5 we had extreme wind, which made walking super tiring and nearly blew us away a few times. We found a tiny and steep, but wind protected place to set up our tent at around km 28 in the ridge dug by the river. We had to get a bit inventive to set it up and to be able to sleep properly there. There were almost no other places that were protected by the wind until you get off the plateau. As almost all previous entries say, it's better to camp off the plateau. But it's really worth doing it because you can see Guanacos and flamingos on it :)<br /> <br /> When we reached the street at km 41.5 we were lucky and a car passed by a few minutes later, which brought us to the entrance of Parque Patagonia. We payed 15k CLP p.p. and walked to the camp Raleigh at Lago verde. There are some sheltered places to set up the tent, with an unfamiliar amount of people for the GPT. Lago Verde is beautiful though.<br /> <br /> The next day involves lots of river- and stream crossings and it started to rain not particularly heavy, but after some hours we were completely wet. Therefore the rivercrossing at km 82.6 was really hard for Anna (1,63 m) but we managed by inertlocking our arms and doing it step by step slowly. After that the trails get really good and you can walk way faster. We camped at the unofficial camp site at km 84.7.<br /> <br /> We had good weather the next day and the trail was really good until Lago Gutierrez. Up to the pass the trail gets a bit worse with some navigation issues, but you always find a good path again. As the others wrote there are only some tiny streams within the first km after the pass until the next Laguna, so we filled up our bottles there and camped somewhere in the forest soon afterwards once it started to rain again.<br /> <br /> The next day there were still not too much water sources and we fetched the first water at the first Laguna which wasn't super easy to access. The trail until Lago Cochrane wasn't in bad condition neither. We also took Option L, which follows the 'regular' siete lagunas trail. The stretch from Lago Cochrane until the Conaf office at the end of the lake is absolutely amazing with great views of one of the clearest lakes in the world. We camped at km 145.7 and took a bath in the lake.<br /> <br /> The last 8 km to Cochrane went super fast on an easy trail until Conaf and 4 km road walking to the town, so happily we could escape from the starting rain.<br /> <br /> * '''20 to 24 of February 2023 / Silke &amp; Hans / Loop - Fachinal -&gt; Chile Chico'''<br /> <br /> We didn't do the regular route, but read about an intresting loop starting in Fachinal and entering the normal route at Valley Hermoso. We then continued along the regular route to the entrance at Laguna Jeinimeni, and back to Chile Chico. The first 3 days from Fachinal we didn't see any other hikers, but it was pretty clear why. The trail was completely overgrown, full of fallen trees and a lot of the time there is no trail at all. But we managed our way through pretty good, and is was an awesome alternative to enter the Park. We recorded our GPX for others, waypointed some POI's and added some photo's to it: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/114121493<br /> <br /> DAY 1 / 18km / +740m /<br /> Although we heard of a bus to Fachinal from Chile Chico, nobody really appeared to know any information about it.. In the terminal the people we spoke said there were none. So we started hitchhiking the following morning. But after 3-4h of no luck we went back to the terminal, and all of a sudden there was a bus leaving at 11:30. 10.000 pesos pp, a little expensive but being unsuccesfull hitchhiking we took it. We had lunch at the turnoff, and starting hiking around 13:00. The first part is on a clear double track, but soons turns into a clear singletrack. We took the wrong intersection twice (waypointed on our GPX). We camped right before the first big river crossing. There is one steel cable, so if you bring a harness you could tiroller across. <br /> <br /> DAY 2 / 22km / +1100m /<br /> First up, we crossed the river. The water level didn't seem a lot lower than the day before, and at the deepest part it was about halfway our thighs. After taking another wrong intersection and backtracking, we reach the second river crossing. Again a steel cable is provided but the crossing was pretty straightforward, and the water level was only slighty above our knees. Just across the river is a an old cabin, and then short after a very new refugio (locked, used by a trekking agency). The trail gets super dense after this, climbs steeply on the mountain side and dissapears completely on numerous occasions. After the climb it flattens out, opens up and you reach a laguna. After the laguna it's the easiest to just follow the river bed down to the open valley floor (possible sheltered campsite in the forest). Follow the valley floor to another amazing laguna where you can camp near a second locked refugio.<br /> <br /> DAY 3 / 14km / +440m /<br /> We started the day with a side-trip to a mirador looking over the glacier high above. Takes about 1,5-2 hours return. We then packed up camp and headed for Valley Hermoso. You pass another beautiful laguna and follow the river down to the main valley. Lots of river crossing here. We camped at the Refugio Valley Hermoso, arriving earlier than expected. <br /> <br /> DAY 4 / 15km / +200m /<br /> Very short and easy daytrip to another laguna. About 3 hours return. We just chilled the rest of the day.<br /> <br /> DAY 5 / 36km / +830m /<br /> Final day along the normal route to the entrance of Laguna Jeinimeni. The day started off with some heavy rain for a couple of hours, but all the river crossings were still very doable. We arrived at the entrance around 13:00, and there was no sign of anybody leaving soon. So we decided to continue hiking untill we could find a ride along the way. We ended up hiking an extra 19km before finally a car was willing to take us along. There is an established campsite at the entrance for 3000 pesos pp.<br /> <br /> * '''19 to 24 of February 2023 / Will / SOBO, regular route'''<br /> <br /> Not too much to add on this one. I had a good time but the section felt long.<br /> <br /> On the way up to the first plateau there were a few somewhat sheltered places to camp past the puesto. I camped around km 19, just before the last steep climb up to the plateau. Lots of streams around there.<br /> <br /> None of the river crossings went above my knees, after a dry week.<br /> <br /> I liked the detour up to the Lago Jeinemeni mirador. I also took variant I out and back to a glacier lake, I'm less sure whether that was worth it. I couldn't find any real trail, it was nice easy cross country walking through the woods followed by some open rocky ground. The glacial lake was cool, but not as spectacular as some of the ones I've seen in other sections.<br /> <br /> I camped at the casa de piedras and took a luxurious warm shower. The ranger said you're supposed to pay at the office in valle Chacabuco, but since our route doesn't go there she just let me stay for free. She also said that sendero de siete lagunas (our route) was closed, but that I could do it since I had my gps and satellite communicator. She made it sound tough/dangerous though it turned out to be fairly quick trail.<br /> <br /> Not much water or campsites along the siete lagunas. There's a nice campsite at the tip of the pencil lake just after the (still intact!) refugio at 133.9.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-12-19 / NOBO / RR + Option 35-L / Ondrej and Bara / Cochrane - Chile Chico / 7.5 days'''<br /> <br /> We really enjoyed this section! We went from Cochrane to Chile Chico. Our favourite parts were the descent through Valle Hermoso and the descent on the cross country section to Chile Chico. We spent 7.5 days on this section, taking a relaxed pace and including a half day break.<br /> <br /> We only had to pay 9,000 CLP per person entrance fee at the Cochrane park gate (sector Tamango). We then showed the pass three days later to a ranger at Casa de Piedras and he let us go. The final checkpoint for us was the CONAF park exit/entrance at Lago Jeinemeni. The ranger there didn’t want to see our pass at all, he just asked from where we hiked (we said Casa de Piedras).<br /> <br /> Some details: - Starting from Cochrane, the trail is easy walking up until km 144.9. As you leave Lago Cochrane, the trail is harder to follow. Fortunately this lasts only up to km 138, where the trail becomes easy to follow again. We camped next to the refuge on km133.9. The refuge has a good roof and can serve as an emergency shelter. There is no good water next to it though - we needed to climb the hill to the laguna to refill. - From roughly km 125 to km 99, the RR follows the old Siete Lagunas trail, which is not maintained anymore. Expect some fallen trees and slightly overgrown parts but the trail is beautiful and easy to navigate in general. - We took Option L to cut some overgrown road walking as recommended by others. We really liked it. - We camped next to the destroyed refuge at Laguna Guagua (km 118.3) and really loved the place - there is an amazing pebble beach at the laguna. - If you don’t want to camp at Casa de Piedras, there is a place for a small tent and a stream at roughly km 97 (-47.07463, -72.20439). We camped there. - The river crossings in Valle Aviles and Vale Hermoso were maximum to our knees. The deepest one was at Lago Verde (km 66.1). However, the river levels can change rapidly when it rains the days before - do check the weather. - We camped at the eastern shore of Lago Verde (km 61.7; campsite Raleigh) and really loved it - it has picnic tables and a spacious cooking/eating shelter. - We hitchhiked the part on the road between km 53 and 41.5. Few cars go by but the hitch was easy - we stopped the first car. - The cross country section from km 41.5 is very different from the rest - semi-desert like and lots of animals. We saw llamas, flamimgos, condors and hares (among sheep, cows and horses). - Between km 38 and 33 the path goes along a fence. We had to get over the fence once (we scrambled below it without problems). - If you are going NOBO, expect stunning views of the General Carrera Lake and Torres del Avelano when coming from the last pass (km 20.8) down to Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> A ranger in Casa de Piedras wanted to prevent us to walk the RR NOBO from Casa de Piedras to Valle Hermoso. He claimed that route is closed now as the rivers are too high to cross. To avoid conflict, we said that we will only do the “loop trail” which is basically the RR from Casa de Piedras up until the bridge where the RR joins Option J. The Option J is then used to return back to Casa de Piedras. When doing the loop, we met several hikers in the opposite direction who confirmed that all river crossings are fine. In light of this we decided to continue on the RR and indeed the deepest ford was to our knees. Therefore if faced with a ranger claiming that the rivers are too high, we suggest to start with the loop trail (rangers should be okay with that) and get more info on the river levels from the hikers going the opposite direction.<br /> <br /> *2023 last week January NoBo (6 days but could have very easily been done in less) / Helen and Craig + (Caro, Ali and Gabby)<br /> <br /> &gt;Such lovely camp sites. Beautiful places to stay the night the whole way around<br /> <br /> &gt;Very very easy trails. River crossing section isn't bad at all and the Valle hermosa lives up to its name.<br /> <br /> &gt;1st and last camp site particularly lovely<br /> <br /> &gt;Keep eyes peeled for pumas! I would have easily missed the sighting if I hadn't been looking the right way at the right time. They were super close. 10m or less away. Two cubs outside the refugio at casa peidra. Not where they are commonly seen in the park at all Aparently around west winds camp they are more commenly seen.<br /> <br /> &gt;Museum in the middle of the section worth checking out. Very visual and quite hard hitting environmental museum<br /> <br /> &gt; Can hitch easy enough to Chile Chico but leave last camp early in the morning. There's often a driver with a 4x4 who drives hikers in to the park and will take you back for 10,000p/p. Hikers who were a few hours behind us had no luck hitching as demand can often overtake spaces.<br /> <br /> * '''27 of January to 1 of February 2023 / Véronica &amp; Zach / GPT35 RR SOBO / 5.5 days '''<br /> <br /> Route: Chile Chico - Lago Jeinimeni - Valle Hermoso - Casa de Piedra - Lago Cochrane - Cochrane <br /> <br /> What a beautiful and diverse stretch of the GPT! I hiked half of this section with Zach, up to Casa de Piedras at km 98.9. We were unable to get a hitch out of Chile Chico, so we ended up walking the road to where the trail begins. No navigation issues, but the entire cross-country section to Río de las Nieves (waypoint at 42.7 km) is very exposed and was very windy when we crossed. We ended up camping at the water at 23.9 km, but the wind blew very strongly all night and I was worried it might take my tent. If you can, it is better to camp off this plateau unless the weather is calm. Lots of guanaco trails to follow :) <br /> <br /> At the CONAF office at km 53.0, we each paid 9,000 clp for entry to the national park, plus 6,000 clp for passage/camping along the trail to Casa de Piedras in the Valles Hermoso and Aviles. Beautiful trail the whole way, popular and well-maintained, with cairns and markers to follow. There is an awesome shelter and camping area with picnic tables on the eastern shore of Lago Verde, at the end of Option D. In my opinion it was nicer than the popular refugio in Valle Hermoso (km 68.1) that everyone talks about. <br /> <br /> We had no issues with fords, except the one at km 82.6 which flows into Río Aviles. It was the end of a warm sunny day, so the flow was quite high and strong. Had I been on my own I would have camped on the north side and waited till morning to cross. However, this time I was able to cross by linking arms with Zach as he is much taller than me and was more stable in the current. <br /> <br /> At Casa de Piedras, Zach and I parted ways as he wanted to packraft down the Río Chacabuco. The ranger at the Casa told me the Sendero de las Siete Lagunas (which begins at km 99.5) was no longer maintained. This is true, there were stretches in the desertlike brush that were hard to follow, and I checked the GPS frequently. Generally it was better when the trail went into wooded areas. I also found this trail to be dry — the only water I found was the water from the lagunas and a tiny trickle about a kilometer south of the pass. Lots of spiky plants that get stuck in your socks and shoes. I took Option L to cut out some overgrown minor road walking. It's sad that this trail is being neglected and left to be swallowed up by nature, because otherwise it is quite scenic. <br /> <br /> The horse trail that goes from the puesto of Daniel Huemul (km 143.3) to Lago Cochrane was also rough and overgrown. Everything gets easier once you reach Lago Cochrane though, nice, maintained trails all the way to Cochrane with beautiful places to camp along the lake. <br /> <br /> * '''GPT35 / Yannic &amp; Mirjam / 2022-Dec-13'''<br /> <br /> Much is already detailed below, so we will keep it short <br /> <br /> 1 day: from Chile Chico to the entrance of the National Park. We camped one night before the pass at S 46.61639 W 71.81632. Water right next to the camp. Pass is very windy.<br /> <br /> 2 days: from the National Park to the Refugio. Nice refugio with small house where you can make a fire inside to dry things. From the Refugio to Casa Piedra is possible in one day. But it is a long day with many kilometres.<br /> <br /> 2.5 days: Casa Piedra to Cochrane. Leaving Casa Piedra, after a few hundred metres the trail leaves the Minor Road and enters the trail (where there is a large stone marker). The trail is officially closed and partly in bad condition. There are many fallen trees on the trail, some of it is overgrown and not completely clear. We therefore checked the GPS regularly. We took OH-TL-V{35-L}, which saves a few kilometres of (overgrown) minor road.<br /> We spent one night at Laguna Guagua (Refugio is completely destroyed) and one at Lago Cochrane.<br /> When we left the national park, no one was at the office. We therefore simply went through...<br /> <br /> * '''GPT35 Variant P, Option 3, 3C, 3D / Meylin Ubilla, Jan Dudeck / 2022-Dec-12 and 13 / 1.5 days'''<br /> <br /> While waiting in the village Cochrane for our friends to catch up, we did a little 1.5 day hike higher up next to Lago Cochrane that we visited at least 3 times by packraft in past years. For the first time this year we waked with a light backpack without packrafting gear.<br /> <br /> We took Variant P eastbound that slowly climbs on a gravel road to an altitude of 500 m and then continues as a panorama trail in this altitude.<br /> <br /> Apparently, this is not authorized access to Parque Patagonia (Sector Tamango) and two gates need to be climbed but there was nobody to be seen on this route. The normal access to the park is down next Rio Cochrane and Lago Cochrane.<br /> <br /> Nearly the entire route was scenic and worth the effort.<br /> <br /> The settler “El Húngaro” apparently sold the land and became part of the national park. There is an open building that might be used as a refuge in case of emergency but camping is probably more comfortable.<br /> <br /> The refuge at {35-P} [4.0/501] is collapsed but camping is pleasant on this pasture.<br /> <br /> The trail section OH-TL-V {35-03} [0.0+5.2] is not maintained for several years making this route inconvenient to walk. The route south of both lakes is easy walking.<br /> <br /> As long as Parque Patagonia does not challenge hikers to make a full traverse from Cochrane to Chile Chico it is prudent to take the official route which is the current regular route and pay the entrance fee near Cochrane when hiking northbound.<br /> <br /> But should longer multi-day traverses be denied, then it might be less bothersome to take Variant P which avoids the entrance.<br /> <br /> Packrafters can travel east and westbound on Lago Cochrane and will not pass any park entrance.<br /> <br /> * '''Alice &amp; Florian / 4 to 10 November-2022 / Regular Hiking Northbound'''<br /> <br /> Here's our story of our GPT35. We really enjoyed this section, it is really diverse, beautiful landscapes and we saw heaps of animals. <br /> <br /> As we wanted to do the trail in the northbound direction, we took the bus from chile chico to Cochrane, arriving in chile chico from argentina from the south (border o'higgins closed...). It tales 4 hours and leaves on sunday at 14 (return Monday 7 Am), Monday 16 (return Tuesday 7 AM),Wednesday and Friday 7 Am (return 16).<br /> <br /> We took the option north of Cochrane because we were not sure if they would allow us to sleep in the tamango reserve. But, indeed you have to pass a no entry sign, a gate and a sign saying that entering the park that way is prohibited so we do not recommend it when it is written on the conaf website that it is allowed to sleep in tamango section.<br /> <br /> We took the sendero de los huemules and slept at camp 1 waypoint. There was plenty of water at that time and a beautiful view.<br /> <br /> After that we took the option OH-TL-V 35-P to avoid going downhill. The entry of this trail is about 150m before what is indicated on the GPT so be aware. I don't think the trail is an official one from the park so you have to fight your way through some bushes. But apart from that, it is clear. Then we joined the regular route, which since the 2022 version does follow the siete lagunas trail. You will join the siete lagunas trail at the kilometer 11 more or less. We then camped around the km 13 of the 7 lagunas trail. <br /> <br /> We found water just before climbing at the pass at S47°06.0856' W072°17.592' and there is more at the top. However, it is true that it is drier on the other side of the pass, so if you are going Southbound, pack enough water from Lago Gutierrez to climb the pass. <br /> <br /> We spent the third night at casa de Piedra where you have all facilities (electricity, hot shower, kitchen). Unfortunately for us they were on strike so they wouldn't allow us to go further on the trail. We did anyway as going out to jeiminini or through the road to chacabuco would take the same time. <br /> By the way various national parks - including Torres del Paine were on strike at the moment. <br /> <br /> The second part in the aviles valley is really clear, the trail is really nice and easy and with a lot of water available. Exiting the casa de piedra you should take the option OH-TI-V 35-J instead of the regular route, it will save you 600 m and two river crossings, and the view is similar. Starting at km 20, you will have to reduce your pace because the trail is busy with a lot of fallen trees, bushes and rocks. Between the km 22 and 23 of the valle aviles trail, the trail has been swept away by the river this winter so you have to cross the river two more times to go around. The kilometers indications disappear more or less after the pass, at km 25. <br /> <br /> After that you enter the valle Hermoso. We camped at the waypoint 17/Camp Valle Hermoso but we do not recommend it. It was really small and close to the river, so if there is a sudden level rise because of heavy rain or a flooding because of a glaciar outburst (GLOF), you might get wet... Better sleep st the small caban near km23 if you don't think you will reach the refugio in valle Hermoso.<br /> <br /> Once you reach Lago Verde, follow the GPT track and not the trail that leads to the lake, or you will have to turn back. After the pass it's more river crossings but you can save some kilometers in the river bed by taking the option OH-TI-V 35-E and then OH-TI-V 35-D until the rio jeimenini (the first part of the option OH-TI-V 35-D does not exist anymore). We did not have any trouble to cross the Rio between the 2 lakes even though we were in the middle of the afternoon. It was about thigh deep for me but I'm tall. <br /> <br /> After that it's really easy to the Parc entrance. We went back to Chile Chico walking on the road instead of taking the cross country option, because0 there were still snow on the mountain. The first part is still pretty until the intersection, once you enter the valley of the Rio it is a bit more monotonous. Halfway there is an access to an annex of the national park, to go see the Cueva de las manos and valle lunar. <br /> <br /> * '''Adrien Kunzli / 31-Oct-2022-04-November-2022 / Regular Hiking Northbound'''<br /> <br /> All rivers crossing are easy to pass at this time of year. One tricky passage on the snow at the entrance of lago verde, very steep, but it was to avoid walking in the lake (frozen feet early in the morning). <br /> <br /> No guards at the entrance at Tamango so i didnt pay the fee but didnt get my pass. Tamara gently gave me one at the camping of casa del piedra (apparently if i didnt have this pass i could not be admitted at Jeinimeni.) At Jeinimeni pass, again, nobody. So i were to the houses near and finaly find the guy. He took my pass and i get no fee in this NOBO direction. <br /> Nice shortcut after the bridge of Rio de las Nieves (S 46° 47.274', W 071° 54.665') that can avoid you a little bit of the 4x4 unfinshing road and get you directly into the heart of this amazing and beautifull last part. So: <br /> In front of the end of the bridge, you go up the big hill and go diagonally (or directly if you feel better) to join the path (pretty wild) of the gps (S 46° 45.843', W 071° 54.359'). Small stretches of paths are drawn rather well along this shortcut. <br /> <br /> Not much good water between the bridge (brown water) and the puesto but the the puesto's water is of much better quality.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''GPT 35: Parque Patagonia/ Exploration Route via Valle Maullín Grande/ 2022 March-12/ 4 days / Tobias Schorcht, Jonas Grünewald '''<br /> <br /> We hiked from Maullín Grande to Cochrane by chance. I always wanted to do the stretch from Chile Chico to Cochrane, but we had just 4 days left… When we hitchhiked northbounded from Villa O’Higgins, we luckily got picked up by Pascual Diaz, who is a experienced Mountain Guide (company Kalem) and took us all the way to his refugio in Maullín Grande. He also explained us, how to reach Cochrane on time while doing that crossing. The next day he took us to the end of the Road, where we started hiking around midday (-46,80390, -72,42001). It was a easy walk to the end of the Valley where we camped (-46,87872, -72,34138). The following day was hard, but we went up to the pass (1430m) in perfect sunshine. At (-46,87234, -72,30906) you will face a waterfall in a steep canyon. We recommend to walk on the left side (northwest) through the forest until you meet the riverbed again. The other side is also possible (we went there), but you have to climb higher in difficult terrain. From that point you can easily do a cross country walk up to the pass, where you have to cross the Glaciar (without cracks). It was absolutely stunning! Going down to the laguna is quite steep. I would not do it in bad weather conditions. When you meet the laguna, you can either walk on the left or right side. Both options are not easy. We crossed on the right (southern) side, which is ok in good weather conditions. There is one river crossing in between, which could be impossible with more water. Now we think it would have been easier to walk on the left (northern) side, although we would have had needed to cross the river before and after the laguna. Packrafting is an option as well, but since it only 1.5 km we don’t think it is worth it. Camped in a forest close to the regular trail dry and save. All in all we recommend this option to experienced hikers in good weather conditions. The hike to Cochrane was hard, because we had just 2 days for 80km. So we hitchhiked to the museum of Parque Patagonia and we even saw a puma at the Westwind Campsite! It seems like this puma shows up there regularly. I waited for that moment almost 5 months. My dream came true on my very last evening in nature. Thank you Patagonia for this great gift. 🙏<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2022-Feb / Packrafting / Mikhail Bogdanov&amp;Masha Ovchinnikova'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> See for Rio Chacabuco and picturesamd discussion of the canyons.<br /> <br /> https://web.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1319249015247648/<br /> <br /> * '''Christmas2021 / GPT 35, NOBO, participants Janna &amp; Matthias, dec 2021, duration 6 days from Cochrane to Conaf center at Lago Jeinimeni, then hitchhiked to Chile Chico'''<br /> <br /> As recommended by a friend we opted for the following route through the Parque Nacional de Patagonia which is highly recommendable (first two days mainly GPT variants and options, afterwards GPT regular routes. There are several marked senderos in the beginning as 5 Los Huemules, 8 los Pumas, 7 los Guanacos, sendero 9, sendero Lagunas Altas etc.) as you can see in our attached tracking file.<br /> <br /> All in all the trails were easy to find, some seemed to be still unhiked this year. To enter the park from Cochrane we had to pass a prohibition sign and climb over a no entrar gate. We didn't meet anyone on the first day, the settler didn't seem to be around. The following days we met two to three other hikers per day, but no rangers until the end at Conaf Center near Lago Jeinimeni, where we easily paid the park fees in arrears (8000 pp park entrance fee and an additional 6000 pp overnight stays in the park). We deliberately skipped the Conaf center in Valle Chacabuco on the advice of our friend.<br /> <br /> Good to know:<br /> - There is no water anymore at S 47.198557, W 72.474927 near the camping site but instead at S 47.203460, W 72.480747 and S 47.179332, W 72.465807<br /> - There were many lagoons on our day 3 that weren't visibly well marked neither on our apps nor on the Garmin GPS.<br /> - All the marked refugios along the trail are heavily damaged except Casa de Piedra<br /> (closed on the 24th of dec) and Refugio Valle Hermoso (where we could even dry our<br /> soaked shoes from the many river crossings next to the fireplace).<br /> - From the refugio Valle Hermoso we did a side trip to the first glacier lake in the Valle<br /> Estero Ventisquero without all the luggage.<br /> - The río Jeinimeni water level was up to our waists and strong (note it had rained the<br /> night before). According to others it was supposed to be knee-deep.<br /> - Hitchhiking from Conaf center Jeinimeni to Chile Chico is possible when camping or day guests are leaving. As we arrived later in the afternoon we spent an extra night there. <br /> - The supermercado sur in Chile Chico sells gas.<br /> <br /> Track files and waypoints: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-98Ou9jk0porCVRp7CSFZ-KciXQ2PBzD<br /> <br /> *'''30 Nov RR 5 days SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> From Chile Chico I got the Bahia Jara bus &amp; got off at the junction, saves a 6KM roadwalk. Walked 2KM up the road then on trail to the high plateau. The settler before the pass wasn't there but his dogs were a bit territorial so I avoided the puesto. I went across the high plateau &amp; camped a bit before the second puesto in one long day. Camp marked on track file below the pass was not very good (boggy &amp; sloping) so I continued down to camp near the stream. The second puesto is above the RR &amp; not visible from it. Camping on the high plateau definitely not recommended. It is very exposed &amp; the wind can &amp; will knock tents. On day 2 I got to CONAF, they said a puma had been there every day the week before. Continued with many river crossings to the hut. There are trails marked with ribbons on LHS of the river SOBO, they go in on small loops which avoid some of the river crossings. Nearing the hut there is a stream flowing into the lake. At the lake it was too deep to cross. Bush bashed for about 40 metres to reach the ford. Camped outside the hut. Several river crossings on the third day. The double crossing is the crux. I avoided it by going over the bluff on LHS of river with a bit of tree bashing but I don't recommend that. The bluff descent is cliffed off with only a narrow breach where you can downclimb on trees. The breach is not obvious from above. Better to ford the river - it was running high but I met several hikers who had crossed it. Got to Casa de Pidera in 1 long day from the hut. You can cook in the Casa (they have a gas stove, electricity &amp; showers) but have to camp outside. There are some trees to shelter from the wind. On the fourth day I started walking Sendero de Siete Lagunas (SSL) but I was using the 2019 track file which doesn't show the SSL. It had not been walked much recently &amp; the route was not obvious. At the lake I lost the SSL in guanaco tracks. I continued around the lake &amp; walked out about 2KM to the road. The descent to the road was cliffed off but I found a way down in a gully. Then I walked out the road past a meadow where hundreds of guanaco were grazing. Past the meadow I went in left on a side road to rejoin the RR. On the fifth day I walked past Daniel Huemul's puesto &amp; was lucky to meet Daniel who was riding out &amp; he showed me the way. He said the direct RR which goes right from the puesto is now overgrown &amp; disused. Instead we went out to the left. There is a small road which goes in a loop &amp; turns towards Lago Cochrane but with his directions I was able to shortcut it. I paid 15,000 CLP for entry &amp; camping at CONAF Lago Jeinemeni &amp; they didn't charge me anything at Casa de Piedra.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> *'''2020-Mar-18 , Tyler Wood, 7 Days Sobo'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section to end my season with. I got a couple short hitches on the way up past Chile Chico. Up past the last puesto are some great areas to camp along a big boulder field. Maybe 2 km more. Beautiful and surrounded by Guanacos. Plenty of water too. Up near the top of the pass was very cold, but very beautiful, and even saw a bunch of flamingoes in the lakes.<br /> <br /> On the way down the pass I tried to find the fore-mentioned route to the puesto to take the road the rest of the way down and didn’t really have any luck...found my way anyways and camped down by Rio sucio under a willow.<br /> <br /> Into Jenimeni I got another little hitch. Once you cross the deeper river by Laguna esmeralda just keep those water shoes on, you’ll be crossing many more times.<br /> <br /> I also was told by a ranger that sendero siete Lagunas wasn’t habilitado, but went for it anyways. Water is Not after Laguna Gutiérrez for a while, so make sure you fill up around there. After the pass there are a few more small<br /> Streams to fill up. <br /> <br /> The road walking to Tmango reserve seemed to take forever, but Walking/camping by Lago Cochrane was all worth it. At puesto Huemul Is when I got my first advice that the corona virus was a big deal. The woman told me there were 3 confirmed cases in Cochrane, I went there and booked my tickets straight home. Hasta le vista baby!!!<br /> <br /> * '''2020-February-08 / 7 days / Southbound'''<br /> <br /> Long and beautiful section. No major difficulties. Great diversity. Without hitchhiking, it took me 173 kilometers. <br /> <br /> 1st part / 2 days / Chile Chico to Div 217<br /> At the beginning of the cross country, valley full of Guanacos. I camped just after the puesto, about 2 kilometers after the beginning of the cross country, before the pass, where there are still rocks to protect from the wind.<br /> As related in previous reports, after camp 279, you will stumbled upon a fence. Go on the East along the fence, cross it, and you will find a trail to the next Puesto and then the trail goes down from the puesto to the dirt road. You will avoid cross country this way. <br /> <br /> 2nd part / 2,5 days to Casa de Piedra<br /> Popular part. Groups of hikers along the way. 8000CLP entrance fee + 6000 CLP for 2 nights sleeping inside the park. <br /> <br /> 3rd part / 2,5 days / Sendero de las 7 lagunas<br /> After Casa de Piedra, I followed the GPS regular route which took me to the beginning of the Sendero of 7 lagunas. CONAF said it was not &quot;habilitado&quot; but it is actually well marked. The good thing is that there will be no hikers on this part, except when you approach the end, along the lago Cochrane. The trail is very different from the GPS tracks but no difficulties to find it. So, don't worry not having the GPS tracks. <br /> At S 47º08.015' W 72º18.948', there is a nice place to camp and also, the trail will merge with the optional route OH-TL-V@35-02F-#001 You can then follow this track and then go back to the Regular Route to reach Cochrane.<br /> <br /> * Martin Lizondo / 28-Jan-2020 / Regular Hiking Southbound<br /> <br /> The section took me 6 days. Some tips:<br /> <br /> The first part from Chile Chico has a +20 km cross country walk. The wind is extremly strong and the route very high, with no forest protection. I recommend spending the first night behind the trees of El Ciprés (the settler Orlando Vazquez allows people to pass and is very kind) or near to the puesto at the end of the minor road at 46º 36' 5,3&quot; S, 71º 48' 45,05&quot; O (Miguel Pacheco is very kind too). Enough water all along the route.<br /> <br /> The Jeinimeni section of Parque Patagonia is very easy and well marked. Entrance to foreigners costs CLP 8000 plus 6000 if spending the night. There’s a shelter with place for fire and tents after 18 km.<br /> <br /> Valley Aviles to Casa de Piedra is also easy and beautifull, with many free camping spots. Casa de Piedra costs CLP 8000 per night.<br /> <br /> The rest of the gps track is very different from the actual trail, called “Sendero de las Siete Lagunas”. I recommend taking this route instead of the old gps track, as it’s very well maintained. At Lago la Pepa ( 47º 7' 45,19&quot; S, 72º 18' 41,54&quot; O ) the trail crosses an old overgrown minor road, which coincides with the gps track and takes to Puesto Huemul (47º 11' 25,31&quot; S, 72º 26' 6,98&quot; O). If going to the left, you’ll reach the puesto, if going up to the right you’ll end the official “Sendero de las Siete Lagunas” near to the main park center. Other hiking options are possible from that point, but the regular route to Puesto Huemul is the shortest.<br /> <br /> From Puesto Huemul, the trail goes down near to the lake Cochrane through Sendero “Coigües” and “Carpinteros”. Well marked and signed, this trails will take you to the start of Tamango section, very near to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-27 / GPT35 New Route: Lago General Carrera (Fachinal) to Parque Patagonia (Lago Jenimeni or “Casa de Piedra”) / 5 days / Meylin Meylin Elisabeth Ubilla González and Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> Based on a recommendation from Tobias Hellwig W and Daniel Mahn Borkowsky we investigated a new route that I did no had on my radar until a few weeks ago. This route provides an alternative access from the southern coast of Lago General Carrera into the Parque Patagonia and is of interest for packrafters and hikers.<br /> <br /> The route is a traditional animal trail that was used by the settlers of Fachinal to drive cattle to a large summer pasture that is now part of Parque Patagonia (sector Jenimeni). With the enforcement of keeping domestic animals out of the protected park area a 5 km trail section inside Parque Patagonia lacks maintenance but is still quite well traversable for GPT standards. Apart from this short trail section most of the route is very scenic and nice to walk but practically unknown. Only one tourism company runs guided hiking trips along this route about once per months. Apart from this occasionally use the full traverse seams not to be done anymore.<br /> <br /> Due to lack of trail markings we spend about one extra day in searching and following the poorly maintained 5 km trail section but with our GPS record other hikers should struggle much less than we did and will be able to walk in 4 to 5 moderate hiking days from Fachinal at the southern shore of Lago General Carrera to “Casa de Piedra” in the center of Parque Patagonia in the Valle Chacabuco.<br /> <br /> We hiked the route northbound as we considered the option to cross Lago General Carretera at its shortest narrow by packraft. Here the lake is only 3.2 km wide but we finally did not cross this rather dangerous lake due to suboptimal wind conditions.<br /> <br /> Fachinal to Rio Aviles River Crossing: <br /> <br /> A well maintained “cattle highway” leads from Fachinal from the road bridge of Rio Aviles along the western/southern side of Rio Aviles to the limit of Parque Patagonia. This roughly 20 km long trail section gets regularly cleaned with chain saws to facilitate access to the pastures along Rio Aviles for free-rooming cattle. Most of the trees that have fallen on the trail have been cut to keep the trail easily traversable. Some hikers might find the “pointless up and down” annoying but this trail was created by men that move on horses that did not had to ascent and descent themself. About 1 km before crossing the Rio Aviles two signs indicate the limit of Parque Patagonia (Sector Jenimeni) and ban access for unauthorized people and domestic animals (without providing any clue who might be authorized and who not ;-). From the park limit the trail descents steep to Rio Aviles but remain well maintained to ford.<br /> <br /> This trail section requires two possibly demanding river crossings that can become impossible during snow melt in spring, after heavy rain or on the afternoon or evening of hot days (melting water from glaciers!). To keep the route traversable in such circlesumstances the tourism company has installed in both locations steel ropes (to cross these two rivers hooked up in harness to the steel rope without even touching the water).<br /> <br /> Rio Aviles River Crossing to the Pass (1150 m above Sea Level): <br /> <br /> After the river crossing the trail condition suddenly changes. Fallen trees don’t get cut anymore and undergrowth is not cleaned by machete. It’s mainly the remaining path on the ground that indicates the former animal trail. Advance is slow and in various locations care must be taken to not loose the trail. Here you will need to climb over fall trees and push occasionally through dense vegetation until reaching an altitude of 950 m. At this altitude the forest floor opens up (no dense undergrowth any more) and the trail disappears completely. Here walking becomes easy again. Walk the following kilometer through the open forest following roughly the GPS track until reaching the end of the forest and the small lake after the 1150 m high pass.<br /> <br /> An advise for northbound hikers: <br /> <br /> Finding the first signs of the trail in the open forest was a struggle as we had no information where exactly the trail starts to descent. I searched at least 3 or 4 hours in a 400 m wide and 1200 m long section of open forest till I found a first old machete mark on a tree that indicated the location of the trail. Carefully searching and following similar marks I finally found the descending trail.<br /> <br /> Searching northbound we lost the trail again when reaching Rio Aviles at the bottom of the valley and searched half a day for the correct continuation. A well visible and noticeably used trail next to Rio Aviles leads directly to an suitable river ford but from there a well maintained trail continues 1 km in the wrong direction (upstream). Only after bushbashing 1 km along the river shore downstream we recognized with surprise a second river ford (now the correct river ford) which connects to the well maintained trail section in the correct direction. In hindsight we understood that the well maintained trail simply continues upstream along Rio Aviles and that this trail crosses twice the Rio Aviles. Due to a partially not evident trail section on the other side of we did not recognize this when hitting this trail on the bottom of the valley and took the wrong direction to the wrong river ford.<br /> <br /> Now hikers with our GPS record and a GPS should not struggle to find and follow this trail as we did.<br /> <br /> Pass (1150 m above Sea Level) to Valle Hermoso Refugio: <br /> <br /> After leaving the forest at the 1150 m high pass the most scenic part of this route starts. A roughly 15 km long cross country route leads over pastures and river sediments past 3 lakes and two glaciers to the Refugio Valle Hermoso. Occasionally signs of a trail are visible but due to the open landscape a continuous trail neither exists nor is needed. <br /> <br /> Near the Refuge Valle Hermoso this route connects with regular route that leads along Valle Aviles (diffrent river with the same name!) to “Casa de Piedra” in the center of Parque Patagonia.<br /> <br /> Access to Trail Head at Fachinal:<br /> <br /> There are multiple buses per week from Chile Chico to Puerto Tranquilo on the Carretera Austral that pass Fachinal.<br /> <br /> Monday and Friday runs a subsidized bus from Chile Chico to Fachinal and back to Chile Chico (One round trip in the morning and a second one in the evening).<br /> 8:30 leaving Chile Chico<br /> 9:30 in Fachinal<br /> 11:00 returning to Chile Chico<br /> 17:30 leaving Chile Chico<br /> 18:30 in Fachinal<br /> 20:00 returning to Chile Chico<br /> <br /> If you wish to cross Lago General Carrera to continue hiking in the Cordillera Avellano North of the lake speak to Carloz Amoros in Fachinal (mobile: +56 9 76267029 / price around 30‘000 CLP) or Pascual Diaz de Mallin Grande.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-January 23 / Oreste Marquis/ Northbound : 8 days '''<br /> <br /> Going northbound. I followed the route until the second settler at the puesto Tejuela. From there, until the optional route @35-02e#001,<br /> I could not find the approximate trail in the files. I manage to find another one which is call siete Lagunas. It is really easy to follow and really beautiful! I find it near km 18 and keep walking on it until km 38. It is the end of it and is at the campground near Lago Gutiérrez. For more informations go reed Martin post in recent alerts and suggestion. I met him on the trail and he updated the wikiexplora before me. From the beginning to Casa Piedra took me 3 days. Then I hiked to the end of the reserve in an other 3 days. Lots of rivers to cross but felt pretty safe for all of them even the one higher between Lagos Jeinimeni and Verde. The cross country part the next day was my favorite of the hole trip! Awesome views, a lot of wildlife, just need to check a little bit more the gps! Last day, I headed to Chile Chico without any problem. Overall, I love it! Enjoyed it as much as GPT40.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-January / Matthieu / Northbound : 7.5 days &quot;tranquilito&quot;'''<br /> Incredible trekk, lots of different type of views and soil, my favorite since El Chalten. Money required for passing by the reserves !!<br /> I hitchhiked 10 km on the road to Casa Piedra, and 12 km between Jeinemini qnd the beginning of the trail that goes north in the mountain to join Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> '''1st part : Reserve Tamango''' : 6000 CLP the entry<br /> I took the old &quot;Huemul trail&quot; in the Tamango reserve, taking the left route at the &quot;Camp 284&quot; It is an old trail for 4x4, so very easy, and closed to vehicles now. <br /> <br /> '''2nd part : The road to Casa Piedra :''' the rangers I crossed were all agreed that it was not permitted to camp aside of the road (so the information is different that in Nov). One officiql camping at the end of Tamango reserve (WestWind) and one at Casa Piedra 26 km after. 8000 CLP each. At Westwind (not verified, only inforñqtions for guardaparques): no accomodations, only baño. At Casa Piedra . real big house, hot shower, electricity, place to cook. <br /> <br /> '''3rd part : Reserve Jenemeni :''' Entry 8000 CLP. For the camping, the ranger told me that it was permitted to camp wherever I wanted, so the information differs too from november. And at the exit, I told the ranger about my &quot;savage&quot; camping in the conversation, and he didnt tic at all, so no stress. The rangers are very nice !<br /> Good trekk, easy to follow. One very good refuge in the valle Hermoso where fire is possible. a more open refuge/camping site by the east shore of Lago Verde. <br /> Many river crossing, all safe except one, before the Laguna Esmeralda. Strong current, and people choose many different way with different profundness. Better do it in the morning, being a glaciar river (I could effectively compare between late in the afternoon and the morning and it is very different).<br /> <br /> '''Last part, to Chile Chico by the mountain :''' Amazing views, totaly different climate, more dry and with only bushes. <br /> At the beginning of the Cross country after the 4x4 road, I would advise to go a few meters west from the GPS tracks, to the east side of the river. There is effectively a fence on the west ridge, and a good trail on the east ridge that can avoid you the difficult crossing of many bushes, and that goes directly to the puesto.<br /> Two puestos, The 135 of metal being used by the locals (real bed inside), so just putted the tent outside. The second one 134 is actually a real house. Two mens were here when I arrived, working with the animals. I could put the tent near the house and take water from the sink outside. Many dogs, all nice.<br /> <br /> * '''Mum, Sis and I / Southbound / 11 days '''<br /> <br /> Well. What an interesting and varied section. Also the longest walk I think we'd all done. It took us 11 days in the end with a couple of longer side trips. Interestingly, when we emerged from the park it was closed, there was martial law in effect, a curfew in place. Borders closed. Only a week to get back to Santiago to catch the last flights back to Australia... Anyway. We're heading back now. Got temperature tested as we reentered Chili Chico this morning. Waiting for the boat across the lake mañana in la mañana. No buses out of town. Enough rambling...<br /> <br /> As always, thanks to the others before us that have taken the time to comment and provide feedback. Here's my two cents.<br /> <br /> Firstly here are some landmarks to make it easier for others to orient themselves: <br /> <br /> El Ciprés<br /> http://ge0.me/oGvL0ey6_7/El_Ciprés<br /> ge0://oGvL0ey6_7/El_Ciprés<br /> Casa Piedra<br /> http://ge0.me/4GvJGSxqPH/Casa_Piedra_%28Stone_House%29<br /> ge0://4GvJGSxqPH/Casa_Piedra_%28Stone_House%29<br /> Westwind<br /> http://ge0.me/wGvC_gnJaX/Westwind<br /> ge0://wGvC_gnJaX/Westwind<br /> <br /> Camping in Chile Chico:<br /> El Carro is supposed to be the cheapest place to stay in town. Though if you want a hot shower it's the same as Kon-aiken next door. We stayed at neither so can't really comment, but there were a lot of people staying at Kon-aiken and next to none at El Carro which might be indicitive of value for money or just the fact they are a little closer to the centre of town.<br /> El Carro however was the only one willing to look after some things for us.<br /> We also visited a hostel, but the owner was unfortunately very rude.<br /> <br /> El carro<br /> 4k frío <br /> 5k caliente <br /> 1k por día por mochila <br /> <br /> Kon-aiken<br /> 5k pp / noche <br /> No baggage service <br /> <br /> Part 1: Chili Chico to Jeinemeni<br /> In the end we decided to cache things in the bushes just outside of town. Mum and my sister got a lift to the Bahía Jara cruz whist I was caching. Unfortunately I had to walk all the way to El Ciprés where my mum and sister had been enjoying a nice conversation with Orlando Vazquez who allowed us to pass but emphasised the dangers and didn't really recommend crossing. <br /> Passing through the gate a couple of utes were exiting. Apparently there is a new mine up in the mountains and they didn't really want us to walk up. They admitted they just worked there.<br /> Turn off the main rd that assumably heads to the mine about here: -46.57775, -71.82666<br /> Goucho Miguel Pacheco passed us on the way up herding some cattle and we talked to him at the puesto for a while. We also gave him one of the Australian coins we'd been carrying around. He seemed to believe it was everyone's right to pass. &quot;People pass through here all the time &quot;.&quot;Just yesterday a lad passed by &quot;.&quot;It's the shortest route across the mountains &quot;<br /> Anyway. We camped in the rocks just outside the park boundaries (as mentioned by??).<br /> We then camped two nights up on the windy plateau. Our side trip to Valle Lunes was amazing. I'd recommend it. But be careful with wind. Oh and did anyone mention the guanacos?<br /> Unfortunately I think the water wasn't very clean on this part. Sheep, cows, guanacos, birds... It's the first time in Chile I've wished I took my water filter along. We had some sore stomachs.<br /> Dropping down the other side we hit the mentioned fence (about here -46.72574, -71.90211). We crossed, but would recommend following it to the left until you get to a corner. I'm not sure where it starts, but there is a trail running on the outside of the fence to the puesto. We then followed a sheep trail that ran high on the left (east) of the valley. Very good but it bypassed Las Abutardas completely and seemed to be heading towards Laguna los Flamencos instead. We ended up cutting down to the road where León passed us heading into town, a little confused why we hadn't taken the 'proper trail'.<br /> We camped the night at the Río El Sucio camp. Not really recommended.<br /> We walked the road and stayed at Río Las Vacas for a bit which is at the border of the park and a nicer place to camp. (There is a good stream between the two).<br /> <br /> Part 2: Jeinemeni to Casa Piedra<br /> It was 8k to enter the park (for foreigners) and an additional 6k for camping in Valle Hermoso. The section to the refugio (-46.84092, -72.14078) was very nice. This is the only shelter still standing. The others included in the track files were not really enterable.<br /> Heading to the refugio (where everyone seems to camp) you cross the small ankle deep creek exiting Laguna Esmeralda and then the deeper river between Lago Verde and Jeinemeni. This might have been the trickiest but when we crossed it wasn't really bad. We then had two more smaller crossings before passing through Portezuela La Gloria (1100m) to cross Estero Ventisquero and the other river running down the main valley.<br /> The next day we did the popular side trip to the glacier in this valley: -46.80924, -72.20116<br /> We wondered if it was the same way Jan et al entered recently?<br /> From the refugio to Valle Avilés there are no compulsory river crossings if you stick to the somewhat scrubby trail to the left (south) of the valley. The first crossing we did was Río Avilés shortly followed by the tributary. So only 8 crossings (wet feet) on the RR. <br /> <br /> We walked from the refugio to Casa Piedra in a day. It was closed so we camped on the other side of the Rd.<br /> <br /> Part 3: Casa Piedra to Cochrane<br /> From casa piedra we took the aforementioned Sendero las Siete Lagunas. It is not it the track files but indeed very well marked with numbered markers every kilometre. I'll upload a kml with the markers I recorded as well as some of the water bodies I sketched.<br /> After the stream running into Lago Gutiérrez there wasn't much water until Lago la Pepa.<br /> You will briefly intersect with a road here: -47.14006, -72.37138. The road seems to run down to Puesto Tejuela coinciding with OH-TL-V@35-02F-#001 which I think is incorrectly labelled as TL. Part of RH-TL-I@35-99.0+30.0 too should be marked as MR. You'll intersect this road before taking it down to Lago Cochrane.<br /> We passed the occupied dwelling (Daniel Huemul?) but the man wearing a shirt emblazoned with Parque Patagonia seemed afraid to approach us (another hint the world had gone Corona crazy). He wouldn't let us take the RR so we followed the road for a bit before taking another newly made trail also not in the track files.<br /> Everything after that was very easy to follow.<br /> Everything was abandoned at the entrance and the gate locked. People avoided us on the streets and covered their face when passing us. <br /> We grabbed some needed food (we were very short after 11 days!) and got on the WiFi. Wow! How things had changed! Martial law in place and a curfew in place, we slept under a bridge with some Colombians and caught a bus back to Chili Chico in the morning. Waiting for the boat across the lake tomorrow now.<br /> <br /> Links to files :<br /> Kilometre markers: https://www.dropbox.com/s/fuzt4xacxjjvvg4/kms.kmz?dl=0<br /> Water bodies: https://www.dropbox.com/s/uz1ei95s1913xvb/water.bodies.kmz?dl=0<br /> Other planning: <br /> https://www.dropbox.com/s/uk9ym56gufwk4zq/planning.kmz?dl=0<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Dec / Olrik/ Northbound '''<br /> <br /> Amazing part of the GPT, from Cochrane ou enter in the Tamango national reserve and pay 6000CLP for the entrance. We took several trails to get to Valle Chacabuco : Las Aguilas, Las Lengasm Los Condores, Laguna Altas. Great views. We had a snow storm at the pass though. There you end up in a paid campground. From there we walked the dirt road to Casa Piedras in Valle Chacabuco, it was beautiful with lots of guanacos. Then we took the Las Aviles sendero. We camped near the first river crossing as it was late and waited for the morning to cross. It is normally not possible to wild camp in the park but the guardaparque told us to camp there if the river crossing is not sage. The rest of the trail is easy to follow next to the river. There is a pass then you descend to Valle Hermoso and to lago Jeinimeni. It was just gorgeous and easy to follow with great weather. Be aware of the numerous river crossings. In lago Jeinimeni there is a paid campground. From there you can hitchhike, walk, or pay a transportation at the entrance of the park (15000Clp pp) but I'm not sure if this is a regular thing. We ended up hitchhiking to get to Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-28/ Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe/ 5.5days/ Northbound / Regular Hiking Route (Cochrane to Chile Chico) with OH-32-2-#003/'''<br /> <br /> This section might have been our favorite out of the whole Group H, where the diversity of the landscape was our favorite part (also including weather and trail conditions). The NP was entered at Tamango just outside of Cochrane. Registration is mandatory, the entrance fee is at 8000 CLP. The ranger asked us to explain our route and since the regular Hiking route did not seem familiar to them, they told us to take the optionals route going north over the pass to WestWinds campground and then do the road walk Eastwards. <br /> The pass had some snow patches on the Southern side but was easy to traverse. At the Valley Chacabuco (another entrance to the national park) we got asked for our permits and the route we plan on taking. We heard different information on if it is allowed to camp at the road or not (there were signs that told us not to do it but the ranger said it is okay). After the roadwalk, we passed another ranger station where we had to register and sign a responsibility form telling that we plan to leave at Lago Jeinimeni (and telling that we're only allowed to stay at designated campsites). The hike from there is extremely beautiful and super diverse, the trail well maintained. The rivers were at higher flow but all fords were doable. <br /> We camped next to the Refugio because we still weren't sure about the camping rules (other hikers we met said they were told that it's okay to camp everywhere along the river). Leaving the NP at Lago Jeinimeni was straightforward, but it's mandatory to check out at the rangers office. The cross-country section after the road walk was a bit slow on the way up due to many bushes and hilly terrain. We found a nice trail next to the fence leading up to the puesto when going up the ridge on the Eastern side. From the puesto we took a short steep uphill after which the terrain became more open and easier to travel on. It was very windy and snowy in the mountains, which made it difficult to walk at times and it felt like the temperatures were rather low.<br /> The lagoons on the way up are filled with exciting birds (flamingos!) and guanacos are running around on the whole plain. Once reaching the plateau we headed down in a pretty straight line which was easier than the uphill until we reached the road<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Chile Chico has two supermarkets. Sell gas.<br /> <br /> *Cochrane is a decently sized town with three mid-range supermarkets. The largest one, which is a grocery and department store, is located adjacent to the town square. There are many lodging and restaurant options. Be sure to withdraw an ample amount of money here because most of the businesses in the next town, Villa O’Higgins, only take cash and there is no ATM.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2025 / MiaimZelt<br /> Buses (starting at Terminal de buses in Chile Chico) that enable you to skip the first 7-8km of Roadwalk when hiking SoBo: <br /> <br /> Turismo Tramal. Chile Chico - Bahia Jara. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 8:30 &amp; 16:30. <br /> WhatsApp: +56 9 7538 0178<br /> <br /> Buses Interlagos from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 9:00.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2023-Mar-31 to 2023-Apr-06 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option J / Martin &amp; Helena<br /> <br /> PN Patagonia closed some sectors on the first Monday in April, so we were the last ones to get a permission and do this section ‘legally’. Be prepared for this if you want to do this part in April or later. The problem is they close Casa Del Piedra and probably won’t let you pass to that sector from Lago Jeinemeni, where the entrance stays open for longer time. Sneaking around the guards house early in the morning or just not be specific about your plans might work if needed, its very unlikely you would meet anyone on the way from the main entrance.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT35 - RN Lago Jeinimeni]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[file:Greater Patagonian Trail (7).jpg|left|GPT35 - RN Lago Jeinimeni]]</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT37H_(Peninsula_La_Florida)&diff=120676 2025-03-08T11:49:13Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-05 &gt; 07 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT37+GPT38+GPT39<br /> | Meteo : soleil, pluie le jour 2<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : marais, bush bashing<br /> <br /> MAR-03 &gt; 04: Repos Villa O'Higgins car mauvais temps.<br /> J'ai reservé un bateau 60 000 CLP avec &quot;Ruedas de la Patagonia&quot; entre Bahía Pescado et Puerto Candelario Mancilla. Je leur ai laissé un colis avec 5j de nourriture pour les GPT38 et GPT39<br /> Le concurrent c'est &quot;Amigo Patagón&quot;, je ne sais pas si le service est identique. Il est un peu moins cher à ce que j'ai entendu. Je vais beaucoup mieux, le médecin m'a donné quelques médicaments à prendre si je retombe malade. Après la pluie je pensais que les torrents seraient en crue mais ils sont facile à passer. Pas de ford au km 19,8. Au km 20,6, 100m après le ford il y a un passage dans le bush pour rejoindre le banc de galets. Si la pluie n'a pas posé de problème pour les torrents, elle en pose un pour le lac et les sentiers. En effet une grande partie du sentier qui longe le lac est inondé dès le km 24,7. J'ai bien géré avec les flip-flop et j'ai gardé mes chaussures sèches en acceptant un peu de bush-bashing. Pendant la nuit le fleuve qui sort du lac a perdu à peine 4cm. Le sentier au bord du lac sera sûrement inondé 4 ou 5 jours. Pour le second col, le sentier, les camps ainsi que les marais étaient inondés. Impossible de garder les chaussures sèches surtout qu'il a commencé à pleuvoir dès 10h. Un peu de neige est tombée au col. La descente aussi se fait dans un sentier parfois inondé. Pas de ford au km 44,1. Il a cessé de pleuvoir vers 16h. Au km 53,7 je m'attendais à trouver une cabane mais il n'y a qu'un tas de planches 200m avant et une cabane minuscule en rondins 200m en hauteur. J'ai trouvé que le sentier était plutot envahi dès le km 64,2 et ce jusqu'au km 70. Contrairement aux étapes précédentes du GPT, la végétation est très piquante avec des petites branches très raide. Ca a vraiment ralenti ma progression même si souvent la végétation ne depasse pas les genoux. Au km 66,5 par exemple c'est tellement envahi que c'etait un ford, et le camp au km 66,6 était inondé.<br /> Je me suis arreté chez Misael à Bahía Pescado pour attendre mon bateau du lendemain matin. Pour 7 000 CLP, on peut dormir à l'abri avec wifi, toilette chaude dans un seau. C'était top, il est très accueillant. <br /> <br /> '''2025-FEB-25 to 2025-MAR-1 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / west traverse RR/ Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> <br /> <br /> We took a ferry from Villa O'higgins to Bahia Pescado and hiked the west traverse NOBO.<br /> <br /> There are 2 ferry companies taking tourists from Villa O'higgins to Candelario Mancilla and return. <br /> Both wanted 55k clp pp.<br /> To Bahia Pescado the price was different - Amigo Patagon asked for 70k and Ruedas de la Patagonia asked for 55k (same price for Mancilla).<br /> We went with the pricy one because the other had seats only at noon and we had only 4 sunny days.<br /> The ferries depart at 7:30. A ride from town to the port is included in the price and departs at 7:00.<br /> <br /> It took about 1:30 hours.<br /> Misael helped holding the ferry because there is no port.<br /> We had mate and stayed with Misael for a couple of hours. We would recommend planning to stay in Bahia Pescado at least half a day if you have time.<br /> He has wifi and you can contact him ahead. He also have a room for guests if you would like to spend the night there.<br /> <br /> The trail's description in the manual was pretty accurate and we don't have much to say about it.<br /> Hiking NOBO was nice because from Bahia Pescado the trail becomes better as you head north until the trailhead, and we think that CC[53.9/41.1+1.7] is easier going up.<br /> <br /> We loved the scenery on the west side. The turquise lake with Fitzroy and the glaciers were spectacular.<br /> <br /> All fords were easy and there were no snow on the passes.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-8 to 2025-Feb-13 / 6 days (indluding 1 zero) / Hiking / SOBO “X” route (Q circuit with a trip to Pass Canadon Los platos) / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> We planned on doing the full 8 but weather and conditions changed our plans. We ended up doing the Q circuit as described in the manual with a trip to pass canadon Los platos as well (X route?). We felt the trip to the pass was worthwhile but Bahia San Martin was not. We had pretty mixed feelings about this section but we were unlucky with the weather which probably played a part. The trail is very overgrown in places. We didn't enjoy coming back on the eastern side of the northern circuit, in hindsight we'd have come over Portezuelo Los Corrales pass again as it has better views and better trail.<br /> <br /> Ford 10.5-11.4km all about knee deep after a rainy day.<br /> <br /> Pass 15km snow from around 800m up on North side was manageable going up wouldn't have been fun to go down. Was only about 5cm on the pass won't have lasted long.<br /> <br /> Ford 21.6 was knee deep and pretty strong in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Fords 30.2 to 38.8km all fine.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Jan-27 to 2025-Jan-30 / 4 days hiking / SOBO Mix of East and West Traverse / RR + Variant G / Miaimzelt'''<br /> <br /> Summary: Beforehand it i organized it with Ruedas de la Patagonia that they pick me up at Bahia Pescado and handeled them a supply package. Misael Tisnado was supposed to be at home the day i wanted to arrive in BP. Because of the unreliability of the ferry i took food for the full-8. <br /> <br /> Note about the weather forcast: according to YR and Windy (ECMWF) i was supposed to get 10-30l/day of rain and also stormy wind. In reality i got a few showers and surprisingly lots of sun. The wind was indeed very strong. ECMWF was good for wind, but not for rain at the Peninsula. <br /> <br /> I have mixed feelings about this section. The views are indeed impressive and some trails are very nice. But others are badly overgrown and i really struggled at some points. The biggest challenge for me was the bushbashing. Although wearing long hiking pants i got tons of bloody scars at my legs. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Because of heavy rain the days before i decided to hike the eastern side of the northern circuit. According to other hikers, some rivercrossings at the western part can get nasty. <br /> The first car took me to the end if the Carretera Austral, where i started. The beginning was a nice trail with beautiful views. Besides from a swamp without solid ground, where i needed to bushbash to the other side, it was fine. The CC down to the beach was fun, also the beachwalk. Very strong winds started. The CC up was a bit difficult, because the terrain was overgrown with bushes, but it was ok. The trail to the pass was mostly in ok to good conditions. Down from the pass was often wet, but never difficult. Laguna Verde is very beautiful, i camped at Camp {37H} [105.1/549] with good protection from the wind. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Ford, X {37H} [30.7/575] (Rio San Martin) was easy and a bit about knee-deep. Ford {37H} [32.2/632] was a bit lower. Up to Pass {37H} [39.9/1006] (Canadon los Patos) it's mostly easy CC, sometimes there is a trace on the ground. I enjoyed it, the part i didn't like was the wetland before reaching the pass. The views are spectacular!<br /> The trail down was clearly visible and sometimes very steep. The 2km CC it only a straight line in the track, but that's not the reality. It was very hard with the combination of crazy winds (pushed me aside many times, forcast said up to 95km/h), steep slope, loose rocks and lots of thorny bushes. The part between the end of CC and Trailhead {37H} [55.6/344] was the most difficult for me. It's divided by a swamp without solid ground and lots of thorny bushes. To get to the other side i followed an animal track up and tried to bushbash to the TH, which was stupid and dangerous. I stumbled down a small cliff (hidden by the vegetation) and was stuck between trees and bushes. I was really afraid, but could free myself. Later i found a small stream, in which i could walk to the TH. <br /> <br /> The trail until Camp {37H} [49.1/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe) was nice and easy again. The camp provided good protection from the wind. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Puesto {37H} [53.7/550] (La Pampa) is only the enclosure but it has good protection from the trees. The trail to Puesto {37H} [59.8/274] (Bahia Once Hermanos, Don Cocho) was the best part for me. Easygoing and scenic views most of the time. <br /> It continued like this, but the quality of the trail worsened soon. It became more and more overgrown (mostly knee to hip high), but from time to time it was still nice walking. Down to Bahia Pescado i needed to check the GPS frequently, the trail was mostly overgrown. Overall it was ok to walk.<br /> Unfortunately Misael was not at home because his boot home was delayed. So no WiFi, I needed to ask Ruedas de la Patagonia per Inreach. I assumed the ferry will be postponed because of the strong winds (little better than yesterday) and continued. The first CC was easy, also the beginning of the trail. After a gate the trail was completely covered under (sometimes thorny) vegetation, 1-2m high. The worst part was here: -48.826471, -72.676567. Badly overgrown bushbashing with muddy and wet ground. This was definitely over my limit! It took some time until it improved. The panorama-trail along the cliff was nice, but the wind was annoying. <br /> Camped at Camp Without Water {37H} [76.1/464]. Needed to clear the small area (1 person tents only) from cow pies and small thorny vegetation before pitching my tent. Awesome protection from the wind! In the evening i got a message: the ferry will come the next day at 3:30pm. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Continued in the same direction, but after Water {37H} [76.3/443] it was again overgrown all the time, this time only knee-high. Frequent check of the GPS was necessary because several animal trails are leading astray. After 40 minutes i turned around, because i wasn't in the mood to squeeze through bushes more than necessary. This time i bypasses the worst muddy-bushbashing at the rocky beach between Water {37H} [71.8/271] and Water {37H} [71.3/265]. This is what i recommend doing, at least it saves you from parts of the BB. Heavy rain started 1h before i reached BP. Spend the time with their two dogs and sheltered myself from the rain in the tiny vault toilet until the ferry arrived. <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-07 to 2025-Jan-10 / 4 / &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO / 37H-10A + 37H-10 + 37H-08 + 37H-08A + RR / Roman'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Route: Started from villa o higgins to passo Mayer and crossed it to the argentinien border control by the route is published in GPT-36H. From there I went with with the Option 10A and the beginning of Option 10. I used GPS Informationen from someone I met a few weeks earlier and crossed via the mountains back to Option 10. After that i went with Option 8 and 08A to reach the shore of Lago o Higgins. From there I packrafted to villa o higgins and entered via the Rio Mosco border. Other options will be described at the end.<br /> <br /> Weather: The first day was bmsunny with no clouds. Day 2 was expected to be bad. Rain and snow and strong wind throughout the day. Day 3/4 sunny close to no clouds.<br /> <br /> I hired a private pickup from villa o higgins to passo Mayer (60.000 CLP) as the public bus (2.000 CLP) didn't matched my schedule (details: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18983dhVDL/). From there I hiked to the Bridge {36H-14} [201.8/476] where I got a lift by a local all the way to Border Control AR {36H-14} [191.4/480]. Started hiking at 13:45 PM. The Bridge {36H-20A} [2.0/464] is ok to pass but not in the best condition (https://imgur.com/a/cli2uGn). After that it's Trail and CC. There is a Gate here -48.320875, -72.21669 and a Settler here: -48.327207, -72.216404. A ankle deep small river requires a Ford here -48.329369, -72.21814. There is another gate here -48.354017, -72.22336 is is also where the trial starts after the CC. Camp Without water: -48.382875, -72.208171. The Ford {36H-20A} [18.9/535] was knee deep and ok. Puesto {36H-20A} [21.4/564] was what i have seen only the enclusure. Ford {36H-20A} [21.5/562] was as anticipated challenging. As I was solo i opt for a short crossing with the packraft. If you walk along the river there are options to Ford - would still consider it challenging and hip deep if you don't go further up/downstream. I camped here -48.409553, -72.180312.<br /> <br /> The next day started with rain and i went to Puesto {36H-20A} [23.2+0.4/581] fore some shelter. He was very friendly and helpful- stayed there until 12:00 PM when the rain stopped. He gave me Bread and something to drink. The hiking from there to this point -48.445516, -72.176228 was animal trails and CC trough the forest. Generally easy hiking with one steep gravel part. After that there was a nice trail until -48.46065, -72.150333. There is a steep downhill trough the forest. After a short traverse trough the forest a very steep part begins. Those are basically boulders 1-4m diameter in the forest covered with leaves. You will make 250m elevation in 1km. This is one of the crux if the section. After that i was caught in a 10min snow/rain storm. After that it's CC trough the forest until -48.490804, -72.148285 from where is open CC. I was faced with 2 hours of hiking in snow/small ice crystals until -48.541864, -72.199693 where I slept and camped. There was no wind protection. On the other side of the river was a forest with i guess way better spots. But the river had due to rain quite a lot of water and I didn't crossed it that day.<br /> <br /> The next day the river crossing was easy a bit above knee and fast hiking. As it was Thursday and Friday it was a long day. After a long CC stretch there is a waterfall/cliffs at -48.638549, -72.395307 where you have to go around the right (west) and traverse the mountain before there is a steep section where you can hike down to the valley. After that it's CC until you hit the trail here -48.658808, -72.423893. It becomes CC here: -48.675658, -72.435116. After that CC and Animal trail trough the forest until you hit the trail again here -48.690092, -72.459724. From there its all trail with a gate here: -48.695736, -72.501378 to lago villa o higgins. I slept here -48.701069, -72.522333.<br /> <br /> The next day i wanted to packraft back to villa o higgins. I thoroughly checked the weather before the trip and daily during the trip to get a feeling for the development as Friday was the only possible way to packraft northbound to villa o higgins. You have to packraft at least to &quot;island&quot; Ford {37H-08} [16.4/270] from where you could hike out. Alternately as soon as you reach -48.53111, -72.547087 this point you can walk along the beach (CC). I started Packrafting at 05:45 with 4km/h WNW wind with guest up to 12. This increased until 16:30 PM to 11 km/h 18km/h guests NW wind. Which enabled be to packraft the whole section with a average speed of 2.4 km/h (my packraft is normally 3.0 km/h). After that i hiked to Border Control AR {37H-08} [4.3/290]. The minor road was completely flooded and shitty to hike. There is a settler here -48.497027, -72.557765 which i mistake for the Gendarmería but he was very friendly and nice. The boarder guards where impressed and very friendly as apparently not many people to this route. From here one out i followed the 37H-08 to villa o higgins and got my entry stamp here Border Control CL {37H} [0.3/271] without a problem.<br /> <br /> Alternative ways out: If the conditiones doesn't allow the NoBo rout via packraft you can continue hiking to Settler {37H-08} [57.0/271] (Estancia La Josephina) (https://www.instagram.com/estancia.lajosefina?igsh=MTkxM2N3azY5eGRwNg==). They offer to camp for free. Breakfast and Dinner 75 USD (they take credit card). Accommodation is 75 USD. From they offer a boat ride to Grupo Cocovi [Camp {37H-08} [6.2/259]] (where you would also end up with the packraft) for 400 USD. They also offer a boat service to puerto Cancha Rayada (-48.886707, -72.388161) for 150 USD. (NOTE - the Chilean boats are not allowed to enter the argentinien side so they can pick you up there. From there you can connect back to the GPT track. Alternately you can hike to the same point. Once there you either hitchhike out via RP31 to Tres Lagos or continue hiking around the lake. For the Border crossing to reach Candelario Mancilla you have to exit argentina here: Gendarmería Grupo Lago San Martin -49.12617, -72.49184 and enter Chile here Border Control CL {38} [1.0/308]. From there on everything is as normal. If you want to go to Argentina you need a Salvoconducto and need to leave again also at Border Control CL {38} [1.0/308]. This is all according to the Subcomisaría Villa O'Higgins (F) which whom I spoke about this. For all those options you need to take sufficient food - keep in mind you can also get something in the enstancias along the way.<br /> <br /> <br /> Overall: It's a very remote section with beautiful views and i absolutely stunning enjoyed it. There are definitely some very steep parts of the hike which make it challenging - especially the nature of the route SoBo makes you extremely dependent on the weather. This has to be kept in mind and planned accordingly. I would reccomend this option for people with exploration spirit and an intrest in remote parts which have no problem taking the alternative options at the end of the trail.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Tracks and Important Markers):<br /> * https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tI8mmMfzsXLi3RNR_Q<br /> <br /> Legend:<br /> <br /> * Red: Trail<br /> * Light Red: Suggestions for better Trail (not hiked)<br /> * Green: Open Cross Country<br /> * Purple: No trail trough the forest bust fast hiking like Cross Country<br /> * Blue: Packrafting<br /> <br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-31 to 2025-Jan-05 / 4.5 / Hiking / SOBO (Full 8 Circuit) / RR + Variant G / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Route: Started in Villa O'Higgins at 12:00 PM and got 2 lifts all the way to Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez). Started the hike followed the RR with Variant G. Ended at Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez) and git directly a lift back to Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez).<br /> <br /> Weather: Before i started ther where 2 days of hevy rain (trees had blocked the road to the ferry) i followed the forecast closely (meteblue with the fitting weather models). After 10AM it was dry and the next 5 days were predicted blue sky and great weather with day 2 cloudy. I guess the hervy rain only effects the first 2 days in regards of Fords etc. all other points depend IMHO more on the season.<br /> <br /> I left my packraft at El Mosco which brought my weight down to 11kg with food which allowed fast hiking. The descriptions in the manual are all very accurate - in just mainly want to add my impression also in context of thrle season.<br /> <br /> <br /> I got 2 lifts which brought me right to Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez). Ford {37H} [10.5/565] was knee deep and easy. I skipped Ford {37H} [11.2/567] and Ford {37H} [11.2/564] with walking on the right side which was ok. Jump Ford Ford {37H} [11.4/564]. Ford {37H} [11.4/567] was knee deep and easy. No snow at Pass {37H} [15.0/1159] (Portezuelo Los Corrales). For Ford, Camp {37H} [18.4/637] there is a tree https://imgur.com/a/df9DLeb -48.571747, -72.656732. Camp -48.57239, -72.657142. No water and no Ford at Ford {37H} [19.8/607]. Ford {37H} [20.6/586] was knee. Ford {37H} [21.6/575] was the trickiest one on the whole trail and close to the limit. As deep as my whole leg and 3-4 cm below hip (iam 179 cm). Fast flowing with volume and mid-range witth. Camped at Camp {37H} [24.6/552].<br /> <br /> The beginning of the next day was tricky - high water of Lago Verde caused me to hike 250m in the lake to reach {37H} [24.4/548] (Lago Verde) everything was below knee. The following part until X {37H} [27.0/546] was annoying as some parts of the trail were ankle deep under water - if there was no space left i had todo light BB for a few meters. After X {37H} [27.0/546] good trail or easy walking on beach which was sufficient above the waterline. Ford Ford, X {37H} [30.2/575] (Rio San Martin) is easy - slow and wide flowing but deeper then I thought its above knee. Trail until Ford {37H} [31.7/632] also below knee. Trail animal trail and CC up to -48.637034, -72.691577 from there is a trail all the way to -48.648578, -72.736794. Needed to Ford here -48.640301, -72.709011. The other i jumped. A bit swampy up the hill but you can avoid wet feet. Down is steep and wet - trail tricky because wet. CC easy to Trailhead {37H} [54.8/344] ok to good trail -<br /> condition - easy to follow check time to time GPS that you are correct as there a some animal traols which branch off - would even go so far so say some what maintained. Ford {37H} [43.6/444] easy below knee. Ford {37H} [45.6/404] nasty one - vegetation in the way and fording goes around the corner. You go 3-4m straight until vegetation blocks the way there you go left (upstream) towards the light for 4-5 m trail is on the right front. A bit deeper then ankle deep. CC was ok before Camp {37H} [48.6/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe) camped there.<br /> <br /> Next day trail condition remains the same as stated above. Needed to Ford here -48.709878, -72.752919. Gate here -48.71032, -72.752736. Puesto {37H} [53.2/550] (La Pampa) was only the enclusure. Enjoyable hiking seen somebody at Puesto {37H} [59.2/274] (Bahia Once Hermanos, Don Cocho). Continued hiking took Variant G. Ford {37H} [63.5/375] below knee easy. Needed to Ford Water {37H} [65.9/343] which was a bit shitty as this was again dense vegetation while fording. Meet Bahia at Ford {37H} [69.3/255]. The Ford was very easy https://imgur.com/a/jBW6p35 at the current season. Now comes a short section which is a bit shitty as it was 20m of BB as the water runs down the trail and very dense vegetation here: -48.826471, -72.676567. Overall clear trail bit overgrown with vegetation hip to face from this point all the way to Water {37H} [71.8/292]. After that you get rewarded with IMHO the best part of the trail. Narrow at the cliffs with beautiful views the whole time https://imgur.com/a/zlbgnlx. Trail condition back to the old ok/good well visible even call this maintained. Water {37H} [75.7/443] steep canyon but looks more difficult then it is (at least when dry) camped at -48.834566, -72.625291 place for 1 2 tents no so wind protected but beautiful view! <br /> <br /> The trail remains in good condition and good hiking apart the first section going down to the beach after the camp where I slept. Met Guillermo here -48.80081, -72.557165 while he was cleaning the trail with a chainsaw. He wants to clear the next 5km aswell (so the direction i was coming from). He and his family was very welcoming and nice. He mentioned that the Ford {37H} [90.1/263] (Rio Aro) can be challenging and the water can go above waist. He reccomend to cross in the early morning or evening as the water level are the lowest (see hikers manual). The CC section down from Pass {37H} [88.0/576] to Refuge {37H} [89.4/278] (Bahia Aro) was definetly CC. I was well advised to follow the reccomend GPT line. I found some freshly cut trees (max 1 month old) here: -48.758043, -72.556528. The Refuge {37H} [89.4/278] (Bahia Aro) had a destroyed window. As the satelite image looked worse than it was at Ford {37H} [69.3/255] i assumed that it should be possible and also better then the upcoming mentitioned difficult fords. Fording was between knee and waist hight. It's a long Ford but not so difficult if you look for a good line. Crossed it at 15:30 PM. Didn't needed to Ford {37H} [89.8/259] (Rio Aro). Water {37H} [91.0/276] has a small bridge (two blanks) and a gate. Here was another gate -48.733258, -72.556809. Camp Without Water here: -48.72741, -72.55783. Water {37H} [93.4/395] was actually a Ford. The section from Pass, Camp Without Water {37H} [93.9/422] to the lake is CC in a river bed. Found a trail from -48.712738, -72.555335 to -48.710717, -72.555519. The level of the lake was quite low (I assume because it's still early in the season) easy walking with 20-30m to spare to the shore. No water therefore no Ford at Ford {37H} [96.7/255]. The Ford {37H} [96.6/255] (Rio San Martin) was similar to the one before. Knee to waist hight. Long but absolutely doable corssed jt at 17:30 PM. Stayed at Camp {37H} [97.4/262] in the enclosure.<br /> <br /> Day 5 was easy and fast hiking as described in the manual. The way up was in very good condition until GPT37H-L starts there the next 1 km was as described earlier hip to face high vegetation. The pass was easy to hike aswell the way down. Between Water {37H} [110.6/858] and Water {37H} [110.9/859] were 5 more spots you can call &quot;water&quot; or &quot;ford&quot; they can be all jumped the safe way would be to shortly ford them. There was water here -48.587975, -72.586089 and -48.540457, -72.595853. After that is was easy hiking all the way to X, Camp Without Water {37H} [8.9/349]. I got a lift directly at the Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez) to Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> <br /> Overall: It's a beautiful section and I absolutely enjoyed it! I would strongly reccomend waiting for a good weather window. The trail was basically the whole time in a ok to good condition.<br /> <br /> <br /> General contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-dic-24 to 2024-dic-28 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR west traverse / Celio, Amalia and Isabelle'''<br /> <br /> We took the boat from Candelario Mancilla to Bahia Pescado the 24 of diciembre early in the morning and stayed the day at Bahia Pescado with Misael. We took a dayoff and helped misael on what he needed then we had some fresh trout and salad for Christmas!<br /> For the boat we arrived at Candelario Mancilla with no reservation and were lucky to find out that they navigate the next day. Having cash to pay is better with no reservation. We payed 40000$ with Ruedas de la Patagonia.<br /> Misael is currently alone at Bahia Pescado since Nicole broke is leg in August and he will be alone all the summer. It was very nice to spend some time with him and he is welcoming! Pan amasado and Cordero were delicious.<br /> After the dayoff we left for the west traverse. The trail is mostly visible all the way and I think the hardest to follow is at the very start when you leave Bahia Pescado and go to the fisrt pass. The CC section before the Pass {37H} [39.9/1006] (Canadon los Patos) is easy to navigate and you find some trail.<br /> The ford of the San Martín river at laguna Verde desagüe was just above knee deep but with low current.<br /> The camp at arroyó derrumbe and laguna verde are amazing!<br /> We thought that's an amazing hike, very diverse and with no difficulties when the weather is perfect has we had!<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-19 to 2024-Nov-26 / 7.5 / Hiking / SOBO (Full 8 Circuit) / RR / Jonas'''<br /> Day 01: 19.11.2024<br /> Walked the whole road from Villa O'Higgins to Puerto Bahamondes. Not too many cars. Was able to cross the bridge at the electric station without any problems didn't see anyone, there was a car though.<br /> Trail was easy to follow afterwards. On ascent to the first pass I checked the GPS more regularly. Close to the top there were several snowfields. Around the pass was a large snowfield which needed to be crossed. It's hard to tell how long but I think between 500 - 1500 m. Walking on it was relatively easy. No snowshoes necessary at the current situation. Path was hard to find and follow afterwards due to several smaller snowfields. When entering the forest it was easier. Camped on the other side of Ford/Camp 18.4. there are two camps with a self made shelter/wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 02: 20.11.2024<br /> Walking through the forest is amazing! Path was more or less easy to follow. Keep an eye on your GPS though. At around 21 km I could really figure out how the RR goes. Where it was supposed to be there was the river and next to it was too dense vegetation. Also on the over side of the river I couldn't make out where the trail is supposed to be. I headed west to the forest and after crossing a swamp and finding my way it was easy going.<br /> Only had to actually ford three fords the whole day. Ford 21.6 was the first one. But the water never went above my knees.<br /> Walking to Laguna Verde, I lost the track every now and then. At Laguna Verde it was mainly beach walking for me. The ford at 30.2 after Laguna Verde was the second one where I needed to take the boots off. Water was around knee high. Afterwards it was relatively easy to follow the track. Ford 31.7 was the third I needed to take the boots off. I forded a bit more upstream looking for an easy option with boots on.<br /> From there until camp 36.5 it was mainly easy to follow trails. Only lost the track a couple times. There is no water directly at the camp.<br /> <br /> Day 03: 21.11.2024<br /> Way up to the pass had an amazing forest on the way. Trail was mainly easy to follow. Beginning of descent was easy to follow. On the CC sections I often got off track and usually stayed too high. I think ford 45.6 had an overgrown entry to the water. Exit door this ford can not be seen right away. It is a bit to the left (upstream).<br /> Landscape was amazing! Some sections with thorns vegetation in the way.<br /> Camped roughly 500 m after Pass/Camp not water 55.2.<br /> Was hard to find a wind protected spot.<br /> <br /> Day 04: 22.11.2024<br /> At the beginning the trail was relatively easy to follow. Later I kept a close eye on the GPS. There was nothing special except the amazing landscape today. Passed Bahia Once Hermanos without seeing anyone. <br /> Afterwards I lost the trail quite often. I was happy wearing robust long trousers! Trail was overgrown a lot. Sadly I didn't meet anyone at Bahia Pescado. Camped at Camp no Water 71.5.<br /> <br /> Day 05: 23.11.2024<br /> Short day. Nothing unusual. Trail was overgrown a lot. I think more than yesterday. Ford 79.1 Cascada was easy with not much water. It is a stunning waterfall!<br /> Found a nice place at Lago O'Higgins and stayed there.<br /> <br /> Day 06: 24.11.2024<br /> Trail was the same as the last days. Not too hard to follow but better keep an eye on the GPS. Trails was overgrown a lot for the first part of the day. Got better later. The trail/CC part after pass 88.1 to ford 90.0 Rio Aro was hard to follow. Ford 90.0 was knee deep.<br /> Ford 96.7 Rio San Martin was a bit more than knee deep in the afternoon. The current was kinda strong but not dangerous. Stayed close to Camp 96.9 between some trees.<br /> <br /> Day 07: 25.11.2024<br /> Way up to the pass was easy and nice. The river in the canyon looks super cool! Way down to the lake was mostly easy as well. Last km or so where the way splits I took the RR. It was overgrown a lot. Beach walking was nice. Way up to the pass was mainly easy to follow. Parts were overgrown. It took me longer on the plateau than expected, swampy and the small creeks were not always straight forward to pass. Way down was steep and overgrown but mainly easy to follow. Stayed on the shore about 350 m north of Camp 114.9.<br /> <br /> Day 08: 26.11.2024<br /> Last day of the hike was easy with some middy sections and some overgrown trail. Passed the hydro station without seeing anyone.<br /> Right after the ferry I got a ride with three guys from the Armada. Stayed again in Hostal El Mosco. It's a really nice place.<br /> <br /> It was a really nice trail! For me it was sometimes hard to stick to the GPX especially when walking on a slope. I was really lucky with the weather, only had real rain three times. It wasn't to warm but that was expected at the time of the year. It was interesting not meeting anyone for the whole time.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-03-05 to 2024-03-15 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR west traverse to Bahia Pescado / Maggie &amp; Julian'''<br /> <br /> Trail attractiveness 5/5,<br /> Difficulty 3/5<br /> <br /> Day 1: Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez) to (-48.6326, -72.6078):<br /> <br /> We organized a ride to the end of the Carretera Austral the evening before.<br /> The trail up the first pass was for the most part easy to locate and follow. On the way down we had to be more alert not to lose the trail.<br /> We camped on the beach by Laguna Verde at (-48.6326, -72.6078). A little wind exposed, but not too terrible the night we slept there. <br /> <br /> Day 2: (-48.6326, -72.6078) to Camp Without Water {37H} [39.7/931]:<br /> <br /> The area right before the Pass {37H} [39.3/1006] (Canadon los Patos) was gorgeous but too windy and cold to stay for long.<br /> Camp Without Water {37H} [39.7/931] has a wooden wind barrier and is in a forested area. It also features a beautiful view down to Lago O’Higgins. The last water source before the camp was at (-48.6410, -72.7160) near the pass.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Camp Without Water {37H} [39.7/931] to Camp {37H} [48.6/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe):<br /> <br /> This day had a long section of relatively easy cross-country descent. It still took us a bit longer than anticipated. We really liked the protected lakeside campsite and decided to end our day earlier, camp there and go for a swim.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Camp {37H} [48.6/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe) to Camp {37H} [66.0/343] (Vista Fitzroy):<br /> <br /> At (-48.7103, -72.7526) we found a newly constructed gate. It wasn’t built to be easily opened, but we could slip through the space between two trees. At first, it didn’t look like there was anyone at Puesto {37H} [59.2/274] (Bahia Once Hermanos, Don Cocho), but when we looked back after walking by, we saw a dog near the house. Camp {37H} [66.0/343] (Vista Fitzroy) is not a great option on windy AND rainy days. A lot of spots are rather exposed to the wind or in danger of flooding in heavier rain. (-48.8127, -72.7170) is a decent spot if it is dry. <br /> <br /> Day 5: Camp {37H} [66.0/343] (Vista Fitzroy) to Settler {37H-H} [4.5/264] (Bahia Pescado, Nicole and Misael):<br /> <br /> Depending on the water level of Lago O’Higgins, Variant H to Nicole and Misael could be difficult to follow. Is this the case, take a path a little higher up on the RR and then traverse over. We had very strong winds in Bahia Pescado our first night and unfortunately, the camping spot was not really protected from it. <br /> <br /> Notes:<br /> <br /> - We found Nicole and Misael to be incredibly welcoming hosts. We had such a good time, and they could use some help around the house, so we ended up taking the boat a few days later than planned. The ticket for the ferry was easily transferred to a later time, although this might not be the case in high season. On the other hand, the weather turned bad right after our decision to stay, and it was unclear if we would be stuck for a while.<br /> <br /> - Based on reports from yr.no and windy, we expected decent amounts of rain every day. However, to our surprise, we received only light showers a few times throughout the 5 days. Our InReach weather reports also seemed unreliable in this area. According to Misael, the southern Peninsula tends to have better weather than Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-19 to 2024-Feb-23 / 5d / Hiking / SOBO / West Traverse / Andrew'''<br /> <br /> This was a very challenging but rewarding section. A couple notes on logistics: The day before I left I arranged the ferry to pick me up from Bahia Pescado on February 24th to take me to Candelaria Mancilla. I also left a backpack with some extra food and possessions at the ferry office for them to bring on the ferry. Nicole and Miseal have starlink wifi, so it's easy to confirm the pickup details with the ferry once you get there. If you are traveling SOBO and don't have time for the full trek, this is the route I would recommend taking.<br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> <br /> I started walking towards Puerto Bahmondes in the morning, nice views for a road walk. Got past the hydro station without any trouble, there were some workers on the dam but they didn't pay me any notice. Being my first truly wild hike on the GPT, this was definitely harder mentally and I lost the trail a few times. I got well off trail on one of the fords where I tried to find an easier crossing. Pro: found a big patch of calefate with plenty of ripe Berries. Con: had to bash a way through them and some mud to get back to the trail. Would just recommend crossing closer to the RR.<br /> <br /> Going over the pass was physically exhausting, but I made it over and camped near the ford at km 18.4. The first camp after the pass is viable, but I decided to hike a bit further to the ford to camp somewhere a bit more sheltered.<br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> <br /> Nice forest walking, lost the path a couple times but made it through. First ford was dry, but after I got stuck in a swamp and couldn't find a good path around so I just went through. Walked through the next ford, to clean my shoes and socks. This ford was shallow and an easy crossing. The 3rd ford was the most difficult, deeper water and more current. <br /> <br /> I wasn't able to find the path at the northern terminus of the lake, but I walked parallel through the forest until I could join the well marked trail. There were a couple nice camping spots in the corrals near the lake. I stopped for a break but decided to push onwards to get a bit more distance because I wanted to camp near lago o'higgins the next day.<br /> <br /> First ford was easy, 2nd ford was more difficult. Lots of burrs along the way. Camped in the forest across the ford at km 31.7, although I think there was a nicer spot before the ford.<br /> <br /> Day 3:<br /> <br /> Walked through the dead forest, and after a short period of time I found a visible trail.<br /> <br /> I would recommend staying to the south of the creek as you approach the pass, impassable brush on the North side<br /> <br /> Lost the trail near the ford (km38.9) before the pass, and had to push though some brush. The trail gets swampy approaching the pass. Stunning views appear over the pass, this view is a highlight of the GPT.<br /> <br /> After the pass there's a steep descent through the forest and the long cross country parts were challenging and exhausting. I camped near the shore of Lago O'Higgins in a sheltered clearing (Arrollo Derrumbe km48.6) - the only water I could find was the lake which was a bit tricky in the high winds.<br /> <br /> Day 4:<br /> <br /> I came across a gate that I marked on my GPS tracks. Don't trust the easy trail after gate, you will need to divert left. Amazing views continued despite an hour of heavy rain. Camped just after the ford at km63.6. Both before and after the ford had viable campsites, but lots of cows and cow patties around. Note that if you camp after the ford you will need to duck through the gate in order to get water. <br /> <br /> Day 5:<br /> <br /> My last day was a short hike to Nicole and Miseal's house. We had a lovely time there before catching the ferry the next morning. I shared a delicious meal with them and two of their visiting friends, and bought some excellent bread.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-10 to 2024-Feb-16 / 7d / Hiking / Travel Direction (SOBO) / OH-37H-01, OH-37H-09, new Trail, OH-37H-01A, OH-37-A (not existing anymore), RH, RR, OH-37H-K / Tom'''<br /> <br /> I startet for 10 days with food for 12 days. I wanted to verify a few not yet verified OHs and EXP. Due to a little accident at RR km 96 I returned earlier as planned.<br /> <br /> On day one I climbed Cierro Alta Vista. The junction to OH-CC&amp;TL-A was easy to find. The track was not that accurate and you will find some better options by visual decisions. At 920m when the bush changes to wood go 30m west to the ledge and climb further up. 2-3 short sections where you use your hands, watch your steps especially with heavy backpacks. I pitched the tent near the small laguna on 1220m.<br /> <br /> The next day was on new terrain straight to the west ridge of cierro Altavista. I didn't do the peak due to snow fall and heavy winds. Then downhill to pass 37H-01A 2.7/822. That's very demanding in snowy/rainy conditions and the pass is hard to approach through the bushes. I don't know If ever a person did this section.<br /> <br /> The following OH-TL-V 37H-01A EBO is easy going but sometimes the track differs from the gps track. OH-37_A is completely owergrown and not visible anymore. I went further east back on RH and climbed the pass. <br /> <br /> Ford 1 in the Laguna Verde Valley offers a log 50m upstream, ford 2 dry, ford 3 knee deep. Some 50m I hiked in the river since the shore was gone. RH to laguna Verde is not anymore the best option. Following the river (OH) and the horse tracks is easier. Pitched at 29.3 in the old corral.<br /> <br /> I couldn't cross Rio San Martin due to heavy winds and strong current and decided to go back to OH and follow it SEBO towards Bahia San Martin on OH-TL&amp;CC-V {37H-K} [0.0+1.8]. After a quick glance and seeing all the logs I changed my mind and went to RR. I followed RR-TL-I {37H} [117.0/104.5+0.2] resp tried to. Go 40m north and find a decent trail that connects to RR-CC-A {37H} [116.3/103.8+0.7] . I consider this A as a V. The challenge starts right after the RR-TL-I {37H} [115.4/102.9+0.9]. This is not anymore TL, it’s BB or swim (the track leads into the river). I was stuck in the bush 5m over the riverbed.<br /> Somehow I could escape straight uphill onto OH-TL&amp;CC-V {37H-K} [0.0+1.8]. (500m/h) was my pace :)<br /> <br /> Right after the river crossing on east cost, the track pointed into the lago. I didn’t want to swim and decided to follow an huge animal path into the mountains. The worst decision on this day! Iended up in the rocks and stuck again (this was a bit scary) eventually after another 1.5 hours I was at the starting point, bleeding and exhausted. I decided to stay here. The goal was far away, a little behind rio Aro to do some Aro valley investigation the next day. <br /> <br /> I changed my plans since my ankle was a little sprained and went back to Laguna Verde to find an appropriate alternative to RR where I was stuck in the bush the day before. I could verify a few trails. RR from this side towards towards the puesto is existing until the ford, but not much further downstream. The river ate 100-150m of RR. There is also a second ford closer to the puesto. The puesto was unmanned. OH-TL-I 37H-M from the puesto to west shore of rio San Martin is easy going.<br /> <br /> At the end of the curve of RR-CC-A {37H} [116.3/103.8+0.7] I found a new connection. Turn exactly east CC for 60m , you’ll hit a not yet known connection trail to OH-TL&amp;CC-V {37H-K} [0.0+1.8] . If coming from east coast pass the connection and keep to the right when TL splits 200 m off shore. You’ll end at the viejo corral.<br /> <br /> On pass Portezuelo el Roce (RR-TL-V 111.7/948) I tried to climb the mountain SW of the pass. Unfortunately I couln'd find a pass through be woods behind the rock band. I tried the peak on the other side of the pass and made it to the top 1km S of the pass. All easy CC in loose rocks. Outstanding view from Laguna Verde to Villa O'Higgins and almost to Candelaria Mancilla.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-25 to 2024-Mar-27 / 2.5 days hiking + 2.5 days waiting/ Hiking / SOBO / RR, West Traverse + OH G + H / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined Section 37, 38 and 39. It took me 10.5 days including 2.5 days waiting at Bahia Pescado for the ferry. I left a bag with food in Villa O'Higgins which the ferry brought me. And I could store food at the chilenian Border station. Therefore I never had to cary food for more than 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-29.3]<br /> <br /> I started hiking in Villa O'Higgins and got a hitch after about 2 km to Bahia Bahmondez. There was plenty of water all along the trail. The pass at km 15 was snow free. The ford at 21.6 was hard. At 4 pm the water was just below my crotch (I am 192 cm tall) and the current pretty strong. The RR along Laguna Verde is at times flooded by the Laguna. <br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [29.3-48.6]<br /> <br /> Plenty of water. Fords are max. knee hight. I really liked the camp at 48.6. <br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [48.6-62.9] + OH37H-G + RR [63.5-69.1] + OH37H-H<br /> <br /> Lots of Water and easy ford. I didn't see a puesto at km 53.2. Only some wood fences. I arrived at the House from Nicole and Misael in the afternoon. They were very friendly and welcoming. Originally I had planed to take the ferry on the next day, but due to bad weather it was delayed for two days. I spend those days with the family and they fed me completely for the two days. I paid her 30000 Pesos per day.<br /> <br /> * '''24-Feb-28 to 2024-Mar-2 / 48 hours and a day of waiting / Hiking / SOBO / RR, West Traverse/ Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I arrived to Villa O'Higgins on a Tuesday evening. The forecast was dire so I wanted to skip the Florida peninsula but before I got my head around it, it was midnight. I stayed in Hostal Moscou, nobody there wanted to cross (a group of cyclist arrived from the ferry at 23:00, the boat waited for a late crossing back) or knew when the next boat would go, I tried whatsapping both companies but they did not respond. In the morning, I went to Rueda office to find out that the boat left at 7:00 and the next one would not go until Saturday, so I decided to do the West Traverse and hop on the ferry on Saturday from Bahia Pescada. Rueda won't reply to whatsapp outside office hours (9-13 and 14-21 I think) - they run it from the computer in their office. The other company replied back only in the afternoon. So if you are in a real hurry out of main season, turning up in the port really early would have worked, the boat apparently had 6 seats unoccupied. It was very easy to arrange to be picked from Bahia Pescada, I left the company a bag with stuff they then brought me. I paid them the full amount of 55,000 in cash, in retrospect I should have tried to negotiate it down (but they need to make a small detour to pick me up, so I might not have been succesful).<br /> <br /> I got lucky to get a hitch around 13:00 one km out of town; the port seems to be a minor tourist attraction in itself. The route thereafter is indeed mostly cross country (trails much less clear than on GPT36 and TL&amp;CC combinations tend to be on the CC side) and is indeed quite scenic. The missed boat turned out to be a blessing as I only got some clouds high up and then sun instead of the forecasted fog and some rain. I was later told the peninsula gets better weather than Villa O'Higgins, especially in its southern part (it also seems anything that is not heavy rain is a good forecast here). Ford at 19.8 was dry. Fords at 20.6 and 21.6 should be Fords Start/End, you follow a riverbed with a river. After that, you still follow a riverbed, but without a river, which found a new course to your right. These fords and the one at 30.2 were the only ones that I could not jump or go over on stones or logs. Lake was low at the end of summer and I just mostly followed the beach. Slept at the corral at 29.3.<br /> <br /> CC&amp;TL from 31.5 is again a riverbed, I kept the river to my left most of the time until I could cross it on a log. I did not find anything I would call a trail until the pass. Either I am blind or gate 45.4 does not exist. Ford 45.6 is annoying as it is about 20m-long strech of flooded trail that is overgrown, ankle deep though (and the stream is very bushy, you won't find a better way, I tried). Met two GPT hikers at camp 48.6 - very nice camp. The forecast was for heavy rain the next afternoon, so I pushed almost to puesto at 59.2, sleeping on a green flat about 0.5 km before it. It was a windy night despite finding a seemingly sheltered spot. It would have been better by the lake; near the puesto at Once Hermanos would have been perfect if it was not mostly occupied.<br /> <br /> I got up with sunrise and started towards Bahia Pescado. The morning had better weather than expected, even with sun, so I ate breakfast for an hour and arrived around noon, just as the rain started. The family was there, I was invited inside, where it is dry, warm and with superfast internet, Starlink is wow! I was complimented on my Spanish as opposed to other GPT hikers, which was unexpected, I am like A2 and I thought everybody else is almost fluent! I managed to have a conversation for three hours though, even about the merits of various political systems. It was indeed very nice. It rained heavily on and off well into the night (snowed from 1000m up), so I slept on the floor. I was given lunch, a pie in the evening and one piece of bread (about 300g - I bought 2 more for 3000 each). I offered 20,000. I thought vegetable would be included too, but in the morning it was early and Nicole was not up so I did not get any, even though we talked about it the night before. She said she struggles with pricing. My advice is to probably deal with the business side of the visit early on and completely before darkness comes (I am not complaining though, it was lovely). Nicole said that since last year, more people are coming - I signed into a book and saw many familiar names from here, about 25 people in about 12 groups altogether! It seems most people actualy do write into the wiki, I always thought most did not. She said that she does not want it to become too popular, but the current level is fine and the money comes handy (I also think especially she enjoys company).<br /> <br /> In the morning, I was told the day before to be ready at 7:45 through whatsapp, but the boat only came an hour later. Apparently it was not much delayed in Villa O'Higgins, not sure why the discrepancy. Luckily I could wait inside, the view for the boat is perfect.<br /> <br /> Overall, the peninsula is really attractive. I actually preferred the inside of it, going along the coast was a bit too long. Also the trails are not in great condition, I often lost them and walked cross country. Nicole and Michel do not have many cattle and I think they do not need the trails to be perfect. I am glad I did not skip this section.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-feb-20/ 5,5days / hiking / Full loop west - east/ RR / Lukas en Tess ; Nolwenn and Yannick (first half)'''<br /> <br /> This is an incredible hike, (like most but still, doesn't get old!) Beautiful views, great camping spots and awesome people!<br /> Very demanding because of cross country and overgrown vegetation. (Not bushbashing but sometimes not far from it)<br /> <br /> Some recomendations: <br /> <br /> -The view from the pass [39,3] is amazing and so is the route all the way down. If you only do half do this side!<br /> -At the puesto {37H-E} km 69,2, this is where you would wait for the ferry. A young family that is very welcoming. Nicole makes super delicious bread and sells some vegetables. We payed for 4 people 15.000 for the salad, 18.000 for the bread and if you would camp there it would be 7.000 pp. <br /> She also sells essential oils made from herbs and flowers out of the mountains around, ask her, its awesome!<br /> -camp close to the beach, camp [78,1], best spot for a campfire we ever had. IF the weather allows and there isn't too much wind offcourse.<br /> -puesto [84,1], is more like a Refuge. Guillermo is one of the most hospitable people we have met on the gpt, he is not always there but he leaves the puesto open for passerbys. If he's home you are in luck we where there early in the morning and before we knew it we had our pockets full of candy and cookies, a cup of hot milk, some rice porridge and some dried meat. <br /> If he is not there feel free to use the stove, wood and utensils even the bed is to your disposal. He told us it's his family's tradition to keep an open door. If you happen to pass by leave him a letter or a note of appreciation, I'm sure that would make him very happy.<br /> -Refuge [88,5] is noting much but it's still there and you could hide from the elements if necessary.<br /> <br /> Plenty of water everywhere on the trail.<br /> <br /> Fords where no problem this time of year but we heard ford [89,9] is the one to be weary of.<br /> <br /> The waterlevel of the lake was really high at the end of summer and that caused problems crossing of the sandbanks on [69,4] and [96,1] the first we past with the boat of Nicole's husband, the second you can go around but...<br /> <br /> DON'T RECOMMEND, because of going around the lake on km [96,1] we started folowing a trail that brought us on the south side of the river but it's imposible to cross because it's a huge canyon. We decided to stay on this side instead of turning back but the smal cow paths disappear and you end up bushbashing your way through. On top of that, there are some canyons that are perpendicular to the main river and the only way of crossing those is going a long way up. In the end we managed and it was an adventure, gave us a glimpse into what Jan has been doing all these years ;p<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-30 to 2024-Jan-02 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We did the west traverse of the Florida Peninsula and definitely recommemd it to anyone, whether nobo or sobo. We prearranged the ferry to pick us up from Bahia Pescado, which meant we had ample time for the 68 kilometers. In all honesty - we expected much more difficulties and bushbashing but the route was surprisingly nice and straightforward.<br /> <br /> We were lucky with great weather throughout, albeit some strong winds. We got no hitch out of Villa O'Higgins and thus did the whole roadwalk. The trail up the first pass was steep but easy to follow, views from the pass were magnificent. The snowpatches were not an issue. In the forest before the lake there was a lot of fallen trees, so extra time &amp; effort was spent on climbing over them...then lots of soft sandy beachwalking + walking in the freezing cold lake as the &quot;trail&quot; was under water. The way up to the second pass was gradual and easy, the pass itself was swampy. Great views on the other side, too.<br /> <br /> The way down starts with an easy to follow trail, then it sort of disappears (or, rather, there are very many to choose from) and you gotta make your way down to the coast. Some bushbashing involved here but not much. The rest of the coastal walk offers great views and lots of smaller climbs, but is generally easy to follow. The worst section is the last 11 kilometers between Bahia Once Hermanos and Bahia Bescado - the trail keeps disappearing and there is a lot of bushbashing, which for those in shorts is very painful. The settler family is amazingly welcoming, allowed us to camp up behind their house and had us over for dinner. We purchased some fresh bread and salad material from them. The ferry picked us up early the next morning right by the house.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-22 to 2023-Dec-30 / 8.5 days / full 8 circuit / Villa O'Higgins - Villa O'Higgins / RR/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> This wasn't an easy hike but totally worth it!<br /> <br /> The best landscape was, for us, the west part of the panorama trail (along Lago O'Higgins) but it was also a challenging part with a lot of bushes and up and down. The trail was although more difficult to find and more bushy than in the east part of the panorama trail.<br /> <br /> There was still a lot of snow at Pass {37H} [15.0/1159] (Portezuelo Los Corrales) but it was easy to walk and navigate with a nice weather.<br /> <br /> The Lake {37H} [24.4/548] (Lago Verde) was a bit high so you have to walk sometimes in the lake but it isn't a problem. It's way better to have the feet wet and cold than trying to go through the bushes.<br /> <br /> We met the family Settler {37H-H} [4.5/264] (Bahia Pescado, Nicole and Misael) and it was a fantastic experience. We had maté and then bought them some vegetables for lunch. Be sure to visit them and to have some time for a little break with them!<br /> <br /> For the 3 major fords, according to the advice of Misael we crossed Ford {37H} [79.0/520] (Cascada) early in the morning (at 6:30 AM) to be sure it was passable. We crossed Ford {37H} [89.8/259] (Rio Aro) in the early afternoon on a sunny day and it wasn't a good idea. The water isn't really clear and it's hard to find how deep it is. We manage to cross it but I (Christophe, 1.74m) was wet up to my hips. We also crossed Ford {37H} [96.6/255] (Rio San Martin) in the morning (7:30 AM) the next day close to the lake and it was ok (water up to mid-thigh and strong current).<br /> <br /> On the second Pass {37H} [39.3/1006] (Canadon los Patos) and last Pass {37H} [111.7/948] (Portezuelo el Roce), it was quite swampy. Just put your fording shoes if you have some and don't try to keep your feet dry.<br /> <br /> All in all, it was a fantastic adventurous section!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-14 to 18: Fangwen and Tobi / 5 days (4 hiking) / NOBO / West traverse (Bahia Pescado to Villa O'Higgins).'''<br /> <br /> This trip featured great views and a real feeling of adventure, but for us, it was also a challenging trip that brought us to our limits. The GPT manual already has lots of details, so we will mostly focus on our personal experience and some logistical aspects.<br /> <br /> As far as we know, after Jan&amp;Meylin and Jess&amp;Paco last season, we are the first GPT hikers to explore the Florida peninsula in this new GPT section (previously, GPT 37H was just taking the ferry between Candelario Mansilla and Villa O'Higgins).<br /> <br /> Day 1: we took the ferry from Candelario Mansilla to Bahia Pescado in the morning. There, we met the lovely family of Nicole, Misael and their three year old son, Facundo. We had a great time with them, and they were delighted to have visitors (the last visitors having passed half a year earlier). If you have the chance to spend a full day with them, we strongly recommend this, as it was a section highlight. We slept on their floor for the night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: we started hiking just before noon, and camped at a wind-sheltered location at around km57.<br /> <br /> Day 3: we hiked to the trailhead (km 54.8, beginning of the CC eastbound ascent to Canadon los Patos), and despite it being 6pm already, decided to push onwards towards the pass. Unfortunately, we took a bad route (hiking uphill first and then traversing in steep terrain) and had to turn around to spend the night at the trailhead.<br /> <br /> Day 4: We started early with the hike up to the pass: this time, following the easier option of first traversing in the mellow terrain, and start going uphill only when we were already close to the pass. This worked much better, despite having to navigate between some cliffs on our way up. On the other side of the pass, we went on via some muddy swamps and river beds to stay at the camp km29.3 by the beautiful Laguna Verde -- a wonderful location for a camp and a highlight of the trip.<br /> <br /> Day 5: we woke up early to make it to Villa O'Higgins in one day. The terrain was comparatively easy to walk on for the whole day. Before the pass (Portezuelo Los Corrales) there were some snow fields, some of which required some creative rerouting. To our great relief, the steep descent on the north side of the pass was entirely snow free. The rest of the trip was relatively easy walking. After 25km of hiking we reached Puerto Bahmondez. Half-way to Villa O'Higgins a car passed us and we were able to hitchhike.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: as mentioned, this trip was quite challenging for us, despite the excellent conditions and our years of backcountry experience. In retrospect, this is something that probably many GPT hikers experience when they go on their first &quot;wild&quot; GPT section and find out what is considered a &quot;trail&quot; on the GPT. Technically, there were no substantial challenges for us. The river crossings were all at most knee deep, thanks to the good weather. (Also note that in bad weather, some of our campsites might be flooded). But the progress from Bahia Pescado to the first pass (Canadon los Patos) was frustratingly slow at times, since the trail was frequently overgrown with bushes (sometimes thorny ones), or covered in mud / water, or difficult to recognize such that we lost the trail and had to backtrack or bushwhack our way back to the trail. Psychologically, this was a tough experience for us. The crux of the trip was the CC section on the west side of Canadon los Patos. This 1.7km straight section took us almost two hours. After the pass, conditions were generally easier, progress faster and the terrain and views changed more often, which made hiking much more enjoyable. The last day, despite consisting of 28km of hiking almost felt easier than the previous days, as the terrain was easier to traverse than the overgrown trails along the coast of Lago O'Higgins. <br /> <br /> We can definitely recommend 37H, but hikers unfamiliar with overgrown trails should be aware of the physical and mental challenge that the terrain poses.<br /> <br /> Logistics: We combined sections 38 and 37 on our NOBO trip. For the (resupply) logistics regarding section 38, see our trip report on [[GPT38|that wiki page]].<br /> We took the ferry from Candelario Mansilla heading to Villa O'Higgins, but we asked to be dropped off at Bahia Pescado (start of the West part of GPT 37). The ferry company (WhatsApp +56 9 6627 8836, https://www.turismoruedasdelapatagonia.cl) charged us 30.000 per person instead of the 50 or 60.000 (?) to Villa O'Higgins. We gave the captain a bag of extra food and belongings to be picked up in Villa O'Higgins after the section 37 hike. This worked out without problem (the company has apartments there, so pickup should be possible any time of the week).<br /> If you can, get in touch with Nicole ahead of time, her full name is in the GPT manual, and with that you can find her Facebook account.<br /> If you don't want to walk on the road the last 7km from Puerto Bahmondez to Villa O'Higgins, you can either try to hitchhike (cars were infrequent but the first one we tried took us) or arrange for a taxi with Roberto (WhatsApp +56 9 8193 5236).<br /> There is some cellphone reception at Puerto Bahmondez. Ricardo in Candelario Mansilla should have some internet connectivity. Nicole's family recently got Starlink satellite internet, which works really well (better than in El Chalten and Villa O'Higgins). You can also charge your devices with them.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-23-29 / 7 day / Hiking / NOBO / Candelario Mancilla to Villa O Higgins / Jess&amp;Paco'''<br /> <br /> We crossed the lago O Higgins the 23 after only one day waiting. It seems the only company still making transfer at that season (and until ebd of april) is Las Ruedas. As said below the cost is 60000 pesos including the car transfer from Bahia Bahamondez toVilla OHiggins. In el Chalten they told us we could have a 5000 pesos discount if paying cash but it seems that Las Ruedas policies changed. There is only 16 (maybe 17 if a couple gets separated) places on the boat. The crossing last 2h if the weather is good. They usually come to Candelario Mancilla mondays and thursday but it changes a lot with the weather. You get in the boat by order of registration at the border control. So no need to hurry or worry. There will be no competition between passengers to board. And everyone is very friendly and naturally respects order of arrivals Camping at Candelario Mancilla costs 5000. You cannot ressuply but Ricardo has some eggs and bread so you can extend your supplies for a few days.<br /> <br /> After the settler at km 69, you have to ford between the lake O Higgins and a small inner lagoon. We werent able to pass because of water depth. It seems part of the beach have disappeared at that season. We add to climb and make a detour around the small lagoon. There are some animal trails to lead you.<br /> <br /> Km 90 demanding Ford n°2<br /> The refuge is closed and locked and you have to pass an unreferenced barrier to follow GPT track and get to the refuge.<br /> We advice to cross just after reaching the beach after the refuge. If you dont you have to pass by a gravelled/sandy slope that will make your ankles suffer.<br /> Km 96 demanding ford n°3 <br /> Before reaching the Ford we couldn't follow the GPT main track because it was completely flooded. So we add to follow the beach. But rocky shore makes some passes dangerous so we advice to climb just a little above the shore you will find animal trails that eventually get a few dozen meters above the river. Then you can ford but be carefull there is a lot of water and current. Fording at the extreme end of the river is also difficult because even if there is not much current, water depth can prevent you from crossing depending on the weather and the hour of the day. It was a really rainy day and we crossed at 12 approximatly.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-04 / 1 day / RR / SOBO / RR / Villa O’Higgins - Candelario Mansilla by ferry / Ondrej'''<br /> <br /> Had to wait for the boat for two days, most people I met there waited for 3-5 days. Two companies seem to be currently operating in the area: Las Ruedas (whatsapp: +56 9 6627 8836) and a guy named Pascual (+56 9 4296 4723) with his daughter Javier (+56 9 4403 6006). Both companies currently charge 60,000 CLP for the boat transfer. Las Ruedas has a faster boat and the ticket price includes a car transfer from O’Higgins to Puerto Bahamondes. With the other company, one has to pay 5 or 6,000 for the transport to the port.<br /> <br /> When staying in the town, I was told that during the high season, it is best to whatsapp the companies a week in advance and reserve a spot to cut the waiting period. Otherwise, I suggest to go to their offices and add yourself to a waiting list as soon as you arrive. It is possible to drop in to their offices regularly to see if some people dropped of the waiting list and you can travel earlier (happened in my case). <br /> <br /> Overall, Villa O’Higgins is a lovely place to rest and resupply while waiting for the boat. If you can bear the rain. I stayed at Hostal El Mosco - really nice and lively place. You’re going to meet mostly other travellers waiting for the boat too. The place has hot showers virtually all the time and a beautiful kitchen area. Camping is 9,000 CLP per night - bit on the pricy side but you can use all the hostel facilities such as kitchen and indoor showers. They also offer dorm and private rooms. <br /> <br /> I found the Cordillera supermarket to be the best place for resupplying. They also sell camping canisters. The wifi is generally bad in the town apart from some companies that have a starlink connection. You can get such fast wifi for free from Copec gas station.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-25 / 1 day / SOBO / Will '''<br /> <br /> Getting the ferry wasn't really feasible when I was there. I was pretty far back on the waiting list, and conditions were nearly always too bad to sail. A few did make it across (they later told me it was pretty scary) but the rest of us gave up and bussed out. Thankfully I only spent the days there. Took 3.5 days to bus back up to Chile Chico and then down through Argentina.<br /> <br /> Raining every day in Villa o Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-13 / SOBO / Véronica &amp; Zach '''<br /> <br /> Waited in Villa O'Higgins for 5 days for the ferry, due to strong winds and rain. There are two ferry companies — one is Las Ruedas de la Patagonia which operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday if the weather is good. If the weather is bad, then the boat crossing may happen anytime there is a good weather window. They can take 16 passengers. The other company is very small and operates very infrequently, since they can only take 8 people at a time and require a longer weather window because their boat is slower. Both companies charge 60,000 clp per person. We recommend reserving AND paying for your ferry ticket as soon as you arrive in town. People who only reserve and don't pay are subject to being pushed off the passenger list if other people come and offer to pay beforehand. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-18 to 2023-Jan-21 / 3.5 days / West Traverse / Iris, Alexis'''<br /> <br /> We were able to get a boat ride to Bahia Pescado by asking Rudeas de Patagonia. We came at the end of the day and they sold us some remaining seats at a fair price (50k for 2). Earlier in the day, the price was 60k each. <br /> <br /> When arriving at Bahia Pescado, we had difficulties to find the trail and struggled in the first ascent. We pitched the tent at Water {37H} [56.7/408]. The view all along and at the spot is stunning. <br /> <br /> On the second day, the ascent through RH-CC-A {37H} [5.6/48.0+0.5] was tough because it was really hot and the path we found was in rocky former river stream. <br /> <br /> Then, RR-CC-A {37H} [39.9/40.7+1.7] is even harder when going up. We suggest to continue to follow the shore a bit and going up straight instead of trying to do both at the same time. It looked easier when above. <br /> We camped at Camp {37H} [36.5/776] but we did not find water nearby. <br /> <br /> Third day was without any specificities except gorgeous landscapes and scenic views. Of note, Camp {37H} [114.9/268] is probably not available for the season as it is occupied by a dead cow. We found a suitable pitch a bit further on the beach (in an old corral). <br /> <br /> The return to Bahia Bahamondes was straight forward. The beginning of the trail is easily lost and we checked our GPS quite often. Then, the trail is visible and beautiful. We were lucky to find a ride to Villa O'Higgins at the port and did not walk the last 7 kilometers. <br /> <br /> Overall, we struggled a bit but had no real difficulties. The weather was excellent (even a bit too hot) and the rivers crossable easily. This hike was super beautiful and diverse. Also, we met nobody on the trail and it was really pleasant to feel diving into barely frequented nature.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-07 to 2023-Jan-07 / 6 days / GPT37P(H): Peninsula La Florida. Full &quot;8&quot; route and side hikes (to Cerro Tres Frailes) / Clockwise / Alex Abramov '''<br /> <br /> 179 km, Solo.<br /> <br /> An excellent route ranked in my top five favorites in Chile. Very scenic, varied, secluded, a real gem. In general, there are no problems with water or camps. Not particularly difficult, but the route has at least two quite demanding fords and many sections with complicated navigation and annoying thorny bushes (I always use my running shoes). <br /> <br /> My choice of direction, clockwise, is due to trying challenging fords first.<br /> <br /> I am somewhat skeptical about the length of the track by Jan, the discoverer of the area, I believe that the real classic “8” will be closer to 150 km<br /> Crossing the Aro(s) River requires a lot of care, especially when passing alone. It can be extremely dangerous or impassable in the early season, I put some useful tips in the comment on the FB post.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec / SOBO / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> We had to wait 8 days in O'Higgens because the ferry was postponed twice due to wind and the waiting list grew. <br /> <br /> Currently, there is only one operator (Las Ruedas). It is best to contact them early via Whatsapp and reserve a ticket.<br /> <br /> You can also drop by spontaneously the evening before departure. If someone has not paid, tickets will become available at short notice...<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Mar-06 / 3.5 days / 37P: Península La Florida / Tobias Schorcht, Jonas Grünewald and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Thank you Jan, for sending us your GPS-Trackfiles right on time. It would have been quite difficult, to make our way over the península without them, because there are numerous good visible cow trails around! We booked a “O’Higgins Glaciar Tour” (120000 Pesos p.P) and asked the captain (Markus), to drop us on our way back at Punta Pescado, where the settlers Nicole, Misael and there little son are living. They were happy to receive some fresh fruits and vegetables and invited us for lunch. Nicole and Misael are warm and welcoming people. We left in the afternoon and made our way to “los hermanos” where we camped. The settler who is living there, was not at home. Surprisingly, the weather was much better then expected. Locals told us, it’s always warmer (“up to 4 degrees”) and less rainy up here. We had no problems with navigation on our way back to Villa. There were no dangerous river crossings and numerous of potential camping spots. The views on the Lago O’Higgins and the near by mountains have been spectacular. We suggest to use gaiters, to avoid scratches of the sticky bushes. All in all, we recommend this hike!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> * ''' NOTE: Previously, this section has been only the ferry crossin, some time between 2020 and 2022, the new route across Peninsula Florida was added. The logs below are just for the ferry.'''<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan / NOBO / Oreste Marquis'''<br /> <br /> I only had to wait for 2 days before the boat came, but some people waited 5! Bought my tickets in advance at Glaciares Expedicion if my memory is right. Book the trip for the two boat (Lago del Desierto and to Villa O’Higgins). I don’t recommend to book the one on Lago del desierto because it is actually super expensive (60 US$) and you can walk it pretty easily.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan / NOBO / Olrik'''<br /> <br /> Bought the boat tickets in El Chalten. There are 2 options, Zona Austral which works with Ruedas de la Patagonia, and Expeditiones which works with Robinson Crusoe. Ruedas is cheaper, 54USD pp. Boat is just smaller. You can end up stuck for a long time in Candelario Mancilla so plan enough food. The only option is the paid campground which is 5000CLP. The carbineros will kick you out and redirect you to the campground. I would recommend to buy the boat ticket in advance as those with no tickets are not first when the boat comes. Transfer is 1h30.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec / NOBO / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> The official schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, From Villa to Candelario in the morning and back in the afternoon. But it is extremely dependant on the weather conditions, so it can actually be every days and every hours. <br /> <br /> I waited three days in Candelario. Mandatory to take the camping there (5000 CLP per days, possibility to pay by card after leaving the camping with the capitan of the boat La Rueda, who is a friend of the camping owners). Take some food with you to spend a few days there, because there is litterally nothing. Possibility to buy eggs and bread from the woman of the camping. I personally had a good time there, making good fires for hot shower and cooking.<br /> <br /> For the prices of the boat, I personally paid 35 000 with Ruedas, and I saw only two boats (Robinson Crusoe too). I would recommend NOT to take tickets from companies in El Chalten which sell them very expensive, sometimes double. You can buy it directly at the boat, possibility by card.<br /> There is 16 places on each boat, so 32 for my crossing. My boat was almost empty after 4 days of no passage, so no stress.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-10 / Lago O‘Higgins Motor Boat Crossing / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> Currently 3 companies offer motor boat crossings of Lago O‘Higgins between Villa O‘Higgins and Candelario Mansilla. Prices for a crossing without a visit of Glacier O‘Higgins range from 36‘000 to 45‘000 CLP. These companies are:<br /> 1. RobinsonCrusoe (biggest and most expensive)<br /> 2. La Rueda<br /> 3. ???<br /> <br /> Like in past years technical issues with the boats and weather (primarily wind) disrupt schedule departures and limit the capacity. This results in significant waiting times in both directions. Waiting 1 to 4 days is common but some people had to wait up to one week to get a seat in a boat. The biggest boat - La Quetru - is currently out of operation due to a motor damage.<br /> <br /> Recommendations:<br /> <br /> Be patient and don’t plan with a tight schedule if intending to cross the border between Villa O’Higgins and El Chalten<br /> <br /> Southbound travelers can wait in Villa O‘Higgins where food is available and can be paid with credit cards. But enough cash should be carried as the next ATM is in Cochrane, a 6 hour drive north of Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> Northbound travelers should carry enough food and cash to wait several days in Candelario Mansilla. Only basic food can be purchased in Candelario Mansilla (Cash only). Consider purchasing a ferry ticket in advance in El Chalten.<br /> <br /> Alternatively TAS offers occasionally flights for 70’000 CLP between an airfield next to the border and Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-11 / SOBO / Arnaud et Adriane'''<br /> <br /> Be aware that you will maybe have to wait the ferry in Villa O'Higgins. It is very dependant on the weather conditions. We had to wait 4 days.<br /> <br /> It was good to have a real rest after the section 36 and Villa O'Highins is a very quiet and nice village with many walks around if you still have energy.<br /> <br /> We stayed at the Mosco hostel who has rooms, dorms and camping and the welcome and attention of the team there is perfect.<br /> <br /> Only 2 companies offer the crossing of the lake. With robinson crusoe, it costs 45000clp/pers and the trip is 1h30 long. With La Rueda, it costs 40000clp/pers and it is 2h30 long.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-11 / 1 day / NOBO / Ferry ride / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe'''<br /> <br /> There's two different ferry companies. We were told in El Chaltén that it runs every Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday 3 times a day, at 11:00, 14:00, and 19:00. Cost is $50 USD, can pay with card. We took the other ferry company (Robinson Crusoe) because it showed up at 10:30 and told us the winds were rising so the first company might not be coming. They charged us $47,500CP each at the yurt in Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * '''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18 /uitk:'''<br /> <br /> There are a couple of options to consider for transportation across O’Higgins/San Martin Lake. There is a large ferry which is the primary option for transport when it is functioning. The second option is a smaller ferry run by Marco Campo. This was the only option during the 2017/2018 season because the main ferry had broken down. Marco Campo frequently caused hikers difficulties for several reasons: the ferry only runs a few days a week; the ferry only seats around 15 people and is in high demand since crossing the lake is a part of the Carretera Austral; the waiting list is long and it was not uncommon for travelers to spend several days in Villa O’Higgins waiting for a seat; it does not run when the wind is strong so last minute cancellations were frequent; it’s expensive (~45.000CLP). If possible, try and make arrangements beforehand or be prepared to wait for several days in a primarily cash-functioning town without an ATM. <br /> <br /> Comment by Jan Dudeck: Once the big ferry is repaired crossing the lake should be easier. The big ferry carries up to 100 passangers. Advance reservation is anyway recommended. If you are lucky enough to get spot on the ferry, board your ship at Puerto Bahamóndez. Marco Campos offers a shuttle from Villa O’Higgins for a price or you can road walk ~5 km. The ferry ride across Lago O’Higgins is notorious for being pretty choppy. It takes about 3 hours.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Calendario Mancilla consists of a single, small hospidaje and campground. Sometimes you can purchase meat or eggs from the owners, but there are very limited options for buying food.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> February 2025:<br /> There are 2 ferry companies taking tourists from Villa O'higgins to Candelario Mancilla and return. Both asked for 55k clp pp.<br /> <br /> To Bahia Pescado the price is different :<br /> * Amigo Patagon (+56 9 9476 8331) asked for 70k.<br /> * Ruedas de la Patagonia (+56 9 6627 8836) asked for 55k (same price for Mancilla).<br /> <br /> Both depart at 7:30 from the port.<br /> The price includes a ride from Villa O'higgins to the port that departs at 7:00.<br /> Ruedas de la Patagonia had another ride at 14:00.<br /> <br /> The days differ according to the weather. Best way to know is contact and book ahead.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT37H - Lago O'Higgins]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT37H_(Peninsula_La_Florida)&diff=120673 2025-03-07T21:50:37Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-05 &gt; 07 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT37+GPT38+GPT39<br /> | Meteo : soleil, pluie le jour 2<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : marais, bush bashing<br /> <br /> MAR-03 &gt; 04: Repos Villa O'Higgins car mauvais temps.<br /> J'ai reservé un bateau 60 000 CLP avec &quot;Ruedas de la Patagonia&quot; entre Bahía Pescado et Puerto Candelario Mancilla. Je leur ai laissé un colis avec 5j de nourriture pour les GPT38 et GPT39<br /> Le concurrent c'est &quot;Amigo Patagón&quot;, je ne sais pas si le service est identique. Il est un peu moins cher à ce que j'ai entendu. Je vais beaucoup mieux, le médecin m'a donné quelques médicaments à prendre si je retombe malade. Après la pluie je pensais que les torrents seraient en crue mais ils sont facile à passer. Pas de ford au km 19,8. Au km 20,6, 100m après le ford il y a un passage dans le bush pour rejoindre le banc de galets. Si la pluie n'a pas posé de problème pour les torrents, elle en pose un pour le lac et les sentiers. En effet une grande partie du sentier qui longe le lac est inondé dès le km 24,7. J'ai bien géré avec les flip-flop et j'ai gardé mes chaussures sèches en acceptant un peu de bush-bashing. Pendant la nuit le fleuve qui sort du lac a perdu à peine 4cm. Le sentier au bord du lac sera sûrement inondé 4 ou 5 jours. Pour le second col, le sentier, les camps ainsi que les marais étaient inondés. Impossible de garder les chaussures sèches surtout qu'il a commencé à pleuvoir dès 10h. Un peu de neige est tombée au col. La descente aussi se fait dans un sentier parfois inondé. Pas de ford au km 44,1. Il a cessé de pleuvoir vers 16h. Au km 53,7 je m'attendais à trouver une cabane mais il n'y a qu'un tas de planches 200m avant et une cabane minuscule en rondins 200m en hauteur. J'ai trouvé que le sentier était plutot envahi dès le km 64,2 et ce jusqu'au km 70. Contrairement aux étapes précédentes du GPT, la végétation est très piquante avec des petites branches très raide. Ca a vraiment ralenti ma progression même si souvent la végétation ne depasse pas les genoux. Au km 66,5 par exemple c'est tellement envahi que c'etait un ford, et le camp au km 66,6 était inondé.<br /> Je me suis arreté chez Michael à Bahía Pescado pour attendre mon bateau du lendemain matin. Pour 7 000 CLP, on peut dormir à l'abri avec wifi, toilette chaude dans un seau. C'était top, il est très accueillant. <br /> <br /> '''2025-FEB-25 to 2025-MAR-1 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / west traverse RR/ Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> <br /> <br /> We took a ferry from Villa O'higgins to Bahia Pescado and hiked the west traverse NOBO.<br /> <br /> There are 2 ferry companies taking tourists from Villa O'higgins to Candelario Mancilla and return. <br /> Both wanted 55k clp pp.<br /> To Bahia Pescado the price was different - Amigo Patagon asked for 70k and Ruedas de la Patagonia asked for 55k (same price for Mancilla).<br /> We went with the pricy one because the other had seats only at noon and we had only 4 sunny days.<br /> The ferries depart at 7:30. A ride from town to the port is included in the price and departs at 7:00.<br /> <br /> It took about 1:30 hours.<br /> Misael helped holding the ferry because there is no port.<br /> We had mate and stayed with Misael for a couple of hours. We would recommend planning to stay in Bahia Pescado at least half a day if you have time.<br /> He has wifi and you can contact him ahead. He also have a room for guests if you would like to spend the night there.<br /> <br /> The trail's description in the manual was pretty accurate and we don't have much to say about it.<br /> Hiking NOBO was nice because from Bahia Pescado the trail becomes better as you head north until the trailhead, and we think that CC[53.9/41.1+1.7] is easier going up.<br /> <br /> We loved the scenery on the west side. The turquise lake with Fitzroy and the glaciers were spectacular.<br /> <br /> All fords were easy and there were no snow on the passes.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-8 to 2025-Feb-13 / 6 days (indluding 1 zero) / Hiking / SOBO “X” route (Q circuit with a trip to Pass Canadon Los platos) / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> We planned on doing the full 8 but weather and conditions changed our plans. We ended up doing the Q circuit as described in the manual with a trip to pass canadon Los platos as well (X route?). We felt the trip to the pass was worthwhile but Bahia San Martin was not. We had pretty mixed feelings about this section but we were unlucky with the weather which probably played a part. The trail is very overgrown in places. We didn't enjoy coming back on the eastern side of the northern circuit, in hindsight we'd have come over Portezuelo Los Corrales pass again as it has better views and better trail.<br /> <br /> Ford 10.5-11.4km all about knee deep after a rainy day.<br /> <br /> Pass 15km snow from around 800m up on North side was manageable going up wouldn't have been fun to go down. Was only about 5cm on the pass won't have lasted long.<br /> <br /> Ford 21.6 was knee deep and pretty strong in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Fords 30.2 to 38.8km all fine.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Jan-27 to 2025-Jan-30 / 4 days hiking / SOBO Mix of East and West Traverse / RR + Variant G / Miaimzelt'''<br /> <br /> Summary: Beforehand it i organized it with Ruedas de la Patagonia that they pick me up at Bahia Pescado and handeled them a supply package. Misael Tisnado was supposed to be at home the day i wanted to arrive in BP. Because of the unreliability of the ferry i took food for the full-8. <br /> <br /> Note about the weather forcast: according to YR and Windy (ECMWF) i was supposed to get 10-30l/day of rain and also stormy wind. In reality i got a few showers and surprisingly lots of sun. The wind was indeed very strong. ECMWF was good for wind, but not for rain at the Peninsula. <br /> <br /> I have mixed feelings about this section. The views are indeed impressive and some trails are very nice. But others are badly overgrown and i really struggled at some points. The biggest challenge for me was the bushbashing. Although wearing long hiking pants i got tons of bloody scars at my legs. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Because of heavy rain the days before i decided to hike the eastern side of the northern circuit. According to other hikers, some rivercrossings at the western part can get nasty. <br /> The first car took me to the end if the Carretera Austral, where i started. The beginning was a nice trail with beautiful views. Besides from a swamp without solid ground, where i needed to bushbash to the other side, it was fine. The CC down to the beach was fun, also the beachwalk. Very strong winds started. The CC up was a bit difficult, because the terrain was overgrown with bushes, but it was ok. The trail to the pass was mostly in ok to good conditions. Down from the pass was often wet, but never difficult. Laguna Verde is very beautiful, i camped at Camp {37H} [105.1/549] with good protection from the wind. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Ford, X {37H} [30.7/575] (Rio San Martin) was easy and a bit about knee-deep. Ford {37H} [32.2/632] was a bit lower. Up to Pass {37H} [39.9/1006] (Canadon los Patos) it's mostly easy CC, sometimes there is a trace on the ground. I enjoyed it, the part i didn't like was the wetland before reaching the pass. The views are spectacular!<br /> The trail down was clearly visible and sometimes very steep. The 2km CC it only a straight line in the track, but that's not the reality. It was very hard with the combination of crazy winds (pushed me aside many times, forcast said up to 95km/h), steep slope, loose rocks and lots of thorny bushes. The part between the end of CC and Trailhead {37H} [55.6/344] was the most difficult for me. It's divided by a swamp without solid ground and lots of thorny bushes. To get to the other side i followed an animal track up and tried to bushbash to the TH, which was stupid and dangerous. I stumbled down a small cliff (hidden by the vegetation) and was stuck between trees and bushes. I was really afraid, but could free myself. Later i found a small stream, in which i could walk to the TH. <br /> <br /> The trail until Camp {37H} [49.1/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe) was nice and easy again. The camp provided good protection from the wind. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Puesto {37H} [53.7/550] (La Pampa) is only the enclosure but it has good protection from the trees. The trail to Puesto {37H} [59.8/274] (Bahia Once Hermanos, Don Cocho) was the best part for me. Easygoing and scenic views most of the time. <br /> It continued like this, but the quality of the trail worsened soon. It became more and more overgrown (mostly knee to hip high), but from time to time it was still nice walking. Down to Bahia Pescado i needed to check the GPS frequently, the trail was mostly overgrown. Overall it was ok to walk.<br /> Unfortunately Misael was not at home because his boot home was delayed. So no WiFi, I needed to ask Ruedas de la Patagonia per Inreach. I assumed the ferry will be postponed because of the strong winds (little better than yesterday) and continued. The first CC was easy, also the beginning of the trail. After a gate the trail was completely covered under (sometimes thorny) vegetation, 1-2m high. The worst part was here: -48.826471, -72.676567. Badly overgrown bushbashing with muddy and wet ground. This was definitely over my limit! It took some time until it improved. The panorama-trail along the cliff was nice, but the wind was annoying. <br /> Camped at Camp Without Water {37H} [76.1/464]. Needed to clear the small area (1 person tents only) from cow pies and small thorny vegetation before pitching my tent. Awesome protection from the wind! In the evening i got a message: the ferry will come the next day at 3:30pm. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Continued in the same direction, but after Water {37H} [76.3/443] it was again overgrown all the time, this time only knee-high. Frequent check of the GPS was necessary because several animal trails are leading astray. After 40 minutes i turned around, because i wasn't in the mood to squeeze through bushes more than necessary. This time i bypasses the worst muddy-bushbashing at the rocky beach between Water {37H} [71.8/271] and Water {37H} [71.3/265]. This is what i recommend doing, at least it saves you from parts of the BB. Heavy rain started 1h before i reached BP. Spend the time with their two dogs and sheltered myself from the rain in the tiny vault toilet until the ferry arrived. <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-07 to 2025-Jan-10 / 4 / &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO / 37H-10A + 37H-10 + 37H-08 + 37H-08A + RR / Roman'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Route: Started from villa o higgins to passo Mayer and crossed it to the argentinien border control by the route is published in GPT-36H. From there I went with with the Option 10A and the beginning of Option 10. I used GPS Informationen from someone I met a few weeks earlier and crossed via the mountains back to Option 10. After that i went with Option 8 and 08A to reach the shore of Lago o Higgins. From there I packrafted to villa o higgins and entered via the Rio Mosco border. Other options will be described at the end.<br /> <br /> Weather: The first day was bmsunny with no clouds. Day 2 was expected to be bad. Rain and snow and strong wind throughout the day. Day 3/4 sunny close to no clouds.<br /> <br /> I hired a private pickup from villa o higgins to passo Mayer (60.000 CLP) as the public bus (2.000 CLP) didn't matched my schedule (details: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18983dhVDL/). From there I hiked to the Bridge {36H-14} [201.8/476] where I got a lift by a local all the way to Border Control AR {36H-14} [191.4/480]. Started hiking at 13:45 PM. The Bridge {36H-20A} [2.0/464] is ok to pass but not in the best condition (https://imgur.com/a/cli2uGn). After that it's Trail and CC. There is a Gate here -48.320875, -72.21669 and a Settler here: -48.327207, -72.216404. A ankle deep small river requires a Ford here -48.329369, -72.21814. There is another gate here -48.354017, -72.22336 is is also where the trial starts after the CC. Camp Without water: -48.382875, -72.208171. The Ford {36H-20A} [18.9/535] was knee deep and ok. Puesto {36H-20A} [21.4/564] was what i have seen only the enclusure. Ford {36H-20A} [21.5/562] was as anticipated challenging. As I was solo i opt for a short crossing with the packraft. If you walk along the river there are options to Ford - would still consider it challenging and hip deep if you don't go further up/downstream. I camped here -48.409553, -72.180312.<br /> <br /> The next day started with rain and i went to Puesto {36H-20A} [23.2+0.4/581] fore some shelter. He was very friendly and helpful- stayed there until 12:00 PM when the rain stopped. He gave me Bread and something to drink. The hiking from there to this point -48.445516, -72.176228 was animal trails and CC trough the forest. Generally easy hiking with one steep gravel part. After that there was a nice trail until -48.46065, -72.150333. There is a steep downhill trough the forest. After a short traverse trough the forest a very steep part begins. Those are basically boulders 1-4m diameter in the forest covered with leaves. You will make 250m elevation in 1km. This is one of the crux if the section. After that i was caught in a 10min snow/rain storm. After that it's CC trough the forest until -48.490804, -72.148285 from where is open CC. I was faced with 2 hours of hiking in snow/small ice crystals until -48.541864, -72.199693 where I slept and camped. There was no wind protection. On the other side of the river was a forest with i guess way better spots. But the river had due to rain quite a lot of water and I didn't crossed it that day.<br /> <br /> The next day the river crossing was easy a bit above knee and fast hiking. As it was Thursday and Friday it was a long day. After a long CC stretch there is a waterfall/cliffs at -48.638549, -72.395307 where you have to go around the right (west) and traverse the mountain before there is a steep section where you can hike down to the valley. After that it's CC until you hit the trail here -48.658808, -72.423893. It becomes CC here: -48.675658, -72.435116. After that CC and Animal trail trough the forest until you hit the trail again here -48.690092, -72.459724. From there its all trail with a gate here: -48.695736, -72.501378 to lago villa o higgins. I slept here -48.701069, -72.522333.<br /> <br /> The next day i wanted to packraft back to villa o higgins. I thoroughly checked the weather before the trip and daily during the trip to get a feeling for the development as Friday was the only possible way to packraft northbound to villa o higgins. You have to packraft at least to &quot;island&quot; Ford {37H-08} [16.4/270] from where you could hike out. Alternately as soon as you reach -48.53111, -72.547087 this point you can walk along the beach (CC). I started Packrafting at 05:45 with 4km/h WNW wind with guest up to 12. This increased until 16:30 PM to 11 km/h 18km/h guests NW wind. Which enabled be to packraft the whole section with a average speed of 2.4 km/h (my packraft is normally 3.0 km/h). After that i hiked to Border Control AR {37H-08} [4.3/290]. The minor road was completely flooded and shitty to hike. There is a settler here -48.497027, -72.557765 which i mistake for the Gendarmería but he was very friendly and nice. The boarder guards where impressed and very friendly as apparently not many people to this route. From here one out i followed the 37H-08 to villa o higgins and got my entry stamp here Border Control CL {37H} [0.3/271] without a problem.<br /> <br /> Alternative ways out: If the conditiones doesn't allow the NoBo rout via packraft you can continue hiking to Settler {37H-08} [57.0/271] (Estancia La Josephina) (https://www.instagram.com/estancia.lajosefina?igsh=MTkxM2N3azY5eGRwNg==). They offer to camp for free. Breakfast and Dinner 75 USD (they take credit card). Accommodation is 75 USD. From they offer a boat ride to Grupo Cocovi [Camp {37H-08} [6.2/259]] (where you would also end up with the packraft) for 400 USD. They also offer a boat service to puerto Cancha Rayada (-48.886707, -72.388161) for 150 USD. (NOTE - the Chilean boats are not allowed to enter the argentinien side so they can pick you up there. From there you can connect back to the GPT track. Alternately you can hike to the same point. Once there you either hitchhike out via RP31 to Tres Lagos or continue hiking around the lake. For the Border crossing to reach Candelario Mancilla you have to exit argentina here: Gendarmería Grupo Lago San Martin -49.12617, -72.49184 and enter Chile here Border Control CL {38} [1.0/308]. From there on everything is as normal. If you want to go to Argentina you need a Salvoconducto and need to leave again also at Border Control CL {38} [1.0/308]. This is all according to the Subcomisaría Villa O'Higgins (F) which whom I spoke about this. For all those options you need to take sufficient food - keep in mind you can also get something in the enstancias along the way.<br /> <br /> <br /> Overall: It's a very remote section with beautiful views and i absolutely stunning enjoyed it. There are definitely some very steep parts of the hike which make it challenging - especially the nature of the route SoBo makes you extremely dependent on the weather. This has to be kept in mind and planned accordingly. I would reccomend this option for people with exploration spirit and an intrest in remote parts which have no problem taking the alternative options at the end of the trail.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Tracks and Important Markers):<br /> * https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tI8mmMfzsXLi3RNR_Q<br /> <br /> Legend:<br /> <br /> * Red: Trail<br /> * Light Red: Suggestions for better Trail (not hiked)<br /> * Green: Open Cross Country<br /> * Purple: No trail trough the forest bust fast hiking like Cross Country<br /> * Blue: Packrafting<br /> <br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-31 to 2025-Jan-05 / 4.5 / Hiking / SOBO (Full 8 Circuit) / RR + Variant G / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Route: Started in Villa O'Higgins at 12:00 PM and got 2 lifts all the way to Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez). Started the hike followed the RR with Variant G. Ended at Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez) and git directly a lift back to Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez).<br /> <br /> Weather: Before i started ther where 2 days of hevy rain (trees had blocked the road to the ferry) i followed the forecast closely (meteblue with the fitting weather models). After 10AM it was dry and the next 5 days were predicted blue sky and great weather with day 2 cloudy. I guess the hervy rain only effects the first 2 days in regards of Fords etc. all other points depend IMHO more on the season.<br /> <br /> I left my packraft at El Mosco which brought my weight down to 11kg with food which allowed fast hiking. The descriptions in the manual are all very accurate - in just mainly want to add my impression also in context of thrle season.<br /> <br /> <br /> I got 2 lifts which brought me right to Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez). Ford {37H} [10.5/565] was knee deep and easy. I skipped Ford {37H} [11.2/567] and Ford {37H} [11.2/564] with walking on the right side which was ok. Jump Ford Ford {37H} [11.4/564]. Ford {37H} [11.4/567] was knee deep and easy. No snow at Pass {37H} [15.0/1159] (Portezuelo Los Corrales). For Ford, Camp {37H} [18.4/637] there is a tree https://imgur.com/a/df9DLeb -48.571747, -72.656732. Camp -48.57239, -72.657142. No water and no Ford at Ford {37H} [19.8/607]. Ford {37H} [20.6/586] was knee. Ford {37H} [21.6/575] was the trickiest one on the whole trail and close to the limit. As deep as my whole leg and 3-4 cm below hip (iam 179 cm). Fast flowing with volume and mid-range witth. Camped at Camp {37H} [24.6/552].<br /> <br /> The beginning of the next day was tricky - high water of Lago Verde caused me to hike 250m in the lake to reach {37H} [24.4/548] (Lago Verde) everything was below knee. The following part until X {37H} [27.0/546] was annoying as some parts of the trail were ankle deep under water - if there was no space left i had todo light BB for a few meters. After X {37H} [27.0/546] good trail or easy walking on beach which was sufficient above the waterline. Ford Ford, X {37H} [30.2/575] (Rio San Martin) is easy - slow and wide flowing but deeper then I thought its above knee. Trail until Ford {37H} [31.7/632] also below knee. Trail animal trail and CC up to -48.637034, -72.691577 from there is a trail all the way to -48.648578, -72.736794. Needed to Ford here -48.640301, -72.709011. The other i jumped. A bit swampy up the hill but you can avoid wet feet. Down is steep and wet - trail tricky because wet. CC easy to Trailhead {37H} [54.8/344] ok to good trail -<br /> condition - easy to follow check time to time GPS that you are correct as there a some animal traols which branch off - would even go so far so say some what maintained. Ford {37H} [43.6/444] easy below knee. Ford {37H} [45.6/404] nasty one - vegetation in the way and fording goes around the corner. You go 3-4m straight until vegetation blocks the way there you go left (upstream) towards the light for 4-5 m trail is on the right front. A bit deeper then ankle deep. CC was ok before Camp {37H} [48.6/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe) camped there.<br /> <br /> Next day trail condition remains the same as stated above. Needed to Ford here -48.709878, -72.752919. Gate here -48.71032, -72.752736. Puesto {37H} [53.2/550] (La Pampa) was only the enclusure. Enjoyable hiking seen somebody at Puesto {37H} [59.2/274] (Bahia Once Hermanos, Don Cocho). Continued hiking took Variant G. Ford {37H} [63.5/375] below knee easy. Needed to Ford Water {37H} [65.9/343] which was a bit shitty as this was again dense vegetation while fording. Meet Bahia at Ford {37H} [69.3/255]. The Ford was very easy https://imgur.com/a/jBW6p35 at the current season. Now comes a short section which is a bit shitty as it was 20m of BB as the water runs down the trail and very dense vegetation here: -48.826471, -72.676567. Overall clear trail bit overgrown with vegetation hip to face from this point all the way to Water {37H} [71.8/292]. After that you get rewarded with IMHO the best part of the trail. Narrow at the cliffs with beautiful views the whole time https://imgur.com/a/zlbgnlx. Trail condition back to the old ok/good well visible even call this maintained. Water {37H} [75.7/443] steep canyon but looks more difficult then it is (at least when dry) camped at -48.834566, -72.625291 place for 1 2 tents no so wind protected but beautiful view! <br /> <br /> The trail remains in good condition and good hiking apart the first section going down to the beach after the camp where I slept. Met Guillermo here -48.80081, -72.557165 while he was cleaning the trail with a chainsaw. He wants to clear the next 5km aswell (so the direction i was coming from). He and his family was very welcoming and nice. He mentioned that the Ford {37H} [90.1/263] (Rio Aro) can be challenging and the water can go above waist. He reccomend to cross in the early morning or evening as the water level are the lowest (see hikers manual). The CC section down from Pass {37H} [88.0/576] to Refuge {37H} [89.4/278] (Bahia Aro) was definetly CC. I was well advised to follow the reccomend GPT line. I found some freshly cut trees (max 1 month old) here: -48.758043, -72.556528. The Refuge {37H} [89.4/278] (Bahia Aro) had a destroyed window. As the satelite image looked worse than it was at Ford {37H} [69.3/255] i assumed that it should be possible and also better then the upcoming mentitioned difficult fords. Fording was between knee and waist hight. It's a long Ford but not so difficult if you look for a good line. Crossed it at 15:30 PM. Didn't needed to Ford {37H} [89.8/259] (Rio Aro). Water {37H} [91.0/276] has a small bridge (two blanks) and a gate. Here was another gate -48.733258, -72.556809. Camp Without Water here: -48.72741, -72.55783. Water {37H} [93.4/395] was actually a Ford. The section from Pass, Camp Without Water {37H} [93.9/422] to the lake is CC in a river bed. Found a trail from -48.712738, -72.555335 to -48.710717, -72.555519. The level of the lake was quite low (I assume because it's still early in the season) easy walking with 20-30m to spare to the shore. No water therefore no Ford at Ford {37H} [96.7/255]. The Ford {37H} [96.6/255] (Rio San Martin) was similar to the one before. Knee to waist hight. Long but absolutely doable corssed jt at 17:30 PM. Stayed at Camp {37H} [97.4/262] in the enclosure.<br /> <br /> Day 5 was easy and fast hiking as described in the manual. The way up was in very good condition until GPT37H-L starts there the next 1 km was as described earlier hip to face high vegetation. The pass was easy to hike aswell the way down. Between Water {37H} [110.6/858] and Water {37H} [110.9/859] were 5 more spots you can call &quot;water&quot; or &quot;ford&quot; they can be all jumped the safe way would be to shortly ford them. There was water here -48.587975, -72.586089 and -48.540457, -72.595853. After that is was easy hiking all the way to X, Camp Without Water {37H} [8.9/349]. I got a lift directly at the Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez) to Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> <br /> Overall: It's a beautiful section and I absolutely enjoyed it! I would strongly reccomend waiting for a good weather window. The trail was basically the whole time in a ok to good condition.<br /> <br /> <br /> General contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-dic-24 to 2024-dic-28 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR west traverse / Celio, Amalia and Isabelle'''<br /> <br /> We took the boat from Candelario Mancilla to Bahia Pescado the 24 of diciembre early in the morning and stayed the day at Bahia Pescado with Misael. We took a dayoff and helped misael on what he needed then we had some fresh trout and salad for Christmas!<br /> For the boat we arrived at Candelario Mancilla with no reservation and were lucky to find out that they navigate the next day. Having cash to pay is better with no reservation. We payed 40000$ with Ruedas de la Patagonia.<br /> Misael is currently alone at Bahia Pescado since Nicole broke is leg in August and he will be alone all the summer. It was very nice to spend some time with him and he is welcoming! Pan amasado and Cordero were delicious.<br /> After the dayoff we left for the west traverse. The trail is mostly visible all the way and I think the hardest to follow is at the very start when you leave Bahia Pescado and go to the fisrt pass. The CC section before the Pass {37H} [39.9/1006] (Canadon los Patos) is easy to navigate and you find some trail.<br /> The ford of the San Martín river at laguna Verde desagüe was just above knee deep but with low current.<br /> The camp at arroyó derrumbe and laguna verde are amazing!<br /> We thought that's an amazing hike, very diverse and with no difficulties when the weather is perfect has we had!<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-19 to 2024-Nov-26 / 7.5 / Hiking / SOBO (Full 8 Circuit) / RR / Jonas'''<br /> Day 01: 19.11.2024<br /> Walked the whole road from Villa O'Higgins to Puerto Bahamondes. Not too many cars. Was able to cross the bridge at the electric station without any problems didn't see anyone, there was a car though.<br /> Trail was easy to follow afterwards. On ascent to the first pass I checked the GPS more regularly. Close to the top there were several snowfields. Around the pass was a large snowfield which needed to be crossed. It's hard to tell how long but I think between 500 - 1500 m. Walking on it was relatively easy. No snowshoes necessary at the current situation. Path was hard to find and follow afterwards due to several smaller snowfields. When entering the forest it was easier. Camped on the other side of Ford/Camp 18.4. there are two camps with a self made shelter/wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 02: 20.11.2024<br /> Walking through the forest is amazing! Path was more or less easy to follow. Keep an eye on your GPS though. At around 21 km I could really figure out how the RR goes. Where it was supposed to be there was the river and next to it was too dense vegetation. Also on the over side of the river I couldn't make out where the trail is supposed to be. I headed west to the forest and after crossing a swamp and finding my way it was easy going.<br /> Only had to actually ford three fords the whole day. Ford 21.6 was the first one. But the water never went above my knees.<br /> Walking to Laguna Verde, I lost the track every now and then. At Laguna Verde it was mainly beach walking for me. The ford at 30.2 after Laguna Verde was the second one where I needed to take the boots off. Water was around knee high. Afterwards it was relatively easy to follow the track. Ford 31.7 was the third I needed to take the boots off. I forded a bit more upstream looking for an easy option with boots on.<br /> From there until camp 36.5 it was mainly easy to follow trails. Only lost the track a couple times. There is no water directly at the camp.<br /> <br /> Day 03: 21.11.2024<br /> Way up to the pass had an amazing forest on the way. Trail was mainly easy to follow. Beginning of descent was easy to follow. On the CC sections I often got off track and usually stayed too high. I think ford 45.6 had an overgrown entry to the water. Exit door this ford can not be seen right away. It is a bit to the left (upstream).<br /> Landscape was amazing! Some sections with thorns vegetation in the way.<br /> Camped roughly 500 m after Pass/Camp not water 55.2.<br /> Was hard to find a wind protected spot.<br /> <br /> Day 04: 22.11.2024<br /> At the beginning the trail was relatively easy to follow. Later I kept a close eye on the GPS. There was nothing special except the amazing landscape today. Passed Bahia Once Hermanos without seeing anyone. <br /> Afterwards I lost the trail quite often. I was happy wearing robust long trousers! Trail was overgrown a lot. Sadly I didn't meet anyone at Bahia Pescado. Camped at Camp no Water 71.5.<br /> <br /> Day 05: 23.11.2024<br /> Short day. Nothing unusual. Trail was overgrown a lot. I think more than yesterday. Ford 79.1 Cascada was easy with not much water. It is a stunning waterfall!<br /> Found a nice place at Lago O'Higgins and stayed there.<br /> <br /> Day 06: 24.11.2024<br /> Trail was the same as the last days. Not too hard to follow but better keep an eye on the GPS. Trails was overgrown a lot for the first part of the day. Got better later. The trail/CC part after pass 88.1 to ford 90.0 Rio Aro was hard to follow. Ford 90.0 was knee deep.<br /> Ford 96.7 Rio San Martin was a bit more than knee deep in the afternoon. The current was kinda strong but not dangerous. Stayed close to Camp 96.9 between some trees.<br /> <br /> Day 07: 25.11.2024<br /> Way up to the pass was easy and nice. The river in the canyon looks super cool! Way down to the lake was mostly easy as well. Last km or so where the way splits I took the RR. It was overgrown a lot. Beach walking was nice. Way up to the pass was mainly easy to follow. Parts were overgrown. It took me longer on the plateau than expected, swampy and the small creeks were not always straight forward to pass. Way down was steep and overgrown but mainly easy to follow. Stayed on the shore about 350 m north of Camp 114.9.<br /> <br /> Day 08: 26.11.2024<br /> Last day of the hike was easy with some middy sections and some overgrown trail. Passed the hydro station without seeing anyone.<br /> Right after the ferry I got a ride with three guys from the Armada. Stayed again in Hostal El Mosco. It's a really nice place.<br /> <br /> It was a really nice trail! For me it was sometimes hard to stick to the GPX especially when walking on a slope. I was really lucky with the weather, only had real rain three times. It wasn't to warm but that was expected at the time of the year. It was interesting not meeting anyone for the whole time.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-03-05 to 2024-03-15 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR west traverse to Bahia Pescado / Maggie &amp; Julian'''<br /> <br /> Trail attractiveness 5/5,<br /> Difficulty 3/5<br /> <br /> Day 1: Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez) to (-48.6326, -72.6078):<br /> <br /> We organized a ride to the end of the Carretera Austral the evening before.<br /> The trail up the first pass was for the most part easy to locate and follow. On the way down we had to be more alert not to lose the trail.<br /> We camped on the beach by Laguna Verde at (-48.6326, -72.6078). A little wind exposed, but not too terrible the night we slept there. <br /> <br /> Day 2: (-48.6326, -72.6078) to Camp Without Water {37H} [39.7/931]:<br /> <br /> The area right before the Pass {37H} [39.3/1006] (Canadon los Patos) was gorgeous but too windy and cold to stay for long.<br /> Camp Without Water {37H} [39.7/931] has a wooden wind barrier and is in a forested area. It also features a beautiful view down to Lago O’Higgins. The last water source before the camp was at (-48.6410, -72.7160) near the pass.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Camp Without Water {37H} [39.7/931] to Camp {37H} [48.6/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe):<br /> <br /> This day had a long section of relatively easy cross-country descent. It still took us a bit longer than anticipated. We really liked the protected lakeside campsite and decided to end our day earlier, camp there and go for a swim.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Camp {37H} [48.6/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe) to Camp {37H} [66.0/343] (Vista Fitzroy):<br /> <br /> At (-48.7103, -72.7526) we found a newly constructed gate. It wasn’t built to be easily opened, but we could slip through the space between two trees. At first, it didn’t look like there was anyone at Puesto {37H} [59.2/274] (Bahia Once Hermanos, Don Cocho), but when we looked back after walking by, we saw a dog near the house. Camp {37H} [66.0/343] (Vista Fitzroy) is not a great option on windy AND rainy days. A lot of spots are rather exposed to the wind or in danger of flooding in heavier rain. (-48.8127, -72.7170) is a decent spot if it is dry. <br /> <br /> Day 5: Camp {37H} [66.0/343] (Vista Fitzroy) to Settler {37H-H} [4.5/264] (Bahia Pescado, Nicole and Misael):<br /> <br /> Depending on the water level of Lago O’Higgins, Variant H to Nicole and Misael could be difficult to follow. Is this the case, take a path a little higher up on the RR and then traverse over. We had very strong winds in Bahia Pescado our first night and unfortunately, the camping spot was not really protected from it. <br /> <br /> Notes:<br /> <br /> - We found Nicole and Misael to be incredibly welcoming hosts. We had such a good time, and they could use some help around the house, so we ended up taking the boat a few days later than planned. The ticket for the ferry was easily transferred to a later time, although this might not be the case in high season. On the other hand, the weather turned bad right after our decision to stay, and it was unclear if we would be stuck for a while.<br /> <br /> - Based on reports from yr.no and windy, we expected decent amounts of rain every day. However, to our surprise, we received only light showers a few times throughout the 5 days. Our InReach weather reports also seemed unreliable in this area. According to Misael, the southern Peninsula tends to have better weather than Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-19 to 2024-Feb-23 / 5d / Hiking / SOBO / West Traverse / Andrew'''<br /> <br /> This was a very challenging but rewarding section. A couple notes on logistics: The day before I left I arranged the ferry to pick me up from Bahia Pescado on February 24th to take me to Candelaria Mancilla. I also left a backpack with some extra food and possessions at the ferry office for them to bring on the ferry. Nicole and Miseal have starlink wifi, so it's easy to confirm the pickup details with the ferry once you get there. If you are traveling SOBO and don't have time for the full trek, this is the route I would recommend taking.<br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> <br /> I started walking towards Puerto Bahmondes in the morning, nice views for a road walk. Got past the hydro station without any trouble, there were some workers on the dam but they didn't pay me any notice. Being my first truly wild hike on the GPT, this was definitely harder mentally and I lost the trail a few times. I got well off trail on one of the fords where I tried to find an easier crossing. Pro: found a big patch of calefate with plenty of ripe Berries. Con: had to bash a way through them and some mud to get back to the trail. Would just recommend crossing closer to the RR.<br /> <br /> Going over the pass was physically exhausting, but I made it over and camped near the ford at km 18.4. The first camp after the pass is viable, but I decided to hike a bit further to the ford to camp somewhere a bit more sheltered.<br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> <br /> Nice forest walking, lost the path a couple times but made it through. First ford was dry, but after I got stuck in a swamp and couldn't find a good path around so I just went through. Walked through the next ford, to clean my shoes and socks. This ford was shallow and an easy crossing. The 3rd ford was the most difficult, deeper water and more current. <br /> <br /> I wasn't able to find the path at the northern terminus of the lake, but I walked parallel through the forest until I could join the well marked trail. There were a couple nice camping spots in the corrals near the lake. I stopped for a break but decided to push onwards to get a bit more distance because I wanted to camp near lago o'higgins the next day.<br /> <br /> First ford was easy, 2nd ford was more difficult. Lots of burrs along the way. Camped in the forest across the ford at km 31.7, although I think there was a nicer spot before the ford.<br /> <br /> Day 3:<br /> <br /> Walked through the dead forest, and after a short period of time I found a visible trail.<br /> <br /> I would recommend staying to the south of the creek as you approach the pass, impassable brush on the North side<br /> <br /> Lost the trail near the ford (km38.9) before the pass, and had to push though some brush. The trail gets swampy approaching the pass. Stunning views appear over the pass, this view is a highlight of the GPT.<br /> <br /> After the pass there's a steep descent through the forest and the long cross country parts were challenging and exhausting. I camped near the shore of Lago O'Higgins in a sheltered clearing (Arrollo Derrumbe km48.6) - the only water I could find was the lake which was a bit tricky in the high winds.<br /> <br /> Day 4:<br /> <br /> I came across a gate that I marked on my GPS tracks. Don't trust the easy trail after gate, you will need to divert left. Amazing views continued despite an hour of heavy rain. Camped just after the ford at km63.6. Both before and after the ford had viable campsites, but lots of cows and cow patties around. Note that if you camp after the ford you will need to duck through the gate in order to get water. <br /> <br /> Day 5:<br /> <br /> My last day was a short hike to Nicole and Miseal's house. We had a lovely time there before catching the ferry the next morning. I shared a delicious meal with them and two of their visiting friends, and bought some excellent bread.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-10 to 2024-Feb-16 / 7d / Hiking / Travel Direction (SOBO) / OH-37H-01, OH-37H-09, new Trail, OH-37H-01A, OH-37-A (not existing anymore), RH, RR, OH-37H-K / Tom'''<br /> <br /> I startet for 10 days with food for 12 days. I wanted to verify a few not yet verified OHs and EXP. Due to a little accident at RR km 96 I returned earlier as planned.<br /> <br /> On day one I climbed Cierro Alta Vista. The junction to OH-CC&amp;TL-A was easy to find. The track was not that accurate and you will find some better options by visual decisions. At 920m when the bush changes to wood go 30m west to the ledge and climb further up. 2-3 short sections where you use your hands, watch your steps especially with heavy backpacks. I pitched the tent near the small laguna on 1220m.<br /> <br /> The next day was on new terrain straight to the west ridge of cierro Altavista. I didn't do the peak due to snow fall and heavy winds. Then downhill to pass 37H-01A 2.7/822. That's very demanding in snowy/rainy conditions and the pass is hard to approach through the bushes. I don't know If ever a person did this section.<br /> <br /> The following OH-TL-V 37H-01A EBO is easy going but sometimes the track differs from the gps track. OH-37_A is completely owergrown and not visible anymore. I went further east back on RH and climbed the pass. <br /> <br /> Ford 1 in the Laguna Verde Valley offers a log 50m upstream, ford 2 dry, ford 3 knee deep. Some 50m I hiked in the river since the shore was gone. RH to laguna Verde is not anymore the best option. Following the river (OH) and the horse tracks is easier. Pitched at 29.3 in the old corral.<br /> <br /> I couldn't cross Rio San Martin due to heavy winds and strong current and decided to go back to OH and follow it SEBO towards Bahia San Martin on OH-TL&amp;CC-V {37H-K} [0.0+1.8]. After a quick glance and seeing all the logs I changed my mind and went to RR. I followed RR-TL-I {37H} [117.0/104.5+0.2] resp tried to. Go 40m north and find a decent trail that connects to RR-CC-A {37H} [116.3/103.8+0.7] . I consider this A as a V. The challenge starts right after the RR-TL-I {37H} [115.4/102.9+0.9]. This is not anymore TL, it’s BB or swim (the track leads into the river). I was stuck in the bush 5m over the riverbed.<br /> Somehow I could escape straight uphill onto OH-TL&amp;CC-V {37H-K} [0.0+1.8]. (500m/h) was my pace :)<br /> <br /> Right after the river crossing on east cost, the track pointed into the lago. I didn’t want to swim and decided to follow an huge animal path into the mountains. The worst decision on this day! Iended up in the rocks and stuck again (this was a bit scary) eventually after another 1.5 hours I was at the starting point, bleeding and exhausted. I decided to stay here. The goal was far away, a little behind rio Aro to do some Aro valley investigation the next day. <br /> <br /> I changed my plans since my ankle was a little sprained and went back to Laguna Verde to find an appropriate alternative to RR where I was stuck in the bush the day before. I could verify a few trails. RR from this side towards towards the puesto is existing until the ford, but not much further downstream. The river ate 100-150m of RR. There is also a second ford closer to the puesto. The puesto was unmanned. OH-TL-I 37H-M from the puesto to west shore of rio San Martin is easy going.<br /> <br /> At the end of the curve of RR-CC-A {37H} [116.3/103.8+0.7] I found a new connection. Turn exactly east CC for 60m , you’ll hit a not yet known connection trail to OH-TL&amp;CC-V {37H-K} [0.0+1.8] . If coming from east coast pass the connection and keep to the right when TL splits 200 m off shore. You’ll end at the viejo corral.<br /> <br /> On pass Portezuelo el Roce (RR-TL-V 111.7/948) I tried to climb the mountain SW of the pass. Unfortunately I couln'd find a pass through be woods behind the rock band. I tried the peak on the other side of the pass and made it to the top 1km S of the pass. All easy CC in loose rocks. Outstanding view from Laguna Verde to Villa O'Higgins and almost to Candelaria Mancilla.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-25 to 2024-Mar-27 / 2.5 days hiking + 2.5 days waiting/ Hiking / SOBO / RR, West Traverse + OH G + H / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined Section 37, 38 and 39. It took me 10.5 days including 2.5 days waiting at Bahia Pescado for the ferry. I left a bag with food in Villa O'Higgins which the ferry brought me. And I could store food at the chilenian Border station. Therefore I never had to cary food for more than 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-29.3]<br /> <br /> I started hiking in Villa O'Higgins and got a hitch after about 2 km to Bahia Bahmondez. There was plenty of water all along the trail. The pass at km 15 was snow free. The ford at 21.6 was hard. At 4 pm the water was just below my crotch (I am 192 cm tall) and the current pretty strong. The RR along Laguna Verde is at times flooded by the Laguna. <br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [29.3-48.6]<br /> <br /> Plenty of water. Fords are max. knee hight. I really liked the camp at 48.6. <br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [48.6-62.9] + OH37H-G + RR [63.5-69.1] + OH37H-H<br /> <br /> Lots of Water and easy ford. I didn't see a puesto at km 53.2. Only some wood fences. I arrived at the House from Nicole and Misael in the afternoon. They were very friendly and welcoming. Originally I had planed to take the ferry on the next day, but due to bad weather it was delayed for two days. I spend those days with the family and they fed me completely for the two days. I paid her 30000 Pesos per day.<br /> <br /> * '''24-Feb-28 to 2024-Mar-2 / 48 hours and a day of waiting / Hiking / SOBO / RR, West Traverse/ Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I arrived to Villa O'Higgins on a Tuesday evening. The forecast was dire so I wanted to skip the Florida peninsula but before I got my head around it, it was midnight. I stayed in Hostal Moscou, nobody there wanted to cross (a group of cyclist arrived from the ferry at 23:00, the boat waited for a late crossing back) or knew when the next boat would go, I tried whatsapping both companies but they did not respond. In the morning, I went to Rueda office to find out that the boat left at 7:00 and the next one would not go until Saturday, so I decided to do the West Traverse and hop on the ferry on Saturday from Bahia Pescada. Rueda won't reply to whatsapp outside office hours (9-13 and 14-21 I think) - they run it from the computer in their office. The other company replied back only in the afternoon. So if you are in a real hurry out of main season, turning up in the port really early would have worked, the boat apparently had 6 seats unoccupied. It was very easy to arrange to be picked from Bahia Pescada, I left the company a bag with stuff they then brought me. I paid them the full amount of 55,000 in cash, in retrospect I should have tried to negotiate it down (but they need to make a small detour to pick me up, so I might not have been succesful).<br /> <br /> I got lucky to get a hitch around 13:00 one km out of town; the port seems to be a minor tourist attraction in itself. The route thereafter is indeed mostly cross country (trails much less clear than on GPT36 and TL&amp;CC combinations tend to be on the CC side) and is indeed quite scenic. The missed boat turned out to be a blessing as I only got some clouds high up and then sun instead of the forecasted fog and some rain. I was later told the peninsula gets better weather than Villa O'Higgins, especially in its southern part (it also seems anything that is not heavy rain is a good forecast here). Ford at 19.8 was dry. Fords at 20.6 and 21.6 should be Fords Start/End, you follow a riverbed with a river. After that, you still follow a riverbed, but without a river, which found a new course to your right. These fords and the one at 30.2 were the only ones that I could not jump or go over on stones or logs. Lake was low at the end of summer and I just mostly followed the beach. Slept at the corral at 29.3.<br /> <br /> CC&amp;TL from 31.5 is again a riverbed, I kept the river to my left most of the time until I could cross it on a log. I did not find anything I would call a trail until the pass. Either I am blind or gate 45.4 does not exist. Ford 45.6 is annoying as it is about 20m-long strech of flooded trail that is overgrown, ankle deep though (and the stream is very bushy, you won't find a better way, I tried). Met two GPT hikers at camp 48.6 - very nice camp. The forecast was for heavy rain the next afternoon, so I pushed almost to puesto at 59.2, sleeping on a green flat about 0.5 km before it. It was a windy night despite finding a seemingly sheltered spot. It would have been better by the lake; near the puesto at Once Hermanos would have been perfect if it was not mostly occupied.<br /> <br /> I got up with sunrise and started towards Bahia Pescado. The morning had better weather than expected, even with sun, so I ate breakfast for an hour and arrived around noon, just as the rain started. The family was there, I was invited inside, where it is dry, warm and with superfast internet, Starlink is wow! I was complimented on my Spanish as opposed to other GPT hikers, which was unexpected, I am like A2 and I thought everybody else is almost fluent! I managed to have a conversation for three hours though, even about the merits of various political systems. It was indeed very nice. It rained heavily on and off well into the night (snowed from 1000m up), so I slept on the floor. I was given lunch, a pie in the evening and one piece of bread (about 300g - I bought 2 more for 3000 each). I offered 20,000. I thought vegetable would be included too, but in the morning it was early and Nicole was not up so I did not get any, even though we talked about it the night before. She said she struggles with pricing. My advice is to probably deal with the business side of the visit early on and completely before darkness comes (I am not complaining though, it was lovely). Nicole said that since last year, more people are coming - I signed into a book and saw many familiar names from here, about 25 people in about 12 groups altogether! It seems most people actualy do write into the wiki, I always thought most did not. She said that she does not want it to become too popular, but the current level is fine and the money comes handy (I also think especially she enjoys company).<br /> <br /> In the morning, I was told the day before to be ready at 7:45 through whatsapp, but the boat only came an hour later. Apparently it was not much delayed in Villa O'Higgins, not sure why the discrepancy. Luckily I could wait inside, the view for the boat is perfect.<br /> <br /> Overall, the peninsula is really attractive. I actually preferred the inside of it, going along the coast was a bit too long. Also the trails are not in great condition, I often lost them and walked cross country. Nicole and Michel do not have many cattle and I think they do not need the trails to be perfect. I am glad I did not skip this section.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-feb-20/ 5,5days / hiking / Full loop west - east/ RR / Lukas en Tess ; Nolwenn and Yannick (first half)'''<br /> <br /> This is an incredible hike, (like most but still, doesn't get old!) Beautiful views, great camping spots and awesome people!<br /> Very demanding because of cross country and overgrown vegetation. (Not bushbashing but sometimes not far from it)<br /> <br /> Some recomendations: <br /> <br /> -The view from the pass [39,3] is amazing and so is the route all the way down. If you only do half do this side!<br /> -At the puesto {37H-E} km 69,2, this is where you would wait for the ferry. A young family that is very welcoming. Nicole makes super delicious bread and sells some vegetables. We payed for 4 people 15.000 for the salad, 18.000 for the bread and if you would camp there it would be 7.000 pp. <br /> She also sells essential oils made from herbs and flowers out of the mountains around, ask her, its awesome!<br /> -camp close to the beach, camp [78,1], best spot for a campfire we ever had. IF the weather allows and there isn't too much wind offcourse.<br /> -puesto [84,1], is more like a Refuge. Guillermo is one of the most hospitable people we have met on the gpt, he is not always there but he leaves the puesto open for passerbys. If he's home you are in luck we where there early in the morning and before we knew it we had our pockets full of candy and cookies, a cup of hot milk, some rice porridge and some dried meat. <br /> If he is not there feel free to use the stove, wood and utensils even the bed is to your disposal. He told us it's his family's tradition to keep an open door. If you happen to pass by leave him a letter or a note of appreciation, I'm sure that would make him very happy.<br /> -Refuge [88,5] is noting much but it's still there and you could hide from the elements if necessary.<br /> <br /> Plenty of water everywhere on the trail.<br /> <br /> Fords where no problem this time of year but we heard ford [89,9] is the one to be weary of.<br /> <br /> The waterlevel of the lake was really high at the end of summer and that caused problems crossing of the sandbanks on [69,4] and [96,1] the first we past with the boat of Nicole's husband, the second you can go around but...<br /> <br /> DON'T RECOMMEND, because of going around the lake on km [96,1] we started folowing a trail that brought us on the south side of the river but it's imposible to cross because it's a huge canyon. We decided to stay on this side instead of turning back but the smal cow paths disappear and you end up bushbashing your way through. On top of that, there are some canyons that are perpendicular to the main river and the only way of crossing those is going a long way up. In the end we managed and it was an adventure, gave us a glimpse into what Jan has been doing all these years ;p<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-30 to 2024-Jan-02 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We did the west traverse of the Florida Peninsula and definitely recommemd it to anyone, whether nobo or sobo. We prearranged the ferry to pick us up from Bahia Pescado, which meant we had ample time for the 68 kilometers. In all honesty - we expected much more difficulties and bushbashing but the route was surprisingly nice and straightforward.<br /> <br /> We were lucky with great weather throughout, albeit some strong winds. We got no hitch out of Villa O'Higgins and thus did the whole roadwalk. The trail up the first pass was steep but easy to follow, views from the pass were magnificent. The snowpatches were not an issue. In the forest before the lake there was a lot of fallen trees, so extra time &amp; effort was spent on climbing over them...then lots of soft sandy beachwalking + walking in the freezing cold lake as the &quot;trail&quot; was under water. The way up to the second pass was gradual and easy, the pass itself was swampy. Great views on the other side, too.<br /> <br /> The way down starts with an easy to follow trail, then it sort of disappears (or, rather, there are very many to choose from) and you gotta make your way down to the coast. Some bushbashing involved here but not much. The rest of the coastal walk offers great views and lots of smaller climbs, but is generally easy to follow. The worst section is the last 11 kilometers between Bahia Once Hermanos and Bahia Bescado - the trail keeps disappearing and there is a lot of bushbashing, which for those in shorts is very painful. The settler family is amazingly welcoming, allowed us to camp up behind their house and had us over for dinner. We purchased some fresh bread and salad material from them. The ferry picked us up early the next morning right by the house.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-22 to 2023-Dec-30 / 8.5 days / full 8 circuit / Villa O'Higgins - Villa O'Higgins / RR/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> This wasn't an easy hike but totally worth it!<br /> <br /> The best landscape was, for us, the west part of the panorama trail (along Lago O'Higgins) but it was also a challenging part with a lot of bushes and up and down. The trail was although more difficult to find and more bushy than in the east part of the panorama trail.<br /> <br /> There was still a lot of snow at Pass {37H} [15.0/1159] (Portezuelo Los Corrales) but it was easy to walk and navigate with a nice weather.<br /> <br /> The Lake {37H} [24.4/548] (Lago Verde) was a bit high so you have to walk sometimes in the lake but it isn't a problem. It's way better to have the feet wet and cold than trying to go through the bushes.<br /> <br /> We met the family Settler {37H-H} [4.5/264] (Bahia Pescado, Nicole and Misael) and it was a fantastic experience. We had maté and then bought them some vegetables for lunch. Be sure to visit them and to have some time for a little break with them!<br /> <br /> For the 3 major fords, according to the advice of Misael we crossed Ford {37H} [79.0/520] (Cascada) early in the morning (at 6:30 AM) to be sure it was passable. We crossed Ford {37H} [89.8/259] (Rio Aro) in the early afternoon on a sunny day and it wasn't a good idea. The water isn't really clear and it's hard to find how deep it is. We manage to cross it but I (Christophe, 1.74m) was wet up to my hips. We also crossed Ford {37H} [96.6/255] (Rio San Martin) in the morning (7:30 AM) the next day close to the lake and it was ok (water up to mid-thigh and strong current).<br /> <br /> On the second Pass {37H} [39.3/1006] (Canadon los Patos) and last Pass {37H} [111.7/948] (Portezuelo el Roce), it was quite swampy. Just put your fording shoes if you have some and don't try to keep your feet dry.<br /> <br /> All in all, it was a fantastic adventurous section!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-14 to 18: Fangwen and Tobi / 5 days (4 hiking) / NOBO / West traverse (Bahia Pescado to Villa O'Higgins).'''<br /> <br /> This trip featured great views and a real feeling of adventure, but for us, it was also a challenging trip that brought us to our limits. The GPT manual already has lots of details, so we will mostly focus on our personal experience and some logistical aspects.<br /> <br /> As far as we know, after Jan&amp;Meylin and Jess&amp;Paco last season, we are the first GPT hikers to explore the Florida peninsula in this new GPT section (previously, GPT 37H was just taking the ferry between Candelario Mansilla and Villa O'Higgins).<br /> <br /> Day 1: we took the ferry from Candelario Mansilla to Bahia Pescado in the morning. There, we met the lovely family of Nicole, Misael and their three year old son, Facundo. We had a great time with them, and they were delighted to have visitors (the last visitors having passed half a year earlier). If you have the chance to spend a full day with them, we strongly recommend this, as it was a section highlight. We slept on their floor for the night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: we started hiking just before noon, and camped at a wind-sheltered location at around km57.<br /> <br /> Day 3: we hiked to the trailhead (km 54.8, beginning of the CC eastbound ascent to Canadon los Patos), and despite it being 6pm already, decided to push onwards towards the pass. Unfortunately, we took a bad route (hiking uphill first and then traversing in steep terrain) and had to turn around to spend the night at the trailhead.<br /> <br /> Day 4: We started early with the hike up to the pass: this time, following the easier option of first traversing in the mellow terrain, and start going uphill only when we were already close to the pass. This worked much better, despite having to navigate between some cliffs on our way up. On the other side of the pass, we went on via some muddy swamps and river beds to stay at the camp km29.3 by the beautiful Laguna Verde -- a wonderful location for a camp and a highlight of the trip.<br /> <br /> Day 5: we woke up early to make it to Villa O'Higgins in one day. The terrain was comparatively easy to walk on for the whole day. Before the pass (Portezuelo Los Corrales) there were some snow fields, some of which required some creative rerouting. To our great relief, the steep descent on the north side of the pass was entirely snow free. The rest of the trip was relatively easy walking. After 25km of hiking we reached Puerto Bahmondez. Half-way to Villa O'Higgins a car passed us and we were able to hitchhike.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: as mentioned, this trip was quite challenging for us, despite the excellent conditions and our years of backcountry experience. In retrospect, this is something that probably many GPT hikers experience when they go on their first &quot;wild&quot; GPT section and find out what is considered a &quot;trail&quot; on the GPT. Technically, there were no substantial challenges for us. The river crossings were all at most knee deep, thanks to the good weather. (Also note that in bad weather, some of our campsites might be flooded). But the progress from Bahia Pescado to the first pass (Canadon los Patos) was frustratingly slow at times, since the trail was frequently overgrown with bushes (sometimes thorny ones), or covered in mud / water, or difficult to recognize such that we lost the trail and had to backtrack or bushwhack our way back to the trail. Psychologically, this was a tough experience for us. The crux of the trip was the CC section on the west side of Canadon los Patos. This 1.7km straight section took us almost two hours. After the pass, conditions were generally easier, progress faster and the terrain and views changed more often, which made hiking much more enjoyable. The last day, despite consisting of 28km of hiking almost felt easier than the previous days, as the terrain was easier to traverse than the overgrown trails along the coast of Lago O'Higgins. <br /> <br /> We can definitely recommend 37H, but hikers unfamiliar with overgrown trails should be aware of the physical and mental challenge that the terrain poses.<br /> <br /> Logistics: We combined sections 38 and 37 on our NOBO trip. For the (resupply) logistics regarding section 38, see our trip report on [[GPT38|that wiki page]].<br /> We took the ferry from Candelario Mansilla heading to Villa O'Higgins, but we asked to be dropped off at Bahia Pescado (start of the West part of GPT 37). The ferry company (WhatsApp +56 9 6627 8836, https://www.turismoruedasdelapatagonia.cl) charged us 30.000 per person instead of the 50 or 60.000 (?) to Villa O'Higgins. We gave the captain a bag of extra food and belongings to be picked up in Villa O'Higgins after the section 37 hike. This worked out without problem (the company has apartments there, so pickup should be possible any time of the week).<br /> If you can, get in touch with Nicole ahead of time, her full name is in the GPT manual, and with that you can find her Facebook account.<br /> If you don't want to walk on the road the last 7km from Puerto Bahmondez to Villa O'Higgins, you can either try to hitchhike (cars were infrequent but the first one we tried took us) or arrange for a taxi with Roberto (WhatsApp +56 9 8193 5236).<br /> There is some cellphone reception at Puerto Bahmondez. Ricardo in Candelario Mansilla should have some internet connectivity. Nicole's family recently got Starlink satellite internet, which works really well (better than in El Chalten and Villa O'Higgins). You can also charge your devices with them.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-23-29 / 7 day / Hiking / NOBO / Candelario Mancilla to Villa O Higgins / Jess&amp;Paco'''<br /> <br /> We crossed the lago O Higgins the 23 after only one day waiting. It seems the only company still making transfer at that season (and until ebd of april) is Las Ruedas. As said below the cost is 60000 pesos including the car transfer from Bahia Bahamondez toVilla OHiggins. In el Chalten they told us we could have a 5000 pesos discount if paying cash but it seems that Las Ruedas policies changed. There is only 16 (maybe 17 if a couple gets separated) places on the boat. The crossing last 2h if the weather is good. They usually come to Candelario Mancilla mondays and thursday but it changes a lot with the weather. You get in the boat by order of registration at the border control. So no need to hurry or worry. There will be no competition between passengers to board. And everyone is very friendly and naturally respects order of arrivals Camping at Candelario Mancilla costs 5000. You cannot ressuply but Ricardo has some eggs and bread so you can extend your supplies for a few days.<br /> <br /> After the settler at km 69, you have to ford between the lake O Higgins and a small inner lagoon. We werent able to pass because of water depth. It seems part of the beach have disappeared at that season. We add to climb and make a detour around the small lagoon. There are some animal trails to lead you.<br /> <br /> Km 90 demanding Ford n°2<br /> The refuge is closed and locked and you have to pass an unreferenced barrier to follow GPT track and get to the refuge.<br /> We advice to cross just after reaching the beach after the refuge. If you dont you have to pass by a gravelled/sandy slope that will make your ankles suffer.<br /> Km 96 demanding ford n°3 <br /> Before reaching the Ford we couldn't follow the GPT main track because it was completely flooded. So we add to follow the beach. But rocky shore makes some passes dangerous so we advice to climb just a little above the shore you will find animal trails that eventually get a few dozen meters above the river. Then you can ford but be carefull there is a lot of water and current. Fording at the extreme end of the river is also difficult because even if there is not much current, water depth can prevent you from crossing depending on the weather and the hour of the day. It was a really rainy day and we crossed at 12 approximatly.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-04 / 1 day / RR / SOBO / RR / Villa O’Higgins - Candelario Mansilla by ferry / Ondrej'''<br /> <br /> Had to wait for the boat for two days, most people I met there waited for 3-5 days. Two companies seem to be currently operating in the area: Las Ruedas (whatsapp: +56 9 6627 8836) and a guy named Pascual (+56 9 4296 4723) with his daughter Javier (+56 9 4403 6006). Both companies currently charge 60,000 CLP for the boat transfer. Las Ruedas has a faster boat and the ticket price includes a car transfer from O’Higgins to Puerto Bahamondes. With the other company, one has to pay 5 or 6,000 for the transport to the port.<br /> <br /> When staying in the town, I was told that during the high season, it is best to whatsapp the companies a week in advance and reserve a spot to cut the waiting period. Otherwise, I suggest to go to their offices and add yourself to a waiting list as soon as you arrive. It is possible to drop in to their offices regularly to see if some people dropped of the waiting list and you can travel earlier (happened in my case). <br /> <br /> Overall, Villa O’Higgins is a lovely place to rest and resupply while waiting for the boat. If you can bear the rain. I stayed at Hostal El Mosco - really nice and lively place. You’re going to meet mostly other travellers waiting for the boat too. The place has hot showers virtually all the time and a beautiful kitchen area. Camping is 9,000 CLP per night - bit on the pricy side but you can use all the hostel facilities such as kitchen and indoor showers. They also offer dorm and private rooms. <br /> <br /> I found the Cordillera supermarket to be the best place for resupplying. They also sell camping canisters. The wifi is generally bad in the town apart from some companies that have a starlink connection. You can get such fast wifi for free from Copec gas station.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-25 / 1 day / SOBO / Will '''<br /> <br /> Getting the ferry wasn't really feasible when I was there. I was pretty far back on the waiting list, and conditions were nearly always too bad to sail. A few did make it across (they later told me it was pretty scary) but the rest of us gave up and bussed out. Thankfully I only spent the days there. Took 3.5 days to bus back up to Chile Chico and then down through Argentina.<br /> <br /> Raining every day in Villa o Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-13 / SOBO / Véronica &amp; Zach '''<br /> <br /> Waited in Villa O'Higgins for 5 days for the ferry, due to strong winds and rain. There are two ferry companies — one is Las Ruedas de la Patagonia which operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday if the weather is good. If the weather is bad, then the boat crossing may happen anytime there is a good weather window. They can take 16 passengers. The other company is very small and operates very infrequently, since they can only take 8 people at a time and require a longer weather window because their boat is slower. Both companies charge 60,000 clp per person. We recommend reserving AND paying for your ferry ticket as soon as you arrive in town. People who only reserve and don't pay are subject to being pushed off the passenger list if other people come and offer to pay beforehand. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-18 to 2023-Jan-21 / 3.5 days / West Traverse / Iris, Alexis'''<br /> <br /> We were able to get a boat ride to Bahia Pescado by asking Rudeas de Patagonia. We came at the end of the day and they sold us some remaining seats at a fair price (50k for 2). Earlier in the day, the price was 60k each. <br /> <br /> When arriving at Bahia Pescado, we had difficulties to find the trail and struggled in the first ascent. We pitched the tent at Water {37H} [56.7/408]. The view all along and at the spot is stunning. <br /> <br /> On the second day, the ascent through RH-CC-A {37H} [5.6/48.0+0.5] was tough because it was really hot and the path we found was in rocky former river stream. <br /> <br /> Then, RR-CC-A {37H} [39.9/40.7+1.7] is even harder when going up. We suggest to continue to follow the shore a bit and going up straight instead of trying to do both at the same time. It looked easier when above. <br /> We camped at Camp {37H} [36.5/776] but we did not find water nearby. <br /> <br /> Third day was without any specificities except gorgeous landscapes and scenic views. Of note, Camp {37H} [114.9/268] is probably not available for the season as it is occupied by a dead cow. We found a suitable pitch a bit further on the beach (in an old corral). <br /> <br /> The return to Bahia Bahamondes was straight forward. The beginning of the trail is easily lost and we checked our GPS quite often. Then, the trail is visible and beautiful. We were lucky to find a ride to Villa O'Higgins at the port and did not walk the last 7 kilometers. <br /> <br /> Overall, we struggled a bit but had no real difficulties. The weather was excellent (even a bit too hot) and the rivers crossable easily. This hike was super beautiful and diverse. Also, we met nobody on the trail and it was really pleasant to feel diving into barely frequented nature.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-07 to 2023-Jan-07 / 6 days / GPT37P(H): Peninsula La Florida. Full &quot;8&quot; route and side hikes (to Cerro Tres Frailes) / Clockwise / Alex Abramov '''<br /> <br /> 179 km, Solo.<br /> <br /> An excellent route ranked in my top five favorites in Chile. Very scenic, varied, secluded, a real gem. In general, there are no problems with water or camps. Not particularly difficult, but the route has at least two quite demanding fords and many sections with complicated navigation and annoying thorny bushes (I always use my running shoes). <br /> <br /> My choice of direction, clockwise, is due to trying challenging fords first.<br /> <br /> I am somewhat skeptical about the length of the track by Jan, the discoverer of the area, I believe that the real classic “8” will be closer to 150 km<br /> Crossing the Aro(s) River requires a lot of care, especially when passing alone. It can be extremely dangerous or impassable in the early season, I put some useful tips in the comment on the FB post.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec / SOBO / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> We had to wait 8 days in O'Higgens because the ferry was postponed twice due to wind and the waiting list grew. <br /> <br /> Currently, there is only one operator (Las Ruedas). It is best to contact them early via Whatsapp and reserve a ticket.<br /> <br /> You can also drop by spontaneously the evening before departure. If someone has not paid, tickets will become available at short notice...<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Mar-06 / 3.5 days / 37P: Península La Florida / Tobias Schorcht, Jonas Grünewald and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Thank you Jan, for sending us your GPS-Trackfiles right on time. It would have been quite difficult, to make our way over the península without them, because there are numerous good visible cow trails around! We booked a “O’Higgins Glaciar Tour” (120000 Pesos p.P) and asked the captain (Markus), to drop us on our way back at Punta Pescado, where the settlers Nicole, Misael and there little son are living. They were happy to receive some fresh fruits and vegetables and invited us for lunch. Nicole and Misael are warm and welcoming people. We left in the afternoon and made our way to “los hermanos” where we camped. The settler who is living there, was not at home. Surprisingly, the weather was much better then expected. Locals told us, it’s always warmer (“up to 4 degrees”) and less rainy up here. We had no problems with navigation on our way back to Villa. There were no dangerous river crossings and numerous of potential camping spots. The views on the Lago O’Higgins and the near by mountains have been spectacular. We suggest to use gaiters, to avoid scratches of the sticky bushes. All in all, we recommend this hike!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> * ''' NOTE: Previously, this section has been only the ferry crossin, some time between 2020 and 2022, the new route across Peninsula Florida was added. The logs below are just for the ferry.'''<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan / NOBO / Oreste Marquis'''<br /> <br /> I only had to wait for 2 days before the boat came, but some people waited 5! Bought my tickets in advance at Glaciares Expedicion if my memory is right. Book the trip for the two boat (Lago del Desierto and to Villa O’Higgins). I don’t recommend to book the one on Lago del desierto because it is actually super expensive (60 US$) and you can walk it pretty easily.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan / NOBO / Olrik'''<br /> <br /> Bought the boat tickets in El Chalten. There are 2 options, Zona Austral which works with Ruedas de la Patagonia, and Expeditiones which works with Robinson Crusoe. Ruedas is cheaper, 54USD pp. Boat is just smaller. You can end up stuck for a long time in Candelario Mancilla so plan enough food. The only option is the paid campground which is 5000CLP. The carbineros will kick you out and redirect you to the campground. I would recommend to buy the boat ticket in advance as those with no tickets are not first when the boat comes. Transfer is 1h30.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec / NOBO / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> The official schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, From Villa to Candelario in the morning and back in the afternoon. But it is extremely dependant on the weather conditions, so it can actually be every days and every hours. <br /> <br /> I waited three days in Candelario. Mandatory to take the camping there (5000 CLP per days, possibility to pay by card after leaving the camping with the capitan of the boat La Rueda, who is a friend of the camping owners). Take some food with you to spend a few days there, because there is litterally nothing. Possibility to buy eggs and bread from the woman of the camping. I personally had a good time there, making good fires for hot shower and cooking.<br /> <br /> For the prices of the boat, I personally paid 35 000 with Ruedas, and I saw only two boats (Robinson Crusoe too). I would recommend NOT to take tickets from companies in El Chalten which sell them very expensive, sometimes double. You can buy it directly at the boat, possibility by card.<br /> There is 16 places on each boat, so 32 for my crossing. My boat was almost empty after 4 days of no passage, so no stress.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-10 / Lago O‘Higgins Motor Boat Crossing / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> Currently 3 companies offer motor boat crossings of Lago O‘Higgins between Villa O‘Higgins and Candelario Mansilla. Prices for a crossing without a visit of Glacier O‘Higgins range from 36‘000 to 45‘000 CLP. These companies are:<br /> 1. RobinsonCrusoe (biggest and most expensive)<br /> 2. La Rueda<br /> 3. ???<br /> <br /> Like in past years technical issues with the boats and weather (primarily wind) disrupt schedule departures and limit the capacity. This results in significant waiting times in both directions. Waiting 1 to 4 days is common but some people had to wait up to one week to get a seat in a boat. The biggest boat - La Quetru - is currently out of operation due to a motor damage.<br /> <br /> Recommendations:<br /> <br /> Be patient and don’t plan with a tight schedule if intending to cross the border between Villa O’Higgins and El Chalten<br /> <br /> Southbound travelers can wait in Villa O‘Higgins where food is available and can be paid with credit cards. But enough cash should be carried as the next ATM is in Cochrane, a 6 hour drive north of Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> Northbound travelers should carry enough food and cash to wait several days in Candelario Mansilla. Only basic food can be purchased in Candelario Mansilla (Cash only). Consider purchasing a ferry ticket in advance in El Chalten.<br /> <br /> Alternatively TAS offers occasionally flights for 70’000 CLP between an airfield next to the border and Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-11 / SOBO / Arnaud et Adriane'''<br /> <br /> Be aware that you will maybe have to wait the ferry in Villa O'Higgins. It is very dependant on the weather conditions. We had to wait 4 days.<br /> <br /> It was good to have a real rest after the section 36 and Villa O'Highins is a very quiet and nice village with many walks around if you still have energy.<br /> <br /> We stayed at the Mosco hostel who has rooms, dorms and camping and the welcome and attention of the team there is perfect.<br /> <br /> Only 2 companies offer the crossing of the lake. With robinson crusoe, it costs 45000clp/pers and the trip is 1h30 long. With La Rueda, it costs 40000clp/pers and it is 2h30 long.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-11 / 1 day / NOBO / Ferry ride / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe'''<br /> <br /> There's two different ferry companies. We were told in El Chaltén that it runs every Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday 3 times a day, at 11:00, 14:00, and 19:00. Cost is $50 USD, can pay with card. We took the other ferry company (Robinson Crusoe) because it showed up at 10:30 and told us the winds were rising so the first company might not be coming. They charged us $47,500CP each at the yurt in Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * '''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18 /uitk:'''<br /> <br /> There are a couple of options to consider for transportation across O’Higgins/San Martin Lake. There is a large ferry which is the primary option for transport when it is functioning. The second option is a smaller ferry run by Marco Campo. This was the only option during the 2017/2018 season because the main ferry had broken down. Marco Campo frequently caused hikers difficulties for several reasons: the ferry only runs a few days a week; the ferry only seats around 15 people and is in high demand since crossing the lake is a part of the Carretera Austral; the waiting list is long and it was not uncommon for travelers to spend several days in Villa O’Higgins waiting for a seat; it does not run when the wind is strong so last minute cancellations were frequent; it’s expensive (~45.000CLP). If possible, try and make arrangements beforehand or be prepared to wait for several days in a primarily cash-functioning town without an ATM. <br /> <br /> Comment by Jan Dudeck: Once the big ferry is repaired crossing the lake should be easier. The big ferry carries up to 100 passangers. Advance reservation is anyway recommended. If you are lucky enough to get spot on the ferry, board your ship at Puerto Bahamóndez. Marco Campos offers a shuttle from Villa O’Higgins for a price or you can road walk ~5 km. The ferry ride across Lago O’Higgins is notorious for being pretty choppy. It takes about 3 hours.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Calendario Mancilla consists of a single, small hospidaje and campground. Sometimes you can purchase meat or eggs from the owners, but there are very limited options for buying food.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> February 2025:<br /> There are 2 ferry companies taking tourists from Villa O'higgins to Candelario Mancilla and return. Both asked for 55k clp pp.<br /> <br /> To Bahia Pescado the price is different :<br /> * Amigo Patagon (+56 9 9476 8331) asked for 70k.<br /> * Ruedas de la Patagonia (+56 9 6627 8836) asked for 55k (same price for Mancilla).<br /> <br /> Both depart at 7:30 from the port.<br /> The price includes a ride from Villa O'higgins to the port that departs at 7:00.<br /> Ruedas de la Patagonia had another ride at 14:00.<br /> <br /> The days differ according to the weather. Best way to know is contact and book ahead.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT37H - Lago O'Higgins]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT37H_(Peninsula_La_Florida)&diff=120672 2025-03-07T21:46:43Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-MAR-05 &gt; 07 / 2,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT37+GPT38+GPT39<br /> | Meteo : soleil, pluie le jour 2<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : marais, bush bashing<br /> <br /> MAR-03 &gt; 04: Repos Villa O'Higgins car mauvais temps.<br /> J'ai reservé un bateau 60 000 CLP avec &quot;Ruedas de la Patagonia&quot; entre Bahía Pescado et Puerto Candelario Mancilla. Je leur ai laissé un colis avec 5j de nourriture pour les GPT38 et GPT39<br /> Le concurrent c'est &quot;Amigo Patagón&quot;, je ne sais pas si le service est identique. Il est un peu moins cher à ce que j'ai entendu. Je vais beaucoup mieux, le médecin m'a donné quelques médicaments à prendre si je retombe malade. Après la pluie je pensais que les torrents seraient en crue mais ils sont facile à passer. Pas de ford au km 19,8. Au km 20,6, 100m après le ford il y a un passage dans le bush pour rejoindre le banc de galets. Si la pluie n'a pas posé de problème pour les torrents, elle en pose un pour le lac et les sentiers. En effet une grande partie du sentier qui longe le lac est inondé dès le km 24,7. J'ai bien géré avec les flip-flop et j'ai gardé mes chaussures sèches en acceptant un peu de bush-bashing. Pendant la nuit le fleuve qui sort du lac a perdu à peine 4cm. Le sentier au bord du lac sera sûrement inondé 4 ou 5 jours. Pour le second col, le sentier, les camps ainsi que les marais étaient inondés. Impossible de garder les chaussures sèches surtout qu'il a commencé à pleuvoir dès 10h. Un peu de neige est tombée au col. La descente aussi se fait dans un sentier parfois inondé. Pas de ford au km 44,1. Au km 53,7 je m'attendais à trouver une cabane mais il n'y a qu'un tas de planches 200m avant et une cabane minuscule en rondins 200m en hauteur. J'ai trouvé que le sentier était plutot envahi dès le km 64,2 et ce jusqu'au km 70. Contrairement aux étapes précédentes du GPT, la végétation est très piquante avec des petites branches très raide. Ca a vraiment ralenti ma progression même si souvent la végétation ne depasse pas les genoux. Au km 66,5 par exemple c'est tellement envahi que c'etait un ford, et le camp au km 66,6 était inondé.<br /> Je me suis arreté chez Michael à Bahía Pescado pour attendre mon bateau du lendemain matin. Pour 7 000 CLP, on peut dormir a l'abri avec wifi, toilette chaude dans un seau. C'était top, il est très accueillant. <br /> <br /> '''2025-FEB-25 to 2025-MAR-1 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / west traverse RR/ Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> <br /> <br /> We took a ferry from Villa O'higgins to Bahia Pescado and hiked the west traverse NOBO.<br /> <br /> There are 2 ferry companies taking tourists from Villa O'higgins to Candelario Mancilla and return. <br /> Both wanted 55k clp pp.<br /> To Bahia Pescado the price was different - Amigo Patagon asked for 70k and Ruedas de la Patagonia asked for 55k (same price for Mancilla).<br /> We went with the pricy one because the other had seats only at noon and we had only 4 sunny days.<br /> The ferries depart at 7:30. A ride from town to the port is included in the price and departs at 7:00.<br /> <br /> It took about 1:30 hours.<br /> Misael helped holding the ferry because there is no port.<br /> We had mate and stayed with Misael for a couple of hours. We would recommend planning to stay in Bahia Pescado at least half a day if you have time.<br /> He has wifi and you can contact him ahead. He also have a room for guests if you would like to spend the night there.<br /> <br /> The trail's description in the manual was pretty accurate and we don't have much to say about it.<br /> Hiking NOBO was nice because from Bahia Pescado the trail becomes better as you head north until the trailhead, and we think that CC[53.9/41.1+1.7] is easier going up.<br /> <br /> We loved the scenery on the west side. The turquise lake with Fitzroy and the glaciers were spectacular.<br /> <br /> All fords were easy and there were no snow on the passes.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-8 to 2025-Feb-13 / 6 days (indluding 1 zero) / Hiking / SOBO “X” route (Q circuit with a trip to Pass Canadon Los platos) / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> We planned on doing the full 8 but weather and conditions changed our plans. We ended up doing the Q circuit as described in the manual with a trip to pass canadon Los platos as well (X route?). We felt the trip to the pass was worthwhile but Bahia San Martin was not. We had pretty mixed feelings about this section but we were unlucky with the weather which probably played a part. The trail is very overgrown in places. We didn't enjoy coming back on the eastern side of the northern circuit, in hindsight we'd have come over Portezuelo Los Corrales pass again as it has better views and better trail.<br /> <br /> Ford 10.5-11.4km all about knee deep after a rainy day.<br /> <br /> Pass 15km snow from around 800m up on North side was manageable going up wouldn't have been fun to go down. Was only about 5cm on the pass won't have lasted long.<br /> <br /> Ford 21.6 was knee deep and pretty strong in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Fords 30.2 to 38.8km all fine.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Jan-27 to 2025-Jan-30 / 4 days hiking / SOBO Mix of East and West Traverse / RR + Variant G / Miaimzelt'''<br /> <br /> Summary: Beforehand it i organized it with Ruedas de la Patagonia that they pick me up at Bahia Pescado and handeled them a supply package. Misael Tisnado was supposed to be at home the day i wanted to arrive in BP. Because of the unreliability of the ferry i took food for the full-8. <br /> <br /> Note about the weather forcast: according to YR and Windy (ECMWF) i was supposed to get 10-30l/day of rain and also stormy wind. In reality i got a few showers and surprisingly lots of sun. The wind was indeed very strong. ECMWF was good for wind, but not for rain at the Peninsula. <br /> <br /> I have mixed feelings about this section. The views are indeed impressive and some trails are very nice. But others are badly overgrown and i really struggled at some points. The biggest challenge for me was the bushbashing. Although wearing long hiking pants i got tons of bloody scars at my legs. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Because of heavy rain the days before i decided to hike the eastern side of the northern circuit. According to other hikers, some rivercrossings at the western part can get nasty. <br /> The first car took me to the end if the Carretera Austral, where i started. The beginning was a nice trail with beautiful views. Besides from a swamp without solid ground, where i needed to bushbash to the other side, it was fine. The CC down to the beach was fun, also the beachwalk. Very strong winds started. The CC up was a bit difficult, because the terrain was overgrown with bushes, but it was ok. The trail to the pass was mostly in ok to good conditions. Down from the pass was often wet, but never difficult. Laguna Verde is very beautiful, i camped at Camp {37H} [105.1/549] with good protection from the wind. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Ford, X {37H} [30.7/575] (Rio San Martin) was easy and a bit about knee-deep. Ford {37H} [32.2/632] was a bit lower. Up to Pass {37H} [39.9/1006] (Canadon los Patos) it's mostly easy CC, sometimes there is a trace on the ground. I enjoyed it, the part i didn't like was the wetland before reaching the pass. The views are spectacular!<br /> The trail down was clearly visible and sometimes very steep. The 2km CC it only a straight line in the track, but that's not the reality. It was very hard with the combination of crazy winds (pushed me aside many times, forcast said up to 95km/h), steep slope, loose rocks and lots of thorny bushes. The part between the end of CC and Trailhead {37H} [55.6/344] was the most difficult for me. It's divided by a swamp without solid ground and lots of thorny bushes. To get to the other side i followed an animal track up and tried to bushbash to the TH, which was stupid and dangerous. I stumbled down a small cliff (hidden by the vegetation) and was stuck between trees and bushes. I was really afraid, but could free myself. Later i found a small stream, in which i could walk to the TH. <br /> <br /> The trail until Camp {37H} [49.1/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe) was nice and easy again. The camp provided good protection from the wind. <br /> <br /> Day 3: Puesto {37H} [53.7/550] (La Pampa) is only the enclosure but it has good protection from the trees. The trail to Puesto {37H} [59.8/274] (Bahia Once Hermanos, Don Cocho) was the best part for me. Easygoing and scenic views most of the time. <br /> It continued like this, but the quality of the trail worsened soon. It became more and more overgrown (mostly knee to hip high), but from time to time it was still nice walking. Down to Bahia Pescado i needed to check the GPS frequently, the trail was mostly overgrown. Overall it was ok to walk.<br /> Unfortunately Misael was not at home because his boot home was delayed. So no WiFi, I needed to ask Ruedas de la Patagonia per Inreach. I assumed the ferry will be postponed because of the strong winds (little better than yesterday) and continued. The first CC was easy, also the beginning of the trail. After a gate the trail was completely covered under (sometimes thorny) vegetation, 1-2m high. The worst part was here: -48.826471, -72.676567. Badly overgrown bushbashing with muddy and wet ground. This was definitely over my limit! It took some time until it improved. The panorama-trail along the cliff was nice, but the wind was annoying. <br /> Camped at Camp Without Water {37H} [76.1/464]. Needed to clear the small area (1 person tents only) from cow pies and small thorny vegetation before pitching my tent. Awesome protection from the wind! In the evening i got a message: the ferry will come the next day at 3:30pm. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Continued in the same direction, but after Water {37H} [76.3/443] it was again overgrown all the time, this time only knee-high. Frequent check of the GPS was necessary because several animal trails are leading astray. After 40 minutes i turned around, because i wasn't in the mood to squeeze through bushes more than necessary. This time i bypasses the worst muddy-bushbashing at the rocky beach between Water {37H} [71.8/271] and Water {37H} [71.3/265]. This is what i recommend doing, at least it saves you from parts of the BB. Heavy rain started 1h before i reached BP. Spend the time with their two dogs and sheltered myself from the rain in the tiny vault toilet until the ferry arrived. <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-07 to 2025-Jan-10 / 4 / &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO / 37H-10A + 37H-10 + 37H-08 + 37H-08A + RR / Roman'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Route: Started from villa o higgins to passo Mayer and crossed it to the argentinien border control by the route is published in GPT-36H. From there I went with with the Option 10A and the beginning of Option 10. I used GPS Informationen from someone I met a few weeks earlier and crossed via the mountains back to Option 10. After that i went with Option 8 and 08A to reach the shore of Lago o Higgins. From there I packrafted to villa o higgins and entered via the Rio Mosco border. Other options will be described at the end.<br /> <br /> Weather: The first day was bmsunny with no clouds. Day 2 was expected to be bad. Rain and snow and strong wind throughout the day. Day 3/4 sunny close to no clouds.<br /> <br /> I hired a private pickup from villa o higgins to passo Mayer (60.000 CLP) as the public bus (2.000 CLP) didn't matched my schedule (details: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18983dhVDL/). From there I hiked to the Bridge {36H-14} [201.8/476] where I got a lift by a local all the way to Border Control AR {36H-14} [191.4/480]. Started hiking at 13:45 PM. The Bridge {36H-20A} [2.0/464] is ok to pass but not in the best condition (https://imgur.com/a/cli2uGn). After that it's Trail and CC. There is a Gate here -48.320875, -72.21669 and a Settler here: -48.327207, -72.216404. A ankle deep small river requires a Ford here -48.329369, -72.21814. There is another gate here -48.354017, -72.22336 is is also where the trial starts after the CC. Camp Without water: -48.382875, -72.208171. The Ford {36H-20A} [18.9/535] was knee deep and ok. Puesto {36H-20A} [21.4/564] was what i have seen only the enclusure. Ford {36H-20A} [21.5/562] was as anticipated challenging. As I was solo i opt for a short crossing with the packraft. If you walk along the river there are options to Ford - would still consider it challenging and hip deep if you don't go further up/downstream. I camped here -48.409553, -72.180312.<br /> <br /> The next day started with rain and i went to Puesto {36H-20A} [23.2+0.4/581] fore some shelter. He was very friendly and helpful- stayed there until 12:00 PM when the rain stopped. He gave me Bread and something to drink. The hiking from there to this point -48.445516, -72.176228 was animal trails and CC trough the forest. Generally easy hiking with one steep gravel part. After that there was a nice trail until -48.46065, -72.150333. There is a steep downhill trough the forest. After a short traverse trough the forest a very steep part begins. Those are basically boulders 1-4m diameter in the forest covered with leaves. You will make 250m elevation in 1km. This is one of the crux if the section. After that i was caught in a 10min snow/rain storm. After that it's CC trough the forest until -48.490804, -72.148285 from where is open CC. I was faced with 2 hours of hiking in snow/small ice crystals until -48.541864, -72.199693 where I slept and camped. There was no wind protection. On the other side of the river was a forest with i guess way better spots. But the river had due to rain quite a lot of water and I didn't crossed it that day.<br /> <br /> The next day the river crossing was easy a bit above knee and fast hiking. As it was Thursday and Friday it was a long day. After a long CC stretch there is a waterfall/cliffs at -48.638549, -72.395307 where you have to go around the right (west) and traverse the mountain before there is a steep section where you can hike down to the valley. After that it's CC until you hit the trail here -48.658808, -72.423893. It becomes CC here: -48.675658, -72.435116. After that CC and Animal trail trough the forest until you hit the trail again here -48.690092, -72.459724. From there its all trail with a gate here: -48.695736, -72.501378 to lago villa o higgins. I slept here -48.701069, -72.522333.<br /> <br /> The next day i wanted to packraft back to villa o higgins. I thoroughly checked the weather before the trip and daily during the trip to get a feeling for the development as Friday was the only possible way to packraft northbound to villa o higgins. You have to packraft at least to &quot;island&quot; Ford {37H-08} [16.4/270] from where you could hike out. Alternately as soon as you reach -48.53111, -72.547087 this point you can walk along the beach (CC). I started Packrafting at 05:45 with 4km/h WNW wind with guest up to 12. This increased until 16:30 PM to 11 km/h 18km/h guests NW wind. Which enabled be to packraft the whole section with a average speed of 2.4 km/h (my packraft is normally 3.0 km/h). After that i hiked to Border Control AR {37H-08} [4.3/290]. The minor road was completely flooded and shitty to hike. There is a settler here -48.497027, -72.557765 which i mistake for the Gendarmería but he was very friendly and nice. The boarder guards where impressed and very friendly as apparently not many people to this route. From here one out i followed the 37H-08 to villa o higgins and got my entry stamp here Border Control CL {37H} [0.3/271] without a problem.<br /> <br /> Alternative ways out: If the conditiones doesn't allow the NoBo rout via packraft you can continue hiking to Settler {37H-08} [57.0/271] (Estancia La Josephina) (https://www.instagram.com/estancia.lajosefina?igsh=MTkxM2N3azY5eGRwNg==). They offer to camp for free. Breakfast and Dinner 75 USD (they take credit card). Accommodation is 75 USD. From they offer a boat ride to Grupo Cocovi [Camp {37H-08} [6.2/259]] (where you would also end up with the packraft) for 400 USD. They also offer a boat service to puerto Cancha Rayada (-48.886707, -72.388161) for 150 USD. (NOTE - the Chilean boats are not allowed to enter the argentinien side so they can pick you up there. From there you can connect back to the GPT track. Alternately you can hike to the same point. Once there you either hitchhike out via RP31 to Tres Lagos or continue hiking around the lake. For the Border crossing to reach Candelario Mancilla you have to exit argentina here: Gendarmería Grupo Lago San Martin -49.12617, -72.49184 and enter Chile here Border Control CL {38} [1.0/308]. From there on everything is as normal. If you want to go to Argentina you need a Salvoconducto and need to leave again also at Border Control CL {38} [1.0/308]. This is all according to the Subcomisaría Villa O'Higgins (F) which whom I spoke about this. For all those options you need to take sufficient food - keep in mind you can also get something in the enstancias along the way.<br /> <br /> <br /> Overall: It's a very remote section with beautiful views and i absolutely stunning enjoyed it. There are definitely some very steep parts of the hike which make it challenging - especially the nature of the route SoBo makes you extremely dependent on the weather. This has to be kept in mind and planned accordingly. I would reccomend this option for people with exploration spirit and an intrest in remote parts which have no problem taking the alternative options at the end of the trail.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Tracks and Important Markers):<br /> * https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tI8mmMfzsXLi3RNR_Q<br /> <br /> Legend:<br /> <br /> * Red: Trail<br /> * Light Red: Suggestions for better Trail (not hiked)<br /> * Green: Open Cross Country<br /> * Purple: No trail trough the forest bust fast hiking like Cross Country<br /> * Blue: Packrafting<br /> <br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-31 to 2025-Jan-05 / 4.5 / Hiking / SOBO (Full 8 Circuit) / RR + Variant G / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Route: Started in Villa O'Higgins at 12:00 PM and got 2 lifts all the way to Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez). Started the hike followed the RR with Variant G. Ended at Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez) and git directly a lift back to Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez).<br /> <br /> Weather: Before i started ther where 2 days of hevy rain (trees had blocked the road to the ferry) i followed the forecast closely (meteblue with the fitting weather models). After 10AM it was dry and the next 5 days were predicted blue sky and great weather with day 2 cloudy. I guess the hervy rain only effects the first 2 days in regards of Fords etc. all other points depend IMHO more on the season.<br /> <br /> I left my packraft at El Mosco which brought my weight down to 11kg with food which allowed fast hiking. The descriptions in the manual are all very accurate - in just mainly want to add my impression also in context of thrle season.<br /> <br /> <br /> I got 2 lifts which brought me right to Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez). Ford {37H} [10.5/565] was knee deep and easy. I skipped Ford {37H} [11.2/567] and Ford {37H} [11.2/564] with walking on the right side which was ok. Jump Ford Ford {37H} [11.4/564]. Ford {37H} [11.4/567] was knee deep and easy. No snow at Pass {37H} [15.0/1159] (Portezuelo Los Corrales). For Ford, Camp {37H} [18.4/637] there is a tree https://imgur.com/a/df9DLeb -48.571747, -72.656732. Camp -48.57239, -72.657142. No water and no Ford at Ford {37H} [19.8/607]. Ford {37H} [20.6/586] was knee. Ford {37H} [21.6/575] was the trickiest one on the whole trail and close to the limit. As deep as my whole leg and 3-4 cm below hip (iam 179 cm). Fast flowing with volume and mid-range witth. Camped at Camp {37H} [24.6/552].<br /> <br /> The beginning of the next day was tricky - high water of Lago Verde caused me to hike 250m in the lake to reach {37H} [24.4/548] (Lago Verde) everything was below knee. The following part until X {37H} [27.0/546] was annoying as some parts of the trail were ankle deep under water - if there was no space left i had todo light BB for a few meters. After X {37H} [27.0/546] good trail or easy walking on beach which was sufficient above the waterline. Ford Ford, X {37H} [30.2/575] (Rio San Martin) is easy - slow and wide flowing but deeper then I thought its above knee. Trail until Ford {37H} [31.7/632] also below knee. Trail animal trail and CC up to -48.637034, -72.691577 from there is a trail all the way to -48.648578, -72.736794. Needed to Ford here -48.640301, -72.709011. The other i jumped. A bit swampy up the hill but you can avoid wet feet. Down is steep and wet - trail tricky because wet. CC easy to Trailhead {37H} [54.8/344] ok to good trail -<br /> condition - easy to follow check time to time GPS that you are correct as there a some animal traols which branch off - would even go so far so say some what maintained. Ford {37H} [43.6/444] easy below knee. Ford {37H} [45.6/404] nasty one - vegetation in the way and fording goes around the corner. You go 3-4m straight until vegetation blocks the way there you go left (upstream) towards the light for 4-5 m trail is on the right front. A bit deeper then ankle deep. CC was ok before Camp {37H} [48.6/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe) camped there.<br /> <br /> Next day trail condition remains the same as stated above. Needed to Ford here -48.709878, -72.752919. Gate here -48.71032, -72.752736. Puesto {37H} [53.2/550] (La Pampa) was only the enclusure. Enjoyable hiking seen somebody at Puesto {37H} [59.2/274] (Bahia Once Hermanos, Don Cocho). Continued hiking took Variant G. Ford {37H} [63.5/375] below knee easy. Needed to Ford Water {37H} [65.9/343] which was a bit shitty as this was again dense vegetation while fording. Meet Bahia at Ford {37H} [69.3/255]. The Ford was very easy https://imgur.com/a/jBW6p35 at the current season. Now comes a short section which is a bit shitty as it was 20m of BB as the water runs down the trail and very dense vegetation here: -48.826471, -72.676567. Overall clear trail bit overgrown with vegetation hip to face from this point all the way to Water {37H} [71.8/292]. After that you get rewarded with IMHO the best part of the trail. Narrow at the cliffs with beautiful views the whole time https://imgur.com/a/zlbgnlx. Trail condition back to the old ok/good well visible even call this maintained. Water {37H} [75.7/443] steep canyon but looks more difficult then it is (at least when dry) camped at -48.834566, -72.625291 place for 1 2 tents no so wind protected but beautiful view! <br /> <br /> The trail remains in good condition and good hiking apart the first section going down to the beach after the camp where I slept. Met Guillermo here -48.80081, -72.557165 while he was cleaning the trail with a chainsaw. He wants to clear the next 5km aswell (so the direction i was coming from). He and his family was very welcoming and nice. He mentioned that the Ford {37H} [90.1/263] (Rio Aro) can be challenging and the water can go above waist. He reccomend to cross in the early morning or evening as the water level are the lowest (see hikers manual). The CC section down from Pass {37H} [88.0/576] to Refuge {37H} [89.4/278] (Bahia Aro) was definetly CC. I was well advised to follow the reccomend GPT line. I found some freshly cut trees (max 1 month old) here: -48.758043, -72.556528. The Refuge {37H} [89.4/278] (Bahia Aro) had a destroyed window. As the satelite image looked worse than it was at Ford {37H} [69.3/255] i assumed that it should be possible and also better then the upcoming mentitioned difficult fords. Fording was between knee and waist hight. It's a long Ford but not so difficult if you look for a good line. Crossed it at 15:30 PM. Didn't needed to Ford {37H} [89.8/259] (Rio Aro). Water {37H} [91.0/276] has a small bridge (two blanks) and a gate. Here was another gate -48.733258, -72.556809. Camp Without Water here: -48.72741, -72.55783. Water {37H} [93.4/395] was actually a Ford. The section from Pass, Camp Without Water {37H} [93.9/422] to the lake is CC in a river bed. Found a trail from -48.712738, -72.555335 to -48.710717, -72.555519. The level of the lake was quite low (I assume because it's still early in the season) easy walking with 20-30m to spare to the shore. No water therefore no Ford at Ford {37H} [96.7/255]. The Ford {37H} [96.6/255] (Rio San Martin) was similar to the one before. Knee to waist hight. Long but absolutely doable corssed jt at 17:30 PM. Stayed at Camp {37H} [97.4/262] in the enclosure.<br /> <br /> Day 5 was easy and fast hiking as described in the manual. The way up was in very good condition until GPT37H-L starts there the next 1 km was as described earlier hip to face high vegetation. The pass was easy to hike aswell the way down. Between Water {37H} [110.6/858] and Water {37H} [110.9/859] were 5 more spots you can call &quot;water&quot; or &quot;ford&quot; they can be all jumped the safe way would be to shortly ford them. There was water here -48.587975, -72.586089 and -48.540457, -72.595853. After that is was easy hiking all the way to X, Camp Without Water {37H} [8.9/349]. I got a lift directly at the Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez) to Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> <br /> Overall: It's a beautiful section and I absolutely enjoyed it! I would strongly reccomend waiting for a good weather window. The trail was basically the whole time in a ok to good condition.<br /> <br /> <br /> General contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-dic-24 to 2024-dic-28 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR west traverse / Celio, Amalia and Isabelle'''<br /> <br /> We took the boat from Candelario Mancilla to Bahia Pescado the 24 of diciembre early in the morning and stayed the day at Bahia Pescado with Misael. We took a dayoff and helped misael on what he needed then we had some fresh trout and salad for Christmas!<br /> For the boat we arrived at Candelario Mancilla with no reservation and were lucky to find out that they navigate the next day. Having cash to pay is better with no reservation. We payed 40000$ with Ruedas de la Patagonia.<br /> Misael is currently alone at Bahia Pescado since Nicole broke is leg in August and he will be alone all the summer. It was very nice to spend some time with him and he is welcoming! Pan amasado and Cordero were delicious.<br /> After the dayoff we left for the west traverse. The trail is mostly visible all the way and I think the hardest to follow is at the very start when you leave Bahia Pescado and go to the fisrt pass. The CC section before the Pass {37H} [39.9/1006] (Canadon los Patos) is easy to navigate and you find some trail.<br /> The ford of the San Martín river at laguna Verde desagüe was just above knee deep but with low current.<br /> The camp at arroyó derrumbe and laguna verde are amazing!<br /> We thought that's an amazing hike, very diverse and with no difficulties when the weather is perfect has we had!<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-19 to 2024-Nov-26 / 7.5 / Hiking / SOBO (Full 8 Circuit) / RR / Jonas'''<br /> Day 01: 19.11.2024<br /> Walked the whole road from Villa O'Higgins to Puerto Bahamondes. Not too many cars. Was able to cross the bridge at the electric station without any problems didn't see anyone, there was a car though.<br /> Trail was easy to follow afterwards. On ascent to the first pass I checked the GPS more regularly. Close to the top there were several snowfields. Around the pass was a large snowfield which needed to be crossed. It's hard to tell how long but I think between 500 - 1500 m. Walking on it was relatively easy. No snowshoes necessary at the current situation. Path was hard to find and follow afterwards due to several smaller snowfields. When entering the forest it was easier. Camped on the other side of Ford/Camp 18.4. there are two camps with a self made shelter/wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 02: 20.11.2024<br /> Walking through the forest is amazing! Path was more or less easy to follow. Keep an eye on your GPS though. At around 21 km I could really figure out how the RR goes. Where it was supposed to be there was the river and next to it was too dense vegetation. Also on the over side of the river I couldn't make out where the trail is supposed to be. I headed west to the forest and after crossing a swamp and finding my way it was easy going.<br /> Only had to actually ford three fords the whole day. Ford 21.6 was the first one. But the water never went above my knees.<br /> Walking to Laguna Verde, I lost the track every now and then. At Laguna Verde it was mainly beach walking for me. The ford at 30.2 after Laguna Verde was the second one where I needed to take the boots off. Water was around knee high. Afterwards it was relatively easy to follow the track. Ford 31.7 was the third I needed to take the boots off. I forded a bit more upstream looking for an easy option with boots on.<br /> From there until camp 36.5 it was mainly easy to follow trails. Only lost the track a couple times. There is no water directly at the camp.<br /> <br /> Day 03: 21.11.2024<br /> Way up to the pass had an amazing forest on the way. Trail was mainly easy to follow. Beginning of descent was easy to follow. On the CC sections I often got off track and usually stayed too high. I think ford 45.6 had an overgrown entry to the water. Exit door this ford can not be seen right away. It is a bit to the left (upstream).<br /> Landscape was amazing! Some sections with thorns vegetation in the way.<br /> Camped roughly 500 m after Pass/Camp not water 55.2.<br /> Was hard to find a wind protected spot.<br /> <br /> Day 04: 22.11.2024<br /> At the beginning the trail was relatively easy to follow. Later I kept a close eye on the GPS. There was nothing special except the amazing landscape today. Passed Bahia Once Hermanos without seeing anyone. <br /> Afterwards I lost the trail quite often. I was happy wearing robust long trousers! Trail was overgrown a lot. Sadly I didn't meet anyone at Bahia Pescado. Camped at Camp no Water 71.5.<br /> <br /> Day 05: 23.11.2024<br /> Short day. Nothing unusual. Trail was overgrown a lot. I think more than yesterday. Ford 79.1 Cascada was easy with not much water. It is a stunning waterfall!<br /> Found a nice place at Lago O'Higgins and stayed there.<br /> <br /> Day 06: 24.11.2024<br /> Trail was the same as the last days. Not too hard to follow but better keep an eye on the GPS. Trails was overgrown a lot for the first part of the day. Got better later. The trail/CC part after pass 88.1 to ford 90.0 Rio Aro was hard to follow. Ford 90.0 was knee deep.<br /> Ford 96.7 Rio San Martin was a bit more than knee deep in the afternoon. The current was kinda strong but not dangerous. Stayed close to Camp 96.9 between some trees.<br /> <br /> Day 07: 25.11.2024<br /> Way up to the pass was easy and nice. The river in the canyon looks super cool! Way down to the lake was mostly easy as well. Last km or so where the way splits I took the RR. It was overgrown a lot. Beach walking was nice. Way up to the pass was mainly easy to follow. Parts were overgrown. It took me longer on the plateau than expected, swampy and the small creeks were not always straight forward to pass. Way down was steep and overgrown but mainly easy to follow. Stayed on the shore about 350 m north of Camp 114.9.<br /> <br /> Day 08: 26.11.2024<br /> Last day of the hike was easy with some middy sections and some overgrown trail. Passed the hydro station without seeing anyone.<br /> Right after the ferry I got a ride with three guys from the Armada. Stayed again in Hostal El Mosco. It's a really nice place.<br /> <br /> It was a really nice trail! For me it was sometimes hard to stick to the GPX especially when walking on a slope. I was really lucky with the weather, only had real rain three times. It wasn't to warm but that was expected at the time of the year. It was interesting not meeting anyone for the whole time.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-03-05 to 2024-03-15 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR west traverse to Bahia Pescado / Maggie &amp; Julian'''<br /> <br /> Trail attractiveness 5/5,<br /> Difficulty 3/5<br /> <br /> Day 1: Ferry {37H} [7.6/269] (Puerto Bahmondez) to (-48.6326, -72.6078):<br /> <br /> We organized a ride to the end of the Carretera Austral the evening before.<br /> The trail up the first pass was for the most part easy to locate and follow. On the way down we had to be more alert not to lose the trail.<br /> We camped on the beach by Laguna Verde at (-48.6326, -72.6078). A little wind exposed, but not too terrible the night we slept there. <br /> <br /> Day 2: (-48.6326, -72.6078) to Camp Without Water {37H} [39.7/931]:<br /> <br /> The area right before the Pass {37H} [39.3/1006] (Canadon los Patos) was gorgeous but too windy and cold to stay for long.<br /> Camp Without Water {37H} [39.7/931] has a wooden wind barrier and is in a forested area. It also features a beautiful view down to Lago O’Higgins. The last water source before the camp was at (-48.6410, -72.7160) near the pass.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Camp Without Water {37H} [39.7/931] to Camp {37H} [48.6/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe):<br /> <br /> This day had a long section of relatively easy cross-country descent. It still took us a bit longer than anticipated. We really liked the protected lakeside campsite and decided to end our day earlier, camp there and go for a swim.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Camp {37H} [48.6/262] (Arrollo Derrumbe) to Camp {37H} [66.0/343] (Vista Fitzroy):<br /> <br /> At (-48.7103, -72.7526) we found a newly constructed gate. It wasn’t built to be easily opened, but we could slip through the space between two trees. At first, it didn’t look like there was anyone at Puesto {37H} [59.2/274] (Bahia Once Hermanos, Don Cocho), but when we looked back after walking by, we saw a dog near the house. Camp {37H} [66.0/343] (Vista Fitzroy) is not a great option on windy AND rainy days. A lot of spots are rather exposed to the wind or in danger of flooding in heavier rain. (-48.8127, -72.7170) is a decent spot if it is dry. <br /> <br /> Day 5: Camp {37H} [66.0/343] (Vista Fitzroy) to Settler {37H-H} [4.5/264] (Bahia Pescado, Nicole and Misael):<br /> <br /> Depending on the water level of Lago O’Higgins, Variant H to Nicole and Misael could be difficult to follow. Is this the case, take a path a little higher up on the RR and then traverse over. We had very strong winds in Bahia Pescado our first night and unfortunately, the camping spot was not really protected from it. <br /> <br /> Notes:<br /> <br /> - We found Nicole and Misael to be incredibly welcoming hosts. We had such a good time, and they could use some help around the house, so we ended up taking the boat a few days later than planned. The ticket for the ferry was easily transferred to a later time, although this might not be the case in high season. On the other hand, the weather turned bad right after our decision to stay, and it was unclear if we would be stuck for a while.<br /> <br /> - Based on reports from yr.no and windy, we expected decent amounts of rain every day. However, to our surprise, we received only light showers a few times throughout the 5 days. Our InReach weather reports also seemed unreliable in this area. According to Misael, the southern Peninsula tends to have better weather than Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-19 to 2024-Feb-23 / 5d / Hiking / SOBO / West Traverse / Andrew'''<br /> <br /> This was a very challenging but rewarding section. A couple notes on logistics: The day before I left I arranged the ferry to pick me up from Bahia Pescado on February 24th to take me to Candelaria Mancilla. I also left a backpack with some extra food and possessions at the ferry office for them to bring on the ferry. Nicole and Miseal have starlink wifi, so it's easy to confirm the pickup details with the ferry once you get there. If you are traveling SOBO and don't have time for the full trek, this is the route I would recommend taking.<br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> <br /> I started walking towards Puerto Bahmondes in the morning, nice views for a road walk. Got past the hydro station without any trouble, there were some workers on the dam but they didn't pay me any notice. Being my first truly wild hike on the GPT, this was definitely harder mentally and I lost the trail a few times. I got well off trail on one of the fords where I tried to find an easier crossing. Pro: found a big patch of calefate with plenty of ripe Berries. Con: had to bash a way through them and some mud to get back to the trail. Would just recommend crossing closer to the RR.<br /> <br /> Going over the pass was physically exhausting, but I made it over and camped near the ford at km 18.4. The first camp after the pass is viable, but I decided to hike a bit further to the ford to camp somewhere a bit more sheltered.<br /> <br /> Day 2:<br /> <br /> Nice forest walking, lost the path a couple times but made it through. First ford was dry, but after I got stuck in a swamp and couldn't find a good path around so I just went through. Walked through the next ford, to clean my shoes and socks. This ford was shallow and an easy crossing. The 3rd ford was the most difficult, deeper water and more current. <br /> <br /> I wasn't able to find the path at the northern terminus of the lake, but I walked parallel through the forest until I could join the well marked trail. There were a couple nice camping spots in the corrals near the lake. I stopped for a break but decided to push onwards to get a bit more distance because I wanted to camp near lago o'higgins the next day.<br /> <br /> First ford was easy, 2nd ford was more difficult. Lots of burrs along the way. Camped in the forest across the ford at km 31.7, although I think there was a nicer spot before the ford.<br /> <br /> Day 3:<br /> <br /> Walked through the dead forest, and after a short period of time I found a visible trail.<br /> <br /> I would recommend staying to the south of the creek as you approach the pass, impassable brush on the North side<br /> <br /> Lost the trail near the ford (km38.9) before the pass, and had to push though some brush. The trail gets swampy approaching the pass. Stunning views appear over the pass, this view is a highlight of the GPT.<br /> <br /> After the pass there's a steep descent through the forest and the long cross country parts were challenging and exhausting. I camped near the shore of Lago O'Higgins in a sheltered clearing (Arrollo Derrumbe km48.6) - the only water I could find was the lake which was a bit tricky in the high winds.<br /> <br /> Day 4:<br /> <br /> I came across a gate that I marked on my GPS tracks. Don't trust the easy trail after gate, you will need to divert left. Amazing views continued despite an hour of heavy rain. Camped just after the ford at km63.6. Both before and after the ford had viable campsites, but lots of cows and cow patties around. Note that if you camp after the ford you will need to duck through the gate in order to get water. <br /> <br /> Day 5:<br /> <br /> My last day was a short hike to Nicole and Miseal's house. We had a lovely time there before catching the ferry the next morning. I shared a delicious meal with them and two of their visiting friends, and bought some excellent bread.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-10 to 2024-Feb-16 / 7d / Hiking / Travel Direction (SOBO) / OH-37H-01, OH-37H-09, new Trail, OH-37H-01A, OH-37-A (not existing anymore), RH, RR, OH-37H-K / Tom'''<br /> <br /> I startet for 10 days with food for 12 days. I wanted to verify a few not yet verified OHs and EXP. Due to a little accident at RR km 96 I returned earlier as planned.<br /> <br /> On day one I climbed Cierro Alta Vista. The junction to OH-CC&amp;TL-A was easy to find. The track was not that accurate and you will find some better options by visual decisions. At 920m when the bush changes to wood go 30m west to the ledge and climb further up. 2-3 short sections where you use your hands, watch your steps especially with heavy backpacks. I pitched the tent near the small laguna on 1220m.<br /> <br /> The next day was on new terrain straight to the west ridge of cierro Altavista. I didn't do the peak due to snow fall and heavy winds. Then downhill to pass 37H-01A 2.7/822. That's very demanding in snowy/rainy conditions and the pass is hard to approach through the bushes. I don't know If ever a person did this section.<br /> <br /> The following OH-TL-V 37H-01A EBO is easy going but sometimes the track differs from the gps track. OH-37_A is completely owergrown and not visible anymore. I went further east back on RH and climbed the pass. <br /> <br /> Ford 1 in the Laguna Verde Valley offers a log 50m upstream, ford 2 dry, ford 3 knee deep. Some 50m I hiked in the river since the shore was gone. RH to laguna Verde is not anymore the best option. Following the river (OH) and the horse tracks is easier. Pitched at 29.3 in the old corral.<br /> <br /> I couldn't cross Rio San Martin due to heavy winds and strong current and decided to go back to OH and follow it SEBO towards Bahia San Martin on OH-TL&amp;CC-V {37H-K} [0.0+1.8]. After a quick glance and seeing all the logs I changed my mind and went to RR. I followed RR-TL-I {37H} [117.0/104.5+0.2] resp tried to. Go 40m north and find a decent trail that connects to RR-CC-A {37H} [116.3/103.8+0.7] . I consider this A as a V. The challenge starts right after the RR-TL-I {37H} [115.4/102.9+0.9]. This is not anymore TL, it’s BB or swim (the track leads into the river). I was stuck in the bush 5m over the riverbed.<br /> Somehow I could escape straight uphill onto OH-TL&amp;CC-V {37H-K} [0.0+1.8]. (500m/h) was my pace :)<br /> <br /> Right after the river crossing on east cost, the track pointed into the lago. I didn’t want to swim and decided to follow an huge animal path into the mountains. The worst decision on this day! Iended up in the rocks and stuck again (this was a bit scary) eventually after another 1.5 hours I was at the starting point, bleeding and exhausted. I decided to stay here. The goal was far away, a little behind rio Aro to do some Aro valley investigation the next day. <br /> <br /> I changed my plans since my ankle was a little sprained and went back to Laguna Verde to find an appropriate alternative to RR where I was stuck in the bush the day before. I could verify a few trails. RR from this side towards towards the puesto is existing until the ford, but not much further downstream. The river ate 100-150m of RR. There is also a second ford closer to the puesto. The puesto was unmanned. OH-TL-I 37H-M from the puesto to west shore of rio San Martin is easy going.<br /> <br /> At the end of the curve of RR-CC-A {37H} [116.3/103.8+0.7] I found a new connection. Turn exactly east CC for 60m , you’ll hit a not yet known connection trail to OH-TL&amp;CC-V {37H-K} [0.0+1.8] . If coming from east coast pass the connection and keep to the right when TL splits 200 m off shore. You’ll end at the viejo corral.<br /> <br /> On pass Portezuelo el Roce (RR-TL-V 111.7/948) I tried to climb the mountain SW of the pass. Unfortunately I couln'd find a pass through be woods behind the rock band. I tried the peak on the other side of the pass and made it to the top 1km S of the pass. All easy CC in loose rocks. Outstanding view from Laguna Verde to Villa O'Higgins and almost to Candelaria Mancilla.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-25 to 2024-Mar-27 / 2.5 days hiking + 2.5 days waiting/ Hiking / SOBO / RR, West Traverse + OH G + H / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> I combined Section 37, 38 and 39. It took me 10.5 days including 2.5 days waiting at Bahia Pescado for the ferry. I left a bag with food in Villa O'Higgins which the ferry brought me. And I could store food at the chilenian Border station. Therefore I never had to cary food for more than 5 days.<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-29.3]<br /> <br /> I started hiking in Villa O'Higgins and got a hitch after about 2 km to Bahia Bahmondez. There was plenty of water all along the trail. The pass at km 15 was snow free. The ford at 21.6 was hard. At 4 pm the water was just below my crotch (I am 192 cm tall) and the current pretty strong. The RR along Laguna Verde is at times flooded by the Laguna. <br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [29.3-48.6]<br /> <br /> Plenty of water. Fords are max. knee hight. I really liked the camp at 48.6. <br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [48.6-62.9] + OH37H-G + RR [63.5-69.1] + OH37H-H<br /> <br /> Lots of Water and easy ford. I didn't see a puesto at km 53.2. Only some wood fences. I arrived at the House from Nicole and Misael in the afternoon. They were very friendly and welcoming. Originally I had planed to take the ferry on the next day, but due to bad weather it was delayed for two days. I spend those days with the family and they fed me completely for the two days. I paid her 30000 Pesos per day.<br /> <br /> * '''24-Feb-28 to 2024-Mar-2 / 48 hours and a day of waiting / Hiking / SOBO / RR, West Traverse/ Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> I arrived to Villa O'Higgins on a Tuesday evening. The forecast was dire so I wanted to skip the Florida peninsula but before I got my head around it, it was midnight. I stayed in Hostal Moscou, nobody there wanted to cross (a group of cyclist arrived from the ferry at 23:00, the boat waited for a late crossing back) or knew when the next boat would go, I tried whatsapping both companies but they did not respond. In the morning, I went to Rueda office to find out that the boat left at 7:00 and the next one would not go until Saturday, so I decided to do the West Traverse and hop on the ferry on Saturday from Bahia Pescada. Rueda won't reply to whatsapp outside office hours (9-13 and 14-21 I think) - they run it from the computer in their office. The other company replied back only in the afternoon. So if you are in a real hurry out of main season, turning up in the port really early would have worked, the boat apparently had 6 seats unoccupied. It was very easy to arrange to be picked from Bahia Pescada, I left the company a bag with stuff they then brought me. I paid them the full amount of 55,000 in cash, in retrospect I should have tried to negotiate it down (but they need to make a small detour to pick me up, so I might not have been succesful).<br /> <br /> I got lucky to get a hitch around 13:00 one km out of town; the port seems to be a minor tourist attraction in itself. The route thereafter is indeed mostly cross country (trails much less clear than on GPT36 and TL&amp;CC combinations tend to be on the CC side) and is indeed quite scenic. The missed boat turned out to be a blessing as I only got some clouds high up and then sun instead of the forecasted fog and some rain. I was later told the peninsula gets better weather than Villa O'Higgins, especially in its southern part (it also seems anything that is not heavy rain is a good forecast here). Ford at 19.8 was dry. Fords at 20.6 and 21.6 should be Fords Start/End, you follow a riverbed with a river. After that, you still follow a riverbed, but without a river, which found a new course to your right. These fords and the one at 30.2 were the only ones that I could not jump or go over on stones or logs. Lake was low at the end of summer and I just mostly followed the beach. Slept at the corral at 29.3.<br /> <br /> CC&amp;TL from 31.5 is again a riverbed, I kept the river to my left most of the time until I could cross it on a log. I did not find anything I would call a trail until the pass. Either I am blind or gate 45.4 does not exist. Ford 45.6 is annoying as it is about 20m-long strech of flooded trail that is overgrown, ankle deep though (and the stream is very bushy, you won't find a better way, I tried). Met two GPT hikers at camp 48.6 - very nice camp. The forecast was for heavy rain the next afternoon, so I pushed almost to puesto at 59.2, sleeping on a green flat about 0.5 km before it. It was a windy night despite finding a seemingly sheltered spot. It would have been better by the lake; near the puesto at Once Hermanos would have been perfect if it was not mostly occupied.<br /> <br /> I got up with sunrise and started towards Bahia Pescado. The morning had better weather than expected, even with sun, so I ate breakfast for an hour and arrived around noon, just as the rain started. The family was there, I was invited inside, where it is dry, warm and with superfast internet, Starlink is wow! I was complimented on my Spanish as opposed to other GPT hikers, which was unexpected, I am like A2 and I thought everybody else is almost fluent! I managed to have a conversation for three hours though, even about the merits of various political systems. It was indeed very nice. It rained heavily on and off well into the night (snowed from 1000m up), so I slept on the floor. I was given lunch, a pie in the evening and one piece of bread (about 300g - I bought 2 more for 3000 each). I offered 20,000. I thought vegetable would be included too, but in the morning it was early and Nicole was not up so I did not get any, even though we talked about it the night before. She said she struggles with pricing. My advice is to probably deal with the business side of the visit early on and completely before darkness comes (I am not complaining though, it was lovely). Nicole said that since last year, more people are coming - I signed into a book and saw many familiar names from here, about 25 people in about 12 groups altogether! It seems most people actualy do write into the wiki, I always thought most did not. She said that she does not want it to become too popular, but the current level is fine and the money comes handy (I also think especially she enjoys company).<br /> <br /> In the morning, I was told the day before to be ready at 7:45 through whatsapp, but the boat only came an hour later. Apparently it was not much delayed in Villa O'Higgins, not sure why the discrepancy. Luckily I could wait inside, the view for the boat is perfect.<br /> <br /> Overall, the peninsula is really attractive. I actually preferred the inside of it, going along the coast was a bit too long. Also the trails are not in great condition, I often lost them and walked cross country. Nicole and Michel do not have many cattle and I think they do not need the trails to be perfect. I am glad I did not skip this section.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-feb-20/ 5,5days / hiking / Full loop west - east/ RR / Lukas en Tess ; Nolwenn and Yannick (first half)'''<br /> <br /> This is an incredible hike, (like most but still, doesn't get old!) Beautiful views, great camping spots and awesome people!<br /> Very demanding because of cross country and overgrown vegetation. (Not bushbashing but sometimes not far from it)<br /> <br /> Some recomendations: <br /> <br /> -The view from the pass [39,3] is amazing and so is the route all the way down. If you only do half do this side!<br /> -At the puesto {37H-E} km 69,2, this is where you would wait for the ferry. A young family that is very welcoming. Nicole makes super delicious bread and sells some vegetables. We payed for 4 people 15.000 for the salad, 18.000 for the bread and if you would camp there it would be 7.000 pp. <br /> She also sells essential oils made from herbs and flowers out of the mountains around, ask her, its awesome!<br /> -camp close to the beach, camp [78,1], best spot for a campfire we ever had. IF the weather allows and there isn't too much wind offcourse.<br /> -puesto [84,1], is more like a Refuge. Guillermo is one of the most hospitable people we have met on the gpt, he is not always there but he leaves the puesto open for passerbys. If he's home you are in luck we where there early in the morning and before we knew it we had our pockets full of candy and cookies, a cup of hot milk, some rice porridge and some dried meat. <br /> If he is not there feel free to use the stove, wood and utensils even the bed is to your disposal. He told us it's his family's tradition to keep an open door. If you happen to pass by leave him a letter or a note of appreciation, I'm sure that would make him very happy.<br /> -Refuge [88,5] is noting much but it's still there and you could hide from the elements if necessary.<br /> <br /> Plenty of water everywhere on the trail.<br /> <br /> Fords where no problem this time of year but we heard ford [89,9] is the one to be weary of.<br /> <br /> The waterlevel of the lake was really high at the end of summer and that caused problems crossing of the sandbanks on [69,4] and [96,1] the first we past with the boat of Nicole's husband, the second you can go around but...<br /> <br /> DON'T RECOMMEND, because of going around the lake on km [96,1] we started folowing a trail that brought us on the south side of the river but it's imposible to cross because it's a huge canyon. We decided to stay on this side instead of turning back but the smal cow paths disappear and you end up bushbashing your way through. On top of that, there are some canyons that are perpendicular to the main river and the only way of crossing those is going a long way up. In the end we managed and it was an adventure, gave us a glimpse into what Jan has been doing all these years ;p<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-30 to 2024-Jan-02 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We did the west traverse of the Florida Peninsula and definitely recommemd it to anyone, whether nobo or sobo. We prearranged the ferry to pick us up from Bahia Pescado, which meant we had ample time for the 68 kilometers. In all honesty - we expected much more difficulties and bushbashing but the route was surprisingly nice and straightforward.<br /> <br /> We were lucky with great weather throughout, albeit some strong winds. We got no hitch out of Villa O'Higgins and thus did the whole roadwalk. The trail up the first pass was steep but easy to follow, views from the pass were magnificent. The snowpatches were not an issue. In the forest before the lake there was a lot of fallen trees, so extra time &amp; effort was spent on climbing over them...then lots of soft sandy beachwalking + walking in the freezing cold lake as the &quot;trail&quot; was under water. The way up to the second pass was gradual and easy, the pass itself was swampy. Great views on the other side, too.<br /> <br /> The way down starts with an easy to follow trail, then it sort of disappears (or, rather, there are very many to choose from) and you gotta make your way down to the coast. Some bushbashing involved here but not much. The rest of the coastal walk offers great views and lots of smaller climbs, but is generally easy to follow. The worst section is the last 11 kilometers between Bahia Once Hermanos and Bahia Bescado - the trail keeps disappearing and there is a lot of bushbashing, which for those in shorts is very painful. The settler family is amazingly welcoming, allowed us to camp up behind their house and had us over for dinner. We purchased some fresh bread and salad material from them. The ferry picked us up early the next morning right by the house.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-22 to 2023-Dec-30 / 8.5 days / full 8 circuit / Villa O'Higgins - Villa O'Higgins / RR/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> This wasn't an easy hike but totally worth it!<br /> <br /> The best landscape was, for us, the west part of the panorama trail (along Lago O'Higgins) but it was also a challenging part with a lot of bushes and up and down. The trail was although more difficult to find and more bushy than in the east part of the panorama trail.<br /> <br /> There was still a lot of snow at Pass {37H} [15.0/1159] (Portezuelo Los Corrales) but it was easy to walk and navigate with a nice weather.<br /> <br /> The Lake {37H} [24.4/548] (Lago Verde) was a bit high so you have to walk sometimes in the lake but it isn't a problem. It's way better to have the feet wet and cold than trying to go through the bushes.<br /> <br /> We met the family Settler {37H-H} [4.5/264] (Bahia Pescado, Nicole and Misael) and it was a fantastic experience. We had maté and then bought them some vegetables for lunch. Be sure to visit them and to have some time for a little break with them!<br /> <br /> For the 3 major fords, according to the advice of Misael we crossed Ford {37H} [79.0/520] (Cascada) early in the morning (at 6:30 AM) to be sure it was passable. We crossed Ford {37H} [89.8/259] (Rio Aro) in the early afternoon on a sunny day and it wasn't a good idea. The water isn't really clear and it's hard to find how deep it is. We manage to cross it but I (Christophe, 1.74m) was wet up to my hips. We also crossed Ford {37H} [96.6/255] (Rio San Martin) in the morning (7:30 AM) the next day close to the lake and it was ok (water up to mid-thigh and strong current).<br /> <br /> On the second Pass {37H} [39.3/1006] (Canadon los Patos) and last Pass {37H} [111.7/948] (Portezuelo el Roce), it was quite swampy. Just put your fording shoes if you have some and don't try to keep your feet dry.<br /> <br /> All in all, it was a fantastic adventurous section!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-14 to 18: Fangwen and Tobi / 5 days (4 hiking) / NOBO / West traverse (Bahia Pescado to Villa O'Higgins).'''<br /> <br /> This trip featured great views and a real feeling of adventure, but for us, it was also a challenging trip that brought us to our limits. The GPT manual already has lots of details, so we will mostly focus on our personal experience and some logistical aspects.<br /> <br /> As far as we know, after Jan&amp;Meylin and Jess&amp;Paco last season, we are the first GPT hikers to explore the Florida peninsula in this new GPT section (previously, GPT 37H was just taking the ferry between Candelario Mansilla and Villa O'Higgins).<br /> <br /> Day 1: we took the ferry from Candelario Mansilla to Bahia Pescado in the morning. There, we met the lovely family of Nicole, Misael and their three year old son, Facundo. We had a great time with them, and they were delighted to have visitors (the last visitors having passed half a year earlier). If you have the chance to spend a full day with them, we strongly recommend this, as it was a section highlight. We slept on their floor for the night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: we started hiking just before noon, and camped at a wind-sheltered location at around km57.<br /> <br /> Day 3: we hiked to the trailhead (km 54.8, beginning of the CC eastbound ascent to Canadon los Patos), and despite it being 6pm already, decided to push onwards towards the pass. Unfortunately, we took a bad route (hiking uphill first and then traversing in steep terrain) and had to turn around to spend the night at the trailhead.<br /> <br /> Day 4: We started early with the hike up to the pass: this time, following the easier option of first traversing in the mellow terrain, and start going uphill only when we were already close to the pass. This worked much better, despite having to navigate between some cliffs on our way up. On the other side of the pass, we went on via some muddy swamps and river beds to stay at the camp km29.3 by the beautiful Laguna Verde -- a wonderful location for a camp and a highlight of the trip.<br /> <br /> Day 5: we woke up early to make it to Villa O'Higgins in one day. The terrain was comparatively easy to walk on for the whole day. Before the pass (Portezuelo Los Corrales) there were some snow fields, some of which required some creative rerouting. To our great relief, the steep descent on the north side of the pass was entirely snow free. The rest of the trip was relatively easy walking. After 25km of hiking we reached Puerto Bahmondez. Half-way to Villa O'Higgins a car passed us and we were able to hitchhike.<br /> <br /> Difficulties: as mentioned, this trip was quite challenging for us, despite the excellent conditions and our years of backcountry experience. In retrospect, this is something that probably many GPT hikers experience when they go on their first &quot;wild&quot; GPT section and find out what is considered a &quot;trail&quot; on the GPT. Technically, there were no substantial challenges for us. The river crossings were all at most knee deep, thanks to the good weather. (Also note that in bad weather, some of our campsites might be flooded). But the progress from Bahia Pescado to the first pass (Canadon los Patos) was frustratingly slow at times, since the trail was frequently overgrown with bushes (sometimes thorny ones), or covered in mud / water, or difficult to recognize such that we lost the trail and had to backtrack or bushwhack our way back to the trail. Psychologically, this was a tough experience for us. The crux of the trip was the CC section on the west side of Canadon los Patos. This 1.7km straight section took us almost two hours. After the pass, conditions were generally easier, progress faster and the terrain and views changed more often, which made hiking much more enjoyable. The last day, despite consisting of 28km of hiking almost felt easier than the previous days, as the terrain was easier to traverse than the overgrown trails along the coast of Lago O'Higgins. <br /> <br /> We can definitely recommend 37H, but hikers unfamiliar with overgrown trails should be aware of the physical and mental challenge that the terrain poses.<br /> <br /> Logistics: We combined sections 38 and 37 on our NOBO trip. For the (resupply) logistics regarding section 38, see our trip report on [[GPT38|that wiki page]].<br /> We took the ferry from Candelario Mansilla heading to Villa O'Higgins, but we asked to be dropped off at Bahia Pescado (start of the West part of GPT 37). The ferry company (WhatsApp +56 9 6627 8836, https://www.turismoruedasdelapatagonia.cl) charged us 30.000 per person instead of the 50 or 60.000 (?) to Villa O'Higgins. We gave the captain a bag of extra food and belongings to be picked up in Villa O'Higgins after the section 37 hike. This worked out without problem (the company has apartments there, so pickup should be possible any time of the week).<br /> If you can, get in touch with Nicole ahead of time, her full name is in the GPT manual, and with that you can find her Facebook account.<br /> If you don't want to walk on the road the last 7km from Puerto Bahmondez to Villa O'Higgins, you can either try to hitchhike (cars were infrequent but the first one we tried took us) or arrange for a taxi with Roberto (WhatsApp +56 9 8193 5236).<br /> There is some cellphone reception at Puerto Bahmondez. Ricardo in Candelario Mansilla should have some internet connectivity. Nicole's family recently got Starlink satellite internet, which works really well (better than in El Chalten and Villa O'Higgins). You can also charge your devices with them.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-23-29 / 7 day / Hiking / NOBO / Candelario Mancilla to Villa O Higgins / Jess&amp;Paco'''<br /> <br /> We crossed the lago O Higgins the 23 after only one day waiting. It seems the only company still making transfer at that season (and until ebd of april) is Las Ruedas. As said below the cost is 60000 pesos including the car transfer from Bahia Bahamondez toVilla OHiggins. In el Chalten they told us we could have a 5000 pesos discount if paying cash but it seems that Las Ruedas policies changed. There is only 16 (maybe 17 if a couple gets separated) places on the boat. The crossing last 2h if the weather is good. They usually come to Candelario Mancilla mondays and thursday but it changes a lot with the weather. You get in the boat by order of registration at the border control. So no need to hurry or worry. There will be no competition between passengers to board. And everyone is very friendly and naturally respects order of arrivals Camping at Candelario Mancilla costs 5000. You cannot ressuply but Ricardo has some eggs and bread so you can extend your supplies for a few days.<br /> <br /> After the settler at km 69, you have to ford between the lake O Higgins and a small inner lagoon. We werent able to pass because of water depth. It seems part of the beach have disappeared at that season. We add to climb and make a detour around the small lagoon. There are some animal trails to lead you.<br /> <br /> Km 90 demanding Ford n°2<br /> The refuge is closed and locked and you have to pass an unreferenced barrier to follow GPT track and get to the refuge.<br /> We advice to cross just after reaching the beach after the refuge. If you dont you have to pass by a gravelled/sandy slope that will make your ankles suffer.<br /> Km 96 demanding ford n°3 <br /> Before reaching the Ford we couldn't follow the GPT main track because it was completely flooded. So we add to follow the beach. But rocky shore makes some passes dangerous so we advice to climb just a little above the shore you will find animal trails that eventually get a few dozen meters above the river. Then you can ford but be carefull there is a lot of water and current. Fording at the extreme end of the river is also difficult because even if there is not much current, water depth can prevent you from crossing depending on the weather and the hour of the day. It was a really rainy day and we crossed at 12 approximatly.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-04 / 1 day / RR / SOBO / RR / Villa O’Higgins - Candelario Mansilla by ferry / Ondrej'''<br /> <br /> Had to wait for the boat for two days, most people I met there waited for 3-5 days. Two companies seem to be currently operating in the area: Las Ruedas (whatsapp: +56 9 6627 8836) and a guy named Pascual (+56 9 4296 4723) with his daughter Javier (+56 9 4403 6006). Both companies currently charge 60,000 CLP for the boat transfer. Las Ruedas has a faster boat and the ticket price includes a car transfer from O’Higgins to Puerto Bahamondes. With the other company, one has to pay 5 or 6,000 for the transport to the port.<br /> <br /> When staying in the town, I was told that during the high season, it is best to whatsapp the companies a week in advance and reserve a spot to cut the waiting period. Otherwise, I suggest to go to their offices and add yourself to a waiting list as soon as you arrive. It is possible to drop in to their offices regularly to see if some people dropped of the waiting list and you can travel earlier (happened in my case). <br /> <br /> Overall, Villa O’Higgins is a lovely place to rest and resupply while waiting for the boat. If you can bear the rain. I stayed at Hostal El Mosco - really nice and lively place. You’re going to meet mostly other travellers waiting for the boat too. The place has hot showers virtually all the time and a beautiful kitchen area. Camping is 9,000 CLP per night - bit on the pricy side but you can use all the hostel facilities such as kitchen and indoor showers. They also offer dorm and private rooms. <br /> <br /> I found the Cordillera supermarket to be the best place for resupplying. They also sell camping canisters. The wifi is generally bad in the town apart from some companies that have a starlink connection. You can get such fast wifi for free from Copec gas station.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-25 / 1 day / SOBO / Will '''<br /> <br /> Getting the ferry wasn't really feasible when I was there. I was pretty far back on the waiting list, and conditions were nearly always too bad to sail. A few did make it across (they later told me it was pretty scary) but the rest of us gave up and bussed out. Thankfully I only spent the days there. Took 3.5 days to bus back up to Chile Chico and then down through Argentina.<br /> <br /> Raining every day in Villa o Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-13 / SOBO / Véronica &amp; Zach '''<br /> <br /> Waited in Villa O'Higgins for 5 days for the ferry, due to strong winds and rain. There are two ferry companies — one is Las Ruedas de la Patagonia which operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday if the weather is good. If the weather is bad, then the boat crossing may happen anytime there is a good weather window. They can take 16 passengers. The other company is very small and operates very infrequently, since they can only take 8 people at a time and require a longer weather window because their boat is slower. Both companies charge 60,000 clp per person. We recommend reserving AND paying for your ferry ticket as soon as you arrive in town. People who only reserve and don't pay are subject to being pushed off the passenger list if other people come and offer to pay beforehand. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-18 to 2023-Jan-21 / 3.5 days / West Traverse / Iris, Alexis'''<br /> <br /> We were able to get a boat ride to Bahia Pescado by asking Rudeas de Patagonia. We came at the end of the day and they sold us some remaining seats at a fair price (50k for 2). Earlier in the day, the price was 60k each. <br /> <br /> When arriving at Bahia Pescado, we had difficulties to find the trail and struggled in the first ascent. We pitched the tent at Water {37H} [56.7/408]. The view all along and at the spot is stunning. <br /> <br /> On the second day, the ascent through RH-CC-A {37H} [5.6/48.0+0.5] was tough because it was really hot and the path we found was in rocky former river stream. <br /> <br /> Then, RR-CC-A {37H} [39.9/40.7+1.7] is even harder when going up. We suggest to continue to follow the shore a bit and going up straight instead of trying to do both at the same time. It looked easier when above. <br /> We camped at Camp {37H} [36.5/776] but we did not find water nearby. <br /> <br /> Third day was without any specificities except gorgeous landscapes and scenic views. Of note, Camp {37H} [114.9/268] is probably not available for the season as it is occupied by a dead cow. We found a suitable pitch a bit further on the beach (in an old corral). <br /> <br /> The return to Bahia Bahamondes was straight forward. The beginning of the trail is easily lost and we checked our GPS quite often. Then, the trail is visible and beautiful. We were lucky to find a ride to Villa O'Higgins at the port and did not walk the last 7 kilometers. <br /> <br /> Overall, we struggled a bit but had no real difficulties. The weather was excellent (even a bit too hot) and the rivers crossable easily. This hike was super beautiful and diverse. Also, we met nobody on the trail and it was really pleasant to feel diving into barely frequented nature.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-07 to 2023-Jan-07 / 6 days / GPT37P(H): Peninsula La Florida. Full &quot;8&quot; route and side hikes (to Cerro Tres Frailes) / Clockwise / Alex Abramov '''<br /> <br /> 179 km, Solo.<br /> <br /> An excellent route ranked in my top five favorites in Chile. Very scenic, varied, secluded, a real gem. In general, there are no problems with water or camps. Not particularly difficult, but the route has at least two quite demanding fords and many sections with complicated navigation and annoying thorny bushes (I always use my running shoes). <br /> <br /> My choice of direction, clockwise, is due to trying challenging fords first.<br /> <br /> I am somewhat skeptical about the length of the track by Jan, the discoverer of the area, I believe that the real classic “8” will be closer to 150 km<br /> Crossing the Aro(s) River requires a lot of care, especially when passing alone. It can be extremely dangerous or impassable in the early season, I put some useful tips in the comment on the FB post.<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Dec / SOBO / Yannic &amp; Mirjam'''<br /> <br /> We had to wait 8 days in O'Higgens because the ferry was postponed twice due to wind and the waiting list grew. <br /> <br /> Currently, there is only one operator (Las Ruedas). It is best to contact them early via Whatsapp and reserve a ticket.<br /> <br /> You can also drop by spontaneously the evening before departure. If someone has not paid, tickets will become available at short notice...<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Mar-06 / 3.5 days / 37P: Península La Florida / Tobias Schorcht, Jonas Grünewald and Martin '''<br /> <br /> Thank you Jan, for sending us your GPS-Trackfiles right on time. It would have been quite difficult, to make our way over the península without them, because there are numerous good visible cow trails around! We booked a “O’Higgins Glaciar Tour” (120000 Pesos p.P) and asked the captain (Markus), to drop us on our way back at Punta Pescado, where the settlers Nicole, Misael and there little son are living. They were happy to receive some fresh fruits and vegetables and invited us for lunch. Nicole and Misael are warm and welcoming people. We left in the afternoon and made our way to “los hermanos” where we camped. The settler who is living there, was not at home. Surprisingly, the weather was much better then expected. Locals told us, it’s always warmer (“up to 4 degrees”) and less rainy up here. We had no problems with navigation on our way back to Villa. There were no dangerous river crossings and numerous of potential camping spots. The views on the Lago O’Higgins and the near by mountains have been spectacular. We suggest to use gaiters, to avoid scratches of the sticky bushes. All in all, we recommend this hike!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> * ''' NOTE: Previously, this section has been only the ferry crossin, some time between 2020 and 2022, the new route across Peninsula Florida was added. The logs below are just for the ferry.'''<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan / NOBO / Oreste Marquis'''<br /> <br /> I only had to wait for 2 days before the boat came, but some people waited 5! Bought my tickets in advance at Glaciares Expedicion if my memory is right. Book the trip for the two boat (Lago del Desierto and to Villa O’Higgins). I don’t recommend to book the one on Lago del desierto because it is actually super expensive (60 US$) and you can walk it pretty easily.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan / NOBO / Olrik'''<br /> <br /> Bought the boat tickets in El Chalten. There are 2 options, Zona Austral which works with Ruedas de la Patagonia, and Expeditiones which works with Robinson Crusoe. Ruedas is cheaper, 54USD pp. Boat is just smaller. You can end up stuck for a long time in Candelario Mancilla so plan enough food. The only option is the paid campground which is 5000CLP. The carbineros will kick you out and redirect you to the campground. I would recommend to buy the boat ticket in advance as those with no tickets are not first when the boat comes. Transfer is 1h30.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec / NOBO / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> The official schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, From Villa to Candelario in the morning and back in the afternoon. But it is extremely dependant on the weather conditions, so it can actually be every days and every hours. <br /> <br /> I waited three days in Candelario. Mandatory to take the camping there (5000 CLP per days, possibility to pay by card after leaving the camping with the capitan of the boat La Rueda, who is a friend of the camping owners). Take some food with you to spend a few days there, because there is litterally nothing. Possibility to buy eggs and bread from the woman of the camping. I personally had a good time there, making good fires for hot shower and cooking.<br /> <br /> For the prices of the boat, I personally paid 35 000 with Ruedas, and I saw only two boats (Robinson Crusoe too). I would recommend NOT to take tickets from companies in El Chalten which sell them very expensive, sometimes double. You can buy it directly at the boat, possibility by card.<br /> There is 16 places on each boat, so 32 for my crossing. My boat was almost empty after 4 days of no passage, so no stress.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-10 / Lago O‘Higgins Motor Boat Crossing / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> Currently 3 companies offer motor boat crossings of Lago O‘Higgins between Villa O‘Higgins and Candelario Mansilla. Prices for a crossing without a visit of Glacier O‘Higgins range from 36‘000 to 45‘000 CLP. These companies are:<br /> 1. RobinsonCrusoe (biggest and most expensive)<br /> 2. La Rueda<br /> 3. ???<br /> <br /> Like in past years technical issues with the boats and weather (primarily wind) disrupt schedule departures and limit the capacity. This results in significant waiting times in both directions. Waiting 1 to 4 days is common but some people had to wait up to one week to get a seat in a boat. The biggest boat - La Quetru - is currently out of operation due to a motor damage.<br /> <br /> Recommendations:<br /> <br /> Be patient and don’t plan with a tight schedule if intending to cross the border between Villa O’Higgins and El Chalten<br /> <br /> Southbound travelers can wait in Villa O‘Higgins where food is available and can be paid with credit cards. But enough cash should be carried as the next ATM is in Cochrane, a 6 hour drive north of Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> Northbound travelers should carry enough food and cash to wait several days in Candelario Mansilla. Only basic food can be purchased in Candelario Mansilla (Cash only). Consider purchasing a ferry ticket in advance in El Chalten.<br /> <br /> Alternatively TAS offers occasionally flights for 70’000 CLP between an airfield next to the border and Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Dec-11 / SOBO / Arnaud et Adriane'''<br /> <br /> Be aware that you will maybe have to wait the ferry in Villa O'Higgins. It is very dependant on the weather conditions. We had to wait 4 days.<br /> <br /> It was good to have a real rest after the section 36 and Villa O'Highins is a very quiet and nice village with many walks around if you still have energy.<br /> <br /> We stayed at the Mosco hostel who has rooms, dorms and camping and the welcome and attention of the team there is perfect.<br /> <br /> Only 2 companies offer the crossing of the lake. With robinson crusoe, it costs 45000clp/pers and the trip is 1h30 long. With La Rueda, it costs 40000clp/pers and it is 2h30 long.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-11 / 1 day / NOBO / Ferry ride / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe'''<br /> <br /> There's two different ferry companies. We were told in El Chaltén that it runs every Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday 3 times a day, at 11:00, 14:00, and 19:00. Cost is $50 USD, can pay with card. We took the other ferry company (Robinson Crusoe) because it showed up at 10:30 and told us the winds were rising so the first company might not be coming. They charged us $47,500CP each at the yurt in Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * '''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18 /uitk:'''<br /> <br /> There are a couple of options to consider for transportation across O’Higgins/San Martin Lake. There is a large ferry which is the primary option for transport when it is functioning. The second option is a smaller ferry run by Marco Campo. This was the only option during the 2017/2018 season because the main ferry had broken down. Marco Campo frequently caused hikers difficulties for several reasons: the ferry only runs a few days a week; the ferry only seats around 15 people and is in high demand since crossing the lake is a part of the Carretera Austral; the waiting list is long and it was not uncommon for travelers to spend several days in Villa O’Higgins waiting for a seat; it does not run when the wind is strong so last minute cancellations were frequent; it’s expensive (~45.000CLP). If possible, try and make arrangements beforehand or be prepared to wait for several days in a primarily cash-functioning town without an ATM. <br /> <br /> Comment by Jan Dudeck: Once the big ferry is repaired crossing the lake should be easier. The big ferry carries up to 100 passangers. Advance reservation is anyway recommended. If you are lucky enough to get spot on the ferry, board your ship at Puerto Bahamóndez. Marco Campos offers a shuttle from Villa O’Higgins for a price or you can road walk ~5 km. The ferry ride across Lago O’Higgins is notorious for being pretty choppy. It takes about 3 hours.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Calendario Mancilla consists of a single, small hospidaje and campground. Sometimes you can purchase meat or eggs from the owners, but there are very limited options for buying food.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> February 2025:<br /> There are 2 ferry companies taking tourists from Villa O'higgins to Candelario Mancilla and return. Both asked for 55k clp pp.<br /> <br /> To Bahia Pescado the price is different :<br /> * Amigo Patagon (+56 9 9476 8331) asked for 70k.<br /> * Ruedas de la Patagonia (+56 9 6627 8836) asked for 55k (same price for Mancilla).<br /> <br /> Both depart at 7:30 from the port.<br /> The price includes a ride from Villa O'higgins to the port that departs at 7:00.<br /> Ruedas de la Patagonia had another ride at 14:00.<br /> <br /> The days differ according to the weather. Best way to know is contact and book ahead.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT37H - Lago O'Higgins]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT36H_(Ruta_De_Los_Pioneros)&diff=120600 2025-03-02T20:08:04Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-26 &gt; MAR-01 / 4 jours / Randonnée + auto-stop / SOBO / RR &gt; 36-22A &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT36<br /> | Meteo : soleil, nuage le dernier jour<br /> | Eau : parfois difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : chenilles urticantes<br /> <br /> Départ de Cochrane à 8h, personne ne s'arrête sur la carretera austral (pas d'eau). Sur la gravel road j'arrive à faire 3km en auto-stop, puis 10km, puis 16km avec un jeune couple allemand adorable qui m'ont déposé à la Laguna Calluqueo vers 12h30. Attention peste aquatique, j'ai bu l'eau du lac mais elle ne contient pas que du sable. Ensuite j'ai passé 5h à faire la 36-22A qui est vraiment géniale (il y a beaucoup de points d'eau après le km 4), puis j'ai campé au km 55,4 pour éviter le ford le matin. J'ai mal au ventre en me levant mais rien de méchant. Ensuite la progression dans la forêt est plutôt lente (~3km/h) à cause des arbres couchés, des zones humides et des buissons. J'ai suivi le sentier toute la journé, il n'y a pas de cross-county. Le sentier a été entretenu récemment et il y a des cairns partout dans la partie rocheuse. Après le pass au km 71,5, il faut suivre le sentier qui descend tout de suite, la trace gps n'est pas bonne et ça évite le ford au km 71,8. Au km 75,4 il n'y a pas de ford. Après le km 79, il y a des moustiques. La pression n'est pas forte mais c'est pénible pour se laver. J'ai moins mangé car je n'avais pas faim, je me couche avec un mal de ventre et je me lève avec un mal de crâne en plus. Après le sentier est aussi bon. Il se dégrade seulement entre les km 103 et 105. Le problème quand on pousse les branches ce sont les chenilles. Beaucoup d'arbres couchés du km 109 au 112. J'ai mal au crâne, au ventre, et j'ai des courbatures, la journée se termine et je suis complètement claqué. Après le settler du km 119 le sentier se degrade un peu mais redevient normal après le km 125,5. En arrivant à la salto Perez, j'ai rencontré deux retraités Italiens très gentils qui ont acceptés de me conduire à O'Higgins. Coup de chance car la route n'est pas frequentée et il n'y avait pas d'autres voitures. A l'hostel El Mosco j'ai rencontré Tamar et Nimrod, nous avons bien discuté, ils sont super gentils.<br /> MAR-02: Repos Villa O'Higgins et médecin.<br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-30 to 2025-Feb-5 / 7 days (indluding 1 zero) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Pretty straight forward section so not much to add. All the fords were fine even though it was raining a lot for us. Trail a bit overgrown in places but nothing problematic.<br /> <br /> Caught the bus at 11am to junction 33.9km (1,000 clp pp).<br /> <br /> Walked on the minor road for 8km before getting a hitch to the mirador at Laguna Calluqueo.<br /> <br /> Ford 53.7, 54.8 and 55.4km all below the knee and easy the morning after a rainy day. Good camping on the south side of 55.4km too.<br /> <br /> Fords 66.5-66.7km all easy.<br /> <br /> Ford 71.8km hopped over.<br /> <br /> Camped 150m north of Ford 75.4km (-47.46396, -72.30952) flat dry spot not much wind protection though.<br /> <br /> Fords 75.4-81.3km all easy, below the knee.<br /> <br /> Camped in the forest just over 1km before puesto 98.4km - good wind protection.<br /> <br /> Really nice campsite by the river at 104km (marked on OSM)<br /> <br /> Trail by Lago Alegre is pretty overgrown in places.<br /> <br /> Camped at 138.5km (-48.09739, -72.24849) stream for water, sheltered in forest.<br /> <br /> Walked as far as 150km when we saw the subsidised bus from o'higgins, stopped and waited for it to turn around and caught it on its way back to o'higgins. We didn't see a single car heading towards Villa O'higgins so can imagine it's a tough hitch, at least until you get closer.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-20 to 2025-Jan-24 / 5 days Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 36H-D/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus to X {36H} [33.9/336]. Got no hitch and had to hike 3 hours to Laguna Calluqueo. Ford {36H} [55.4/656] was easy and up to my knees. <br /> Same with Ford {36H} [54.8/650]. Puesto {36H} [57.6/667] (Calloqueo) was protected by an aggressive dog. Continued and camped in the forest. Heavy rain in the evening. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Fords Start/End {36H} [66.5/867] (Rio Pedregoso) was easy, only almost knee deep. Could not find the landslide that Sophie and Gaspar mentioned. Ford {36H} [78.6/888] (Rio Bravo) was a bit higher then my knees. Took option 36H-D to avoid to cross Rio Bravo two more times. Mostly i could follow a vague visible animal trail, which was often overgrown. <br /> Puesto {36H} [83.9/820] (La Pampa) was not locked and looked nice. Dicided to continue and camped somewhere in the forest.<br /> <br /> Day 3: From here -47.977178, -72.555534 to there -47.987679, -72.560694 the trail is definately very overgrown with 1-2m beech trees. Camped near this place -48.02468, -72.49029 nicely sheltered under trees. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Liked the stretch along both lakes very much. <br /> Refuge {36H} [126.1/512] (Entre Lagos) doesn't exist. -48.142506, -72.43804 collapsed shelter with a big and flat grassland. Would prefer to camp here instead because of better protection: -48.141492, -72.438798. After the shelter i struggled to find the trail. Got very windy in the afternoon. Camped here: <br /> -48.162321, -72.414155. There is good wind protection from the forest and a small stream next to it. But the shelter in the map is just some almost collapsed trunks of trees. Like the stuff they build in 7-vs.-wild, but 10 years later.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Again very windy. After 90 minutes hiking i reached the road. Very few cars passed. Refuge {36H} [148.6/464] is nice and has enough space to pitch a freestanding tent inside. But it has a corrugated iron roof, so probably waterproof. Refuge, River In {36H} [156.8/418] is ok, soil inside is sand. Found an open puesto here: <br /> -48.252049, -72.357653. It was in good condition, but looked abandoned. 45min later i got a hitch to Villa O'Higgins, before heavy rain started. <br /> <br /> * '''SOBO RR + OH 22A// hiking, hitchhiking // 6 days 7-12.01.2025 Maks &amp; Gabi'''<br /> <br /> Getting out of Cochrane was slightly problematic (hitchhiking) so we walked the first 5 km, but after leaving the main road, the 4th car stopped and gave us a ride until the Lago Calluqueo. <br /> <br /> We camped by Rio Pedregoso, left our backpacks there and went to see the glacier - a lovely trail, there are 3 streams on the trail but only in second part od the trail, it took us about 4hrs. <br /> <br /> Most of the fords were easy to cross, but some of the puestos looked abandoned (we haven't seen a human soul on that section). <br /> <br /> I don't think there is much to be added. The trail is slightly overgrown so that it is not always easy to follow. <br /> <br /> Again lots of annoyingly wind resistant horseflies 🙃 <br /> <br /> It might be quite hard to hitchhike the last +/- 50 km. We only saw one car after walking 7 km and we were lucky enough that they gave us a ride to Villa O' Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-20 to 2024-Dec-26 / 7 / Hiking and &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO (circle) / RR + Variant E Options: 14, 14E (new option), 14D, 14A (new option) / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Successful investigation in Option 14 connecting Paso Mayer with Lago Burmeister.<br /> <br /> Route: Started in Cochrane and hiked to X {36H} [5.5/267] there i got the first lift. Overall it took me 3 lifts and 15km of hitchhiking. Followd the RR hiking with Variant E until Camp {36H} [110.9/500]. Packrafting to Lake, Refuge {36H} [213.2/527]. Got a lift to Border Control CL {36H} [222.6/449]. Hiked from there Options: 14, 14E, 14D and 14A. First to Border Control AR {36H-14} [191.4/480] then to Laguna Bello and Lago Burmeister and finshed at X {36H-14} [64.1/897] and got a lift to Gobernador Gregores and from there over Chile Chico to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> Started in Cochrane at 10:00 and hoped for a lift but didn't got one. You can also ask for a shuttle but I was told it was expensive so this wasn't a option. I guess you could gamble and just wait at X {36H} [5.5/267] for lift i hoked and reached the start of the hike at 16:00. The detailed information from Lilian Season 23/24 where really good. The first 3 fords where easy, there was a person at Puesto {36H} [53.1/611] and i camped at Ford {36H} [55.4/656]. There was no snow on the pass Border, Pass {36H} [71.5/1304] and Border, Pass {36H} [73.9/1225] so quite easy hiking. Camped at Puesto {36H} [83.9/820] (La Pampa) it was a nice place to pitch a tent - the Puesto was ok (see here: https://imgur.com/a/v2pPTK8). The next day was the only day where I didn't has sunshine and it was cloudy with 3 short rainfalls each ~10min. There were some people at Puesto {36H} [98.4/553] (Puesto Tablas). On that day was the only part where I would say the trail is overgrown- this is from -47.977178, -72.555534 to -47.987679, -72.560694 there is a trail but chest high trees which are especiallyin the rain annoyingas you get completely wet. The trail was good and easy to hike and I camped at Camp {36H} [110.9/500] which was good access to the lake and enough space for 2-3 tents. The next morning i stared Packrafting - wind forecast was good until 16:00 there wind with 23 km/h and gusts up to 40 km/h should set in from NW - so favourable. The Morning was super calm and it took me 4:20h for the 13km (avg. 3.0 km/h) to cross Lago Alegre. After the short hike from Lake {36H} [198.8/489] to Lake {36H} [200.5/525]. I started Packrafting at 15:00. The wind was favourable and I made fast progress especially with the strong wind it took me 3:00h for the 12.5 km (avg. 4.2 km/h). The waves at -48.173951, -72.427001 my limit and quite crazy. They calm down right after the turn. Same situation at -48.180342, -72.393292. So if the wind is that strong evaluate the situation critically. I camped at Lake, Refuge {36H} [213.2/527]. The Refuge is good for a fire or to cook but not to sleep inside. Until this point i would say the trail is in a ok to good condition. There a quite a few fallen trees but nothing major and all easy to hike except the 1km mentioned earlier so Overall good quality. <br /> <br /> The next day I got a lift to Border Control CL {36H} [222.6/449]. You need a Salvoconducto (https://www.pdichile.cl/tr%C3%A1mites-online/salvoconducto) you can request it 10 days in advance normally it takes between a few minutes to hours. Last year I also applied to it for the boarder crossing at Border Control CL {22S} [22.2/299]. But I never got one i event went to the local police before the trip. So i didn’t has a Salvoconducto at the Border. The PDI was very friendly and you have wifi there and we requested it together - and just got the approval email after 40min. They have given me Water, Tea, Biscuits and WiFi. They have given me a ride in the car to cross the Ford at -48.209796, -72.322273. From there i followed 36H-14 and 36H-14E to Border Control AR {36H-14} [191.4/480]. I took a slightly diffrent route which is in my Option optimized as it follows the main hose trail to Bridge {36H-14} [201.8/476] and after that the ond minor road and a shortcut at -48.242534, -72.23587 (there is also a bridge). This part can be found and downloaded below market as: GPT36H-14_14E.<br /> <br /> <br /> After that i started the investigation and hiked to Laguna Bello and camped here: -48.168916, -72.191267. There is no real trail only animal trails and CC and 250m of BB (i guess it can be circumvented. So overall quite easy to hike (3.1 km/h with 540m ascent). You have to jump the fence at -48.251191, -72.224694 ater that it's easy CC to this point -48.231692, -72.206461. There you enter the forest trough a small trial and reached a river visible on Topo maps and follow it: (https://imgur.com/a/KRGrwFD). After that it's CC trough the forest: https://imgur.com/a/ANahcO8. There is one ford at -48.219721, -72.202217 which is also a great place for a camp. CC continues all the way to -48.190151, -72.193122 there are quite a lot fallen trees. At -48.182434, -72.193504 is a short BB section 200m nit that bad just chest high trees - i guess this can circumvent if you hike a bit further west. The coordinates mark the end of the BB. The last 50m BB are here: -48.169691, -72.188992. After that you made it to Laguna Bello and absolutely stunning place to camp and hike: https://imgur.com/a/gjumzVL!!! The next day is awesome CC over the pass and down the valley there is water every few hunderd meters. There is a short swampy section here (300m -48.064146, -72.198477). All fords where below knee level and easy with one exception (will come later) you have to Ford here: -48.033639, -72.201987 and -48.029881, -72.202172. The Puesto at Refuge {36H-14} [90.7/1009] is a good place to pitch a tent but there is no water. The place itself is simple buy maybe even water proof as there is a plastic wrap as a roof see: https://imgur.com/a/mcizrYr. From there on is mostly a trail all the way to the end. It's south following the GPS. Sometimes the trail is not visible for e.g. if it's completely open CC but other that that I would say I got 80%. I camped at -47.968783, -72.187904 which wasn't very flat but manageable. The next day I connected the trail to GPT36H-14A end. The Ford Ford {36H-14} [79.6/902] is the only one which was knee high. It's a wide but not fast flowing river so easy to cross especially there is a treck for the cars: https://imgur.com/a/dqPamtM. To get a overall impression of the terrain: https://imgur.com/a/2I7gegk.<br /> <br /> After that i hiked to X {36H-14} [64.1/897]. And got a lift to -47.851658, -72.031836 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/HPkqayReiotCw2yP7) there is the registration for the Parque Nacional Perito Moreno. You need a reservation to get into the park and to have the huts booked. I guess if you just enter it's also fine. At this place is a open Bathroom and Free WiFi. The Ranger was nice and Helpful. There is no resupply. This and transfer could be arranged with Estancia la Oriental ( https://laorientalpatagonia.com/). While I was there (40min) 3 cars showed up. I got a lift directly to Gobernador Gregores (during the 1.5h dirst road 5 cars came in the opposite direction so i guess you always get a lift away within half a day) from where you can take multiple busses one is a daily bus which goes to Los Antiguos departure 16:30PM here: -48.755133, -70.255558 (https://taqsa.com.ar/). From there i went back to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> Overall:<br /> It's a absolutely beautiful and remote part of the GPT and I absolutely enjoyed it! It's nice and easy CC and if you like adventure, remoteness and CC without a trail is can highly reccomend it as you have great hiking access to a new area with this Option! I had food for 10 days with fairly fast hiking which was sufficient - i would reccomend doing this option only with a good weather window.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Tracks and Important Markers):<br /> <br /> GPT36H-14_14E: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tIZ5EBZfod3IqJ2B7Q?e=cl8pza<br /> <br /> GPT36H-14_14A_14D: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tIc7PQrXY25VQ5ywOA?e=ttbG02<br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> *27-11-2024 to 02-12-2024 / 6 days / NOBO / RR / Sophie and Gaspar<br /> <br /> We departed from Villa O’Higgins, where we stayed at the Los Pioneros campground, run by the very kind Pachi (highly recommended). Heading north, we followed the unpaved road for about a day and a half before joining the actual Pioneers’ Route. <br /> <br /> This trail is navigable 70% of the time, but vegetation has overgrown about 30% of the path (locals mentioned we were likely the first to pass through this year, which might explain the conditions). Locals also mentioned the possibility of crossing Lakes Christie and Alegre by boat. Since we intended to hike, we didn’t inquire further, but for those interested, this option exists. Only one permanent settler remains at Lake Christie: Don Rubén. We passed by his cabin, but unfortunately, he had already left for work that day, so we didn’t get the chance to meet him. On the third day, we reached the La Pampa settler site, where we camped in preparation for an early crossing of the Río Bravo. <br /> <br /> Crossing the Río Bravo at its source posed no issues for us, as this year’s snowmelt is delayed, keeping river levels low. We chose the OR route to ford the river only once. Although this path was slightly more challenging, it was worth it to avoid wet feet in the low temperatures. <br /> <br /> At Paso Picota, we encountered some snow, but it didn’t impede our progress. On the descent, however, the RR crossing of the first river was not passable, likely due to a landslide upstream. As a result, we followed the OR route, which runs higher and presented no problems. From there, we continued our journey to Cochrane without major difficulties.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-06 / 3.5 hours (1 day including return) / GPT36H Option 22 Sendero Los Gatos / SOBO / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> This route is particularly useful for packrafters with a smaller open packraft that wish to travel GPT35 and GPT36H southbound. By only packrafting the more wind protected eastern section of Lago Cochrane the infamous windy “La Leona” sector of Lago Cochrane is avoided.<br /> <br /> Resupply can be arranged by hitchhiking or taking the subsidized bus 35 km back to Cochrane after paddling Lago Brown and Rio Tranquilo (this is part of the Regular Packrafting Route of GPT36H before reaching the trail head of Ruta de los Pioneros). This reduces travel time for packrafters and keeps the water proportion up.<br /> <br /> Route Description:<br /> <br /> Halfway between the Chilean Border Control of Pasa Roballo and the southern terminus of the Los Aviles Track (“Casa de Piedra”) is the “Camping Alto Valle”. This perfectly maintained camp ground offers about 8 shelters. The campground is situated 500 m away from the main road on a minor gravel road. This 6 km short gravel road continues towards Lago Cochrane. From this minor road start two trails: Sendero Los Gatos that leads all the way to Lago Cochrane and Sendero Lago Chico.<br /> <br /> Sendero Los Gatos can be used by packrafters to access Lago Cochrane in a somewhat wind sheltered sector next to Isla Victor. The track of Sendero Los Gatos is not part of the GPT track files 2024 but the trail head is signposted and route is mostly well visible.<br /> <br /> When visiting the beach I could see a few spots where a tent can be pitched for a night but I did not spot a really nice sheltered location where waiting two or three days would be delight (if the wind forecast makes it unlikely). So packrafters best descent to the lake on the day before attempting to cross Lago Cochrane.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Apr-02 to 2024-Apr-07 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR - {36H-G} - RR - {36H-D} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> A beautiful section, especially from km83.9(Puesto La Pampa) to km66.5(multiple crossing), nice views with remote area, i love it so much!<br /> <br /> Because of late season, all the river crossing are super easy, only 4 place need to wet feet, all others can go around or rock hopping. Some of trail go in the water(lake, pond, pool) directly, but all you can go around by side trail, some CC or light BB.<br /> <br /> Snow still not a problem, snow start at 950m at south, and covered some of the trail above 1100m but didn't matter, i go around most of the snow easily. And didn't find any knee deep snow(maybe melted again), the deepest posthole just above ankle, easy walking. Because of lot of cairns at the area of two pass, so it is easy for navigation although some parts of trail is covered by snow.<br /> <br /> The most annoying is WIND. It is crazy windy almost everywhere except last day. The most windy part is at the second pass, i even can't open my eyes to look at the trail and walk on it straighly because of crazy freezing wind. (Be careful of hypothermia, crazy windy + rain/snow/after river crossing is horrible)<br /> <br /> My friend give me a 2hour ride from Villa O' Higgins to Lago Christie( X[142.0/550] ) , so i save about 50km road walking, a huge thank you to him!<br /> <br /> Km138.5 : shelter(-48.16236, -72.41397) made by woods, can cowboy inside when summer time, not rainproof but can be some wind protection. Can fit 2 tents outside with fire ring, some small stream flowing good with clear water just beside it. Weather protection by forest and the shelter.<br /> <br /> Km135.35 : old refuge(-48.14246, -72.43808), half of the roofs is collapsed, but still can provide some protection for emergency. Nice grassland for camping beside the refuge, can fit 3-5 tents with fire pit and rock seats, not much protection by trees or bushes. A river flowing good beside it, trail crossing it with wet feet, half of calf. It is the first wet feet point for me.<br /> <br /> Km134.1 : a lake, i cleared out a spot and camped here, some animals go to this lake and walking in it when midnight. It is very quiet and i heard the sound clearly. Not much protection, just some bushes here, not recommended with bad weather.<br /> <br /> Settler[132.8/525] : from here to Refuge[126.1/512], trail becomes very easy to follow and walk, it is a frequency used trail. Look like some people living here, but i met noone when i passed.<br /> <br /> Km129.3 : shelter(-48.11808, -72.48252) with just one side, weather protection by forest, can fit 1 tent here. A small stream flowing beside it.<br /> <br /> Refuge[126.1/512] : refuge(Puesto Entrelagos) already gone just left some woods here, and like Natalie said looks like someone wants to rebuild it. Some flat spots here can fit 2-3 tents.<br /> <br /> Lake[198.8/489] : Lago Alegre, a boat and a camping spot here, can fit 1 tent with fire ring and nice lake views but no protection, it is crazy windy when i was here.<br /> <br /> Km119.3 : junction of RR and {36H-G}, i go straight and didn't go to Settler[118.9/486](El Caleuche). It is easy to follow and walk on {36H-G}, but you need to climb over a 2m wooden fence at north.<br /> <br /> {36H-G} km3 : river crossing, cross it on a huge log easily.<br /> <br /> RR Km117.2 : flat spot(-48.02468, -72.49029) can fit 1-2 tents with weather protection by forest. A small stream flowing beside it.<br /> <br /> Km117 : river crossing, several logs crossing selection here, because raining and wet, so i crossed by the combination of multiple logs, it looks like more stability and safe. Huge flat area and grassland can fit many tents at both side of the river, weather protection by trees and bushes.<br /> <br /> Camp[110.9/500] : can fit 2-3 tents with lake views, easy to collect water, weather protection by trees.<br /> <br /> Then i did the short cut that Natalie said, from here walk through the open forest NW to the other valley(Río Bravo). It is completely CC or light BB on some animal path, fun and doable, but just recommend on good weather, otherwise you'll soaking wet by bushes.<br /> <br /> Río Bravo is a grey water river, better collect water from some small stream.<br /> <br /> Km104.3 : a small stream(-47.97355, -72.55419) flowing good with clear water, small flat spot can fit 1 tent after crossing.<br /> <br /> Km103.95 : camping spot(-47.97095, -72.55524) can fit 3-4 tents with fire ring.<br /> <br /> Puesto[98.4/553] : Puesto Las Tablas, huge and beautiful grassland for camping, refuge is a small cabin, have a wooden bed, bench, fire pit and some dry wood sticks (for burning) inside, it is possible to sleep inside with a warm fire night, good wind protection but not for rain. Didn't see any water nearby.<br /> <br /> Km95.05 : cross a stream with a small waterfall, it'll be completely wet by the waterfall if cross at trail, so I climb to upstream and rock hopping for dry feet.<br /> <br /> Puesto[92.3/660] : Puesto El Burro, large grassland but most of them are steep, only small grassland beside the refuge is flat for camping, can fit 2-3 tents with table and fire ring, refuge is a tiny cabin but half of roof is already collapsed, can fit 1 small single person tent for some protection if bad weather, a small stream flowing with clear water 200m before here. Very windy when i was here.<br /> <br /> Km85.4 : easy and beautiful walk start!<br /> <br /> Puesto[83.9/820] : Puesto La Pampa, large grassland for camping, refuge is a small, nice and clean cabin, have 2 wooden bed, wooden seats, table and fire pit inside, it is a nice place to sleep inside with a warm fire night, good wind protection but not sure for rain. Just like Natalie said you also can pitch a small tent inside. Tiny stream flowing low just in front of the refuge. Have a open toilet with views at here too.<br /> <br /> Fords start/end[81.3/854] : rock hopping.<br /> <br /> Then i take {36H-D} instead of RR, save 2 times of wet feet crossing of Río Bravo, it is doable and sometimes have an animal path(old trail?) to follow, but easy to lost the path, and overgrown at some part you need to BB, I'm not sure it can save time or not, and only recommend in good weather, otherwise you'll be completely soaking wet by bushes.<br /> <br /> Ford[78.6/888] : river crossing of Río Bravo, the second wet feet point. I crossed it at 50m downstream(-47.79880, -72.52101) where the river breaks to 2 parts by island. First part easy rock hopping, second part is just above ankle, the water is grey so i didn't see through the bottom, otherwise I'll throw some rocks for hopping to keep my feet dry.<br /> <br /> Ford[77.4/981] : i follow some cairns and crossed it much downstream with rock hopping. It is a beautiful viewpoint for waterfall and the glacier at west! Snow starts here.<br /> <br /> Ford[75.4/1023] : easy rock hopping, look at the rocks underwatee here, the west side of valley is white colour, the east side is red, amazing!<br /> <br /> Border,pass[73.9/1225] : snow here, but still not problem, go around them easily, or just above ankle posthole. A beautiful lake looks like good for camping 200m before here, but just for good weather because very exposed.<br /> <br /> Km72.9 : between two pass, before the second pass you need to go in a wide riverbed, but snow covered the water. You know there is water flowing, you can hear them flowing, but you can't see them. And the snow(bridge) is not thick, not stable enough to walk on them directly, so it take me some time to find out which part is water, which part can walk on it.<br /> <br /> Ford[71.8/1262] : snow covered most of the river, and river flowing a little wide here(can't step over), take me some time to find the way to go on it.<br /> <br /> Border,pass[71.5/1304] : crazy crazy crazy windy, beautiful views but too windy that i can't open my eyes to look. It is the first time for NOBO to see Cerro Los Mellizos(black sharp tower mountain) at here. Mostly you can arrive there after 1 day. North of here lot of snow but still doable and navigation with lot of cairns easily.<br /> <br /> Camp[68.4/1089] : can fit 2-3 tents with log seats and fire ring, some(not much) weather protection by trees and bushes. Stream flowing nearby. Then i continues RR.<br /> <br /> Km68.1 : flat area(-47.72665, -72.49681) can fit many tents with amazing glacier views, but no protection. Stream flowing here, also old fire pit beside a tree. Still lot of snow here.<br /> <br /> Water[67.3/1041] : snow end and i didn't see any water here. I took RR for going down, it is actually a trail, easy to follow. But some point is steep and a little landslide, walk easily when dry, but maybe a problem if wet or covered by snow.<br /> <br /> Fords starts/end[66.7/867] : old camping spot with fire pit 100m before here, nice view but no protection. River breaks into many streams at here, I took about 20min total for putting rocks in streams separately for all the way dry wet crossing by rock hopping.<br /> <br /> Km65.85 : shelter(-47.70890, -72.49466) with 1 side protection in good condition, nice for cowboy under it when summer. Flat spot can fit 2-3 tents with fire ring just beside it. Trail easy to miss it because covered by some trees.<br /> <br /> From here to km53.2(road), HURDLE RACE start! At least 500 blowdowns you need to step over. No climbing, just step over, easy to walk and follow but muddy and blowdowns, you know that.<br /> <br /> Km64.45 : camping spot(-47.69803, -72.49788) under trees, can fit many tents with fire pit and log seats, weather protection by forest.<br /> <br /> Km64.05 : i cleared a flat spot(-47.69555, -72.50008) for a single person tent, with great lake, mountain views and i stayed here for 18 hours because of snowstorm, just beside the lake so it is easy to collect water. Weather protection by forest, but if the wind comes from south then nothing help. If you have 15min more, i think can fit one more single person tent here.<br /> <br /> Km61.95 : junction of RR, {36H-A} and {36H-05}, easy to miss. Pay attention to wood cutting trace on ground.<br /> <br /> Km58.45 : swamp area full of water, you can jump(a huge jump) over it for dry feet. After swamp is a river crossing by narrow log, after the crossing don't go away immediately, looks inside the river, lot of beautiful green water plants here!<br /> <br /> Puesto[57.6/677](Calloqueo), Puesto Cayuqueo, refuge is locked, looks like no more people until next summer, because the gate nearby is completely locked by wire too. Beautiful grassland for camping at here, and a shelter with fire pit inside too. Easy to collect water because just beside Río Pedregoso, at here Río Pedregoso still a clear water river.<br /> <br /> Fence[56.5/657] : it is a gate and completely locked by wire. Climb it at right side just wooden fence, at left side is barbed wire with fence. Huge exposed grassland with views in this area.<br /> <br /> Ford[55.4/656] : third wet feet crossing, also is the deepest crossing at late season April. Looks like above knee at trail crossing, better go upstream 10m walk on the red rock bar, it is flowing very fast but just above half of calf, easy crossing. Flat area for camping at both side of river.<br /> <br /> Ford[54.8/650] : crossing a grey water river, so better collect water before it joins main river. Trail crossing looks like up to half of calf, better crossing point at downstream just before 2 river combined, rock hopping there. But be careful for rock hopping, rocks not stable and rolling there, also a pool looks deep just at downstream, don't slide!<br /> <br /> Km53.85 : nice flat spot(-47.62754, -72.46476) can fit 2 tents just beside the trail. Looks like camped by someone before.<br /> <br /> Ford[53.7/630] : river breaks into 3 parts here, the first and third part is easy rock hopping. The second, main part above ankle at trail crossing, easy. It is the fourth, also the last wet feet crossing.<br /> <br /> Puesto[53.1/611] : didn't see anyone when i passed here, but looks like still in using because lot of cooking equipment is outside the refuge. The refuge is not locked but I just take photos and didn't go inside. Can be emergency use for bad weather.<br /> <br /> After here, all the way road walking.<br /> <br /> Km49.25 : viewpoint(-47.59724, -72.49715) of Laguna Calluqueo, Glacier Calluqueo, Cerro Los Mellizos and Monte San Lorenzo o Cochrane. I camped here, with a 2m rock wall that covers the wind from south, also lot of things can hold my tent's line. A super beautiful spot with amazing sunrise coming up from the glacier!<br /> <br /> The next morning i saw a bus coming to here, that i met it before outside Cochrane tourist information, so maybe possible to arrange a shuttle at Cochrane for SOBO?<br /> <br /> Km48.5 : Glacier Calluqueo Camping Spot(-47.59382, -72.49962), i look it from high on road, looks like no views but covered by some trees with protection, can fit 2-4 tents with log seats.<br /> <br /> Bridge[46.2/394] : Puente Calluqueo, camping spot after the crossing at downstream, can fit 1-3 tents with fire ring.<br /> <br /> The next 2 Danger waypoint i didn't understand, it looks like very safe walking on the road?<br /> <br /> After 10 minutes i hitched a car to Cochrane, this is the second car i saw in that day. They also take me to Lago Brown and followed {36H-23} to viewpoint(-47.46236, -72.38094) of Cerro San Lorenzo, huge huge huge thank you to them!<br /> <br /> Lastly i stayed at Calafate Camping in Cochrane, 6k CLP for camping, good spot with nice refuge(kitchen), hot shower and clean toilet. You also can camping under some shelters if bad weather.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-19 to 2024-Mar-23 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 24A + 02 + 04B / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [5.5-50.0] + OH36H-24A to the Glacier and back<br /> <br /> I got a hitch to the junction at km 5.5. From there I walked for about 2 hours until a car took me to the junction at km 33.9. There is a fence between Rio del Salto and the RR. At the Danger Waypoint (km 43.2) is the fence broken down and the river is accessible. I got a 3rd hitch from there to the Calluqueo Glaciar. I took OH36H-24A to the glacier. Its a good trail, but mostly through forrest without view. Around km 3.0 you can see the glacier + the lake. Its really nice. At the end of OH36H-24A you get a close-up look at the Glaciar. There is a lot of water between km 3.5 and 6. At km 4.1 is a decently flat spot for camping. I camped at km 49.7 next to the RR. I would not recommend the spot in a windy night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [50.0-79.9]<br /> <br /> There was snow above 1000 meters. Around the Bourder/Pass Waypoints the snow was more than knee deep. It was possible to do it without any snowgear, but it took some time. There was plenty of water along the RR and all Fords were max. knee high.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [79.9-107.3]<br /> <br /> The RR crosses lots of small streams, so there is plenty of water. Puesto at km 83.9 can be used as shelter and has a open outhouse. I camped at km 107.3 on a flat meadow.<br /> <br /> Day 4: OH36H-02 [0.0-26.6]<br /> <br /> The first 2 km of OH36H-02 are more CC than a trail. After that the trail is easy to follow and in good condition for about 5-6 km. Than the trail starts to become overgrown and later very muddy. Therefore it wasn't to much fun walking this trail. But the valley offers some nice waterfalls and snowy mountains. There was plenty of water and fords were easy.<br /> <br /> Day 5: OH36H-02 [26.6-29.0] + OH36H-04B [122.5-132]<br /> <br /> I hiked about 2 1/2 hours along the Carreterra Austral until a group of cars passed me and one of them took me to Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 6 to 2024 Mar 12 / 7 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Maddi and Tom'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Got the public bus from Villa O'Higgins to Lago Christie at 11am, paid 600 CLP per person. Apparently it comes every few days. We were the only ones on it so the driver dropped us at the trailhead. There is a big sign and a picnic table at the start and the trail is pretty clearly defined. Hiked along Lago Christie and camped at the Northern end at a clear spot on the sand.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Kept following a clear track to Lago Alegre. Passed the settlers but noone appeared to be home. Had lunch on the lake at a nice pebbly beach (-48.03641,-72.49016), had a swim and Tom caught a rainbow trout to eat. Had a relaxed day hiking and camped at the very northern end of the lake (-47.98559,-72.53109). Tom caught another trout for dinner. Two others hiking joined us later that night as it was a good camp spot with lake access.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Tom caught another trout for breakfast before we started hiking for the day. Rain started getting pretty heavy making the track quite muddy and it was very cold. Had lunch at Las Tablas to get out of the rain. Sun came out so we continued on, although it didn't last. Since it was raining heavily and I was getting very cold, we camped next to El Burro for the night.<br /> <br /> Day 4: More rain in the morning. Packed up and hiked to La Pampa for lunch. Got a weather update and it was looking bad for the next day (heavy snow and wind) so we decided to camp at La Pampa. Spent a nice afternoon in the sun with a fire going. The two hikers we camped with before also stayed there that night.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Woke up to heavy rain and wind so stayed in bed until 11am, not wanting to cross the pass in these conditions. Snow started around lunch and was heavy enough to stick. Got a weather update and it was looking sunny for the next day so decided to wait it out. Hiked up the river around 5pm to do the river crossing and then camped at the base of the pass at (-47.79854,-72.52191). Started snowing just as we went to bed.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Got up early and started up the pass. Lots of snow and ice made it quite slippery but manageable. Had to watch out for the black ice on all the rocks around the river. The snow concealed any tracks but wasn't difficult to navigate with my watch. Snow was about knee deep at the top of the pass. Came down the other side with awesome views down the valley. Took the detour to avoid the river crossing above the canyon. Detour is steep uphill but is worth it as where we ended up crossing didn't even get our shoes wet. Did see a dead horse there though that must have been washed down the canyon. Had lunch near the fallen down puesto on the river. Was nice to get some sun after so many days of rain and snow. Continued on and camped at Glacier Calluqueo.<br /> <br /> Day 7: Started walking along the road hoping for a hitch. Was actually very hot. Managed to get a ride after about an hour to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-28 to Mar-03 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Took transport till end of road near glaciar Calluqueo (Jonathan +56940246832, 65000$) as I wanted to walk the pass before the predicted snowfall sets in. Traverse was quite tedious cause of the rainy and cold weather. Met Natalie and Luca halfway, hi :-) Did not meet anyone else during 4 1/2 days! Was accompanied by a smelling(!) dog (of Ruben?) from the camp at Lago Christie until next morning near Rubens house. He slept a bit windsheltered next to my tent - it was cold and a lot of wind! Keep in mind (I didn`t) that once you have reached Lago Alegre there are still 2000hm to go uphill before you reach the MR!<br /> <br /> Campsites: <br /> 300m before Camp km68.4 on a +-exposed meadow with glaciar view,<br /> in front of Puesto ElBurro (rainshelter inside and a table outside), <br /> Camp km110.9, <br /> on the shore of Lago Christie km 129 just before the path leads uphill in to the forest (a bit wind protection by bushes and Wood)<br /> <br /> Did a shortcut between ca. km103.5 and km 100.5. Sometimes good trail, sometimes obstacle course over fallen trees. <br /> Was very lucky with transport to Villa O`Higgins. Got a motorcycle ride all the way from the refugio at km148.6 at 6 pm with a short detour to the border at Rio Mayer. Stayed in Hostal Rio Mayer in Villa O`Higgins (very friendly and talkative, no internet).<br /> <br /> 28-Feb-24 to 03-Mar-24/4days/ Hiking/ NOBO/ RR/ Natalie &amp; Luca<br /> <br /> Took a few days off to reconnect with an old friend in Villa O'Higgins and then decided to take him for a test trial on the GPT.<br /> <br /> With the help of Martin from Mosco we found out the day we left was the day the subsidized bus leaves from O'Higgins to Lago Christie. Left around 1130 and got to the TH ~13:00. The bus only goes 4x a month and it went twice in the last week of February, not sure how it is organized. Only 3500 each. <br /> <br /> A little bit of rain the first day and a lot of rain/snow at the end. The trail was fun, mellow and in good shape, next to no mud. We met Ruben and all of his animals (cutest puppy atm). He offered a camping spot but I am sure the dogs would be all over you at night. We camped at the beginning of Allegra near Refugio entre lagos (NO refugio), -48.09404, -72.49798. At this moment there is no shelter but it looks like someone is working on one, there is a boat at the lake. There is a creek with only still puddles of water so we drank from the lake. <br /> There are few nice camping spots along both Christie and Allegra that are not marked. Did not stop to fish :(. I heard Margarita is in O'Higgins atm. <br /> <br /> We made a short cut to avoid the big intersection near Puesto 107. We cut off after camp 110 and ended ~800m near a river camp marked on osm. It was easy and mostly open forest, mainly just a quest to stay on the best animal track as there are a few of them. We basically followed close to where the hill is but not too close bcs that is where the bush is no good.<br /> <br /> Camped outside Puesto 98.4, Las tablas. It had no water so fill up before of just go down to the river.<br /> <br /> Met Matías - Hi Matías! Even though we were both trying to beat the rain I very much enjoyed the conversation/laughs!<br /> <br /> When we got to Puesto 83.9, La Pampa, the rain just began to start and even though it was only lightly raining at the time the forecast was not good for the evening so we decided to stay and enjoy the early day and nice Refugio. The weather got increasingly worse and very strong overnight with snow in the morning. The Refugio is large and clean. It has a fire pit in the corner, an outhouse, extra blankets and tarps, a good table and lots of tools and pots if needed. No other puesto compared. There were only a few small leaks during the night, we pitched a tent inside for added warmth. <br /> <br /> The next morning there was a lot of fresh snow and it was still snowing with strong wind at times - so the pass was interesting. We took variant D to avoid the Rio Bravo fords and got soaking wet in the bush, it wasnt very clear where the trail was, needed the GPS. Although the Rio Bravo was very calm and shallow (barely to my knees, 167), the snow made it too cold for my liking. If one is curious about camping on the other side of the river, I think you can make a camp, there are lots of flat spots but not so much wind protection. There were camping possibilities throughout the pass as well. As for the pass, &quot;most&quot; of the trail was not covered by snow bcs the water was flowing down the trail therefore navigation was still okay, a bit harder between passes. Of course the weather improved at camp 68.4...<br /> <br /> I know Tomáš managed the La Picota river and it made me curious to try but it made no sense to go for it, the RR that follows the west is an easy trail and the fords afterwords were almost (all but one) jumpable. Sadly what I read about &quot;la playa&quot; is true, there was a dead horse (pieces of it) at the start of the fords, it seemed rather recent so I guess the La Picota ford still kills. <br /> The Refugio after the fords is just a &quot;lean-to&quot;. The trail afterwards is okay, starting to get muddy but not bad. A nice camp is possible at -47.66704, -72.50032 bcs of the beautiful view but there is no water, actually not many places to stop between ford and puesto 57.6. We Camped at Puesto 57.6 and met Antonio, super lovely man and we had breakfast with him the following morning. In return I gave him the rest of my walnuts and peanuts, hopefully that was enough. There is not much of a shelter there, teepee style, but you can camp under the trees by the river. His dogs are annoying, got into my food bag while we were talking and then never left us alone. Really nice camping just before his puesto in a big clover field.<br /> <br /> Next day super quick walk out to the view point and then got a hitch down to Cochrane easily, lots of people on a cloudy Sunday afternoon. <br /> <br /> * '''24-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-27 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Variant B, Option 2 / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Having parted ways with Natalie, who had other commitments, I was not able to get a taxi to end of road so I started walking and hitching at noon. Second car took me for about ten km, then I was passed by ten cars in an hour and then got a hitch to the viewpoint three km from end of the road with a guide going to guide a group to the glacier (they go there by boat!). Our car's engine failed 4 km before the destination, but after 5 minutes a passing car took us there. Mount Cochrane is impressive. I ate there and in an hour another two cars passed, one probably from the puesto further on. It was a Saturday, still vacation period and a beautiful day, it seems hitching is promising under such conditions there. The road is in a very good condition and easily scalable by a non 4x4 car.<br /> <br /> The puesto at 53.1 had barking dogs and seems used (maybe a settler?), I did not see it though, it is in the trees. All fords were easy and shallow: definitely under knees. In the beginning there are multiple trails, RR probably has the best route. You cannot avoid fording, I tried. After about ten km, the trail stops being ambiguous. Took variant B (which is mostly a trail, not CC) and slept above the &quot;dangerous ford&quot; (would have been better to stay 500 m lower at the end of the flats). It indeed sounded and looked dangerous after such a hot day. In the morning, I realized the trail to the ford eroded and horses probably cannot go there anymore. A pedestrian still can. The ford was much calmer, very cold but under knees and not strong. I forded it six times unfortunately with bare feet - first to try, than with my backpack and then with my forgotten phone. It hurt even if it is just 5 metres. Going up from the ford, the trail goes to the left of a small stream on top of a small ridge, do not follow the stream as I did. The CC section thereafter is mostly a trail, only invisible on river flats and for about 20 metres in the pass. Going down from the pass, the trail is above the GPX for several hundred metres, going straight and not zigzagging. Rio Bravo was tame after dry weather and at the end of summer, so I took RR. The fords were easy, well under my knees. Puesto el Burro at 92.3 would be a nice place to camp. Utterly scaring a lonely large bull, I pushed to Puesto Tablas, which has a roof that protected me from drops of rain.<br /> <br /> Puesto at 107.4 looked nice and standing, not sure if it was locked, by any means very nice place to camp. I did not notice the &quot;bridge ?&quot;. The ford was mellow, wide but ankle deep. Option 1 at least to variant 01J is actually a used trail, the bridge on it is over a marsh, not sure why it is a waypoint. Decided to take option 2 thinking I would get an easier hitch on Carretera Austral and trusting others who did not like the lake part that much and hating mosquitoes. The first part to variant 01I is partly a cow trail, partly a BB through open forrest. Take 01J instead, should be a clear trail and the ford should be as easy as the one on RR. From there on, 8 km to an unmarked ford through a first creek marked on OSM (it originates from a lake on map, the trail is clear and looks used. 02A was overgrown after 100 clear meters, so do not take that (I did not see the other end of it either and I looked). From the ford, the condition of the trail worsens for 7ish km to camp at 16.4. It is partially overgrown, occasionally with thorns. There is still space for legs, but arms are needed to clear the way. This portion is also mostly over open tundra-like terrain above the river. It is a bit marshy but not much after dry days. The views are splendid! Somebody with a machete would have fun here. Took option 02B, which I think is the actual trail, but it is hard to tell as it goes through a marsh there. Overall the overgrown part is maybe 2-3 km. Puesto Chirola at 17.6 is actually an abandoned settler house, still locked but in heavy rain you could probably get in through a window, the roof is still mostly ok. I slept there, with dusk mosquitoes appeared.<br /> <br /> It rained during the night and probably because of that, the trail got muddy. It is however being used and mostly clear and mostly easy to follow. Refuge without water is without water. It is meant for cyclists and is in good condition. It would sleep easily four people amd uneasily double that. It is always well ventilated with always open windows (rain should not get through), so probably no need to fear the mouse virus. The occasional tundra, wetness and continous rain with occasional glimpse of a glacier finally made me feel like I am in proper Patagonia. On the Carretera, there are not many cars. Started walking and hitching at three PM. As the road is divided by a ferry, cars pass you at (in high season) 2-hour bursts of at most 8 cars, as I was informed by the one passing cyclist. The first burst was just three cars and two motorcycles and they all passed me. It is actually a one lane compacted road where cars in opposite directions must avoid each other. No luck with second burst of three cars. Finally a second car from the third burst took me after 4 hours on the road. The second refugio around km 35 did not look as nice.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 to 2024-Feb-18 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Tess &amp; Lukas'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : good condition, a lot of fallen trees that slows you down but not really bad / the trail was not muddy as we had good sunny days <br /> - Water : lots of rivers and lagunas <br /> - Camping spot : the refugio at km 126,1 has been destroyed by a tree so we camped closer to the lake amongst the trees // at km 148,6 The refugio is really nice, we could make a fire and have a great night before heading the next day to O'Higgins on the long gravel road <br /> - Weather : sunny and a little bit of rain <br /> - River crossing : easy, the river Bravo was not too high and not too strong so we didn't take the variant D<br /> - Resupply : in Cochrane everything you need<br /> - Overall : we were lucky to have an easy hitchike for the first 20km and for the last 7km // we also liked this section that offers really different landscapes and you feel really remote<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-06 to 2024-01-12 // 6,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OPT D // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> After the small part in the forest, I followed the gravel road, which began to be nice from the Laguna la Clara. Some nice miradors along the roads, especially the last one, salto Rio Perez, which was pretty impressive ! <br /> <br /> Then you begin the track los Pioneros. Pretty easy to follow, a bit muddy, but I thought it would have been worse, the last sunny weeks made it dryer than expected. <br /> <br /> From there, it's a sequence of up and down, with amazing views, on Lago Christie then on Lago Alegre, surrounded by mountains. <br /> <br /> Some easy bushbashing which is more like cross country at the end of Lago Alegre to arrive along the Rio bravo. <br /> <br /> The you go along the Rio bravo until cross it. I took the option D to avoid to cross it three times, it's bushbashing but pretty easy to follow as there's a kind of path which was created to go around the small cliffs, and have to cross rio bravo only once. <br /> <br /> On the section, at this time, I haven't got any problem at all to pass the rivers who were pretty low and with weak current. <br /> <br /> Then I arrived in the mountains and that was just amazing ! Even with an uncertain weather and lots of clouds ! <br /> <br /> I had an amazing bivy in front of the impressive calluqueo glacier then it was the looong Gravel road to Cochrane, but really scenic ! <br /> <br /> During all the section it was easy to find water as there's water everywhere ! Some nice camp spot too. <br /> <br /> Mosquitoes and these spiky plants who stay scratched to your shoes and socks are the only annoying stuff. <br /> <br /> Plenty of crowberry and Calafate on the track. Delicious and perfect snacks on the road ! <br /> <br /> Last but not least, if you've always dreamed to try hurdles in athletism, this section is for you ! You'll have to pass threw hundreds of fallen trees ! Enjoy ! <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-01 to 2024-Jan-08 / 7.5 days / NOBO / Villa O'Higgins - Cochrane / RR and Option 36H-D / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> We really enjoyed this section, especially the part of the pass, with awesome views on glaciers and mountains. We found the 2 lakes part nice but less impressive.<br /> <br /> For us, the most difficult with this section was to walk with heavy backpacks and to deal with the hundreds of mosquitoes on the camps near the two lakes. We had the chance to have dry trails most of the time and it helped us a lot. If it rains a lot before you start this section, you will need more time because the trail can get muddy really fast.<br /> <br /> After the first 9km in the forest, we tried to hitchhike from Villa O'Higgins to Lago Christie but we weren't lucky and couldn't find a car on a 1st of January. We only had a lift the second day for 15km by the carabineros. There is nearly no car passing on the X905 road so plan a day or two of extra food if you plan to hitchhike here. Taking a private transport to Lago Christie could also be a solution but it's expensive (about 70'000 CLP according to Martin from El Mosco in Villa O'Higgins).<br /> <br /> There is not much to say about the 2 lake part, we found the trail easy to follow and some nice shelter along the route. Apparently, there is a lot of trout in Lago Alegre. We didn't try to fish since it was raining but we let a peanut butter jar with a spoon (hook) and some fishing line rolled around the jar in the puesto next to Settler {36H} [118.9/486] (Margarita Bustos). She's actually not living there but the puesto is open and a nice shelter to cook (we put the tent next to it).<br /> <br /> For the second part with the pass, we found the trail also easy to follow. The OH-CC&amp;BB-A {36H-D} didn't took us too long and saved us at least 2 river crossing. All the other fords were sometimes wide but easy to pass.<br /> <br /> After 7 days, we tried to hitchhike on the X901 road near the Laguna Calluqueo and were really lucky. After only 4km, a car stopped and took us to X {36H} [5.5/267]. Maybe there is more traffic on this road than on the other side, especially with good weather during the holidays.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-25 to 2023-Dec-29 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We arranged a ride to skip the first 50km of the roadwalk. The trail was surprisingly good and well-trodden throughout, i.e. visually easy to follow. Some muddy sections here and there and steeper climbs and descents. Plenty of water throughout.<br /> <br /> The river crossings didn't pose any difficulties and we were blessed with good weather, despite one rainy night. The views were amazing - that so low down you could be face to face with glaciers!<br /> <br /> We did not find the trail around lakes any harder than the rest of the section. A few times the route goes on the coast, i.e. you need to walk through the water, but it was not an issue. In two cases the route splits into two, the correct trail being the easier one to miss, so need to pay attention to nav. Met Ruben the settler, very nice and friendly guy. We also met 4 other GPT hikers on this section, which was a bit of a shock.<br /> <br /> We walked 30km of the dirt road after Lago Christie until we finally got a hitch to Villa O'Higgins. Barely any traffic on the road, especially in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-07 EXP-OH-TL-I 1day / Anh'''<br /> There is a damaged and not yet reopened route from Villa O’Higgins to Glacier Mosco: EXP-OH-TL-I &amp; EXP-OH-CC&amp;TL-I<br /> Together they are 24 km return and with a daypack it could work.<br /> The EXP-OH-TL-I trail is very well maintained and relatively well marked. There is even a very nice Refugio Puesto Rivera + campsite for tents along the way. BUT from km 7 the trail is damaged by landslides and the section after that is overgrown. I tried the last km via BB through the forest. After that everything should be clear and only CC to the Mosco glacier. Unfortunately, I make very slow progress with BB, it simply takes too much time and with a temperature of 15°C the river crossing afterwards would be dangerous. Unfortunately I have to abort (safety first) &amp; return.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-10 / 4 days / RR + OH-TL-V / SOBO / Anh'''<br /> <br /> A very experienced hiker/local in Villa O'Higgins advised me against NoBo due to high water levels in the next few days regarding river crossings.<br /> <br /> Day 1: With a private transfer to Laguna Calluqueo I had to hike a few more kilometers to the end of Ruta X-901 because it is private land closed by a gate. The first two river crossings were a bit above knee and sometimes strong current. The trail after that in the forest is actually made for horses, there are a lot of obstacles like fallen trees, overgrown bush, swampy paths. It is particularly misleading when the RR and horse path separate because it is suddenly very strange without horse tracks. It has rained and with the snow melting, the paths and streams are almost indistinguishable. I make very slow progress through the obstacles.<br /> The river crossing (Ford km 66.5) was long but in the evening without any problems (knee-deep). The path afterwards RR-CC-A to the camp was steep uphill, but more pleasant than in the forest. As you can see, this trail is only for hikers and it was very rarely used.<br /> <br /> Day 2: It was CC up, across the border from Argentina &amp; back into Chile. At this time there are still many snowfields to cross and therefore Ford (km 71.8) was under the snowfield, which made it very precarious for me. The river crossing Ford (km 77.4) was up to my hips with a strong current, but is not dangerous. Overall, I was much faster because there were hardly any obstacles (only Fords and completely swampy meadow).<br /> <br /> Day 3: The way back from yesterday + 250m river crossing should be easy and pleasant like yesterday! But there was a strong headwind &amp; snow = snow confusion. Then there was the fog and the infamous white-out. My footprints from yesterday were already filled with fresh snow, but still recognizable. I didn't have a long break, so I reached the day's destination very quickly.<br /> Bored, I just carried on hiking and didn't find the way back in the forest from day 1 so bad. I got through all the obstacles surprisingly quickly with the following strategy:<br /> - I had put on remedies on the way out, it had helped a lot. And I run like a horse, don't think twice, just jump over obstacles. The path is made for horses.<br /> - The way back is from the top, the path is much easier to recognize.<br /> - New strategy: just follow the horse tracks, even if I leave the RR.<br /> In the end, I had completed the entire way back from two days earlier in one day. It was about 27km, only possible because it was mostly downhill (450m uphill, 700m downhill).<br /> The price for this strategy was scratches and mini cuts from knees to shoes, very unpleasant at every river crossing.<br /> <br /> Day 4: OH-TL-V to the glacier at Laguna Calluqueo. You have to cross the river right at the beginning, it was a bit over your knees but easy. After that it's a slow climb of almost 700m. There were only a few tricky places: mini path on the precipice or slippery downhill. Overall, the path was very easy to recognize and very pleasant to run. Water is only available again at km 3.5, so you should take your time and enjoy the trail at a leisurely pace.<br /> During the night, a tent pole broke and the tent was damaged. There are no outdoor stores in Cochrane and you can't buy a new tent. In addition, a section on RR-GPT35 from Tamango entrance through Patagonia Park was not yet open.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> *'''13.03.23 - 18.03.23 / Anna &amp; Christopher / SOBO, Cochrane - Villa O'Higgins / 5.5 days'''<br /> We camped approximately 3 km outside of Cochrane to get an early start on the first day. After walking some km we got pretty lucky and got two hitchhikes and were able to skip 41 km until km 53. The views in between were amazing though, especially Glaciar Calluqueo. The next day it was supposed to rain a lot until the afternoon. Therefore we planned half a day in the tent and went to a small simple shelter at km 65.8, that is indicated on Gaia.<br /> <br /> It didn't rain as bad as last predicted and we were able to continue around 2 pm. The weather got surprisingly good then. Nice stretch over the pass. We camped at around km 76 next to the river. All rivercrossings were all pretty chill, even with Anna beeing 1,63m. But there were tons of small streams, muddy pools and rivers to cross. We had no dry feet for 5 days. There were also lots of fallen trees to climb over/walk around from Puesto la Pampa until Lago Christie, therefore that stretch took us longer than expected. The trail between approx. km 105 to 107 is starting to get really overgrown. It was still wet from the rain and our pants were completely drenched after we got through there, even without rain.<br /> <br /> We met the settler at km 118.9. He even invited us in, but we continued on to make some more km that day and camped at km 122.9, which is a pretty nice spot at the lake.<br /> <br /> The next morning we had to slip into frozen shoes to continue. After another friendly encounter with the next settler, we were happy to reach the dirtroad, were it felt good to gain kilometers a lot faster again. We spent the night at the refugio km 148.7 with a fireplace.<br /> <br /> On our final day there were some fantastic views. Just when the road got more dull and we started our first brake after approx. 11 km, a car of the Carabineros passed and they took us to Villa O'Higgins. A pretty lucky section for us :)<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''Feb. 2-8 / Zach + Veronica / 36H-Regular Packrafting Route / 7 days'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> I did the hiking parts of 36H with Veronica. After hitching the Carratera I had a windless late morning paddle from the Lago Esmeralda picnic site where a group of military were training in rafts. Veronica described the hike to Lago Alegre. To start Lago Christie, Option X would put you better in line with the wind which was strong, blowing straight through the narrow all the way to the cozy refugio at the otherwise blustery southern end of Christie. Just past Salto Pérez there are two rapids visible from the road. Putting in after those, Rio Perez was a scenic and swift ride with avoidable submerged trees all the way to Rio Mayer, which is stronger than it looks. I put in again past the first mortal rapid and rode straight to the take out before the second mortal rapid. The waypointed rapids in between were very challenging, almost flipping me twice. After taking out of Rio Mayer, I hopped the black fence for option 27. The minor roads in this area are undulating and steep but well maintained with painted guardrails, bridges, and directional signage at intersections. I had a pleasant conversation with one worker on ATV. I tried to do Option 27E but the wind was too strong on the lake in the evening and also the next morning. Backtracking, I paddled the pleasant Rio Briceño between the impressive falls near the lake down to another set of falls near the lower bridge (between[-48.2710, -72.492] and [-48.2726, -72.4772]). The wind on Lago Briceño seemed calm in the cove of the sheltered picnic refuge/dock (km 251.6), but around the corner a strong headwind turned me around. The walk to Lago El Salto had commanding views. Lagos El Salto and Cisnes both provided tail winds. The short trail between these lakes was overgrown and difficult to follow, but it was worthwhile to follow the trail as bushwhacking often led to spiky plant jail. Tailwind continued all the way to the O’Higgins bridge. I highly recommend El Mosco Hostal/camping.<br /> <br /> * '''2 to 8 of February 2023 / Véronica &amp; Zach / GPT36H RR SOBO / 7 days'''<br /> Route: Cochrane - Mirador Glaciar Colluqueo - Río Pedregoso - Paso La Picota - Río Bravo - Lago Christie - Río Mayer - Villa O'Higgins<br /> <br /> We stayed at Camping Calafate while we were in Cochrane. Great camping area with a kitchen, laundry service, hot showers, and wifi for 6,000 clp per person. The owner is very kind too.<br /> <br /> We were quite fortunate this section to enjoy good weather almost the whole way. We were able to hitch the first few km on the Carretera Austral. Then Zach packrafted across Laguna Esmeralda while I took the primary road on the RR to the east of it. Very little traffic on the primary road, and we walked most of it, only ended up being able to hitch a ride for the last 10 km or so, to the junction at 39.9 km where the RR becomes a minor road.<br /> <br /> At that point it was getting late, and we wanted to camp at the waypoint Lake, Camp {36H} [109.8/334] along the minor road. We set up our tents, but after it was dark, around 10:30 p.m., we were surprised by the arrival of a man with a dog and a horse. Talking with him, we realized he was the owner of the land we were on, and his house was right nearby (we hadn't seen it when we initially set up camp). He said it was ok and that we could camp here though, that we didn't have to move.<br /> <br /> The next morning, around 8 a.m., we packed our things and walked to the house, with the intention of thanking the man for letting us camp on his property. There were no signs of life around his house, so we assumed he might be still sleeping or was already out and about. So we left along the dirt road again. His dog followed us. We figured it would eventually return home. Afted ~6km, we were surprised by the settler coming at us down the road on his horse with his whip raised in a threatening way. He was very angry and upset at us about his missing dog, and initially thought we had taken his dog with us on purpose. We did our best to explain that the dog had simply followed us, we did not coax it or feed it, and that we were very sorry it followed us and had no bad intentions. After a bit of discussion, the settler calmed down and we were able to chat about where we were hiking and such. We seemed to part on good terms, but it wasn't a pleasant experience, and we wished we'd known that the land on the south shore of the lake where we camped belonged to a settler, and is not really a viable wild camping place. The GPS tracks only indicate &quot;buildings&quot; nearby, but that waypoint should say &quot;settler&quot; instead, and perhaps the camping waypoint by the lake should be removed. S 47° 30.166', W 072° 31.809' is where the settler house is.<br /> <br /> The rest of the trail went well. The views of the various glaciers were wonderful, and we had mostly good weather the whole way. Zach took Option 36H-B that necessitates fording La Picota. It was early in the morning and he was able to ford it with the water reaching his waist. I took the regular route further west, which was a bit steep on shale rocks at first, but easy to follow.<br /> <br /> The ford at km 77.4 was the most difficult ford in this section for me, the current was strong and cold and went up to my hips. Fording Río Bravo was easier, and we only did it once, next to the laguna. Option 36H-D had virtually no bushwhacking — there was a clear path to follow in the forest.<br /> <br /> There were regular water sources between Puesto La Pampa (km 83.9) and Puesto Tablas (km 98.4), as well as occasional good spots to camp.<br /> <br /> Once we got to Lago Alegre, I walked the regular hiking route east of the lake while Zach packrafted across with a good tailwind. Very beautiful trail, loads of crowberries and Calafate berries to eat too. I took Option 36H-G, where there is a large tree trunk you can walk across over the river. Zach packrafted Lago Christie as well, although the wind was much stronger in the afternoon. The refuge at the south end of Lago Christie is a good place to sleep out of the wind.<br /> <br /> The roadwalk to town was quite scenic, with a few refuges along the way. Zach took the packrafting route while I stayed on the minor road. I ended up walking all of it except for the final 8 km. There was very little traffic, and I didn't mind walking through the gorgeous landscapes.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''Dec 2022 Frank'''<br /> There is a bus from Cochrane to Lago Brown twice a week (see transport section) Taking it to the junction with Route 901, a little after the bridge over Rio Tranquilo, will save a 34KM road walk.<br /> <br /> * '''GPT36H and Option 2 / Yannic &amp; Mirjam / 22-Dec-2022 / Southbound'''<br /> Regular Route to Option 2 We started from Cochrane and did the first part on the Carretera Austral by car stop. After that you get on a side road with very little traffic. We didn't have a car in 4 hours so we hiked. Then there was one that didn't take us, then nothing again. In the end we hiked everything. We wanted to spend the night at Laguna Confluencia (south at Camp 109.8/334). Unfortunately we were surprised by barking dogs, but could not see a house. We therefore returned to the road and spent the night a few hundred metres further ahead in the meadow. Next day on the Minor Road and Trail was nice and easy. We spent the night next to the Puesto Cayuqueo. From there we went through the forest, which is partly badly damaged by storms. Many fallen trees. But you can always find the way again. We then took the western route (not 36H-B). The river only has to be crossed once at a shallow point. Partly very sloping path, but easy to pass. We crossed Rio Bravo at the lagoon, which was even possible in the evening. We spent the night at the lagoon and hiked everything on the east side the next day. OH-CC&amp;BB-A {36H-D} was well passable. Nice place to camp near Puesto Tablas at S 47.92184 W 72.56781.<br /> <br /> Option 2 All went well and we were set for an &quot;easy&quot; exit via option 2 - which surprised us.... The path is up and down. Partly well passable and easy path, partly very overgrown (up to bush bashing). Although we had only light rain, the path was very marshy and matchy. We sank in up to our knees. Nice refugio with fireplace at the end of the trail. The Carreteral Austral is not very busy. Cars only come when the ferry docks in Rio Bravo. It is best to check the timetable in advance. Then you can wait comfortably in the refugio. El Mosco is perfect to wait for the ferry in O'Higgins. For us 6 days....<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Dec Frank 6 days mainly SOBO'''<br /> <br /> As weather was initially poor I split the section as follows: 1. Got bus from Cochrane towards Lago Brown, got out @ road junction near Rio Tranquilo bridge, walked NOBO back to Cochrane. 2. While I was waiting for the ferry in Villa O'Higgins I walked out about 25KM NOBO to Padre Antonio Ronchi chapel &amp; hitched back to O'Higgins. 3. I again got the bus towards Lago Brown, got out @ the same junction &amp; walked the central section of the route SOBO in 4 long days.<br /> <br /> 1. NOBO, nearly all on road. You pass by the 'mortal falls' on Rio Tranquilo (by the bridge) About 1KM further on the road was blocked by aggressive dogs who came up from a settlement about 800M off the road. I had to shout to the settler to call them off. Around 7KM out from Cochrane the road bends left at a metal crash barrier. I left the RR here &amp; went over the low crash barrier &amp; continued straight ahead on forest tracks, quicker &amp; nicer than the road. About 1KM from Cochrane you return to the road by climbing over a small wooden gate.<br /> <br /> 3. I walked on the road past Calluqueo glacier then on a trail. After the first puesto the track fades out among fallen trees. Camped by a ruined shelter. I crossed the river on RR the next day. La Picota crossing is for horses &amp; best avoided on foot. The RR crossing was easy. After the crossing continue straight ahead &amp; go up the far hillside, pick up a small trail going left above a bluff about 70 metres up. Continued over the 2 border passes. There are some cliffs you need to go round when descending the first pass . There will be snowfields early in the season also. I crossed Rio Bravo high up between two waterfalls, descended to cross it again by the lake, then stayed on LHS of Rio Bravo. No trail initially on LHS of river &amp; a lot of bush bashing over bluffs but judging by later comments the route may now be improved. I continued down to Lago Alegre. There is a settler just as you reach Lago Alegre. She was friendly &amp; allowed me to sleep in her barn. She radioed Ruben, the settler who lives on Lago Christie, to let him know I was coming. It's slow going round the lakes with lots of up &amp; down over bluffs. The hut between the two lakes had been used by sheep &amp; was not in v. good condition. I met Ruben about half way round Lago Christie. He was friendly but I continued on to camp by a ruined hut after descending from bluffs to the lake. I walked out the road to Padre Antonio Ronchi chapel &amp; hitched from there to Villa O'Higgins. There is a good hut on the road at the junction with the X905 road. Another hut further on but it's dusty. All other huts marked on the route are in poor condition or ruined, they are mostly good for cooking &amp; camping outside. The weather for the central section was good so I didn't have any problems. It's possible to hitch part of the road sections - traffic is sparse but they will usually stop. In both cases when you reach the road there is nothing, you need to walk out about 15KM &amp; then start hitching.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''GPT 36P/ Ruta de Los Pioneros/ Option Río Baker and Valle de los Ñadis/ Packrafting Route / 2022 Feb-20 / 9.5 days / Tobias Schorcht and Jonas Grünewald'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> I packrafted from Balsa Baker (Cochrane) 50km downstream. On this section I faced 2 rapids. The first one -47,41143, -72,90798 has to be paddled from the right side (between 2 rocks). After the river is united again, stay in the center to avoid the swirls on the right side. The second rapid (class 3) needs to be ported, at least the first 20m. At the confluence with Río de los Ñadis I left the River and met with Jonas. We took a 20km Roadwalk southwards and entered the Valle de los Ñadis. Unfortunately we didn’t had Jan’s new GPS Tracks in this Part and got kind of lost on day 2, because of a misunderstanding with a settler. Now we know, that the trail is all the way to family Caucamán on the right side of the valley. We shared a mate with Ariel Caucamán, who explained us, how to get to Lago Desplaye. Found the lake after some struggles with navigation and camped right next to it. Luckily there was only some wind the following morning, so we made it with my Packraft to the stunning Glacier. Followed the river bank of Río Desplaye down to Lago Allegre. I packrafted Lago Alegre and Lago Christie, while Jonas walked. I was faster because the wind was in my favorite. The weather turned really bad with strong wind and rain on day 8. We stayed in the Refugio (-48,20300, -72,33202) close to the airport and made a fire. Because of bad weather conditions we decided to walk on the road to Villa O’Higgens instead of discovering the lakes.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> * '''Martín Lizondo / 3-Feb-2020 / Regular Hiking Southbound'''<br /> At this date the route is perfectly traversable. The settlers are happy to receive visitors. Path well visible 95% of the time. No snow at the pass and no dangerous river crossings, but only some suggestions: 1. cross Rio Bravo only once (47º 47' 53,49&quot; S, 72º 31' 15,78&quot; O) and then continue on the east margin with some bush bashing, instead of crossing it multiple times; 2. consider crossing the dirty river of sector Alegre at 48º 2' 20,65&quot; S, 72º 29' 27,81&quot; O instead of the gps track regular point nearer to the house. Way to Villa O’Higgins, at the road, Julia Torres offers place for tent and great fresh food ( 48º 15' 41,47&quot; S, 72º 25' 43,52&quot; O ). Good luck and enjoy!<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''GPT36H Regular Packrafting Route / Southern End: Laguna Clara to Villa O‘Higgins'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> 2020-Jan-08 1.5 days Meylin Ubilla &amp; Jan Dudeck<br /> <br /> The „Ruta de los Pioneros“ is one of the historic routes that was created and used by the first settlers in the last century. This route connected Villa O’Higgins with Cochrane long before the Carreta Austral was completed in the year 2000.<br /> <br /> The northern and the southern terminus; approx. 50 km on each end; are now upgraded to gravel roads. Only the roughly 100 km in the middle remain a classic animal trail made and created by people on horses to drive cattle.<br /> <br /> To bypass as much as feasible of these gravel roads we have investigated in recent years multiple alternatives on both ends of GPT36H. Especially with a packraft most of these gravel road kilometers can be bypassed on a very attractive combination of lakes and rivers with shorter portages in between.<br /> <br /> We now investigated and verified a route that first crosses the 2 km wide Lago Claro and than connects on an excellent 2 km trail to Rio Meyer. To continue either only cross Rio Meyer (like we did) or float downstream o. this river up to 4 km (alternative river exit to be scouted first!). An perfectly maintained trail leads then to Lago Biceño (2 to 6 km depending on only crossing Rio Meyer or floating downstream up to 4 km on Rio Mayer). Here a decision needs to be made depending on wind: either paddle a part of Lago Briceño or or continue walking 8 km to Salto on an scenic very well maintained trail (Alternatively a 6 km long trail connects from Lago Briceño to Lago Salto on a different route). After traversing 4 km on Lago Salto a 1 km short animal trail leads to Lago Cines. Once you reach Lago Cisnes it’s 13 km on a combination of lakes and rivers that gets you very close to Villa O’Higgins. Only the last 3 km into the village must be walked on a gravel road.<br /> <br /> We travelled this route in 1.5 days and really enjoyed the landscape, the excellent trails and the scenic paddling. Even in suboptimal weather this route is feasible and offers plenty of alternatives and escape routes. Therefore I will re-route the regular packrafting route of GPT36H to this route.<br /> <br /> Between Lago Claro and Lago Salto we discovered the best maintained trails of the entire Aysen region. Bridges cross even the smallest streams and all muddy areas are crossed on wooden passages. After years of hiking in this region this came as a surprise. But we also know why. These trails were not created to serve the public but a single family: los “Luksic”, the richest clan of Chile (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrónico_Luksic_Abaroa). They buy up huge plots of land in this region to create family resorts and as investments. The land between Lago Claro and Lago Salto is owned to my knowledge by this family. And they have the money to contract a large stuff to i.e. create and maintain trails on their properties. What was nice: when a group of 3 employees passed us on a trail on quarts they did not challenge us but gave use useful recommendations how to continue. Legally, access to lakes, rivers and the coast must be given in Chile even if the private property i.e. surrounds a lake but landlords can make it difficult anyway. To my knowledge all access routes from public roads a locked but since we accessed this area on water we did not have to climb over locked gates. Therefore this route seams to me suitable for packrafters.<br /> <br /> Multiple route variations are feasible that link in further lakes. Short bushwhacking portages might be required in this case but the landscape and vegetation seams generally more open than the Valdivian rain forrest on the Aysen coast. Someone can easily spend up to 5 days discovering other packrafting routes in this area.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''11/12/2019 - les 2 As - regular hiking route'''<br /> <br /> Hi! We finished this day the section 36 from north to south. It took us 6 days without the last 37 kms on the road (we hitchhiked on this part). It was rough, we have had 2 days of bad weather (only rain at our altitude but it changes everything). You are isolated in the middle of nowhere and we met no one during 5 days. Officially no bush bashing but sometimes the path is barely invisible and unmaintained so hard to walk. From the 3rd day to the end, we have had many rivercrossings. Some were easy, some not and some also quite dangerous. With all the snow melting, the level of the river is very high and the current is strong (I do not recommand to try these fords without walking poles, these saved us). Same situation with the lakes we walked near. Their level is high and often the path was submerged and we had to walk litteraly in the lake (sometimes up to the waist). Luckily we met 2 cabañas (2 last nights) to dry our clothes and sleep under a roof. This made the section even more wonderful than it already was. A great experience!<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Dec / Olrik / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> From O'Higgins there are 50km on a dirt road to the beginning of the sendero. There are some open refugios on the way to sleep. you can also arrange a paid transportation from O'Higgins. Hitchhiking is possible but there is not much traffic. The sendero was in pretty bad shape due to the weather conditions. Muddy and flooded all the way near the lakes. We ended up turning back as we did not plan to walk that slow and did not have enough food, and we felt it was safer. We met Matthieu (see below) and they completed it so his report seems better. Puesteros are really nice though.<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Dec / Matthieu / Northbound Regular HR : 9 days'''<br /> A very difficil trekk for us. Lots of river crossings, sometimes unsafe, and we had very bad weather conditions that make us last 9 days on the trekk, with hitchiking 40 km after Villa and 30 km before Cochrane. It could habe been more rapid though, but we walked &quot;tranquilito&quot;. So I would recommend to take 10 days of food,and the chileans agreed with this.<br /> <br /> I wont talk about the routes parts, because just long and we hitchhiked most.<br /> <br /> So 1st Part : The 2 lakes : A very technical trekk, very aquatic. Sometimes we had to walk in the lake (not dangerous though), and the trail by the lakes is very hilly and muddy, and the progression can be very slow. It was for us, with mostly only rain. 1 dangerous rivercrossing : Before El Caleuche, Strong river but a big fat trunk above perfect for crossing.We didnt search for another way of crossing, so maybe there are some safe places by the water.<br /> <br /> On this part, a few puestos good for shelters : between the two lakes, a good caban with possibility of making fire and a roof of metal and walls, very nice, two beds of wood, we slept in it well protected. El Caleuche : at the middle of the Lago alegre, near a abandoned house. POssibility of fire, but not really a good roof. We slept aside in the tents. The place is really nice though<br /> <br /> 2 houses of settlers on the way : - Ruben at the beginning of the Lago Christie, always happy to have visitors and share a mate. - At the end of the Lago Allegre a little bit south west from the trail (a rivercrossing a bit strong to go to the caban, or a &quot;bridge&quot; called Bridge ?-4 on the GPS waypoints, with 2 trunks, that we took in the morning to go back to the trail. A bit dangerous though, better to let Carmen show you how to cross): Ringo y Carmen, amazing persons too who let us plant the tent and permitted us to warm with a good mate, a meal and a wonderful smile, during the Christmas night.<br /> <br /> 2nd part : Rio Bravo and the pass We thought that the worst was behind but we had more strong weather conditions in this part. A few advises for the rivercrossings of the Rio Bravo : I would advise NOT to follow the GPS tracks that follow the normal trail on GPS devices (that is made normally for horses). All the locals (local guides in villa o higgins, Ruben, Carmen and Ringo) were agreed and told us all to follow the east side of the Rio UNTIL the Laguna. The crossing here is very safe, the rio not strong nor profund at all, and you have to cross it ONLY ONCE, instead of 4 or 5 (dont remember). To stay on the east side, there is a little cross country by the forest, a little bit technical and slow but not dangerous, and you can camp at the laguna on the east side. We saw some cairns in the forest too, on the last hill before the laguna, so the locals indeed use this way. We (very badly) abandonned this plan and passed by the normal way just near the camping site west from the river before the Laguna (really bad weather, really bad decisions !) and the rivercrossings (3 I think) were, for me, very dangerous with strong current in profund water, but there was a lot of rain and wind, so I wont judge during good conditions. We were frozen when we arrived at the camping site. I was very angry at me though to not have listened to the locals and taken all those risks.<br /> <br /> For the pass, not very difficult, but we had (again) very strong weather conditions with even snow, and finished at the camp at the north side completely frozen. Know that it can be very exposed !<br /> <br /> Last Part : Rio La Picota After the camping : Two choices - Following the normal road, made for horses. The rivercrossing is completely impossible, unless you want to join the fishes. Even for horses I don't understand how they do it. The Waypoint &quot;Dangerous&quot; totally make sense. - The GPS tracks : perfect to follow, and finished by a beautiful trail of cairns by the cliff (the optionnal trail OH on GPS track), very safe. The river crossing this way is very safe, the river is extremely large, separated and never go far from the ankle.<br /> <br /> The rest we didn't have any technical difficulties. A trekk not to take lightly, and with much respect. Take advises to the locals before. Every one is happy to talk about it in Villa. They have the bad habbit to say that it's an easy way though !<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-12 / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe / 6 days / northbound / regular hiking route'''<br /> <br /> This was a tough section for us! It rained and it rained and it rained and the trail turned to mud and was pretty overgrown in parts. We took the optional Hiking route after reaching Rio Bravo heading South to the Carretera Austral because we didn't feel comfortable forging on, knowing there was a high pass that was probably getting tons of snow instead of our rain, and a &quot;dangerous river ford&quot; that we were afraid would be tok dangerous with flooding too. The snow-line appeared to drop as low as 700 meters one night! We made surprisingly slow progress because of the conditions (entire trail flooded knee deep and extremely muddy after 6 days of rain) - were glad to have extra food with us. On the bail out route, about 10km from reaching the safety of the Carratera there was a pretty big river to cross. It was swollen after all the rain and scary and nearly floated us away. From the Carratera we hiked about 20 minutes before catching a lift back to Villa O'Higgins<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * '''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18'''<br /> <br /> Walk through town and join Highway 7, a moderately trafficked dirt road. The Regular Hiking Route follows X-901, a beautiful but fenced dirt road that culminates in the view of a stunning glacier, for about 28 km until it ends at a blockade just after the Mirador Calluqueo. Along X-901 there are few residences but extensive fence line on both sides. At the end of the road, the route transitions into a braided single track trail that may be confusing to follow.<br /> <br /> Comment by Jan Dudeck: I recently changed the regular packrafting route of GPT36H. This change avoids 35 km of gravel and adds around 70 km of paddling on the two lakes and one river. It’s a big detour but adds impressive beauty. Note that paddling Lago Cochrane is very challenging as wind can be firce. Follow the regular packrafting route only if you are willing and prepared to possibly wait several days on the shore of Lago Cochrane if wind makes paddling this lake unsafe.<br /> <br /> The trail, called La Ruta de Los Pioneros since it is frequently used by the local people, occasionally passes run down refugios as it winds through the forest. At the beginning of the climb to the highest pass, the trail joins a glacial river. Eventually the trail leaves the river to the west and follows a higher route above the valley that is occasionally marked by stone cairns. The top of the pass is at approximate elevation 1.300 m. From this point, there are several kilometers of very exposed hiking among rolling hills.<br /> <br /> The track descends down to treeline at a small, unnamed lake which is the source of the Río Bravo. Join the river and cross it as necessary. There are some stone cairns that mark the way, but they can be hard to spot. When the route is unclear, just follow the river bed. Where the trail deviates from the river bed to the east, it becomes easier to follow. The trail soon climbs about 80 m and remains above Río Bravo. Here there is the occasional small area to camp. To reach Lago Alegre, the trail leaves Río Bravo and travels through an open forest.<br /> <br /> Packrafters put in for Lago Alegre at a red sand beach. In general, both banks are very steep and heavily vegetated, but there are some flat areas near the shore where it may be possible to camp. Take-out is located at a rocky beach on the southeast end. 100 m from the Lago Alegre shoreline is an intact refugio; if you look closely inside, you may spot the etchings of GPT trail blazers, Jan and Meylin.<br /> <br /> From the refugio, there is a well-formed track to Lago Christie. The Regular Hiking route around the east side of Lago Christie is generally easy to follow, but be aware of the occasional spurs that leads away from the main route. The track climbs and descends frequently as it makes its way around the lake and offers a beautiful view of several glaciers. Watch for the occasional stone cairn or red spray-painted arrow to indicate the way. Camping is possible in the forest.<br /> <br /> The route exits onto X-911, a well formed and lightly trafficked gravel road. X-911 ends at X-905, and hikers continue to follow this road for around 20 km towards VIlla O’Higgins. X-905 is fence lined most of the way with the occasional residence.<br /> <br /> Río Mayer is a big, no-nonsense river that is swift at higher flows. It does however mellow out where the GPS route indicates packrafters should put in (a small beach on the other side of the fence).<br /> <br /> The Regular Hiking Route follows the Carretera Austral into Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Villa O’Higgins<br /> <br /> The biggest thing to realize about Villa O’Higgins is that nearly all of the lodging and restaurant options only take cash and there is no ATM in town. The closest place to withdraw money is Cochrane which is a 9-hour drive. Fortunately, there are two grocery stores in town thatl take credit cards. Lodging options vary from camping to a bed in a hostel.<br /> 2024/Joscha<br /> I would recommend Los Cuatreros (-48.463589, -72.559946) and Los Coigues (-48.464742, -72.559453) for resupply. They are cheaper than the other supermarkets.<br /> <br /> *Supermarket on the square in Cochrane. Several shops in Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> *Banco Estado on the square in Cochrane. The ATM was open on Christmas day.<br /> <br /> *Cochrane: Campsite run by Patricia half a block from the Plaza. She does a good breakfast &amp; also has Cabanas &amp; a 4 bed dorm.<br /> <br /> *Zapatoria Cochrane: Little Blue house North side of Dr Stefan's Street, above Rio Maitén street. -47.2541386, -72.5761942.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *There are no resupply options &amp; you should bring everything from Cochrane or O'Higgins. There are only two settlers living permanently on the central off road RR: A woman at Lago Alegre &amp; Ruben on Lago Christie. All other off road puestos are only used occasionally.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *There is a minibus from Cochrane to Villa O'Higgins on Monday, Wednesday &amp; Saturday at 8AM &amp; one from O'Higgins to Cochrane on Tuesday, Thursday &amp; Sunday @ 8AM. Operated by Buses Katalina, they have an office at the bus terminal in Cochrane. There is a minibus from Cochrane to Lago Brown on Monday &amp; Thursday at 11AM. It comes back from Lago Brown on the same days &amp; passes the junction with RR at about 2PM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT36H - Ruta De Los Pioneros]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[Archivo:IMG 7500.jpeg|left|Puerto Yungay - Rio Bravo Ferry Timetable February 2024]]</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT36H_(Ruta_De_Los_Pioneros)&diff=120593 2025-03-02T13:56:06Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-26 &gt; MAR-01 / 4 jours / Randonnée + auto-stop / SOBO / RR &gt; 36-22A &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT36<br /> | Meteo : soleil, nuage le dernier jour<br /> | Eau : parfois difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : chenilles urticantes<br /> <br /> Départ de Cochrane à 8h, personne ne s'arrête sur la carretera austral (pas d'eau). Sur la gravel road j'arrive à faire 3km en auto-stop, puis 10km, puis 16km avec un jeune couple allemand adorable qui m'ont déposé à la Laguna Calluqueo vers 12h30. Attention peste aquatique, j'ai bu l'eau du lac mais elle ne contient pas que du sable. Ensuite j'ai passé 5h à faire la 36-22A qui est vraiment géniale (il y a beaucoup de points d'eau après le km 4), puis j'ai campé au km 55,4 pour éviter le ford le matin. J'ai mal au ventre en me levant mais rien de méchant. Ensuite la progression dans la forêt est plutôt lente (~3km/h) à cause des arbres couchés, des zones humides et des buissons. J'ai suivi le sentier toute la journé, il n'y a pas de cross-county. Le sentier a été entretenu récemment et il y a des cairns partout dans la partie rocheuse. Après le pass au km 71,5, il faut suivre le sentier qui descend tout de suite, la trace gps n'est pas bonne et ça évite le ford au km 71,8. Au km 75,4 il n'y a pas de ford. Après le km 79, il y a des moustiques. La pression n'est pas forte mais c'est pénible pour se laver. J'ai moins mangé car je n'avais pas faim, je me couche avec un mal de ventre et je me lève avec un mal de crâne en plus. Après le sentier est aussi bon. Il se dégrade seulement entre les km 103 et 105. Le problème quand on pousse les branches ce sont les chenilles. Beaucoup d'arbres couchés du km 109 au 112. J'ai mal au crâne, au ventre, et j'ai des courbatures, la journée se termine et je suis complètement claqué. Après le settler du km 119 le sentier se degrade un peu mais redevient normal après le km 125,5. En arrivant à la salto Perez, j'ai rencontré deux retraités Italiens très gentils qui ont acceptés de me conduire à O'Higgins. Coup de chance car la route n'est pas frequentée et il n'y avait pas d'autres voitures.<br /> MAR-02: Repos Villa O'Higgins et médecin.<br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-30 to 2025-Feb-5 / 7 days (indluding 1 zero) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Pretty straight forward section so not much to add. All the fords were fine even though it was raining a lot for us. Trail a bit overgrown in places but nothing problematic.<br /> <br /> Caught the bus at 11am to junction 33.9km (1,000 clp pp).<br /> <br /> Walked on the minor road for 8km before getting a hitch to the mirador at Laguna Calluqueo.<br /> <br /> Ford 53.7, 54.8 and 55.4km all below the knee and easy the morning after a rainy day. Good camping on the south side of 55.4km too.<br /> <br /> Fords 66.5-66.7km all easy.<br /> <br /> Ford 71.8km hopped over.<br /> <br /> Camped 150m north of Ford 75.4km (-47.46396, -72.30952) flat dry spot not much wind protection though.<br /> <br /> Fords 75.4-81.3km all easy, below the knee.<br /> <br /> Camped in the forest just over 1km before puesto 98.4km - good wind protection.<br /> <br /> Really nice campsite by the river at 104km (marked on OSM)<br /> <br /> Trail by Lago Alegre is pretty overgrown in places.<br /> <br /> Camped at 138.5km (-48.09739, -72.24849) stream for water, sheltered in forest.<br /> <br /> Walked as far as 150km when we saw the subsidised bus from o'higgins, stopped and waited for it to turn around and caught it on its way back to o'higgins. We didn't see a single car heading towards Villa O'higgins so can imagine it's a tough hitch, at least until you get closer.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-20 to 2025-Jan-24 / 5 days Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 36H-D/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus to X {36H} [33.9/336]. Got no hitch and had to hike 3 hours to Laguna Calluqueo. Ford {36H} [55.4/656] was easy and up to my knees. <br /> Same with Ford {36H} [54.8/650]. Puesto {36H} [57.6/667] (Calloqueo) was protected by an aggressive dog. Continued and camped in the forest. Heavy rain in the evening. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Fords Start/End {36H} [66.5/867] (Rio Pedregoso) was easy, only almost knee deep. Could not find the landslide that Sophie and Gaspar mentioned. Ford {36H} [78.6/888] (Rio Bravo) was a bit higher then my knees. Took option 36H-D to avoid to cross Rio Bravo two more times. Mostly i could follow a vague visible animal trail, which was often overgrown. <br /> Puesto {36H} [83.9/820] (La Pampa) was not locked and looked nice. Dicided to continue and camped somewhere in the forest.<br /> <br /> Day 3: From here -47.977178, -72.555534 to there -47.987679, -72.560694 the trail is definately very overgrown with 1-2m beech trees. Camped near this place -48.02468, -72.49029 nicely sheltered under trees. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Liked the stretch along both lakes very much. <br /> Refuge {36H} [126.1/512] (Entre Lagos) doesn't exist. -48.142506, -72.43804 collapsed shelter with a big and flat grassland. Would prefer to camp here instead because of better protection: -48.141492, -72.438798. After the shelter i struggled to find the trail. Got very windy in the afternoon. Camped here: <br /> -48.162321, -72.414155. There is good wind protection from the forest and a small stream next to it. But the shelter in the map is just some almost collapsed trunks of trees. Like the stuff they build in 7-vs.-wild, but 10 years later.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Again very windy. After 90 minutes hiking i reached the road. Very few cars passed. Refuge {36H} [148.6/464] is nice and has enough space to pitch a freestanding tent inside. But it has a corrugated iron roof, so probably waterproof. Refuge, River In {36H} [156.8/418] is ok, soil inside is sand. Found an open puesto here: <br /> -48.252049, -72.357653. It was in good condition, but looked abandoned. 45min later i got a hitch to Villa O'Higgins, before heavy rain started. <br /> <br /> * '''SOBO RR + OH 22A// hiking, hitchhiking // 6 days 7-12.01.2025 Maks &amp; Gabi'''<br /> <br /> Getting out of Cochrane was slightly problematic (hitchhiking) so we walked the first 5 km, but after leaving the main road, the 4th car stopped and gave us a ride until the Lago Calluqueo. <br /> <br /> We camped by Rio Pedregoso, left our backpacks there and went to see the glacier - a lovely trail, there are 3 streams on the trail but only in second part od the trail, it took us about 4hrs. <br /> <br /> Most of the fords were easy to cross, but some of the puestos looked abandoned (we haven't seen a human soul on that section). <br /> <br /> I don't think there is much to be added. The trail is slightly overgrown so that it is not always easy to follow. <br /> <br /> Again lots of annoyingly wind resistant horseflies 🙃 <br /> <br /> It might be quite hard to hitchhike the last +/- 50 km. We only saw one car after walking 7 km and we were lucky enough that they gave us a ride to Villa O' Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-20 to 2024-Dec-26 / 7 / Hiking and &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO (circle) / RR + Variant E Options: 14, 14E (new option), 14D, 14A (new option) / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Successful investigation in Option 14 connecting Paso Mayer with Lago Burmeister.<br /> <br /> Route: Started in Cochrane and hiked to X {36H} [5.5/267] there i got the first lift. Overall it took me 3 lifts and 15km of hitchhiking. Followd the RR hiking with Variant E until Camp {36H} [110.9/500]. Packrafting to Lake, Refuge {36H} [213.2/527]. Got a lift to Border Control CL {36H} [222.6/449]. Hiked from there Options: 14, 14E, 14D and 14A. First to Border Control AR {36H-14} [191.4/480] then to Laguna Bello and Lago Burmeister and finshed at X {36H-14} [64.1/897] and got a lift to Gobernador Gregores and from there over Chile Chico to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> Started in Cochrane at 10:00 and hoped for a lift but didn't got one. You can also ask for a shuttle but I was told it was expensive so this wasn't a option. I guess you could gamble and just wait at X {36H} [5.5/267] for lift i hoked and reached the start of the hike at 16:00. The detailed information from Lilian Season 23/24 where really good. The first 3 fords where easy, there was a person at Puesto {36H} [53.1/611] and i camped at Ford {36H} [55.4/656]. There was no snow on the pass Border, Pass {36H} [71.5/1304] and Border, Pass {36H} [73.9/1225] so quite easy hiking. Camped at Puesto {36H} [83.9/820] (La Pampa) it was a nice place to pitch a tent - the Puesto was ok (see here: https://imgur.com/a/v2pPTK8). The next day was the only day where I didn't has sunshine and it was cloudy with 3 short rainfalls each ~10min. There were some people at Puesto {36H} [98.4/553] (Puesto Tablas). On that day was the only part where I would say the trail is overgrown- this is from -47.977178, -72.555534 to -47.987679, -72.560694 there is a trail but chest high trees which are especiallyin the rain annoyingas you get completely wet. The trail was good and easy to hike and I camped at Camp {36H} [110.9/500] which was good access to the lake and enough space for 2-3 tents. The next morning i stared Packrafting - wind forecast was good until 16:00 there wind with 23 km/h and gusts up to 40 km/h should set in from NW - so favourable. The Morning was super calm and it took me 4:20h for the 13km (avg. 3.0 km/h) to cross Lago Alegre. After the short hike from Lake {36H} [198.8/489] to Lake {36H} [200.5/525]. I started Packrafting at 15:00. The wind was favourable and I made fast progress especially with the strong wind it took me 3:00h for the 12.5 km (avg. 4.2 km/h). The waves at -48.173951, -72.427001 my limit and quite crazy. They calm down right after the turn. Same situation at -48.180342, -72.393292. So if the wind is that strong evaluate the situation critically. I camped at Lake, Refuge {36H} [213.2/527]. The Refuge is good for a fire or to cook but not to sleep inside. Until this point i would say the trail is in a ok to good condition. There a quite a few fallen trees but nothing major and all easy to hike except the 1km mentioned earlier so Overall good quality. <br /> <br /> The next day I got a lift to Border Control CL {36H} [222.6/449]. You need a Salvoconducto (https://www.pdichile.cl/tr%C3%A1mites-online/salvoconducto) you can request it 10 days in advance normally it takes between a few minutes to hours. Last year I also applied to it for the boarder crossing at Border Control CL {22S} [22.2/299]. But I never got one i event went to the local police before the trip. So i didn’t has a Salvoconducto at the Border. The PDI was very friendly and you have wifi there and we requested it together - and just got the approval email after 40min. They have given me Water, Tea, Biscuits and WiFi. They have given me a ride in the car to cross the Ford at -48.209796, -72.322273. From there i followed 36H-14 and 36H-14E to Border Control AR {36H-14} [191.4/480]. I took a slightly diffrent route which is in my Option optimized as it follows the main hose trail to Bridge {36H-14} [201.8/476] and after that the ond minor road and a shortcut at -48.242534, -72.23587 (there is also a bridge). This part can be found and downloaded below market as: GPT36H-14_14E.<br /> <br /> <br /> After that i started the investigation and hiked to Laguna Bello and camped here: -48.168916, -72.191267. There is no real trail only animal trails and CC and 250m of BB (i guess it can be circumvented. So overall quite easy to hike (3.1 km/h with 540m ascent). You have to jump the fence at -48.251191, -72.224694 ater that it's easy CC to this point -48.231692, -72.206461. There you enter the forest trough a small trial and reached a river visible on Topo maps and follow it: (https://imgur.com/a/KRGrwFD). After that it's CC trough the forest: https://imgur.com/a/ANahcO8. There is one ford at -48.219721, -72.202217 which is also a great place for a camp. CC continues all the way to -48.190151, -72.193122 there are quite a lot fallen trees. At -48.182434, -72.193504 is a short BB section 200m nit that bad just chest high trees - i guess this can circumvent if you hike a bit further west. The coordinates mark the end of the BB. The last 50m BB are here: -48.169691, -72.188992. After that you made it to Laguna Bello and absolutely stunning place to camp and hike: https://imgur.com/a/gjumzVL!!! The next day is awesome CC over the pass and down the valley there is water every few hunderd meters. There is a short swampy section here (300m -48.064146, -72.198477). All fords where below knee level and easy with one exception (will come later) you have to Ford here: -48.033639, -72.201987 and -48.029881, -72.202172. The Puesto at Refuge {36H-14} [90.7/1009] is a good place to pitch a tent but there is no water. The place itself is simple buy maybe even water proof as there is a plastic wrap as a roof see: https://imgur.com/a/mcizrYr. From there on is mostly a trail all the way to the end. It's south following the GPS. Sometimes the trail is not visible for e.g. if it's completely open CC but other that that I would say I got 80%. I camped at -47.968783, -72.187904 which wasn't very flat but manageable. The next day I connected the trail to GPT36H-14A end. The Ford Ford {36H-14} [79.6/902] is the only one which was knee high. It's a wide but not fast flowing river so easy to cross especially there is a treck for the cars: https://imgur.com/a/dqPamtM. To get a overall impression of the terrain: https://imgur.com/a/2I7gegk.<br /> <br /> After that i hiked to X {36H-14} [64.1/897]. And got a lift to -47.851658, -72.031836 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/HPkqayReiotCw2yP7) there is the registration for the Parque Nacional Perito Moreno. You need a reservation to get into the park and to have the huts booked. I guess if you just enter it's also fine. At this place is a open Bathroom and Free WiFi. The Ranger was nice and Helpful. There is no resupply. This and transfer could be arranged with Estancia la Oriental ( https://laorientalpatagonia.com/). While I was there (40min) 3 cars showed up. I got a lift directly to Gobernador Gregores (during the 1.5h dirst road 5 cars came in the opposite direction so i guess you always get a lift away within half a day) from where you can take multiple busses one is a daily bus which goes to Los Antiguos departure 16:30PM here: -48.755133, -70.255558 (https://taqsa.com.ar/). From there i went back to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> Overall:<br /> It's a absolutely beautiful and remote part of the GPT and I absolutely enjoyed it! It's nice and easy CC and if you like adventure, remoteness and CC without a trail is can highly reccomend it as you have great hiking access to a new area with this Option! I had food for 10 days with fairly fast hiking which was sufficient - i would reccomend doing this option only with a good weather window.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Tracks and Important Markers):<br /> <br /> GPT36H-14_14E: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tIZ5EBZfod3IqJ2B7Q?e=cl8pza<br /> <br /> GPT36H-14_14A_14D: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tIc7PQrXY25VQ5ywOA?e=ttbG02<br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> *27-11-2024 to 02-12-2024 / 6 days / NOBO / RR / Sophie and Gaspar<br /> <br /> We departed from Villa O’Higgins, where we stayed at the Los Pioneros campground, run by the very kind Pachi (highly recommended). Heading north, we followed the unpaved road for about a day and a half before joining the actual Pioneers’ Route. <br /> <br /> This trail is navigable 70% of the time, but vegetation has overgrown about 30% of the path (locals mentioned we were likely the first to pass through this year, which might explain the conditions). Locals also mentioned the possibility of crossing Lakes Christie and Alegre by boat. Since we intended to hike, we didn’t inquire further, but for those interested, this option exists. Only one permanent settler remains at Lake Christie: Don Rubén. We passed by his cabin, but unfortunately, he had already left for work that day, so we didn’t get the chance to meet him. On the third day, we reached the La Pampa settler site, where we camped in preparation for an early crossing of the Río Bravo. <br /> <br /> Crossing the Río Bravo at its source posed no issues for us, as this year’s snowmelt is delayed, keeping river levels low. We chose the OR route to ford the river only once. Although this path was slightly more challenging, it was worth it to avoid wet feet in the low temperatures. <br /> <br /> At Paso Picota, we encountered some snow, but it didn’t impede our progress. On the descent, however, the RR crossing of the first river was not passable, likely due to a landslide upstream. As a result, we followed the OR route, which runs higher and presented no problems. From there, we continued our journey to Cochrane without major difficulties.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-06 / 3.5 hours (1 day including return) / GPT36H Option 22 Sendero Los Gatos / SOBO / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> This route is particularly useful for packrafters with a smaller open packraft that wish to travel GPT35 and GPT36H southbound. By only packrafting the more wind protected eastern section of Lago Cochrane the infamous windy “La Leona” sector of Lago Cochrane is avoided.<br /> <br /> Resupply can be arranged by hitchhiking or taking the subsidized bus 35 km back to Cochrane after paddling Lago Brown and Rio Tranquilo (this is part of the Regular Packrafting Route of GPT36H before reaching the trail head of Ruta de los Pioneros). This reduces travel time for packrafters and keeps the water proportion up.<br /> <br /> Route Description:<br /> <br /> Halfway between the Chilean Border Control of Pasa Roballo and the southern terminus of the Los Aviles Track (“Casa de Piedra”) is the “Camping Alto Valle”. This perfectly maintained camp ground offers about 8 shelters. The campground is situated 500 m away from the main road on a minor gravel road. This 6 km short gravel road continues towards Lago Cochrane. From this minor road start two trails: Sendero Los Gatos that leads all the way to Lago Cochrane and Sendero Lago Chico.<br /> <br /> Sendero Los Gatos can be used by packrafters to access Lago Cochrane in a somewhat wind sheltered sector next to Isla Victor. The track of Sendero Los Gatos is not part of the GPT track files 2024 but the trail head is signposted and route is mostly well visible.<br /> <br /> When visiting the beach I could see a few spots where a tent can be pitched for a night but I did not spot a really nice sheltered location where waiting two or three days would be delight (if the wind forecast makes it unlikely). So packrafters best descent to the lake on the day before attempting to cross Lago Cochrane.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Apr-02 to 2024-Apr-07 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR - {36H-G} - RR - {36H-D} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> A beautiful section, especially from km83.9(Puesto La Pampa) to km66.5(multiple crossing), nice views with remote area, i love it so much!<br /> <br /> Because of late season, all the river crossing are super easy, only 4 place need to wet feet, all others can go around or rock hopping. Some of trail go in the water(lake, pond, pool) directly, but all you can go around by side trail, some CC or light BB.<br /> <br /> Snow still not a problem, snow start at 950m at south, and covered some of the trail above 1100m but didn't matter, i go around most of the snow easily. And didn't find any knee deep snow(maybe melted again), the deepest posthole just above ankle, easy walking. Because of lot of cairns at the area of two pass, so it is easy for navigation although some parts of trail is covered by snow.<br /> <br /> The most annoying is WIND. It is crazy windy almost everywhere except last day. The most windy part is at the second pass, i even can't open my eyes to look at the trail and walk on it straighly because of crazy freezing wind. (Be careful of hypothermia, crazy windy + rain/snow/after river crossing is horrible)<br /> <br /> My friend give me a 2hour ride from Villa O' Higgins to Lago Christie( X[142.0/550] ) , so i save about 50km road walking, a huge thank you to him!<br /> <br /> Km138.5 : shelter(-48.16236, -72.41397) made by woods, can cowboy inside when summer time, not rainproof but can be some wind protection. Can fit 2 tents outside with fire ring, some small stream flowing good with clear water just beside it. Weather protection by forest and the shelter.<br /> <br /> Km135.35 : old refuge(-48.14246, -72.43808), half of the roofs is collapsed, but still can provide some protection for emergency. Nice grassland for camping beside the refuge, can fit 3-5 tents with fire pit and rock seats, not much protection by trees or bushes. A river flowing good beside it, trail crossing it with wet feet, half of calf. It is the first wet feet point for me.<br /> <br /> Km134.1 : a lake, i cleared out a spot and camped here, some animals go to this lake and walking in it when midnight. It is very quiet and i heard the sound clearly. Not much protection, just some bushes here, not recommended with bad weather.<br /> <br /> Settler[132.8/525] : from here to Refuge[126.1/512], trail becomes very easy to follow and walk, it is a frequency used trail. Look like some people living here, but i met noone when i passed.<br /> <br /> Km129.3 : shelter(-48.11808, -72.48252) with just one side, weather protection by forest, can fit 1 tent here. A small stream flowing beside it.<br /> <br /> Refuge[126.1/512] : refuge(Puesto Entrelagos) already gone just left some woods here, and like Natalie said looks like someone wants to rebuild it. Some flat spots here can fit 2-3 tents.<br /> <br /> Lake[198.8/489] : Lago Alegre, a boat and a camping spot here, can fit 1 tent with fire ring and nice lake views but no protection, it is crazy windy when i was here.<br /> <br /> Km119.3 : junction of RR and {36H-G}, i go straight and didn't go to Settler[118.9/486](El Caleuche). It is easy to follow and walk on {36H-G}, but you need to climb over a 2m wooden fence at north.<br /> <br /> {36H-G} km3 : river crossing, cross it on a huge log easily.<br /> <br /> RR Km117.2 : flat spot(-48.02468, -72.49029) can fit 1-2 tents with weather protection by forest. A small stream flowing beside it.<br /> <br /> Km117 : river crossing, several logs crossing selection here, because raining and wet, so i crossed by the combination of multiple logs, it looks like more stability and safe. Huge flat area and grassland can fit many tents at both side of the river, weather protection by trees and bushes.<br /> <br /> Camp[110.9/500] : can fit 2-3 tents with lake views, easy to collect water, weather protection by trees.<br /> <br /> Then i did the short cut that Natalie said, from here walk through the open forest NW to the other valley(Río Bravo). It is completely CC or light BB on some animal path, fun and doable, but just recommend on good weather, otherwise you'll soaking wet by bushes.<br /> <br /> Río Bravo is a grey water river, better collect water from some small stream.<br /> <br /> Km104.3 : a small stream(-47.97355, -72.55419) flowing good with clear water, small flat spot can fit 1 tent after crossing.<br /> <br /> Km103.95 : camping spot(-47.97095, -72.55524) can fit 3-4 tents with fire ring.<br /> <br /> Puesto[98.4/553] : Puesto Las Tablas, huge and beautiful grassland for camping, refuge is a small cabin, have a wooden bed, bench, fire pit and some dry wood sticks (for burning) inside, it is possible to sleep inside with a warm fire night, good wind protection but not for rain. Didn't see any water nearby.<br /> <br /> Km95.05 : cross a stream with a small waterfall, it'll be completely wet by the waterfall if cross at trail, so I climb to upstream and rock hopping for dry feet.<br /> <br /> Puesto[92.3/660] : Puesto El Burro, large grassland but most of them are steep, only small grassland beside the refuge is flat for camping, can fit 2-3 tents with table and fire ring, refuge is a tiny cabin but half of roof is already collapsed, can fit 1 small single person tent for some protection if bad weather, a small stream flowing with clear water 200m before here. Very windy when i was here.<br /> <br /> Km85.4 : easy and beautiful walk start!<br /> <br /> Puesto[83.9/820] : Puesto La Pampa, large grassland for camping, refuge is a small, nice and clean cabin, have 2 wooden bed, wooden seats, table and fire pit inside, it is a nice place to sleep inside with a warm fire night, good wind protection but not sure for rain. Just like Natalie said you also can pitch a small tent inside. Tiny stream flowing low just in front of the refuge. Have a open toilet with views at here too.<br /> <br /> Fords start/end[81.3/854] : rock hopping.<br /> <br /> Then i take {36H-D} instead of RR, save 2 times of wet feet crossing of Río Bravo, it is doable and sometimes have an animal path(old trail?) to follow, but easy to lost the path, and overgrown at some part you need to BB, I'm not sure it can save time or not, and only recommend in good weather, otherwise you'll be completely soaking wet by bushes.<br /> <br /> Ford[78.6/888] : river crossing of Río Bravo, the second wet feet point. I crossed it at 50m downstream(-47.79880, -72.52101) where the river breaks to 2 parts by island. First part easy rock hopping, second part is just above ankle, the water is grey so i didn't see through the bottom, otherwise I'll throw some rocks for hopping to keep my feet dry.<br /> <br /> Ford[77.4/981] : i follow some cairns and crossed it much downstream with rock hopping. It is a beautiful viewpoint for waterfall and the glacier at west! Snow starts here.<br /> <br /> Ford[75.4/1023] : easy rock hopping, look at the rocks underwatee here, the west side of valley is white colour, the east side is red, amazing!<br /> <br /> Border,pass[73.9/1225] : snow here, but still not problem, go around them easily, or just above ankle posthole. A beautiful lake looks like good for camping 200m before here, but just for good weather because very exposed.<br /> <br /> Km72.9 : between two pass, before the second pass you need to go in a wide riverbed, but snow covered the water. You know there is water flowing, you can hear them flowing, but you can't see them. And the snow(bridge) is not thick, not stable enough to walk on them directly, so it take me some time to find out which part is water, which part can walk on it.<br /> <br /> Ford[71.8/1262] : snow covered most of the river, and river flowing a little wide here(can't step over), take me some time to find the way to go on it.<br /> <br /> Border,pass[71.5/1304] : crazy crazy crazy windy, beautiful views but too windy that i can't open my eyes to look. It is the first time for NOBO to see Cerro Los Mellizos(black sharp tower mountain) at here. Mostly you can arrive there after 1 day. North of here lot of snow but still doable and navigation with lot of cairns easily.<br /> <br /> Camp[68.4/1089] : can fit 2-3 tents with log seats and fire ring, some(not much) weather protection by trees and bushes. Stream flowing nearby. Then i continues RR.<br /> <br /> Km68.1 : flat area(-47.72665, -72.49681) can fit many tents with amazing glacier views, but no protection. Stream flowing here, also old fire pit beside a tree. Still lot of snow here.<br /> <br /> Water[67.3/1041] : snow end and i didn't see any water here. I took RR for going down, it is actually a trail, easy to follow. But some point is steep and a little landslide, walk easily when dry, but maybe a problem if wet or covered by snow.<br /> <br /> Fords starts/end[66.7/867] : old camping spot with fire pit 100m before here, nice view but no protection. River breaks into many streams at here, I took about 20min total for putting rocks in streams separately for all the way dry wet crossing by rock hopping.<br /> <br /> Km65.85 : shelter(-47.70890, -72.49466) with 1 side protection in good condition, nice for cowboy under it when summer. Flat spot can fit 2-3 tents with fire ring just beside it. Trail easy to miss it because covered by some trees.<br /> <br /> From here to km53.2(road), HURDLE RACE start! At least 500 blowdowns you need to step over. No climbing, just step over, easy to walk and follow but muddy and blowdowns, you know that.<br /> <br /> Km64.45 : camping spot(-47.69803, -72.49788) under trees, can fit many tents with fire pit and log seats, weather protection by forest.<br /> <br /> Km64.05 : i cleared a flat spot(-47.69555, -72.50008) for a single person tent, with great lake, mountain views and i stayed here for 18 hours because of snowstorm, just beside the lake so it is easy to collect water. Weather protection by forest, but if the wind comes from south then nothing help. If you have 15min more, i think can fit one more single person tent here.<br /> <br /> Km61.95 : junction of RR, {36H-A} and {36H-05}, easy to miss. Pay attention to wood cutting trace on ground.<br /> <br /> Km58.45 : swamp area full of water, you can jump(a huge jump) over it for dry feet. After swamp is a river crossing by narrow log, after the crossing don't go away immediately, looks inside the river, lot of beautiful green water plants here!<br /> <br /> Puesto[57.6/677](Calloqueo), Puesto Cayuqueo, refuge is locked, looks like no more people until next summer, because the gate nearby is completely locked by wire too. Beautiful grassland for camping at here, and a shelter with fire pit inside too. Easy to collect water because just beside Río Pedregoso, at here Río Pedregoso still a clear water river.<br /> <br /> Fence[56.5/657] : it is a gate and completely locked by wire. Climb it at right side just wooden fence, at left side is barbed wire with fence. Huge exposed grassland with views in this area.<br /> <br /> Ford[55.4/656] : third wet feet crossing, also is the deepest crossing at late season April. Looks like above knee at trail crossing, better go upstream 10m walk on the red rock bar, it is flowing very fast but just above half of calf, easy crossing. Flat area for camping at both side of river.<br /> <br /> Ford[54.8/650] : crossing a grey water river, so better collect water before it joins main river. Trail crossing looks like up to half of calf, better crossing point at downstream just before 2 river combined, rock hopping there. But be careful for rock hopping, rocks not stable and rolling there, also a pool looks deep just at downstream, don't slide!<br /> <br /> Km53.85 : nice flat spot(-47.62754, -72.46476) can fit 2 tents just beside the trail. Looks like camped by someone before.<br /> <br /> Ford[53.7/630] : river breaks into 3 parts here, the first and third part is easy rock hopping. The second, main part above ankle at trail crossing, easy. It is the fourth, also the last wet feet crossing.<br /> <br /> Puesto[53.1/611] : didn't see anyone when i passed here, but looks like still in using because lot of cooking equipment is outside the refuge. The refuge is not locked but I just take photos and didn't go inside. Can be emergency use for bad weather.<br /> <br /> After here, all the way road walking.<br /> <br /> Km49.25 : viewpoint(-47.59724, -72.49715) of Laguna Calluqueo, Glacier Calluqueo, Cerro Los Mellizos and Monte San Lorenzo o Cochrane. I camped here, with a 2m rock wall that covers the wind from south, also lot of things can hold my tent's line. A super beautiful spot with amazing sunrise coming up from the glacier!<br /> <br /> The next morning i saw a bus coming to here, that i met it before outside Cochrane tourist information, so maybe possible to arrange a shuttle at Cochrane for SOBO?<br /> <br /> Km48.5 : Glacier Calluqueo Camping Spot(-47.59382, -72.49962), i look it from high on road, looks like no views but covered by some trees with protection, can fit 2-4 tents with log seats.<br /> <br /> Bridge[46.2/394] : Puente Calluqueo, camping spot after the crossing at downstream, can fit 1-3 tents with fire ring.<br /> <br /> The next 2 Danger waypoint i didn't understand, it looks like very safe walking on the road?<br /> <br /> After 10 minutes i hitched a car to Cochrane, this is the second car i saw in that day. They also take me to Lago Brown and followed {36H-23} to viewpoint(-47.46236, -72.38094) of Cerro San Lorenzo, huge huge huge thank you to them!<br /> <br /> Lastly i stayed at Calafate Camping in Cochrane, 6k CLP for camping, good spot with nice refuge(kitchen), hot shower and clean toilet. You also can camping under some shelters if bad weather.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-19 to 2024-Mar-23 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 24A + 02 + 04B / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [5.5-50.0] + OH36H-24A to the Glacier and back<br /> <br /> I got a hitch to the junction at km 5.5. From there I walked for about 2 hours until a car took me to the junction at km 33.9. There is a fence between Rio del Salto and the RR. At the Danger Waypoint (km 43.2) is the fence broken down and the river is accessible. I got a 3rd hitch from there to the Calluqueo Glaciar. I took OH36H-24A to the glacier. Its a good trail, but mostly through forrest without view. Around km 3.0 you can see the glacier + the lake. Its really nice. At the end of OH36H-24A you get a close-up look at the Glaciar. There is a lot of water between km 3.5 and 6. At km 4.1 is a decently flat spot for camping. I camped at km 49.7 next to the RR. I would not recommend the spot in a windy night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [50.0-79.9]<br /> <br /> There was snow above 1000 meters. Around the Bourder/Pass Waypoints the snow was more than knee deep. It was possible to do it without any snowgear, but it took some time. There was plenty of water along the RR and all Fords were max. knee high.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [79.9-107.3]<br /> <br /> The RR crosses lots of small streams, so there is plenty of water. Puesto at km 83.9 can be used as shelter and has a open outhouse. I camped at km 107.3 on a flat meadow.<br /> <br /> Day 4: OH36H-02 [0.0-26.6]<br /> <br /> The first 2 km of OH36H-02 are more CC than a trail. After that the trail is easy to follow and in good condition for about 5-6 km. Than the trail starts to become overgrown and later very muddy. Therefore it wasn't to much fun walking this trail. But the valley offers some nice waterfalls and snowy mountains. There was plenty of water and fords were easy.<br /> <br /> Day 5: OH36H-02 [26.6-29.0] + OH36H-04B [122.5-132]<br /> <br /> I hiked about 2 1/2 hours along the Carreterra Austral until a group of cars passed me and one of them took me to Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 6 to 2024 Mar 12 / 7 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Maddi and Tom'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Got the public bus from Villa O'Higgins to Lago Christie at 11am, paid 600 CLP per person. Apparently it comes every few days. We were the only ones on it so the driver dropped us at the trailhead. There is a big sign and a picnic table at the start and the trail is pretty clearly defined. Hiked along Lago Christie and camped at the Northern end at a clear spot on the sand.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Kept following a clear track to Lago Alegre. Passed the settlers but noone appeared to be home. Had lunch on the lake at a nice pebbly beach (-48.03641,-72.49016), had a swim and Tom caught a rainbow trout to eat. Had a relaxed day hiking and camped at the very northern end of the lake (-47.98559,-72.53109). Tom caught another trout for dinner. Two others hiking joined us later that night as it was a good camp spot with lake access.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Tom caught another trout for breakfast before we started hiking for the day. Rain started getting pretty heavy making the track quite muddy and it was very cold. Had lunch at Las Tablas to get out of the rain. Sun came out so we continued on, although it didn't last. Since it was raining heavily and I was getting very cold, we camped next to El Burro for the night.<br /> <br /> Day 4: More rain in the morning. Packed up and hiked to La Pampa for lunch. Got a weather update and it was looking bad for the next day (heavy snow and wind) so we decided to camp at La Pampa. Spent a nice afternoon in the sun with a fire going. The two hikers we camped with before also stayed there that night.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Woke up to heavy rain and wind so stayed in bed until 11am, not wanting to cross the pass in these conditions. Snow started around lunch and was heavy enough to stick. Got a weather update and it was looking sunny for the next day so decided to wait it out. Hiked up the river around 5pm to do the river crossing and then camped at the base of the pass at (-47.79854,-72.52191). Started snowing just as we went to bed.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Got up early and started up the pass. Lots of snow and ice made it quite slippery but manageable. Had to watch out for the black ice on all the rocks around the river. The snow concealed any tracks but wasn't difficult to navigate with my watch. Snow was about knee deep at the top of the pass. Came down the other side with awesome views down the valley. Took the detour to avoid the river crossing above the canyon. Detour is steep uphill but is worth it as where we ended up crossing didn't even get our shoes wet. Did see a dead horse there though that must have been washed down the canyon. Had lunch near the fallen down puesto on the river. Was nice to get some sun after so many days of rain and snow. Continued on and camped at Glacier Calluqueo.<br /> <br /> Day 7: Started walking along the road hoping for a hitch. Was actually very hot. Managed to get a ride after about an hour to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-28 to Mar-03 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Took transport till end of road near glaciar Calluqueo (Jonathan +56940246832, 65000$) as I wanted to walk the pass before the predicted snowfall sets in. Traverse was quite tedious cause of the rainy and cold weather. Met Natalie and Luca halfway, hi :-) Did not meet anyone else during 4 1/2 days! Was accompanied by a smelling(!) dog (of Ruben?) from the camp at Lago Christie until next morning near Rubens house. He slept a bit windsheltered next to my tent - it was cold and a lot of wind! Keep in mind (I didn`t) that once you have reached Lago Alegre there are still 2000hm to go uphill before you reach the MR!<br /> <br /> Campsites: <br /> 300m before Camp km68.4 on a +-exposed meadow with glaciar view,<br /> in front of Puesto ElBurro (rainshelter inside and a table outside), <br /> Camp km110.9, <br /> on the shore of Lago Christie km 129 just before the path leads uphill in to the forest (a bit wind protection by bushes and Wood)<br /> <br /> Did a shortcut between ca. km103.5 and km 100.5. Sometimes good trail, sometimes obstacle course over fallen trees. <br /> Was very lucky with transport to Villa O`Higgins. Got a motorcycle ride all the way from the refugio at km148.6 at 6 pm with a short detour to the border at Rio Mayer. Stayed in Hostal Rio Mayer in Villa O`Higgins (very friendly and talkative, no internet).<br /> <br /> 28-Feb-24 to 03-Mar-24/4days/ Hiking/ NOBO/ RR/ Natalie &amp; Luca<br /> <br /> Took a few days off to reconnect with an old friend in Villa O'Higgins and then decided to take him for a test trial on the GPT.<br /> <br /> With the help of Martin from Mosco we found out the day we left was the day the subsidized bus leaves from O'Higgins to Lago Christie. Left around 1130 and got to the TH ~13:00. The bus only goes 4x a month and it went twice in the last week of February, not sure how it is organized. Only 3500 each. <br /> <br /> A little bit of rain the first day and a lot of rain/snow at the end. The trail was fun, mellow and in good shape, next to no mud. We met Ruben and all of his animals (cutest puppy atm). He offered a camping spot but I am sure the dogs would be all over you at night. We camped at the beginning of Allegra near Refugio entre lagos (NO refugio), -48.09404, -72.49798. At this moment there is no shelter but it looks like someone is working on one, there is a boat at the lake. There is a creek with only still puddles of water so we drank from the lake. <br /> There are few nice camping spots along both Christie and Allegra that are not marked. Did not stop to fish :(. I heard Margarita is in O'Higgins atm. <br /> <br /> We made a short cut to avoid the big intersection near Puesto 107. We cut off after camp 110 and ended ~800m near a river camp marked on osm. It was easy and mostly open forest, mainly just a quest to stay on the best animal track as there are a few of them. We basically followed close to where the hill is but not too close bcs that is where the bush is no good.<br /> <br /> Camped outside Puesto 98.4, Las tablas. It had no water so fill up before of just go down to the river.<br /> <br /> Met Matías - Hi Matías! Even though we were both trying to beat the rain I very much enjoyed the conversation/laughs!<br /> <br /> When we got to Puesto 83.9, La Pampa, the rain just began to start and even though it was only lightly raining at the time the forecast was not good for the evening so we decided to stay and enjoy the early day and nice Refugio. The weather got increasingly worse and very strong overnight with snow in the morning. The Refugio is large and clean. It has a fire pit in the corner, an outhouse, extra blankets and tarps, a good table and lots of tools and pots if needed. No other puesto compared. There were only a few small leaks during the night, we pitched a tent inside for added warmth. <br /> <br /> The next morning there was a lot of fresh snow and it was still snowing with strong wind at times - so the pass was interesting. We took variant D to avoid the Rio Bravo fords and got soaking wet in the bush, it wasnt very clear where the trail was, needed the GPS. Although the Rio Bravo was very calm and shallow (barely to my knees, 167), the snow made it too cold for my liking. If one is curious about camping on the other side of the river, I think you can make a camp, there are lots of flat spots but not so much wind protection. There were camping possibilities throughout the pass as well. As for the pass, &quot;most&quot; of the trail was not covered by snow bcs the water was flowing down the trail therefore navigation was still okay, a bit harder between passes. Of course the weather improved at camp 68.4...<br /> <br /> I know Tomáš managed the La Picota river and it made me curious to try but it made no sense to go for it, the RR that follows the west is an easy trail and the fords afterwords were almost (all but one) jumpable. Sadly what I read about &quot;la playa&quot; is true, there was a dead horse (pieces of it) at the start of the fords, it seemed rather recent so I guess the La Picota ford still kills. <br /> The Refugio after the fords is just a &quot;lean-to&quot;. The trail afterwards is okay, starting to get muddy but not bad. A nice camp is possible at -47.66704, -72.50032 bcs of the beautiful view but there is no water, actually not many places to stop between ford and puesto 57.6. We Camped at Puesto 57.6 and met Antonio, super lovely man and we had breakfast with him the following morning. In return I gave him the rest of my walnuts and peanuts, hopefully that was enough. There is not much of a shelter there, teepee style, but you can camp under the trees by the river. His dogs are annoying, got into my food bag while we were talking and then never left us alone. Really nice camping just before his puesto in a big clover field.<br /> <br /> Next day super quick walk out to the view point and then got a hitch down to Cochrane easily, lots of people on a cloudy Sunday afternoon. <br /> <br /> * '''24-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-27 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Variant B, Option 2 / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Having parted ways with Natalie, who had other commitments, I was not able to get a taxi to end of road so I started walking and hitching at noon. Second car took me for about ten km, then I was passed by ten cars in an hour and then got a hitch to the viewpoint three km from end of the road with a guide going to guide a group to the glacier (they go there by boat!). Our car's engine failed 4 km before the destination, but after 5 minutes a passing car took us there. Mount Cochrane is impressive. I ate there and in an hour another two cars passed, one probably from the puesto further on. It was a Saturday, still vacation period and a beautiful day, it seems hitching is promising under such conditions there. The road is in a very good condition and easily scalable by a non 4x4 car.<br /> <br /> The puesto at 53.1 had barking dogs and seems used (maybe a settler?), I did not see it though, it is in the trees. All fords were easy and shallow: definitely under knees. In the beginning there are multiple trails, RR probably has the best route. You cannot avoid fording, I tried. After about ten km, the trail stops being ambiguous. Took variant B (which is mostly a trail, not CC) and slept above the &quot;dangerous ford&quot; (would have been better to stay 500 m lower at the end of the flats). It indeed sounded and looked dangerous after such a hot day. In the morning, I realized the trail to the ford eroded and horses probably cannot go there anymore. A pedestrian still can. The ford was much calmer, very cold but under knees and not strong. I forded it six times unfortunately with bare feet - first to try, than with my backpack and then with my forgotten phone. It hurt even if it is just 5 metres. Going up from the ford, the trail goes to the left of a small stream on top of a small ridge, do not follow the stream as I did. The CC section thereafter is mostly a trail, only invisible on river flats and for about 20 metres in the pass. Going down from the pass, the trail is above the GPX for several hundred metres, going straight and not zigzagging. Rio Bravo was tame after dry weather and at the end of summer, so I took RR. The fords were easy, well under my knees. Puesto el Burro at 92.3 would be a nice place to camp. Utterly scaring a lonely large bull, I pushed to Puesto Tablas, which has a roof that protected me from drops of rain.<br /> <br /> Puesto at 107.4 looked nice and standing, not sure if it was locked, by any means very nice place to camp. I did not notice the &quot;bridge ?&quot;. The ford was mellow, wide but ankle deep. Option 1 at least to variant 01J is actually a used trail, the bridge on it is over a marsh, not sure why it is a waypoint. Decided to take option 2 thinking I would get an easier hitch on Carretera Austral and trusting others who did not like the lake part that much and hating mosquitoes. The first part to variant 01I is partly a cow trail, partly a BB through open forrest. Take 01J instead, should be a clear trail and the ford should be as easy as the one on RR. From there on, 8 km to an unmarked ford through a first creek marked on OSM (it originates from a lake on map, the trail is clear and looks used. 02A was overgrown after 100 clear meters, so do not take that (I did not see the other end of it either and I looked). From the ford, the condition of the trail worsens for 7ish km to camp at 16.4. It is partially overgrown, occasionally with thorns. There is still space for legs, but arms are needed to clear the way. This portion is also mostly over open tundra-like terrain above the river. It is a bit marshy but not much after dry days. The views are splendid! Somebody with a machete would have fun here. Took option 02B, which I think is the actual trail, but it is hard to tell as it goes through a marsh there. Overall the overgrown part is maybe 2-3 km. Puesto Chirola at 17.6 is actually an abandoned settler house, still locked but in heavy rain you could probably get in through a window, the roof is still mostly ok. I slept there, with dusk mosquitoes appeared.<br /> <br /> It rained during the night and probably because of that, the trail got muddy. It is however being used and mostly clear and mostly easy to follow. Refuge without water is without water. It is meant for cyclists and is in good condition. It would sleep easily four people amd uneasily double that. It is always well ventilated with always open windows (rain should not get through), so probably no need to fear the mouse virus. The occasional tundra, wetness and continous rain with occasional glimpse of a glacier finally made me feel like I am in proper Patagonia. On the Carretera, there are not many cars. Started walking and hitching at three PM. As the road is divided by a ferry, cars pass you at (in high season) 2-hour bursts of at most 8 cars, as I was informed by the one passing cyclist. The first burst was just three cars and two motorcycles and they all passed me. It is actually a one lane compacted road where cars in opposite directions must avoid each other. No luck with second burst of three cars. Finally a second car from the third burst took me after 4 hours on the road. The second refugio around km 35 did not look as nice.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 to 2024-Feb-18 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Tess &amp; Lukas'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : good condition, a lot of fallen trees that slows you down but not really bad / the trail was not muddy as we had good sunny days <br /> - Water : lots of rivers and lagunas <br /> - Camping spot : the refugio at km 126,1 has been destroyed by a tree so we camped closer to the lake amongst the trees // at km 148,6 The refugio is really nice, we could make a fire and have a great night before heading the next day to O'Higgins on the long gravel road <br /> - Weather : sunny and a little bit of rain <br /> - River crossing : easy, the river Bravo was not too high and not too strong so we didn't take the variant D<br /> - Resupply : in Cochrane everything you need<br /> - Overall : we were lucky to have an easy hitchike for the first 20km and for the last 7km // we also liked this section that offers really different landscapes and you feel really remote<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-06 to 2024-01-12 // 6,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OPT D // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> After the small part in the forest, I followed the gravel road, which began to be nice from the Laguna la Clara. Some nice miradors along the roads, especially the last one, salto Rio Perez, which was pretty impressive ! <br /> <br /> Then you begin the track los Pioneros. Pretty easy to follow, a bit muddy, but I thought it would have been worse, the last sunny weeks made it dryer than expected. <br /> <br /> From there, it's a sequence of up and down, with amazing views, on Lago Christie then on Lago Alegre, surrounded by mountains. <br /> <br /> Some easy bushbashing which is more like cross country at the end of Lago Alegre to arrive along the Rio bravo. <br /> <br /> The you go along the Rio bravo until cross it. I took the option D to avoid to cross it three times, it's bushbashing but pretty easy to follow as there's a kind of path which was created to go around the small cliffs, and have to cross rio bravo only once. <br /> <br /> On the section, at this time, I haven't got any problem at all to pass the rivers who were pretty low and with weak current. <br /> <br /> Then I arrived in the mountains and that was just amazing ! Even with an uncertain weather and lots of clouds ! <br /> <br /> I had an amazing bivy in front of the impressive calluqueo glacier then it was the looong Gravel road to Cochrane, but really scenic ! <br /> <br /> During all the section it was easy to find water as there's water everywhere ! Some nice camp spot too. <br /> <br /> Mosquitoes and these spiky plants who stay scratched to your shoes and socks are the only annoying stuff. <br /> <br /> Plenty of crowberry and Calafate on the track. Delicious and perfect snacks on the road ! <br /> <br /> Last but not least, if you've always dreamed to try hurdles in athletism, this section is for you ! You'll have to pass threw hundreds of fallen trees ! Enjoy ! <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-01 to 2024-Jan-08 / 7.5 days / NOBO / Villa O'Higgins - Cochrane / RR and Option 36H-D / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> We really enjoyed this section, especially the part of the pass, with awesome views on glaciers and mountains. We found the 2 lakes part nice but less impressive.<br /> <br /> For us, the most difficult with this section was to walk with heavy backpacks and to deal with the hundreds of mosquitoes on the camps near the two lakes. We had the chance to have dry trails most of the time and it helped us a lot. If it rains a lot before you start this section, you will need more time because the trail can get muddy really fast.<br /> <br /> After the first 9km in the forest, we tried to hitchhike from Villa O'Higgins to Lago Christie but we weren't lucky and couldn't find a car on a 1st of January. We only had a lift the second day for 15km by the carabineros. There is nearly no car passing on the X905 road so plan a day or two of extra food if you plan to hitchhike here. Taking a private transport to Lago Christie could also be a solution but it's expensive (about 70'000 CLP according to Martin from El Mosco in Villa O'Higgins).<br /> <br /> There is not much to say about the 2 lake part, we found the trail easy to follow and some nice shelter along the route. Apparently, there is a lot of trout in Lago Alegre. We didn't try to fish since it was raining but we let a peanut butter jar with a spoon (hook) and some fishing line rolled around the jar in the puesto next to Settler {36H} [118.9/486] (Margarita Bustos). She's actually not living there but the puesto is open and a nice shelter to cook (we put the tent next to it).<br /> <br /> For the second part with the pass, we found the trail also easy to follow. The OH-CC&amp;BB-A {36H-D} didn't took us too long and saved us at least 2 river crossing. All the other fords were sometimes wide but easy to pass.<br /> <br /> After 7 days, we tried to hitchhike on the X901 road near the Laguna Calluqueo and were really lucky. After only 4km, a car stopped and took us to X {36H} [5.5/267]. Maybe there is more traffic on this road than on the other side, especially with good weather during the holidays.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-25 to 2023-Dec-29 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We arranged a ride to skip the first 50km of the roadwalk. The trail was surprisingly good and well-trodden throughout, i.e. visually easy to follow. Some muddy sections here and there and steeper climbs and descents. Plenty of water throughout.<br /> <br /> The river crossings didn't pose any difficulties and we were blessed with good weather, despite one rainy night. The views were amazing - that so low down you could be face to face with glaciers!<br /> <br /> We did not find the trail around lakes any harder than the rest of the section. A few times the route goes on the coast, i.e. you need to walk through the water, but it was not an issue. In two cases the route splits into two, the correct trail being the easier one to miss, so need to pay attention to nav. Met Ruben the settler, very nice and friendly guy. We also met 4 other GPT hikers on this section, which was a bit of a shock.<br /> <br /> We walked 30km of the dirt road after Lago Christie until we finally got a hitch to Villa O'Higgins. Barely any traffic on the road, especially in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-07 EXP-OH-TL-I 1day / Anh'''<br /> There is a damaged and not yet reopened route from Villa O’Higgins to Glacier Mosco: EXP-OH-TL-I &amp; EXP-OH-CC&amp;TL-I<br /> Together they are 24 km return and with a daypack it could work.<br /> The EXP-OH-TL-I trail is very well maintained and relatively well marked. There is even a very nice Refugio Puesto Rivera + campsite for tents along the way. BUT from km 7 the trail is damaged by landslides and the section after that is overgrown. I tried the last km via BB through the forest. After that everything should be clear and only CC to the Mosco glacier. Unfortunately, I make very slow progress with BB, it simply takes too much time and with a temperature of 15°C the river crossing afterwards would be dangerous. Unfortunately I have to abort (safety first) &amp; return.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-10 / 4 days / RR + OH-TL-V / SOBO / Anh'''<br /> <br /> A very experienced hiker/local in Villa O'Higgins advised me against NoBo due to high water levels in the next few days regarding river crossings.<br /> <br /> Day 1: With a private transfer to Laguna Calluqueo I had to hike a few more kilometers to the end of Ruta X-901 because it is private land closed by a gate. The first two river crossings were a bit above knee and sometimes strong current. The trail after that in the forest is actually made for horses, there are a lot of obstacles like fallen trees, overgrown bush, swampy paths. It is particularly misleading when the RR and horse path separate because it is suddenly very strange without horse tracks. It has rained and with the snow melting, the paths and streams are almost indistinguishable. I make very slow progress through the obstacles.<br /> The river crossing (Ford km 66.5) was long but in the evening without any problems (knee-deep). The path afterwards RR-CC-A to the camp was steep uphill, but more pleasant than in the forest. As you can see, this trail is only for hikers and it was very rarely used.<br /> <br /> Day 2: It was CC up, across the border from Argentina &amp; back into Chile. At this time there are still many snowfields to cross and therefore Ford (km 71.8) was under the snowfield, which made it very precarious for me. The river crossing Ford (km 77.4) was up to my hips with a strong current, but is not dangerous. Overall, I was much faster because there were hardly any obstacles (only Fords and completely swampy meadow).<br /> <br /> Day 3: The way back from yesterday + 250m river crossing should be easy and pleasant like yesterday! But there was a strong headwind &amp; snow = snow confusion. Then there was the fog and the infamous white-out. My footprints from yesterday were already filled with fresh snow, but still recognizable. I didn't have a long break, so I reached the day's destination very quickly.<br /> Bored, I just carried on hiking and didn't find the way back in the forest from day 1 so bad. I got through all the obstacles surprisingly quickly with the following strategy:<br /> - I had put on remedies on the way out, it had helped a lot. And I run like a horse, don't think twice, just jump over obstacles. The path is made for horses.<br /> - The way back is from the top, the path is much easier to recognize.<br /> - New strategy: just follow the horse tracks, even if I leave the RR.<br /> In the end, I had completed the entire way back from two days earlier in one day. It was about 27km, only possible because it was mostly downhill (450m uphill, 700m downhill).<br /> The price for this strategy was scratches and mini cuts from knees to shoes, very unpleasant at every river crossing.<br /> <br /> Day 4: OH-TL-V to the glacier at Laguna Calluqueo. You have to cross the river right at the beginning, it was a bit over your knees but easy. After that it's a slow climb of almost 700m. There were only a few tricky places: mini path on the precipice or slippery downhill. Overall, the path was very easy to recognize and very pleasant to run. Water is only available again at km 3.5, so you should take your time and enjoy the trail at a leisurely pace.<br /> During the night, a tent pole broke and the tent was damaged. There are no outdoor stores in Cochrane and you can't buy a new tent. In addition, a section on RR-GPT35 from Tamango entrance through Patagonia Park was not yet open.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> *'''13.03.23 - 18.03.23 / Anna &amp; Christopher / SOBO, Cochrane - Villa O'Higgins / 5.5 days'''<br /> We camped approximately 3 km outside of Cochrane to get an early start on the first day. After walking some km we got pretty lucky and got two hitchhikes and were able to skip 41 km until km 53. The views in between were amazing though, especially Glaciar Calluqueo. The next day it was supposed to rain a lot until the afternoon. Therefore we planned half a day in the tent and went to a small simple shelter at km 65.8, that is indicated on Gaia.<br /> <br /> It didn't rain as bad as last predicted and we were able to continue around 2 pm. The weather got surprisingly good then. Nice stretch over the pass. We camped at around km 76 next to the river. All rivercrossings were all pretty chill, even with Anna beeing 1,63m. But there were tons of small streams, muddy pools and rivers to cross. We had no dry feet for 5 days. There were also lots of fallen trees to climb over/walk around from Puesto la Pampa until Lago Christie, therefore that stretch took us longer than expected. The trail between approx. km 105 to 107 is starting to get really overgrown. It was still wet from the rain and our pants were completely drenched after we got through there, even without rain.<br /> <br /> We met the settler at km 118.9. He even invited us in, but we continued on to make some more km that day and camped at km 122.9, which is a pretty nice spot at the lake.<br /> <br /> The next morning we had to slip into frozen shoes to continue. After another friendly encounter with the next settler, we were happy to reach the dirtroad, were it felt good to gain kilometers a lot faster again. We spent the night at the refugio km 148.7 with a fireplace.<br /> <br /> On our final day there were some fantastic views. Just when the road got more dull and we started our first brake after approx. 11 km, a car of the Carabineros passed and they took us to Villa O'Higgins. A pretty lucky section for us :)<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''Feb. 2-8 / Zach + Veronica / 36H-Regular Packrafting Route / 7 days'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> I did the hiking parts of 36H with Veronica. After hitching the Carratera I had a windless late morning paddle from the Lago Esmeralda picnic site where a group of military were training in rafts. Veronica described the hike to Lago Alegre. To start Lago Christie, Option X would put you better in line with the wind which was strong, blowing straight through the narrow all the way to the cozy refugio at the otherwise blustery southern end of Christie. Just past Salto Pérez there are two rapids visible from the road. Putting in after those, Rio Perez was a scenic and swift ride with avoidable submerged trees all the way to Rio Mayer, which is stronger than it looks. I put in again past the first mortal rapid and rode straight to the take out before the second mortal rapid. The waypointed rapids in between were very challenging, almost flipping me twice. After taking out of Rio Mayer, I hopped the black fence for option 27. The minor roads in this area are undulating and steep but well maintained with painted guardrails, bridges, and directional signage at intersections. I had a pleasant conversation with one worker on ATV. I tried to do Option 27E but the wind was too strong on the lake in the evening and also the next morning. Backtracking, I paddled the pleasant Rio Briceño between the impressive falls near the lake down to another set of falls near the lower bridge (between[-48.2710, -72.492] and [-48.2726, -72.4772]). The wind on Lago Briceño seemed calm in the cove of the sheltered picnic refuge/dock (km 251.6), but around the corner a strong headwind turned me around. The walk to Lago El Salto had commanding views. Lagos El Salto and Cisnes both provided tail winds. The short trail between these lakes was overgrown and difficult to follow, but it was worthwhile to follow the trail as bushwhacking often led to spiky plant jail. Tailwind continued all the way to the O’Higgins bridge. I highly recommend El Mosco Hostal/camping.<br /> <br /> * '''2 to 8 of February 2023 / Véronica &amp; Zach / GPT36H RR SOBO / 7 days'''<br /> Route: Cochrane - Mirador Glaciar Colluqueo - Río Pedregoso - Paso La Picota - Río Bravo - Lago Christie - Río Mayer - Villa O'Higgins<br /> <br /> We stayed at Camping Calafate while we were in Cochrane. Great camping area with a kitchen, laundry service, hot showers, and wifi for 6,000 clp per person. The owner is very kind too.<br /> <br /> We were quite fortunate this section to enjoy good weather almost the whole way. We were able to hitch the first few km on the Carretera Austral. Then Zach packrafted across Laguna Esmeralda while I took the primary road on the RR to the east of it. Very little traffic on the primary road, and we walked most of it, only ended up being able to hitch a ride for the last 10 km or so, to the junction at 39.9 km where the RR becomes a minor road.<br /> <br /> At that point it was getting late, and we wanted to camp at the waypoint Lake, Camp {36H} [109.8/334] along the minor road. We set up our tents, but after it was dark, around 10:30 p.m., we were surprised by the arrival of a man with a dog and a horse. Talking with him, we realized he was the owner of the land we were on, and his house was right nearby (we hadn't seen it when we initially set up camp). He said it was ok and that we could camp here though, that we didn't have to move.<br /> <br /> The next morning, around 8 a.m., we packed our things and walked to the house, with the intention of thanking the man for letting us camp on his property. There were no signs of life around his house, so we assumed he might be still sleeping or was already out and about. So we left along the dirt road again. His dog followed us. We figured it would eventually return home. Afted ~6km, we were surprised by the settler coming at us down the road on his horse with his whip raised in a threatening way. He was very angry and upset at us about his missing dog, and initially thought we had taken his dog with us on purpose. We did our best to explain that the dog had simply followed us, we did not coax it or feed it, and that we were very sorry it followed us and had no bad intentions. After a bit of discussion, the settler calmed down and we were able to chat about where we were hiking and such. We seemed to part on good terms, but it wasn't a pleasant experience, and we wished we'd known that the land on the south shore of the lake where we camped belonged to a settler, and is not really a viable wild camping place. The GPS tracks only indicate &quot;buildings&quot; nearby, but that waypoint should say &quot;settler&quot; instead, and perhaps the camping waypoint by the lake should be removed. S 47° 30.166', W 072° 31.809' is where the settler house is.<br /> <br /> The rest of the trail went well. The views of the various glaciers were wonderful, and we had mostly good weather the whole way. Zach took Option 36H-B that necessitates fording La Picota. It was early in the morning and he was able to ford it with the water reaching his waist. I took the regular route further west, which was a bit steep on shale rocks at first, but easy to follow.<br /> <br /> The ford at km 77.4 was the most difficult ford in this section for me, the current was strong and cold and went up to my hips. Fording Río Bravo was easier, and we only did it once, next to the laguna. Option 36H-D had virtually no bushwhacking — there was a clear path to follow in the forest.<br /> <br /> There were regular water sources between Puesto La Pampa (km 83.9) and Puesto Tablas (km 98.4), as well as occasional good spots to camp.<br /> <br /> Once we got to Lago Alegre, I walked the regular hiking route east of the lake while Zach packrafted across with a good tailwind. Very beautiful trail, loads of crowberries and Calafate berries to eat too. I took Option 36H-G, where there is a large tree trunk you can walk across over the river. Zach packrafted Lago Christie as well, although the wind was much stronger in the afternoon. The refuge at the south end of Lago Christie is a good place to sleep out of the wind.<br /> <br /> The roadwalk to town was quite scenic, with a few refuges along the way. Zach took the packrafting route while I stayed on the minor road. I ended up walking all of it except for the final 8 km. There was very little traffic, and I didn't mind walking through the gorgeous landscapes.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''Dec 2022 Frank'''<br /> There is a bus from Cochrane to Lago Brown twice a week (see transport section) Taking it to the junction with Route 901, a little after the bridge over Rio Tranquilo, will save a 34KM road walk.<br /> <br /> * '''GPT36H and Option 2 / Yannic &amp; Mirjam / 22-Dec-2022 / Southbound'''<br /> Regular Route to Option 2 We started from Cochrane and did the first part on the Carretera Austral by car stop. After that you get on a side road with very little traffic. We didn't have a car in 4 hours so we hiked. Then there was one that didn't take us, then nothing again. In the end we hiked everything. We wanted to spend the night at Laguna Confluencia (south at Camp 109.8/334). Unfortunately we were surprised by barking dogs, but could not see a house. We therefore returned to the road and spent the night a few hundred metres further ahead in the meadow. Next day on the Minor Road and Trail was nice and easy. We spent the night next to the Puesto Cayuqueo. From there we went through the forest, which is partly badly damaged by storms. Many fallen trees. But you can always find the way again. We then took the western route (not 36H-B). The river only has to be crossed once at a shallow point. Partly very sloping path, but easy to pass. We crossed Rio Bravo at the lagoon, which was even possible in the evening. We spent the night at the lagoon and hiked everything on the east side the next day. OH-CC&amp;BB-A {36H-D} was well passable. Nice place to camp near Puesto Tablas at S 47.92184 W 72.56781.<br /> <br /> Option 2 All went well and we were set for an &quot;easy&quot; exit via option 2 - which surprised us.... The path is up and down. Partly well passable and easy path, partly very overgrown (up to bush bashing). Although we had only light rain, the path was very marshy and matchy. We sank in up to our knees. Nice refugio with fireplace at the end of the trail. The Carreteral Austral is not very busy. Cars only come when the ferry docks in Rio Bravo. It is best to check the timetable in advance. Then you can wait comfortably in the refugio. El Mosco is perfect to wait for the ferry in O'Higgins. For us 6 days....<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Dec Frank 6 days mainly SOBO'''<br /> <br /> As weather was initially poor I split the section as follows: 1. Got bus from Cochrane towards Lago Brown, got out @ road junction near Rio Tranquilo bridge, walked NOBO back to Cochrane. 2. While I was waiting for the ferry in Villa O'Higgins I walked out about 25KM NOBO to Padre Antonio Ronchi chapel &amp; hitched back to O'Higgins. 3. I again got the bus towards Lago Brown, got out @ the same junction &amp; walked the central section of the route SOBO in 4 long days.<br /> <br /> 1. NOBO, nearly all on road. You pass by the 'mortal falls' on Rio Tranquilo (by the bridge) About 1KM further on the road was blocked by aggressive dogs who came up from a settlement about 800M off the road. I had to shout to the settler to call them off. Around 7KM out from Cochrane the road bends left at a metal crash barrier. I left the RR here &amp; went over the low crash barrier &amp; continued straight ahead on forest tracks, quicker &amp; nicer than the road. About 1KM from Cochrane you return to the road by climbing over a small wooden gate.<br /> <br /> 3. I walked on the road past Calluqueo glacier then on a trail. After the first puesto the track fades out among fallen trees. Camped by a ruined shelter. I crossed the river on RR the next day. La Picota crossing is for horses &amp; best avoided on foot. The RR crossing was easy. After the crossing continue straight ahead &amp; go up the far hillside, pick up a small trail going left above a bluff about 70 metres up. Continued over the 2 border passes. There are some cliffs you need to go round when descending the first pass . There will be snowfields early in the season also. I crossed Rio Bravo high up between two waterfalls, descended to cross it again by the lake, then stayed on LHS of Rio Bravo. No trail initially on LHS of river &amp; a lot of bush bashing over bluffs but judging by later comments the route may now be improved. I continued down to Lago Alegre. There is a settler just as you reach Lago Alegre. She was friendly &amp; allowed me to sleep in her barn. She radioed Ruben, the settler who lives on Lago Christie, to let him know I was coming. It's slow going round the lakes with lots of up &amp; down over bluffs. The hut between the two lakes had been used by sheep &amp; was not in v. good condition. I met Ruben about half way round Lago Christie. He was friendly but I continued on to camp by a ruined hut after descending from bluffs to the lake. I walked out the road to Padre Antonio Ronchi chapel &amp; hitched from there to Villa O'Higgins. There is a good hut on the road at the junction with the X905 road. Another hut further on but it's dusty. All other huts marked on the route are in poor condition or ruined, they are mostly good for cooking &amp; camping outside. The weather for the central section was good so I didn't have any problems. It's possible to hitch part of the road sections - traffic is sparse but they will usually stop. In both cases when you reach the road there is nothing, you need to walk out about 15KM &amp; then start hitching.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''GPT 36P/ Ruta de Los Pioneros/ Option Río Baker and Valle de los Ñadis/ Packrafting Route / 2022 Feb-20 / 9.5 days / Tobias Schorcht and Jonas Grünewald'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> I packrafted from Balsa Baker (Cochrane) 50km downstream. On this section I faced 2 rapids. The first one -47,41143, -72,90798 has to be paddled from the right side (between 2 rocks). After the river is united again, stay in the center to avoid the swirls on the right side. The second rapid (class 3) needs to be ported, at least the first 20m. At the confluence with Río de los Ñadis I left the River and met with Jonas. We took a 20km Roadwalk southwards and entered the Valle de los Ñadis. Unfortunately we didn’t had Jan’s new GPS Tracks in this Part and got kind of lost on day 2, because of a misunderstanding with a settler. Now we know, that the trail is all the way to family Caucamán on the right side of the valley. We shared a mate with Ariel Caucamán, who explained us, how to get to Lago Desplaye. Found the lake after some struggles with navigation and camped right next to it. Luckily there was only some wind the following morning, so we made it with my Packraft to the stunning Glacier. Followed the river bank of Río Desplaye down to Lago Allegre. I packrafted Lago Alegre and Lago Christie, while Jonas walked. I was faster because the wind was in my favorite. The weather turned really bad with strong wind and rain on day 8. We stayed in the Refugio (-48,20300, -72,33202) close to the airport and made a fire. Because of bad weather conditions we decided to walk on the road to Villa O’Higgens instead of discovering the lakes.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> * '''Martín Lizondo / 3-Feb-2020 / Regular Hiking Southbound'''<br /> At this date the route is perfectly traversable. The settlers are happy to receive visitors. Path well visible 95% of the time. No snow at the pass and no dangerous river crossings, but only some suggestions: 1. cross Rio Bravo only once (47º 47' 53,49&quot; S, 72º 31' 15,78&quot; O) and then continue on the east margin with some bush bashing, instead of crossing it multiple times; 2. consider crossing the dirty river of sector Alegre at 48º 2' 20,65&quot; S, 72º 29' 27,81&quot; O instead of the gps track regular point nearer to the house. Way to Villa O’Higgins, at the road, Julia Torres offers place for tent and great fresh food ( 48º 15' 41,47&quot; S, 72º 25' 43,52&quot; O ). Good luck and enjoy!<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''GPT36H Regular Packrafting Route / Southern End: Laguna Clara to Villa O‘Higgins'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> 2020-Jan-08 1.5 days Meylin Ubilla &amp; Jan Dudeck<br /> <br /> The „Ruta de los Pioneros“ is one of the historic routes that was created and used by the first settlers in the last century. This route connected Villa O’Higgins with Cochrane long before the Carreta Austral was completed in the year 2000.<br /> <br /> The northern and the southern terminus; approx. 50 km on each end; are now upgraded to gravel roads. Only the roughly 100 km in the middle remain a classic animal trail made and created by people on horses to drive cattle.<br /> <br /> To bypass as much as feasible of these gravel roads we have investigated in recent years multiple alternatives on both ends of GPT36H. Especially with a packraft most of these gravel road kilometers can be bypassed on a very attractive combination of lakes and rivers with shorter portages in between.<br /> <br /> We now investigated and verified a route that first crosses the 2 km wide Lago Claro and than connects on an excellent 2 km trail to Rio Meyer. To continue either only cross Rio Meyer (like we did) or float downstream o. this river up to 4 km (alternative river exit to be scouted first!). An perfectly maintained trail leads then to Lago Biceño (2 to 6 km depending on only crossing Rio Meyer or floating downstream up to 4 km on Rio Mayer). Here a decision needs to be made depending on wind: either paddle a part of Lago Briceño or or continue walking 8 km to Salto on an scenic very well maintained trail (Alternatively a 6 km long trail connects from Lago Briceño to Lago Salto on a different route). After traversing 4 km on Lago Salto a 1 km short animal trail leads to Lago Cines. Once you reach Lago Cisnes it’s 13 km on a combination of lakes and rivers that gets you very close to Villa O’Higgins. Only the last 3 km into the village must be walked on a gravel road.<br /> <br /> We travelled this route in 1.5 days and really enjoyed the landscape, the excellent trails and the scenic paddling. Even in suboptimal weather this route is feasible and offers plenty of alternatives and escape routes. Therefore I will re-route the regular packrafting route of GPT36H to this route.<br /> <br /> Between Lago Claro and Lago Salto we discovered the best maintained trails of the entire Aysen region. Bridges cross even the smallest streams and all muddy areas are crossed on wooden passages. After years of hiking in this region this came as a surprise. But we also know why. These trails were not created to serve the public but a single family: los “Luksic”, the richest clan of Chile (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrónico_Luksic_Abaroa). They buy up huge plots of land in this region to create family resorts and as investments. The land between Lago Claro and Lago Salto is owned to my knowledge by this family. And they have the money to contract a large stuff to i.e. create and maintain trails on their properties. What was nice: when a group of 3 employees passed us on a trail on quarts they did not challenge us but gave use useful recommendations how to continue. Legally, access to lakes, rivers and the coast must be given in Chile even if the private property i.e. surrounds a lake but landlords can make it difficult anyway. To my knowledge all access routes from public roads a locked but since we accessed this area on water we did not have to climb over locked gates. Therefore this route seams to me suitable for packrafters.<br /> <br /> Multiple route variations are feasible that link in further lakes. Short bushwhacking portages might be required in this case but the landscape and vegetation seams generally more open than the Valdivian rain forrest on the Aysen coast. Someone can easily spend up to 5 days discovering other packrafting routes in this area.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''11/12/2019 - les 2 As - regular hiking route'''<br /> <br /> Hi! We finished this day the section 36 from north to south. It took us 6 days without the last 37 kms on the road (we hitchhiked on this part). It was rough, we have had 2 days of bad weather (only rain at our altitude but it changes everything). You are isolated in the middle of nowhere and we met no one during 5 days. Officially no bush bashing but sometimes the path is barely invisible and unmaintained so hard to walk. From the 3rd day to the end, we have had many rivercrossings. Some were easy, some not and some also quite dangerous. With all the snow melting, the level of the river is very high and the current is strong (I do not recommand to try these fords without walking poles, these saved us). Same situation with the lakes we walked near. Their level is high and often the path was submerged and we had to walk litteraly in the lake (sometimes up to the waist). Luckily we met 2 cabañas (2 last nights) to dry our clothes and sleep under a roof. This made the section even more wonderful than it already was. A great experience!<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Dec / Olrik / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> From O'Higgins there are 50km on a dirt road to the beginning of the sendero. There are some open refugios on the way to sleep. you can also arrange a paid transportation from O'Higgins. Hitchhiking is possible but there is not much traffic. The sendero was in pretty bad shape due to the weather conditions. Muddy and flooded all the way near the lakes. We ended up turning back as we did not plan to walk that slow and did not have enough food, and we felt it was safer. We met Matthieu (see below) and they completed it so his report seems better. Puesteros are really nice though.<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Dec / Matthieu / Northbound Regular HR : 9 days'''<br /> A very difficil trekk for us. Lots of river crossings, sometimes unsafe, and we had very bad weather conditions that make us last 9 days on the trekk, with hitchiking 40 km after Villa and 30 km before Cochrane. It could habe been more rapid though, but we walked &quot;tranquilito&quot;. So I would recommend to take 10 days of food,and the chileans agreed with this.<br /> <br /> I wont talk about the routes parts, because just long and we hitchhiked most.<br /> <br /> So 1st Part : The 2 lakes : A very technical trekk, very aquatic. Sometimes we had to walk in the lake (not dangerous though), and the trail by the lakes is very hilly and muddy, and the progression can be very slow. It was for us, with mostly only rain. 1 dangerous rivercrossing : Before El Caleuche, Strong river but a big fat trunk above perfect for crossing.We didnt search for another way of crossing, so maybe there are some safe places by the water.<br /> <br /> On this part, a few puestos good for shelters : between the two lakes, a good caban with possibility of making fire and a roof of metal and walls, very nice, two beds of wood, we slept in it well protected. El Caleuche : at the middle of the Lago alegre, near a abandoned house. POssibility of fire, but not really a good roof. We slept aside in the tents. The place is really nice though<br /> <br /> 2 houses of settlers on the way : - Ruben at the beginning of the Lago Christie, always happy to have visitors and share a mate. - At the end of the Lago Allegre a little bit south west from the trail (a rivercrossing a bit strong to go to the caban, or a &quot;bridge&quot; called Bridge ?-4 on the GPS waypoints, with 2 trunks, that we took in the morning to go back to the trail. A bit dangerous though, better to let Carmen show you how to cross): Ringo y Carmen, amazing persons too who let us plant the tent and permitted us to warm with a good mate, a meal and a wonderful smile, during the Christmas night.<br /> <br /> 2nd part : Rio Bravo and the pass We thought that the worst was behind but we had more strong weather conditions in this part. A few advises for the rivercrossings of the Rio Bravo : I would advise NOT to follow the GPS tracks that follow the normal trail on GPS devices (that is made normally for horses). All the locals (local guides in villa o higgins, Ruben, Carmen and Ringo) were agreed and told us all to follow the east side of the Rio UNTIL the Laguna. The crossing here is very safe, the rio not strong nor profund at all, and you have to cross it ONLY ONCE, instead of 4 or 5 (dont remember). To stay on the east side, there is a little cross country by the forest, a little bit technical and slow but not dangerous, and you can camp at the laguna on the east side. We saw some cairns in the forest too, on the last hill before the laguna, so the locals indeed use this way. We (very badly) abandonned this plan and passed by the normal way just near the camping site west from the river before the Laguna (really bad weather, really bad decisions !) and the rivercrossings (3 I think) were, for me, very dangerous with strong current in profund water, but there was a lot of rain and wind, so I wont judge during good conditions. We were frozen when we arrived at the camping site. I was very angry at me though to not have listened to the locals and taken all those risks.<br /> <br /> For the pass, not very difficult, but we had (again) very strong weather conditions with even snow, and finished at the camp at the north side completely frozen. Know that it can be very exposed !<br /> <br /> Last Part : Rio La Picota After the camping : Two choices - Following the normal road, made for horses. The rivercrossing is completely impossible, unless you want to join the fishes. Even for horses I don't understand how they do it. The Waypoint &quot;Dangerous&quot; totally make sense. - The GPS tracks : perfect to follow, and finished by a beautiful trail of cairns by the cliff (the optionnal trail OH on GPS track), very safe. The river crossing this way is very safe, the river is extremely large, separated and never go far from the ankle.<br /> <br /> The rest we didn't have any technical difficulties. A trekk not to take lightly, and with much respect. Take advises to the locals before. Every one is happy to talk about it in Villa. They have the bad habbit to say that it's an easy way though !<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-12 / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe / 6 days / northbound / regular hiking route'''<br /> <br /> This was a tough section for us! It rained and it rained and it rained and the trail turned to mud and was pretty overgrown in parts. We took the optional Hiking route after reaching Rio Bravo heading South to the Carretera Austral because we didn't feel comfortable forging on, knowing there was a high pass that was probably getting tons of snow instead of our rain, and a &quot;dangerous river ford&quot; that we were afraid would be tok dangerous with flooding too. The snow-line appeared to drop as low as 700 meters one night! We made surprisingly slow progress because of the conditions (entire trail flooded knee deep and extremely muddy after 6 days of rain) - were glad to have extra food with us. On the bail out route, about 10km from reaching the safety of the Carratera there was a pretty big river to cross. It was swollen after all the rain and scary and nearly floated us away. From the Carratera we hiked about 20 minutes before catching a lift back to Villa O'Higgins<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * '''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18'''<br /> <br /> Walk through town and join Highway 7, a moderately trafficked dirt road. The Regular Hiking Route follows X-901, a beautiful but fenced dirt road that culminates in the view of a stunning glacier, for about 28 km until it ends at a blockade just after the Mirador Calluqueo. Along X-901 there are few residences but extensive fence line on both sides. At the end of the road, the route transitions into a braided single track trail that may be confusing to follow.<br /> <br /> Comment by Jan Dudeck: I recently changed the regular packrafting route of GPT36H. This change avoids 35 km of gravel and adds around 70 km of paddling on the two lakes and one river. It’s a big detour but adds impressive beauty. Note that paddling Lago Cochrane is very challenging as wind can be firce. Follow the regular packrafting route only if you are willing and prepared to possibly wait several days on the shore of Lago Cochrane if wind makes paddling this lake unsafe.<br /> <br /> The trail, called La Ruta de Los Pioneros since it is frequently used by the local people, occasionally passes run down refugios as it winds through the forest. At the beginning of the climb to the highest pass, the trail joins a glacial river. Eventually the trail leaves the river to the west and follows a higher route above the valley that is occasionally marked by stone cairns. The top of the pass is at approximate elevation 1.300 m. From this point, there are several kilometers of very exposed hiking among rolling hills.<br /> <br /> The track descends down to treeline at a small, unnamed lake which is the source of the Río Bravo. Join the river and cross it as necessary. There are some stone cairns that mark the way, but they can be hard to spot. When the route is unclear, just follow the river bed. Where the trail deviates from the river bed to the east, it becomes easier to follow. The trail soon climbs about 80 m and remains above Río Bravo. Here there is the occasional small area to camp. To reach Lago Alegre, the trail leaves Río Bravo and travels through an open forest.<br /> <br /> Packrafters put in for Lago Alegre at a red sand beach. In general, both banks are very steep and heavily vegetated, but there are some flat areas near the shore where it may be possible to camp. Take-out is located at a rocky beach on the southeast end. 100 m from the Lago Alegre shoreline is an intact refugio; if you look closely inside, you may spot the etchings of GPT trail blazers, Jan and Meylin.<br /> <br /> From the refugio, there is a well-formed track to Lago Christie. The Regular Hiking route around the east side of Lago Christie is generally easy to follow, but be aware of the occasional spurs that leads away from the main route. The track climbs and descends frequently as it makes its way around the lake and offers a beautiful view of several glaciers. Watch for the occasional stone cairn or red spray-painted arrow to indicate the way. Camping is possible in the forest.<br /> <br /> The route exits onto X-911, a well formed and lightly trafficked gravel road. X-911 ends at X-905, and hikers continue to follow this road for around 20 km towards VIlla O’Higgins. X-905 is fence lined most of the way with the occasional residence.<br /> <br /> Río Mayer is a big, no-nonsense river that is swift at higher flows. It does however mellow out where the GPS route indicates packrafters should put in (a small beach on the other side of the fence).<br /> <br /> The Regular Hiking Route follows the Carretera Austral into Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Villa O’Higgins<br /> <br /> The biggest thing to realize about Villa O’Higgins is that nearly all of the lodging and restaurant options only take cash and there is no ATM in town. The closest place to withdraw money is Cochrane which is a 9-hour drive. Fortunately, there are two grocery stores in town thatl take credit cards. Lodging options vary from camping to a bed in a hostel.<br /> 2024/Joscha<br /> I would recommend Los Cuatreros (-48.463589, -72.559946) and Los Coigues (-48.464742, -72.559453) for resupply. They are cheaper than the other supermarkets.<br /> <br /> *Supermarket on the square in Cochrane. Several shops in Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> *Banco Estado on the square in Cochrane. The ATM was open on Christmas day.<br /> <br /> *Cochrane: Campsite run by Patricia half a block from the Plaza. She does a good breakfast &amp; also has Cabanas &amp; a 4 bed dorm.<br /> <br /> *Zapatoria Cochrane: Little Blue house North side of Dr Stefan's Street, above Rio Maitén street. -47.2541386, -72.5761942.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *There are no resupply options &amp; you should bring everything from Cochrane or O'Higgins. There are only two settlers living permanently on the central off road RR: A woman at Lago Alegre &amp; Ruben on Lago Christie. All other off road puestos are only used occasionally.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *There is a minibus from Cochrane to Villa O'Higgins on Monday, Wednesday &amp; Saturday at 8AM &amp; one from O'Higgins to Cochrane on Tuesday, Thursday &amp; Sunday @ 8AM. Operated by Buses Katalina, they have an office at the bus terminal in Cochrane. There is a minibus from Cochrane to Lago Brown on Monday &amp; Thursday at 11AM. It comes back from Lago Brown on the same days &amp; passes the junction with RR at about 2PM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT36H - Ruta De Los Pioneros]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[Archivo:IMG 7500.jpeg|left|Puerto Yungay - Rio Bravo Ferry Timetable February 2024]]</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT36H_(Ruta_De_Los_Pioneros)&diff=120592 2025-03-02T13:50:54Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-26 &gt; MAR-01 / 4 jours / Randonnée + auto-stop / SOBO / RR &gt; 36-22A &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT36<br /> | Meteo : soleil, nuage le dernier jour<br /> | Eau : parfois difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : chenilles urticantes<br /> <br /> Départ de Cochrane à 8h, personne ne s'arrête sur la carretera austral (pas d'eau). Sur la gravel road j'arrive à faire 3km en auto-stop, puis 10km, puis 16km avec un jeune couple allemand adorable qui m'ont déposé à la Laguna Calluqueo vers 12h30. Attention peste aquatique, j'ai bu l'eau du lac mais elle ne contient pas que du sable. Ensuite j'ai passé 5h a faire la 36-22A qui est vraiment géniale (il y a beaucoup de points d'eau après le km 4), puis j'ai campé au km 55,4 pour éviter le ford le matin. J'ai mal au ventre en me levant mais rien de méchant. Ensuite la progression dans la forêt est plutôt lente (~3km/h) à cause des arbres couchés, des zones humides et des buissons. J'ai suivi le sentier toute la journé, il n'y a pas de cross-county. Le sentier a été entretenu récemment et il y a des cairns partout dans la partie rocheuse. Après le pass au km 71,5, il faut suivre le sentier qui descend tout de suite, la trace gps n'est pas bonne et ca évite le ford au km 71,8. Au km 75,4 il n'y a pas de ford. Après le km 79, il y a des moustiques. La pression n'est pas forte mais c'est pénible pour se laver. J'ai moins mangé car je n'avais pas faim, je me couche avec un mal de ventre et je me leve avec un mal de crâne en plus. Après le sentier est aussi bon. Il se dégrade seulement entre les km 103 et 105. Le problème quand on pousse les branches ce sont les chenilles. Beaucoup d'arbres couchés du km 109 au 112. J'ai mal au crâne, au ventre, et j'ai des courbatures, la journée se termine et je suis complètement claqué. Après le settler du km 119 le sentier se degrade un peu mais redevient normal après le km 125,5. En arrivant à la salto Perez, j'ai rencontré deux retraités Italiens très gentils qui ont acceptés de me conduire à O'Higgins. Coup de chance car la route n'est pas frequentée et il n'y avait pas d'autres voitures.<br /> MAR-02: Repos Villa O'Higgins et médecin.<br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-30 to 2025-Feb-5 / 7 days (indluding 1 zero) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Pretty straight forward section so not much to add. All the fords were fine even though it was raining a lot for us. Trail a bit overgrown in places but nothing problematic.<br /> <br /> Caught the bus at 11am to junction 33.9km (1,000 clp pp).<br /> <br /> Walked on the minor road for 8km before getting a hitch to the mirador at Laguna Calluqueo.<br /> <br /> Ford 53.7, 54.8 and 55.4km all below the knee and easy the morning after a rainy day. Good camping on the south side of 55.4km too.<br /> <br /> Fords 66.5-66.7km all easy.<br /> <br /> Ford 71.8km hopped over.<br /> <br /> Camped 150m north of Ford 75.4km (-47.46396, -72.30952) flat dry spot not much wind protection though.<br /> <br /> Fords 75.4-81.3km all easy, below the knee.<br /> <br /> Camped in the forest just over 1km before puesto 98.4km - good wind protection.<br /> <br /> Really nice campsite by the river at 104km (marked on OSM)<br /> <br /> Trail by Lago Alegre is pretty overgrown in places.<br /> <br /> Camped at 138.5km (-48.09739, -72.24849) stream for water, sheltered in forest.<br /> <br /> Walked as far as 150km when we saw the subsidised bus from o'higgins, stopped and waited for it to turn around and caught it on its way back to o'higgins. We didn't see a single car heading towards Villa O'higgins so can imagine it's a tough hitch, at least until you get closer.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025-Jan-20 to 2025-Jan-24 / 5 days Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 36H-D/ MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus to X {36H} [33.9/336]. Got no hitch and had to hike 3 hours to Laguna Calluqueo. Ford {36H} [55.4/656] was easy and up to my knees. <br /> Same with Ford {36H} [54.8/650]. Puesto {36H} [57.6/667] (Calloqueo) was protected by an aggressive dog. Continued and camped in the forest. Heavy rain in the evening. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Fords Start/End {36H} [66.5/867] (Rio Pedregoso) was easy, only almost knee deep. Could not find the landslide that Sophie and Gaspar mentioned. Ford {36H} [78.6/888] (Rio Bravo) was a bit higher then my knees. Took option 36H-D to avoid to cross Rio Bravo two more times. Mostly i could follow a vague visible animal trail, which was often overgrown. <br /> Puesto {36H} [83.9/820] (La Pampa) was not locked and looked nice. Dicided to continue and camped somewhere in the forest.<br /> <br /> Day 3: From here -47.977178, -72.555534 to there -47.987679, -72.560694 the trail is definately very overgrown with 1-2m beech trees. Camped near this place -48.02468, -72.49029 nicely sheltered under trees. <br /> <br /> Day 4: Liked the stretch along both lakes very much. <br /> Refuge {36H} [126.1/512] (Entre Lagos) doesn't exist. -48.142506, -72.43804 collapsed shelter with a big and flat grassland. Would prefer to camp here instead because of better protection: -48.141492, -72.438798. After the shelter i struggled to find the trail. Got very windy in the afternoon. Camped here: <br /> -48.162321, -72.414155. There is good wind protection from the forest and a small stream next to it. But the shelter in the map is just some almost collapsed trunks of trees. Like the stuff they build in 7-vs.-wild, but 10 years later.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Again very windy. After 90 minutes hiking i reached the road. Very few cars passed. Refuge {36H} [148.6/464] is nice and has enough space to pitch a freestanding tent inside. But it has a corrugated iron roof, so probably waterproof. Refuge, River In {36H} [156.8/418] is ok, soil inside is sand. Found an open puesto here: <br /> -48.252049, -72.357653. It was in good condition, but looked abandoned. 45min later i got a hitch to Villa O'Higgins, before heavy rain started. <br /> <br /> * '''SOBO RR + OH 22A// hiking, hitchhiking // 6 days 7-12.01.2025 Maks &amp; Gabi'''<br /> <br /> Getting out of Cochrane was slightly problematic (hitchhiking) so we walked the first 5 km, but after leaving the main road, the 4th car stopped and gave us a ride until the Lago Calluqueo. <br /> <br /> We camped by Rio Pedregoso, left our backpacks there and went to see the glacier - a lovely trail, there are 3 streams on the trail but only in second part od the trail, it took us about 4hrs. <br /> <br /> Most of the fords were easy to cross, but some of the puestos looked abandoned (we haven't seen a human soul on that section). <br /> <br /> I don't think there is much to be added. The trail is slightly overgrown so that it is not always easy to follow. <br /> <br /> Again lots of annoyingly wind resistant horseflies 🙃 <br /> <br /> It might be quite hard to hitchhike the last +/- 50 km. We only saw one car after walking 7 km and we were lucky enough that they gave us a ride to Villa O' Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-20 to 2024-Dec-26 / 7 / Hiking and &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO (circle) / RR + Variant E Options: 14, 14E (new option), 14D, 14A (new option) / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Successful investigation in Option 14 connecting Paso Mayer with Lago Burmeister.<br /> <br /> Route: Started in Cochrane and hiked to X {36H} [5.5/267] there i got the first lift. Overall it took me 3 lifts and 15km of hitchhiking. Followd the RR hiking with Variant E until Camp {36H} [110.9/500]. Packrafting to Lake, Refuge {36H} [213.2/527]. Got a lift to Border Control CL {36H} [222.6/449]. Hiked from there Options: 14, 14E, 14D and 14A. First to Border Control AR {36H-14} [191.4/480] then to Laguna Bello and Lago Burmeister and finshed at X {36H-14} [64.1/897] and got a lift to Gobernador Gregores and from there over Chile Chico to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> Started in Cochrane at 10:00 and hoped for a lift but didn't got one. You can also ask for a shuttle but I was told it was expensive so this wasn't a option. I guess you could gamble and just wait at X {36H} [5.5/267] for lift i hoked and reached the start of the hike at 16:00. The detailed information from Lilian Season 23/24 where really good. The first 3 fords where easy, there was a person at Puesto {36H} [53.1/611] and i camped at Ford {36H} [55.4/656]. There was no snow on the pass Border, Pass {36H} [71.5/1304] and Border, Pass {36H} [73.9/1225] so quite easy hiking. Camped at Puesto {36H} [83.9/820] (La Pampa) it was a nice place to pitch a tent - the Puesto was ok (see here: https://imgur.com/a/v2pPTK8). The next day was the only day where I didn't has sunshine and it was cloudy with 3 short rainfalls each ~10min. There were some people at Puesto {36H} [98.4/553] (Puesto Tablas). On that day was the only part where I would say the trail is overgrown- this is from -47.977178, -72.555534 to -47.987679, -72.560694 there is a trail but chest high trees which are especiallyin the rain annoyingas you get completely wet. The trail was good and easy to hike and I camped at Camp {36H} [110.9/500] which was good access to the lake and enough space for 2-3 tents. The next morning i stared Packrafting - wind forecast was good until 16:00 there wind with 23 km/h and gusts up to 40 km/h should set in from NW - so favourable. The Morning was super calm and it took me 4:20h for the 13km (avg. 3.0 km/h) to cross Lago Alegre. After the short hike from Lake {36H} [198.8/489] to Lake {36H} [200.5/525]. I started Packrafting at 15:00. The wind was favourable and I made fast progress especially with the strong wind it took me 3:00h for the 12.5 km (avg. 4.2 km/h). The waves at -48.173951, -72.427001 my limit and quite crazy. They calm down right after the turn. Same situation at -48.180342, -72.393292. So if the wind is that strong evaluate the situation critically. I camped at Lake, Refuge {36H} [213.2/527]. The Refuge is good for a fire or to cook but not to sleep inside. Until this point i would say the trail is in a ok to good condition. There a quite a few fallen trees but nothing major and all easy to hike except the 1km mentioned earlier so Overall good quality. <br /> <br /> The next day I got a lift to Border Control CL {36H} [222.6/449]. You need a Salvoconducto (https://www.pdichile.cl/tr%C3%A1mites-online/salvoconducto) you can request it 10 days in advance normally it takes between a few minutes to hours. Last year I also applied to it for the boarder crossing at Border Control CL {22S} [22.2/299]. But I never got one i event went to the local police before the trip. So i didn’t has a Salvoconducto at the Border. The PDI was very friendly and you have wifi there and we requested it together - and just got the approval email after 40min. They have given me Water, Tea, Biscuits and WiFi. They have given me a ride in the car to cross the Ford at -48.209796, -72.322273. From there i followed 36H-14 and 36H-14E to Border Control AR {36H-14} [191.4/480]. I took a slightly diffrent route which is in my Option optimized as it follows the main hose trail to Bridge {36H-14} [201.8/476] and after that the ond minor road and a shortcut at -48.242534, -72.23587 (there is also a bridge). This part can be found and downloaded below market as: GPT36H-14_14E.<br /> <br /> <br /> After that i started the investigation and hiked to Laguna Bello and camped here: -48.168916, -72.191267. There is no real trail only animal trails and CC and 250m of BB (i guess it can be circumvented. So overall quite easy to hike (3.1 km/h with 540m ascent). You have to jump the fence at -48.251191, -72.224694 ater that it's easy CC to this point -48.231692, -72.206461. There you enter the forest trough a small trial and reached a river visible on Topo maps and follow it: (https://imgur.com/a/KRGrwFD). After that it's CC trough the forest: https://imgur.com/a/ANahcO8. There is one ford at -48.219721, -72.202217 which is also a great place for a camp. CC continues all the way to -48.190151, -72.193122 there are quite a lot fallen trees. At -48.182434, -72.193504 is a short BB section 200m nit that bad just chest high trees - i guess this can circumvent if you hike a bit further west. The coordinates mark the end of the BB. The last 50m BB are here: -48.169691, -72.188992. After that you made it to Laguna Bello and absolutely stunning place to camp and hike: https://imgur.com/a/gjumzVL!!! The next day is awesome CC over the pass and down the valley there is water every few hunderd meters. There is a short swampy section here (300m -48.064146, -72.198477). All fords where below knee level and easy with one exception (will come later) you have to Ford here: -48.033639, -72.201987 and -48.029881, -72.202172. The Puesto at Refuge {36H-14} [90.7/1009] is a good place to pitch a tent but there is no water. The place itself is simple buy maybe even water proof as there is a plastic wrap as a roof see: https://imgur.com/a/mcizrYr. From there on is mostly a trail all the way to the end. It's south following the GPS. Sometimes the trail is not visible for e.g. if it's completely open CC but other that that I would say I got 80%. I camped at -47.968783, -72.187904 which wasn't very flat but manageable. The next day I connected the trail to GPT36H-14A end. The Ford Ford {36H-14} [79.6/902] is the only one which was knee high. It's a wide but not fast flowing river so easy to cross especially there is a treck for the cars: https://imgur.com/a/dqPamtM. To get a overall impression of the terrain: https://imgur.com/a/2I7gegk.<br /> <br /> After that i hiked to X {36H-14} [64.1/897]. And got a lift to -47.851658, -72.031836 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/HPkqayReiotCw2yP7) there is the registration for the Parque Nacional Perito Moreno. You need a reservation to get into the park and to have the huts booked. I guess if you just enter it's also fine. At this place is a open Bathroom and Free WiFi. The Ranger was nice and Helpful. There is no resupply. This and transfer could be arranged with Estancia la Oriental ( https://laorientalpatagonia.com/). While I was there (40min) 3 cars showed up. I got a lift directly to Gobernador Gregores (during the 1.5h dirst road 5 cars came in the opposite direction so i guess you always get a lift away within half a day) from where you can take multiple busses one is a daily bus which goes to Los Antiguos departure 16:30PM here: -48.755133, -70.255558 (https://taqsa.com.ar/). From there i went back to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> Overall:<br /> It's a absolutely beautiful and remote part of the GPT and I absolutely enjoyed it! It's nice and easy CC and if you like adventure, remoteness and CC without a trail is can highly reccomend it as you have great hiking access to a new area with this Option! I had food for 10 days with fairly fast hiking which was sufficient - i would reccomend doing this option only with a good weather window.<br /> <br /> Files (GPX and KMZ /// Tracks and Important Markers):<br /> <br /> GPT36H-14_14E: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tIZ5EBZfod3IqJ2B7Q?e=cl8pza<br /> <br /> GPT36H-14_14A_14D: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5tIc7PQrXY25VQ5ywOA?e=ttbG02<br /> <br /> All tracks are also on Strava and general contact for questions: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> <br /> *27-11-2024 to 02-12-2024 / 6 days / NOBO / RR / Sophie and Gaspar<br /> <br /> We departed from Villa O’Higgins, where we stayed at the Los Pioneros campground, run by the very kind Pachi (highly recommended). Heading north, we followed the unpaved road for about a day and a half before joining the actual Pioneers’ Route. <br /> <br /> This trail is navigable 70% of the time, but vegetation has overgrown about 30% of the path (locals mentioned we were likely the first to pass through this year, which might explain the conditions). Locals also mentioned the possibility of crossing Lakes Christie and Alegre by boat. Since we intended to hike, we didn’t inquire further, but for those interested, this option exists. Only one permanent settler remains at Lake Christie: Don Rubén. We passed by his cabin, but unfortunately, he had already left for work that day, so we didn’t get the chance to meet him. On the third day, we reached the La Pampa settler site, where we camped in preparation for an early crossing of the Río Bravo. <br /> <br /> Crossing the Río Bravo at its source posed no issues for us, as this year’s snowmelt is delayed, keeping river levels low. We chose the OR route to ford the river only once. Although this path was slightly more challenging, it was worth it to avoid wet feet in the low temperatures. <br /> <br /> At Paso Picota, we encountered some snow, but it didn’t impede our progress. On the descent, however, the RR crossing of the first river was not passable, likely due to a landslide upstream. As a result, we followed the OR route, which runs higher and presented no problems. From there, we continued our journey to Cochrane without major difficulties.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-06 / 3.5 hours (1 day including return) / GPT36H Option 22 Sendero Los Gatos / SOBO / Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> This route is particularly useful for packrafters with a smaller open packraft that wish to travel GPT35 and GPT36H southbound. By only packrafting the more wind protected eastern section of Lago Cochrane the infamous windy “La Leona” sector of Lago Cochrane is avoided.<br /> <br /> Resupply can be arranged by hitchhiking or taking the subsidized bus 35 km back to Cochrane after paddling Lago Brown and Rio Tranquilo (this is part of the Regular Packrafting Route of GPT36H before reaching the trail head of Ruta de los Pioneros). This reduces travel time for packrafters and keeps the water proportion up.<br /> <br /> Route Description:<br /> <br /> Halfway between the Chilean Border Control of Pasa Roballo and the southern terminus of the Los Aviles Track (“Casa de Piedra”) is the “Camping Alto Valle”. This perfectly maintained camp ground offers about 8 shelters. The campground is situated 500 m away from the main road on a minor gravel road. This 6 km short gravel road continues towards Lago Cochrane. From this minor road start two trails: Sendero Los Gatos that leads all the way to Lago Cochrane and Sendero Lago Chico.<br /> <br /> Sendero Los Gatos can be used by packrafters to access Lago Cochrane in a somewhat wind sheltered sector next to Isla Victor. The track of Sendero Los Gatos is not part of the GPT track files 2024 but the trail head is signposted and route is mostly well visible.<br /> <br /> When visiting the beach I could see a few spots where a tent can be pitched for a night but I did not spot a really nice sheltered location where waiting two or three days would be delight (if the wind forecast makes it unlikely). So packrafters best descent to the lake on the day before attempting to cross Lago Cochrane.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Apr-02 to 2024-Apr-07 / 5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR - {36H-G} - RR - {36H-D} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> A beautiful section, especially from km83.9(Puesto La Pampa) to km66.5(multiple crossing), nice views with remote area, i love it so much!<br /> <br /> Because of late season, all the river crossing are super easy, only 4 place need to wet feet, all others can go around or rock hopping. Some of trail go in the water(lake, pond, pool) directly, but all you can go around by side trail, some CC or light BB.<br /> <br /> Snow still not a problem, snow start at 950m at south, and covered some of the trail above 1100m but didn't matter, i go around most of the snow easily. And didn't find any knee deep snow(maybe melted again), the deepest posthole just above ankle, easy walking. Because of lot of cairns at the area of two pass, so it is easy for navigation although some parts of trail is covered by snow.<br /> <br /> The most annoying is WIND. It is crazy windy almost everywhere except last day. The most windy part is at the second pass, i even can't open my eyes to look at the trail and walk on it straighly because of crazy freezing wind. (Be careful of hypothermia, crazy windy + rain/snow/after river crossing is horrible)<br /> <br /> My friend give me a 2hour ride from Villa O' Higgins to Lago Christie( X[142.0/550] ) , so i save about 50km road walking, a huge thank you to him!<br /> <br /> Km138.5 : shelter(-48.16236, -72.41397) made by woods, can cowboy inside when summer time, not rainproof but can be some wind protection. Can fit 2 tents outside with fire ring, some small stream flowing good with clear water just beside it. Weather protection by forest and the shelter.<br /> <br /> Km135.35 : old refuge(-48.14246, -72.43808), half of the roofs is collapsed, but still can provide some protection for emergency. Nice grassland for camping beside the refuge, can fit 3-5 tents with fire pit and rock seats, not much protection by trees or bushes. A river flowing good beside it, trail crossing it with wet feet, half of calf. It is the first wet feet point for me.<br /> <br /> Km134.1 : a lake, i cleared out a spot and camped here, some animals go to this lake and walking in it when midnight. It is very quiet and i heard the sound clearly. Not much protection, just some bushes here, not recommended with bad weather.<br /> <br /> Settler[132.8/525] : from here to Refuge[126.1/512], trail becomes very easy to follow and walk, it is a frequency used trail. Look like some people living here, but i met noone when i passed.<br /> <br /> Km129.3 : shelter(-48.11808, -72.48252) with just one side, weather protection by forest, can fit 1 tent here. A small stream flowing beside it.<br /> <br /> Refuge[126.1/512] : refuge(Puesto Entrelagos) already gone just left some woods here, and like Natalie said looks like someone wants to rebuild it. Some flat spots here can fit 2-3 tents.<br /> <br /> Lake[198.8/489] : Lago Alegre, a boat and a camping spot here, can fit 1 tent with fire ring and nice lake views but no protection, it is crazy windy when i was here.<br /> <br /> Km119.3 : junction of RR and {36H-G}, i go straight and didn't go to Settler[118.9/486](El Caleuche). It is easy to follow and walk on {36H-G}, but you need to climb over a 2m wooden fence at north.<br /> <br /> {36H-G} km3 : river crossing, cross it on a huge log easily.<br /> <br /> RR Km117.2 : flat spot(-48.02468, -72.49029) can fit 1-2 tents with weather protection by forest. A small stream flowing beside it.<br /> <br /> Km117 : river crossing, several logs crossing selection here, because raining and wet, so i crossed by the combination of multiple logs, it looks like more stability and safe. Huge flat area and grassland can fit many tents at both side of the river, weather protection by trees and bushes.<br /> <br /> Camp[110.9/500] : can fit 2-3 tents with lake views, easy to collect water, weather protection by trees.<br /> <br /> Then i did the short cut that Natalie said, from here walk through the open forest NW to the other valley(Río Bravo). It is completely CC or light BB on some animal path, fun and doable, but just recommend on good weather, otherwise you'll soaking wet by bushes.<br /> <br /> Río Bravo is a grey water river, better collect water from some small stream.<br /> <br /> Km104.3 : a small stream(-47.97355, -72.55419) flowing good with clear water, small flat spot can fit 1 tent after crossing.<br /> <br /> Km103.95 : camping spot(-47.97095, -72.55524) can fit 3-4 tents with fire ring.<br /> <br /> Puesto[98.4/553] : Puesto Las Tablas, huge and beautiful grassland for camping, refuge is a small cabin, have a wooden bed, bench, fire pit and some dry wood sticks (for burning) inside, it is possible to sleep inside with a warm fire night, good wind protection but not for rain. Didn't see any water nearby.<br /> <br /> Km95.05 : cross a stream with a small waterfall, it'll be completely wet by the waterfall if cross at trail, so I climb to upstream and rock hopping for dry feet.<br /> <br /> Puesto[92.3/660] : Puesto El Burro, large grassland but most of them are steep, only small grassland beside the refuge is flat for camping, can fit 2-3 tents with table and fire ring, refuge is a tiny cabin but half of roof is already collapsed, can fit 1 small single person tent for some protection if bad weather, a small stream flowing with clear water 200m before here. Very windy when i was here.<br /> <br /> Km85.4 : easy and beautiful walk start!<br /> <br /> Puesto[83.9/820] : Puesto La Pampa, large grassland for camping, refuge is a small, nice and clean cabin, have 2 wooden bed, wooden seats, table and fire pit inside, it is a nice place to sleep inside with a warm fire night, good wind protection but not sure for rain. Just like Natalie said you also can pitch a small tent inside. Tiny stream flowing low just in front of the refuge. Have a open toilet with views at here too.<br /> <br /> Fords start/end[81.3/854] : rock hopping.<br /> <br /> Then i take {36H-D} instead of RR, save 2 times of wet feet crossing of Río Bravo, it is doable and sometimes have an animal path(old trail?) to follow, but easy to lost the path, and overgrown at some part you need to BB, I'm not sure it can save time or not, and only recommend in good weather, otherwise you'll be completely soaking wet by bushes.<br /> <br /> Ford[78.6/888] : river crossing of Río Bravo, the second wet feet point. I crossed it at 50m downstream(-47.79880, -72.52101) where the river breaks to 2 parts by island. First part easy rock hopping, second part is just above ankle, the water is grey so i didn't see through the bottom, otherwise I'll throw some rocks for hopping to keep my feet dry.<br /> <br /> Ford[77.4/981] : i follow some cairns and crossed it much downstream with rock hopping. It is a beautiful viewpoint for waterfall and the glacier at west! Snow starts here.<br /> <br /> Ford[75.4/1023] : easy rock hopping, look at the rocks underwatee here, the west side of valley is white colour, the east side is red, amazing!<br /> <br /> Border,pass[73.9/1225] : snow here, but still not problem, go around them easily, or just above ankle posthole. A beautiful lake looks like good for camping 200m before here, but just for good weather because very exposed.<br /> <br /> Km72.9 : between two pass, before the second pass you need to go in a wide riverbed, but snow covered the water. You know there is water flowing, you can hear them flowing, but you can't see them. And the snow(bridge) is not thick, not stable enough to walk on them directly, so it take me some time to find out which part is water, which part can walk on it.<br /> <br /> Ford[71.8/1262] : snow covered most of the river, and river flowing a little wide here(can't step over), take me some time to find the way to go on it.<br /> <br /> Border,pass[71.5/1304] : crazy crazy crazy windy, beautiful views but too windy that i can't open my eyes to look. It is the first time for NOBO to see Cerro Los Mellizos(black sharp tower mountain) at here. Mostly you can arrive there after 1 day. North of here lot of snow but still doable and navigation with lot of cairns easily.<br /> <br /> Camp[68.4/1089] : can fit 2-3 tents with log seats and fire ring, some(not much) weather protection by trees and bushes. Stream flowing nearby. Then i continues RR.<br /> <br /> Km68.1 : flat area(-47.72665, -72.49681) can fit many tents with amazing glacier views, but no protection. Stream flowing here, also old fire pit beside a tree. Still lot of snow here.<br /> <br /> Water[67.3/1041] : snow end and i didn't see any water here. I took RR for going down, it is actually a trail, easy to follow. But some point is steep and a little landslide, walk easily when dry, but maybe a problem if wet or covered by snow.<br /> <br /> Fords starts/end[66.7/867] : old camping spot with fire pit 100m before here, nice view but no protection. River breaks into many streams at here, I took about 20min total for putting rocks in streams separately for all the way dry wet crossing by rock hopping.<br /> <br /> Km65.85 : shelter(-47.70890, -72.49466) with 1 side protection in good condition, nice for cowboy under it when summer. Flat spot can fit 2-3 tents with fire ring just beside it. Trail easy to miss it because covered by some trees.<br /> <br /> From here to km53.2(road), HURDLE RACE start! At least 500 blowdowns you need to step over. No climbing, just step over, easy to walk and follow but muddy and blowdowns, you know that.<br /> <br /> Km64.45 : camping spot(-47.69803, -72.49788) under trees, can fit many tents with fire pit and log seats, weather protection by forest.<br /> <br /> Km64.05 : i cleared a flat spot(-47.69555, -72.50008) for a single person tent, with great lake, mountain views and i stayed here for 18 hours because of snowstorm, just beside the lake so it is easy to collect water. Weather protection by forest, but if the wind comes from south then nothing help. If you have 15min more, i think can fit one more single person tent here.<br /> <br /> Km61.95 : junction of RR, {36H-A} and {36H-05}, easy to miss. Pay attention to wood cutting trace on ground.<br /> <br /> Km58.45 : swamp area full of water, you can jump(a huge jump) over it for dry feet. After swamp is a river crossing by narrow log, after the crossing don't go away immediately, looks inside the river, lot of beautiful green water plants here!<br /> <br /> Puesto[57.6/677](Calloqueo), Puesto Cayuqueo, refuge is locked, looks like no more people until next summer, because the gate nearby is completely locked by wire too. Beautiful grassland for camping at here, and a shelter with fire pit inside too. Easy to collect water because just beside Río Pedregoso, at here Río Pedregoso still a clear water river.<br /> <br /> Fence[56.5/657] : it is a gate and completely locked by wire. Climb it at right side just wooden fence, at left side is barbed wire with fence. Huge exposed grassland with views in this area.<br /> <br /> Ford[55.4/656] : third wet feet crossing, also is the deepest crossing at late season April. Looks like above knee at trail crossing, better go upstream 10m walk on the red rock bar, it is flowing very fast but just above half of calf, easy crossing. Flat area for camping at both side of river.<br /> <br /> Ford[54.8/650] : crossing a grey water river, so better collect water before it joins main river. Trail crossing looks like up to half of calf, better crossing point at downstream just before 2 river combined, rock hopping there. But be careful for rock hopping, rocks not stable and rolling there, also a pool looks deep just at downstream, don't slide!<br /> <br /> Km53.85 : nice flat spot(-47.62754, -72.46476) can fit 2 tents just beside the trail. Looks like camped by someone before.<br /> <br /> Ford[53.7/630] : river breaks into 3 parts here, the first and third part is easy rock hopping. The second, main part above ankle at trail crossing, easy. It is the fourth, also the last wet feet crossing.<br /> <br /> Puesto[53.1/611] : didn't see anyone when i passed here, but looks like still in using because lot of cooking equipment is outside the refuge. The refuge is not locked but I just take photos and didn't go inside. Can be emergency use for bad weather.<br /> <br /> After here, all the way road walking.<br /> <br /> Km49.25 : viewpoint(-47.59724, -72.49715) of Laguna Calluqueo, Glacier Calluqueo, Cerro Los Mellizos and Monte San Lorenzo o Cochrane. I camped here, with a 2m rock wall that covers the wind from south, also lot of things can hold my tent's line. A super beautiful spot with amazing sunrise coming up from the glacier!<br /> <br /> The next morning i saw a bus coming to here, that i met it before outside Cochrane tourist information, so maybe possible to arrange a shuttle at Cochrane for SOBO?<br /> <br /> Km48.5 : Glacier Calluqueo Camping Spot(-47.59382, -72.49962), i look it from high on road, looks like no views but covered by some trees with protection, can fit 2-4 tents with log seats.<br /> <br /> Bridge[46.2/394] : Puente Calluqueo, camping spot after the crossing at downstream, can fit 1-3 tents with fire ring.<br /> <br /> The next 2 Danger waypoint i didn't understand, it looks like very safe walking on the road?<br /> <br /> After 10 minutes i hitched a car to Cochrane, this is the second car i saw in that day. They also take me to Lago Brown and followed {36H-23} to viewpoint(-47.46236, -72.38094) of Cerro San Lorenzo, huge huge huge thank you to them!<br /> <br /> Lastly i stayed at Calafate Camping in Cochrane, 6k CLP for camping, good spot with nice refuge(kitchen), hot shower and clean toilet. You also can camping under some shelters if bad weather.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-19 to 2024-Mar-23 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH 24A + 02 + 04B / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [5.5-50.0] + OH36H-24A to the Glacier and back<br /> <br /> I got a hitch to the junction at km 5.5. From there I walked for about 2 hours until a car took me to the junction at km 33.9. There is a fence between Rio del Salto and the RR. At the Danger Waypoint (km 43.2) is the fence broken down and the river is accessible. I got a 3rd hitch from there to the Calluqueo Glaciar. I took OH36H-24A to the glacier. Its a good trail, but mostly through forrest without view. Around km 3.0 you can see the glacier + the lake. Its really nice. At the end of OH36H-24A you get a close-up look at the Glaciar. There is a lot of water between km 3.5 and 6. At km 4.1 is a decently flat spot for camping. I camped at km 49.7 next to the RR. I would not recommend the spot in a windy night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [50.0-79.9]<br /> <br /> There was snow above 1000 meters. Around the Bourder/Pass Waypoints the snow was more than knee deep. It was possible to do it without any snowgear, but it took some time. There was plenty of water along the RR and all Fords were max. knee high.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [79.9-107.3]<br /> <br /> The RR crosses lots of small streams, so there is plenty of water. Puesto at km 83.9 can be used as shelter and has a open outhouse. I camped at km 107.3 on a flat meadow.<br /> <br /> Day 4: OH36H-02 [0.0-26.6]<br /> <br /> The first 2 km of OH36H-02 are more CC than a trail. After that the trail is easy to follow and in good condition for about 5-6 km. Than the trail starts to become overgrown and later very muddy. Therefore it wasn't to much fun walking this trail. But the valley offers some nice waterfalls and snowy mountains. There was plenty of water and fords were easy.<br /> <br /> Day 5: OH36H-02 [26.6-29.0] + OH36H-04B [122.5-132]<br /> <br /> I hiked about 2 1/2 hours along the Carreterra Austral until a group of cars passed me and one of them took me to Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 6 to 2024 Mar 12 / 7 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Maddi and Tom'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Got the public bus from Villa O'Higgins to Lago Christie at 11am, paid 600 CLP per person. Apparently it comes every few days. We were the only ones on it so the driver dropped us at the trailhead. There is a big sign and a picnic table at the start and the trail is pretty clearly defined. Hiked along Lago Christie and camped at the Northern end at a clear spot on the sand.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Kept following a clear track to Lago Alegre. Passed the settlers but noone appeared to be home. Had lunch on the lake at a nice pebbly beach (-48.03641,-72.49016), had a swim and Tom caught a rainbow trout to eat. Had a relaxed day hiking and camped at the very northern end of the lake (-47.98559,-72.53109). Tom caught another trout for dinner. Two others hiking joined us later that night as it was a good camp spot with lake access.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Tom caught another trout for breakfast before we started hiking for the day. Rain started getting pretty heavy making the track quite muddy and it was very cold. Had lunch at Las Tablas to get out of the rain. Sun came out so we continued on, although it didn't last. Since it was raining heavily and I was getting very cold, we camped next to El Burro for the night.<br /> <br /> Day 4: More rain in the morning. Packed up and hiked to La Pampa for lunch. Got a weather update and it was looking bad for the next day (heavy snow and wind) so we decided to camp at La Pampa. Spent a nice afternoon in the sun with a fire going. The two hikers we camped with before also stayed there that night.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Woke up to heavy rain and wind so stayed in bed until 11am, not wanting to cross the pass in these conditions. Snow started around lunch and was heavy enough to stick. Got a weather update and it was looking sunny for the next day so decided to wait it out. Hiked up the river around 5pm to do the river crossing and then camped at the base of the pass at (-47.79854,-72.52191). Started snowing just as we went to bed.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Got up early and started up the pass. Lots of snow and ice made it quite slippery but manageable. Had to watch out for the black ice on all the rocks around the river. The snow concealed any tracks but wasn't difficult to navigate with my watch. Snow was about knee deep at the top of the pass. Came down the other side with awesome views down the valley. Took the detour to avoid the river crossing above the canyon. Detour is steep uphill but is worth it as where we ended up crossing didn't even get our shoes wet. Did see a dead horse there though that must have been washed down the canyon. Had lunch near the fallen down puesto on the river. Was nice to get some sun after so many days of rain and snow. Continued on and camped at Glacier Calluqueo.<br /> <br /> Day 7: Started walking along the road hoping for a hitch. Was actually very hot. Managed to get a ride after about an hour to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-28 to Mar-03 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Took transport till end of road near glaciar Calluqueo (Jonathan +56940246832, 65000$) as I wanted to walk the pass before the predicted snowfall sets in. Traverse was quite tedious cause of the rainy and cold weather. Met Natalie and Luca halfway, hi :-) Did not meet anyone else during 4 1/2 days! Was accompanied by a smelling(!) dog (of Ruben?) from the camp at Lago Christie until next morning near Rubens house. He slept a bit windsheltered next to my tent - it was cold and a lot of wind! Keep in mind (I didn`t) that once you have reached Lago Alegre there are still 2000hm to go uphill before you reach the MR!<br /> <br /> Campsites: <br /> 300m before Camp km68.4 on a +-exposed meadow with glaciar view,<br /> in front of Puesto ElBurro (rainshelter inside and a table outside), <br /> Camp km110.9, <br /> on the shore of Lago Christie km 129 just before the path leads uphill in to the forest (a bit wind protection by bushes and Wood)<br /> <br /> Did a shortcut between ca. km103.5 and km 100.5. Sometimes good trail, sometimes obstacle course over fallen trees. <br /> Was very lucky with transport to Villa O`Higgins. Got a motorcycle ride all the way from the refugio at km148.6 at 6 pm with a short detour to the border at Rio Mayer. Stayed in Hostal Rio Mayer in Villa O`Higgins (very friendly and talkative, no internet).<br /> <br /> 28-Feb-24 to 03-Mar-24/4days/ Hiking/ NOBO/ RR/ Natalie &amp; Luca<br /> <br /> Took a few days off to reconnect with an old friend in Villa O'Higgins and then decided to take him for a test trial on the GPT.<br /> <br /> With the help of Martin from Mosco we found out the day we left was the day the subsidized bus leaves from O'Higgins to Lago Christie. Left around 1130 and got to the TH ~13:00. The bus only goes 4x a month and it went twice in the last week of February, not sure how it is organized. Only 3500 each. <br /> <br /> A little bit of rain the first day and a lot of rain/snow at the end. The trail was fun, mellow and in good shape, next to no mud. We met Ruben and all of his animals (cutest puppy atm). He offered a camping spot but I am sure the dogs would be all over you at night. We camped at the beginning of Allegra near Refugio entre lagos (NO refugio), -48.09404, -72.49798. At this moment there is no shelter but it looks like someone is working on one, there is a boat at the lake. There is a creek with only still puddles of water so we drank from the lake. <br /> There are few nice camping spots along both Christie and Allegra that are not marked. Did not stop to fish :(. I heard Margarita is in O'Higgins atm. <br /> <br /> We made a short cut to avoid the big intersection near Puesto 107. We cut off after camp 110 and ended ~800m near a river camp marked on osm. It was easy and mostly open forest, mainly just a quest to stay on the best animal track as there are a few of them. We basically followed close to where the hill is but not too close bcs that is where the bush is no good.<br /> <br /> Camped outside Puesto 98.4, Las tablas. It had no water so fill up before of just go down to the river.<br /> <br /> Met Matías - Hi Matías! Even though we were both trying to beat the rain I very much enjoyed the conversation/laughs!<br /> <br /> When we got to Puesto 83.9, La Pampa, the rain just began to start and even though it was only lightly raining at the time the forecast was not good for the evening so we decided to stay and enjoy the early day and nice Refugio. The weather got increasingly worse and very strong overnight with snow in the morning. The Refugio is large and clean. It has a fire pit in the corner, an outhouse, extra blankets and tarps, a good table and lots of tools and pots if needed. No other puesto compared. There were only a few small leaks during the night, we pitched a tent inside for added warmth. <br /> <br /> The next morning there was a lot of fresh snow and it was still snowing with strong wind at times - so the pass was interesting. We took variant D to avoid the Rio Bravo fords and got soaking wet in the bush, it wasnt very clear where the trail was, needed the GPS. Although the Rio Bravo was very calm and shallow (barely to my knees, 167), the snow made it too cold for my liking. If one is curious about camping on the other side of the river, I think you can make a camp, there are lots of flat spots but not so much wind protection. There were camping possibilities throughout the pass as well. As for the pass, &quot;most&quot; of the trail was not covered by snow bcs the water was flowing down the trail therefore navigation was still okay, a bit harder between passes. Of course the weather improved at camp 68.4...<br /> <br /> I know Tomáš managed the La Picota river and it made me curious to try but it made no sense to go for it, the RR that follows the west is an easy trail and the fords afterwords were almost (all but one) jumpable. Sadly what I read about &quot;la playa&quot; is true, there was a dead horse (pieces of it) at the start of the fords, it seemed rather recent so I guess the La Picota ford still kills. <br /> The Refugio after the fords is just a &quot;lean-to&quot;. The trail afterwards is okay, starting to get muddy but not bad. A nice camp is possible at -47.66704, -72.50032 bcs of the beautiful view but there is no water, actually not many places to stop between ford and puesto 57.6. We Camped at Puesto 57.6 and met Antonio, super lovely man and we had breakfast with him the following morning. In return I gave him the rest of my walnuts and peanuts, hopefully that was enough. There is not much of a shelter there, teepee style, but you can camp under the trees by the river. His dogs are annoying, got into my food bag while we were talking and then never left us alone. Really nice camping just before his puesto in a big clover field.<br /> <br /> Next day super quick walk out to the view point and then got a hitch down to Cochrane easily, lots of people on a cloudy Sunday afternoon. <br /> <br /> * '''24-Feb-24 to 2024-Feb-27 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Variant B, Option 2 / Tomáš'''<br /> <br /> Having parted ways with Natalie, who had other commitments, I was not able to get a taxi to end of road so I started walking and hitching at noon. Second car took me for about ten km, then I was passed by ten cars in an hour and then got a hitch to the viewpoint three km from end of the road with a guide going to guide a group to the glacier (they go there by boat!). Our car's engine failed 4 km before the destination, but after 5 minutes a passing car took us there. Mount Cochrane is impressive. I ate there and in an hour another two cars passed, one probably from the puesto further on. It was a Saturday, still vacation period and a beautiful day, it seems hitching is promising under such conditions there. The road is in a very good condition and easily scalable by a non 4x4 car.<br /> <br /> The puesto at 53.1 had barking dogs and seems used (maybe a settler?), I did not see it though, it is in the trees. All fords were easy and shallow: definitely under knees. In the beginning there are multiple trails, RR probably has the best route. You cannot avoid fording, I tried. After about ten km, the trail stops being ambiguous. Took variant B (which is mostly a trail, not CC) and slept above the &quot;dangerous ford&quot; (would have been better to stay 500 m lower at the end of the flats). It indeed sounded and looked dangerous after such a hot day. In the morning, I realized the trail to the ford eroded and horses probably cannot go there anymore. A pedestrian still can. The ford was much calmer, very cold but under knees and not strong. I forded it six times unfortunately with bare feet - first to try, than with my backpack and then with my forgotten phone. It hurt even if it is just 5 metres. Going up from the ford, the trail goes to the left of a small stream on top of a small ridge, do not follow the stream as I did. The CC section thereafter is mostly a trail, only invisible on river flats and for about 20 metres in the pass. Going down from the pass, the trail is above the GPX for several hundred metres, going straight and not zigzagging. Rio Bravo was tame after dry weather and at the end of summer, so I took RR. The fords were easy, well under my knees. Puesto el Burro at 92.3 would be a nice place to camp. Utterly scaring a lonely large bull, I pushed to Puesto Tablas, which has a roof that protected me from drops of rain.<br /> <br /> Puesto at 107.4 looked nice and standing, not sure if it was locked, by any means very nice place to camp. I did not notice the &quot;bridge ?&quot;. The ford was mellow, wide but ankle deep. Option 1 at least to variant 01J is actually a used trail, the bridge on it is over a marsh, not sure why it is a waypoint. Decided to take option 2 thinking I would get an easier hitch on Carretera Austral and trusting others who did not like the lake part that much and hating mosquitoes. The first part to variant 01I is partly a cow trail, partly a BB through open forrest. Take 01J instead, should be a clear trail and the ford should be as easy as the one on RR. From there on, 8 km to an unmarked ford through a first creek marked on OSM (it originates from a lake on map, the trail is clear and looks used. 02A was overgrown after 100 clear meters, so do not take that (I did not see the other end of it either and I looked). From the ford, the condition of the trail worsens for 7ish km to camp at 16.4. It is partially overgrown, occasionally with thorns. There is still space for legs, but arms are needed to clear the way. This portion is also mostly over open tundra-like terrain above the river. It is a bit marshy but not much after dry days. The views are splendid! Somebody with a machete would have fun here. Took option 02B, which I think is the actual trail, but it is hard to tell as it goes through a marsh there. Overall the overgrown part is maybe 2-3 km. Puesto Chirola at 17.6 is actually an abandoned settler house, still locked but in heavy rain you could probably get in through a window, the roof is still mostly ok. I slept there, with dusk mosquitoes appeared.<br /> <br /> It rained during the night and probably because of that, the trail got muddy. It is however being used and mostly clear and mostly easy to follow. Refuge without water is without water. It is meant for cyclists and is in good condition. It would sleep easily four people amd uneasily double that. It is always well ventilated with always open windows (rain should not get through), so probably no need to fear the mouse virus. The occasional tundra, wetness and continous rain with occasional glimpse of a glacier finally made me feel like I am in proper Patagonia. On the Carretera, there are not many cars. Started walking and hitching at three PM. As the road is divided by a ferry, cars pass you at (in high season) 2-hour bursts of at most 8 cars, as I was informed by the one passing cyclist. The first burst was just three cars and two motorcycles and they all passed me. It is actually a one lane compacted road where cars in opposite directions must avoid each other. No luck with second burst of three cars. Finally a second car from the third burst took me after 4 hours on the road. The second refugio around km 35 did not look as nice.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-13 to 2024-Feb-18 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Tess &amp; Lukas'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : good condition, a lot of fallen trees that slows you down but not really bad / the trail was not muddy as we had good sunny days <br /> - Water : lots of rivers and lagunas <br /> - Camping spot : the refugio at km 126,1 has been destroyed by a tree so we camped closer to the lake amongst the trees // at km 148,6 The refugio is really nice, we could make a fire and have a great night before heading the next day to O'Higgins on the long gravel road <br /> - Weather : sunny and a little bit of rain <br /> - River crossing : easy, the river Bravo was not too high and not too strong so we didn't take the variant D<br /> - Resupply : in Cochrane everything you need<br /> - Overall : we were lucky to have an easy hitchike for the first 20km and for the last 7km // we also liked this section that offers really different landscapes and you feel really remote<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-06 to 2024-01-12 // 6,5 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OPT D // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> After the small part in the forest, I followed the gravel road, which began to be nice from the Laguna la Clara. Some nice miradors along the roads, especially the last one, salto Rio Perez, which was pretty impressive ! <br /> <br /> Then you begin the track los Pioneros. Pretty easy to follow, a bit muddy, but I thought it would have been worse, the last sunny weeks made it dryer than expected. <br /> <br /> From there, it's a sequence of up and down, with amazing views, on Lago Christie then on Lago Alegre, surrounded by mountains. <br /> <br /> Some easy bushbashing which is more like cross country at the end of Lago Alegre to arrive along the Rio bravo. <br /> <br /> The you go along the Rio bravo until cross it. I took the option D to avoid to cross it three times, it's bushbashing but pretty easy to follow as there's a kind of path which was created to go around the small cliffs, and have to cross rio bravo only once. <br /> <br /> On the section, at this time, I haven't got any problem at all to pass the rivers who were pretty low and with weak current. <br /> <br /> Then I arrived in the mountains and that was just amazing ! Even with an uncertain weather and lots of clouds ! <br /> <br /> I had an amazing bivy in front of the impressive calluqueo glacier then it was the looong Gravel road to Cochrane, but really scenic ! <br /> <br /> During all the section it was easy to find water as there's water everywhere ! Some nice camp spot too. <br /> <br /> Mosquitoes and these spiky plants who stay scratched to your shoes and socks are the only annoying stuff. <br /> <br /> Plenty of crowberry and Calafate on the track. Delicious and perfect snacks on the road ! <br /> <br /> Last but not least, if you've always dreamed to try hurdles in athletism, this section is for you ! You'll have to pass threw hundreds of fallen trees ! Enjoy ! <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-01 to 2024-Jan-08 / 7.5 days / NOBO / Villa O'Higgins - Cochrane / RR and Option 36H-D / Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> We really enjoyed this section, especially the part of the pass, with awesome views on glaciers and mountains. We found the 2 lakes part nice but less impressive.<br /> <br /> For us, the most difficult with this section was to walk with heavy backpacks and to deal with the hundreds of mosquitoes on the camps near the two lakes. We had the chance to have dry trails most of the time and it helped us a lot. If it rains a lot before you start this section, you will need more time because the trail can get muddy really fast.<br /> <br /> After the first 9km in the forest, we tried to hitchhike from Villa O'Higgins to Lago Christie but we weren't lucky and couldn't find a car on a 1st of January. We only had a lift the second day for 15km by the carabineros. There is nearly no car passing on the X905 road so plan a day or two of extra food if you plan to hitchhike here. Taking a private transport to Lago Christie could also be a solution but it's expensive (about 70'000 CLP according to Martin from El Mosco in Villa O'Higgins).<br /> <br /> There is not much to say about the 2 lake part, we found the trail easy to follow and some nice shelter along the route. Apparently, there is a lot of trout in Lago Alegre. We didn't try to fish since it was raining but we let a peanut butter jar with a spoon (hook) and some fishing line rolled around the jar in the puesto next to Settler {36H} [118.9/486] (Margarita Bustos). She's actually not living there but the puesto is open and a nice shelter to cook (we put the tent next to it).<br /> <br /> For the second part with the pass, we found the trail also easy to follow. The OH-CC&amp;BB-A {36H-D} didn't took us too long and saved us at least 2 river crossing. All the other fords were sometimes wide but easy to pass.<br /> <br /> After 7 days, we tried to hitchhike on the X901 road near the Laguna Calluqueo and were really lucky. After only 4km, a car stopped and took us to X {36H} [5.5/267]. Maybe there is more traffic on this road than on the other side, especially with good weather during the holidays.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-25 to 2023-Dec-29 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> We arranged a ride to skip the first 50km of the roadwalk. The trail was surprisingly good and well-trodden throughout, i.e. visually easy to follow. Some muddy sections here and there and steeper climbs and descents. Plenty of water throughout.<br /> <br /> The river crossings didn't pose any difficulties and we were blessed with good weather, despite one rainy night. The views were amazing - that so low down you could be face to face with glaciers!<br /> <br /> We did not find the trail around lakes any harder than the rest of the section. A few times the route goes on the coast, i.e. you need to walk through the water, but it was not an issue. In two cases the route splits into two, the correct trail being the easier one to miss, so need to pay attention to nav. Met Ruben the settler, very nice and friendly guy. We also met 4 other GPT hikers on this section, which was a bit of a shock.<br /> <br /> We walked 30km of the dirt road after Lago Christie until we finally got a hitch to Villa O'Higgins. Barely any traffic on the road, especially in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-07 EXP-OH-TL-I 1day / Anh'''<br /> There is a damaged and not yet reopened route from Villa O’Higgins to Glacier Mosco: EXP-OH-TL-I &amp; EXP-OH-CC&amp;TL-I<br /> Together they are 24 km return and with a daypack it could work.<br /> The EXP-OH-TL-I trail is very well maintained and relatively well marked. There is even a very nice Refugio Puesto Rivera + campsite for tents along the way. BUT from km 7 the trail is damaged by landslides and the section after that is overgrown. I tried the last km via BB through the forest. After that everything should be clear and only CC to the Mosco glacier. Unfortunately, I make very slow progress with BB, it simply takes too much time and with a temperature of 15°C the river crossing afterwards would be dangerous. Unfortunately I have to abort (safety first) &amp; return.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-10 / 4 days / RR + OH-TL-V / SOBO / Anh'''<br /> <br /> A very experienced hiker/local in Villa O'Higgins advised me against NoBo due to high water levels in the next few days regarding river crossings.<br /> <br /> Day 1: With a private transfer to Laguna Calluqueo I had to hike a few more kilometers to the end of Ruta X-901 because it is private land closed by a gate. The first two river crossings were a bit above knee and sometimes strong current. The trail after that in the forest is actually made for horses, there are a lot of obstacles like fallen trees, overgrown bush, swampy paths. It is particularly misleading when the RR and horse path separate because it is suddenly very strange without horse tracks. It has rained and with the snow melting, the paths and streams are almost indistinguishable. I make very slow progress through the obstacles.<br /> The river crossing (Ford km 66.5) was long but in the evening without any problems (knee-deep). The path afterwards RR-CC-A to the camp was steep uphill, but more pleasant than in the forest. As you can see, this trail is only for hikers and it was very rarely used.<br /> <br /> Day 2: It was CC up, across the border from Argentina &amp; back into Chile. At this time there are still many snowfields to cross and therefore Ford (km 71.8) was under the snowfield, which made it very precarious for me. The river crossing Ford (km 77.4) was up to my hips with a strong current, but is not dangerous. Overall, I was much faster because there were hardly any obstacles (only Fords and completely swampy meadow).<br /> <br /> Day 3: The way back from yesterday + 250m river crossing should be easy and pleasant like yesterday! But there was a strong headwind &amp; snow = snow confusion. Then there was the fog and the infamous white-out. My footprints from yesterday were already filled with fresh snow, but still recognizable. I didn't have a long break, so I reached the day's destination very quickly.<br /> Bored, I just carried on hiking and didn't find the way back in the forest from day 1 so bad. I got through all the obstacles surprisingly quickly with the following strategy:<br /> - I had put on remedies on the way out, it had helped a lot. And I run like a horse, don't think twice, just jump over obstacles. The path is made for horses.<br /> - The way back is from the top, the path is much easier to recognize.<br /> - New strategy: just follow the horse tracks, even if I leave the RR.<br /> In the end, I had completed the entire way back from two days earlier in one day. It was about 27km, only possible because it was mostly downhill (450m uphill, 700m downhill).<br /> The price for this strategy was scratches and mini cuts from knees to shoes, very unpleasant at every river crossing.<br /> <br /> Day 4: OH-TL-V to the glacier at Laguna Calluqueo. You have to cross the river right at the beginning, it was a bit over your knees but easy. After that it's a slow climb of almost 700m. There were only a few tricky places: mini path on the precipice or slippery downhill. Overall, the path was very easy to recognize and very pleasant to run. Water is only available again at km 3.5, so you should take your time and enjoy the trail at a leisurely pace.<br /> During the night, a tent pole broke and the tent was damaged. There are no outdoor stores in Cochrane and you can't buy a new tent. In addition, a section on RR-GPT35 from Tamango entrance through Patagonia Park was not yet open.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> *'''13.03.23 - 18.03.23 / Anna &amp; Christopher / SOBO, Cochrane - Villa O'Higgins / 5.5 days'''<br /> We camped approximately 3 km outside of Cochrane to get an early start on the first day. After walking some km we got pretty lucky and got two hitchhikes and were able to skip 41 km until km 53. The views in between were amazing though, especially Glaciar Calluqueo. The next day it was supposed to rain a lot until the afternoon. Therefore we planned half a day in the tent and went to a small simple shelter at km 65.8, that is indicated on Gaia.<br /> <br /> It didn't rain as bad as last predicted and we were able to continue around 2 pm. The weather got surprisingly good then. Nice stretch over the pass. We camped at around km 76 next to the river. All rivercrossings were all pretty chill, even with Anna beeing 1,63m. But there were tons of small streams, muddy pools and rivers to cross. We had no dry feet for 5 days. There were also lots of fallen trees to climb over/walk around from Puesto la Pampa until Lago Christie, therefore that stretch took us longer than expected. The trail between approx. km 105 to 107 is starting to get really overgrown. It was still wet from the rain and our pants were completely drenched after we got through there, even without rain.<br /> <br /> We met the settler at km 118.9. He even invited us in, but we continued on to make some more km that day and camped at km 122.9, which is a pretty nice spot at the lake.<br /> <br /> The next morning we had to slip into frozen shoes to continue. After another friendly encounter with the next settler, we were happy to reach the dirtroad, were it felt good to gain kilometers a lot faster again. We spent the night at the refugio km 148.7 with a fireplace.<br /> <br /> On our final day there were some fantastic views. Just when the road got more dull and we started our first brake after approx. 11 km, a car of the Carabineros passed and they took us to Villa O'Higgins. A pretty lucky section for us :)<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''Feb. 2-8 / Zach + Veronica / 36H-Regular Packrafting Route / 7 days'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> I did the hiking parts of 36H with Veronica. After hitching the Carratera I had a windless late morning paddle from the Lago Esmeralda picnic site where a group of military were training in rafts. Veronica described the hike to Lago Alegre. To start Lago Christie, Option X would put you better in line with the wind which was strong, blowing straight through the narrow all the way to the cozy refugio at the otherwise blustery southern end of Christie. Just past Salto Pérez there are two rapids visible from the road. Putting in after those, Rio Perez was a scenic and swift ride with avoidable submerged trees all the way to Rio Mayer, which is stronger than it looks. I put in again past the first mortal rapid and rode straight to the take out before the second mortal rapid. The waypointed rapids in between were very challenging, almost flipping me twice. After taking out of Rio Mayer, I hopped the black fence for option 27. The minor roads in this area are undulating and steep but well maintained with painted guardrails, bridges, and directional signage at intersections. I had a pleasant conversation with one worker on ATV. I tried to do Option 27E but the wind was too strong on the lake in the evening and also the next morning. Backtracking, I paddled the pleasant Rio Briceño between the impressive falls near the lake down to another set of falls near the lower bridge (between[-48.2710, -72.492] and [-48.2726, -72.4772]). The wind on Lago Briceño seemed calm in the cove of the sheltered picnic refuge/dock (km 251.6), but around the corner a strong headwind turned me around. The walk to Lago El Salto had commanding views. Lagos El Salto and Cisnes both provided tail winds. The short trail between these lakes was overgrown and difficult to follow, but it was worthwhile to follow the trail as bushwhacking often led to spiky plant jail. Tailwind continued all the way to the O’Higgins bridge. I highly recommend El Mosco Hostal/camping.<br /> <br /> * '''2 to 8 of February 2023 / Véronica &amp; Zach / GPT36H RR SOBO / 7 days'''<br /> Route: Cochrane - Mirador Glaciar Colluqueo - Río Pedregoso - Paso La Picota - Río Bravo - Lago Christie - Río Mayer - Villa O'Higgins<br /> <br /> We stayed at Camping Calafate while we were in Cochrane. Great camping area with a kitchen, laundry service, hot showers, and wifi for 6,000 clp per person. The owner is very kind too.<br /> <br /> We were quite fortunate this section to enjoy good weather almost the whole way. We were able to hitch the first few km on the Carretera Austral. Then Zach packrafted across Laguna Esmeralda while I took the primary road on the RR to the east of it. Very little traffic on the primary road, and we walked most of it, only ended up being able to hitch a ride for the last 10 km or so, to the junction at 39.9 km where the RR becomes a minor road.<br /> <br /> At that point it was getting late, and we wanted to camp at the waypoint Lake, Camp {36H} [109.8/334] along the minor road. We set up our tents, but after it was dark, around 10:30 p.m., we were surprised by the arrival of a man with a dog and a horse. Talking with him, we realized he was the owner of the land we were on, and his house was right nearby (we hadn't seen it when we initially set up camp). He said it was ok and that we could camp here though, that we didn't have to move.<br /> <br /> The next morning, around 8 a.m., we packed our things and walked to the house, with the intention of thanking the man for letting us camp on his property. There were no signs of life around his house, so we assumed he might be still sleeping or was already out and about. So we left along the dirt road again. His dog followed us. We figured it would eventually return home. Afted ~6km, we were surprised by the settler coming at us down the road on his horse with his whip raised in a threatening way. He was very angry and upset at us about his missing dog, and initially thought we had taken his dog with us on purpose. We did our best to explain that the dog had simply followed us, we did not coax it or feed it, and that we were very sorry it followed us and had no bad intentions. After a bit of discussion, the settler calmed down and we were able to chat about where we were hiking and such. We seemed to part on good terms, but it wasn't a pleasant experience, and we wished we'd known that the land on the south shore of the lake where we camped belonged to a settler, and is not really a viable wild camping place. The GPS tracks only indicate &quot;buildings&quot; nearby, but that waypoint should say &quot;settler&quot; instead, and perhaps the camping waypoint by the lake should be removed. S 47° 30.166', W 072° 31.809' is where the settler house is.<br /> <br /> The rest of the trail went well. The views of the various glaciers were wonderful, and we had mostly good weather the whole way. Zach took Option 36H-B that necessitates fording La Picota. It was early in the morning and he was able to ford it with the water reaching his waist. I took the regular route further west, which was a bit steep on shale rocks at first, but easy to follow.<br /> <br /> The ford at km 77.4 was the most difficult ford in this section for me, the current was strong and cold and went up to my hips. Fording Río Bravo was easier, and we only did it once, next to the laguna. Option 36H-D had virtually no bushwhacking — there was a clear path to follow in the forest.<br /> <br /> There were regular water sources between Puesto La Pampa (km 83.9) and Puesto Tablas (km 98.4), as well as occasional good spots to camp.<br /> <br /> Once we got to Lago Alegre, I walked the regular hiking route east of the lake while Zach packrafted across with a good tailwind. Very beautiful trail, loads of crowberries and Calafate berries to eat too. I took Option 36H-G, where there is a large tree trunk you can walk across over the river. Zach packrafted Lago Christie as well, although the wind was much stronger in the afternoon. The refuge at the south end of Lago Christie is a good place to sleep out of the wind.<br /> <br /> The roadwalk to town was quite scenic, with a few refuges along the way. Zach took the packrafting route while I stayed on the minor road. I ended up walking all of it except for the final 8 km. There was very little traffic, and I didn't mind walking through the gorgeous landscapes.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''Dec 2022 Frank'''<br /> There is a bus from Cochrane to Lago Brown twice a week (see transport section) Taking it to the junction with Route 901, a little after the bridge over Rio Tranquilo, will save a 34KM road walk.<br /> <br /> * '''GPT36H and Option 2 / Yannic &amp; Mirjam / 22-Dec-2022 / Southbound'''<br /> Regular Route to Option 2 We started from Cochrane and did the first part on the Carretera Austral by car stop. After that you get on a side road with very little traffic. We didn't have a car in 4 hours so we hiked. Then there was one that didn't take us, then nothing again. In the end we hiked everything. We wanted to spend the night at Laguna Confluencia (south at Camp 109.8/334). Unfortunately we were surprised by barking dogs, but could not see a house. We therefore returned to the road and spent the night a few hundred metres further ahead in the meadow. Next day on the Minor Road and Trail was nice and easy. We spent the night next to the Puesto Cayuqueo. From there we went through the forest, which is partly badly damaged by storms. Many fallen trees. But you can always find the way again. We then took the western route (not 36H-B). The river only has to be crossed once at a shallow point. Partly very sloping path, but easy to pass. We crossed Rio Bravo at the lagoon, which was even possible in the evening. We spent the night at the lagoon and hiked everything on the east side the next day. OH-CC&amp;BB-A {36H-D} was well passable. Nice place to camp near Puesto Tablas at S 47.92184 W 72.56781.<br /> <br /> Option 2 All went well and we were set for an &quot;easy&quot; exit via option 2 - which surprised us.... The path is up and down. Partly well passable and easy path, partly very overgrown (up to bush bashing). Although we had only light rain, the path was very marshy and matchy. We sank in up to our knees. Nice refugio with fireplace at the end of the trail. The Carreteral Austral is not very busy. Cars only come when the ferry docks in Rio Bravo. It is best to check the timetable in advance. Then you can wait comfortably in the refugio. El Mosco is perfect to wait for the ferry in O'Higgins. For us 6 days....<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Dec Frank 6 days mainly SOBO'''<br /> <br /> As weather was initially poor I split the section as follows: 1. Got bus from Cochrane towards Lago Brown, got out @ road junction near Rio Tranquilo bridge, walked NOBO back to Cochrane. 2. While I was waiting for the ferry in Villa O'Higgins I walked out about 25KM NOBO to Padre Antonio Ronchi chapel &amp; hitched back to O'Higgins. 3. I again got the bus towards Lago Brown, got out @ the same junction &amp; walked the central section of the route SOBO in 4 long days.<br /> <br /> 1. NOBO, nearly all on road. You pass by the 'mortal falls' on Rio Tranquilo (by the bridge) About 1KM further on the road was blocked by aggressive dogs who came up from a settlement about 800M off the road. I had to shout to the settler to call them off. Around 7KM out from Cochrane the road bends left at a metal crash barrier. I left the RR here &amp; went over the low crash barrier &amp; continued straight ahead on forest tracks, quicker &amp; nicer than the road. About 1KM from Cochrane you return to the road by climbing over a small wooden gate.<br /> <br /> 3. I walked on the road past Calluqueo glacier then on a trail. After the first puesto the track fades out among fallen trees. Camped by a ruined shelter. I crossed the river on RR the next day. La Picota crossing is for horses &amp; best avoided on foot. The RR crossing was easy. After the crossing continue straight ahead &amp; go up the far hillside, pick up a small trail going left above a bluff about 70 metres up. Continued over the 2 border passes. There are some cliffs you need to go round when descending the first pass . There will be snowfields early in the season also. I crossed Rio Bravo high up between two waterfalls, descended to cross it again by the lake, then stayed on LHS of Rio Bravo. No trail initially on LHS of river &amp; a lot of bush bashing over bluffs but judging by later comments the route may now be improved. I continued down to Lago Alegre. There is a settler just as you reach Lago Alegre. She was friendly &amp; allowed me to sleep in her barn. She radioed Ruben, the settler who lives on Lago Christie, to let him know I was coming. It's slow going round the lakes with lots of up &amp; down over bluffs. The hut between the two lakes had been used by sheep &amp; was not in v. good condition. I met Ruben about half way round Lago Christie. He was friendly but I continued on to camp by a ruined hut after descending from bluffs to the lake. I walked out the road to Padre Antonio Ronchi chapel &amp; hitched from there to Villa O'Higgins. There is a good hut on the road at the junction with the X905 road. Another hut further on but it's dusty. All other huts marked on the route are in poor condition or ruined, they are mostly good for cooking &amp; camping outside. The weather for the central section was good so I didn't have any problems. It's possible to hitch part of the road sections - traffic is sparse but they will usually stop. In both cases when you reach the road there is nothing, you need to walk out about 15KM &amp; then start hitching.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''GPT 36P/ Ruta de Los Pioneros/ Option Río Baker and Valle de los Ñadis/ Packrafting Route / 2022 Feb-20 / 9.5 days / Tobias Schorcht and Jonas Grünewald'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> I packrafted from Balsa Baker (Cochrane) 50km downstream. On this section I faced 2 rapids. The first one -47,41143, -72,90798 has to be paddled from the right side (between 2 rocks). After the river is united again, stay in the center to avoid the swirls on the right side. The second rapid (class 3) needs to be ported, at least the first 20m. At the confluence with Río de los Ñadis I left the River and met with Jonas. We took a 20km Roadwalk southwards and entered the Valle de los Ñadis. Unfortunately we didn’t had Jan’s new GPS Tracks in this Part and got kind of lost on day 2, because of a misunderstanding with a settler. Now we know, that the trail is all the way to family Caucamán on the right side of the valley. We shared a mate with Ariel Caucamán, who explained us, how to get to Lago Desplaye. Found the lake after some struggles with navigation and camped right next to it. Luckily there was only some wind the following morning, so we made it with my Packraft to the stunning Glacier. Followed the river bank of Río Desplaye down to Lago Allegre. I packrafted Lago Alegre and Lago Christie, while Jonas walked. I was faster because the wind was in my favorite. The weather turned really bad with strong wind and rain on day 8. We stayed in the Refugio (-48,20300, -72,33202) close to the airport and made a fire. Because of bad weather conditions we decided to walk on the road to Villa O’Higgens instead of discovering the lakes.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> * '''Martín Lizondo / 3-Feb-2020 / Regular Hiking Southbound'''<br /> At this date the route is perfectly traversable. The settlers are happy to receive visitors. Path well visible 95% of the time. No snow at the pass and no dangerous river crossings, but only some suggestions: 1. cross Rio Bravo only once (47º 47' 53,49&quot; S, 72º 31' 15,78&quot; O) and then continue on the east margin with some bush bashing, instead of crossing it multiple times; 2. consider crossing the dirty river of sector Alegre at 48º 2' 20,65&quot; S, 72º 29' 27,81&quot; O instead of the gps track regular point nearer to the house. Way to Villa O’Higgins, at the road, Julia Torres offers place for tent and great fresh food ( 48º 15' 41,47&quot; S, 72º 25' 43,52&quot; O ). Good luck and enjoy!<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''GPT36H Regular Packrafting Route / Southern End: Laguna Clara to Villa O‘Higgins'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> 2020-Jan-08 1.5 days Meylin Ubilla &amp; Jan Dudeck<br /> <br /> The „Ruta de los Pioneros“ is one of the historic routes that was created and used by the first settlers in the last century. This route connected Villa O’Higgins with Cochrane long before the Carreta Austral was completed in the year 2000.<br /> <br /> The northern and the southern terminus; approx. 50 km on each end; are now upgraded to gravel roads. Only the roughly 100 km in the middle remain a classic animal trail made and created by people on horses to drive cattle.<br /> <br /> To bypass as much as feasible of these gravel roads we have investigated in recent years multiple alternatives on both ends of GPT36H. Especially with a packraft most of these gravel road kilometers can be bypassed on a very attractive combination of lakes and rivers with shorter portages in between.<br /> <br /> We now investigated and verified a route that first crosses the 2 km wide Lago Claro and than connects on an excellent 2 km trail to Rio Meyer. To continue either only cross Rio Meyer (like we did) or float downstream o. this river up to 4 km (alternative river exit to be scouted first!). An perfectly maintained trail leads then to Lago Biceño (2 to 6 km depending on only crossing Rio Meyer or floating downstream up to 4 km on Rio Mayer). Here a decision needs to be made depending on wind: either paddle a part of Lago Briceño or or continue walking 8 km to Salto on an scenic very well maintained trail (Alternatively a 6 km long trail connects from Lago Briceño to Lago Salto on a different route). After traversing 4 km on Lago Salto a 1 km short animal trail leads to Lago Cines. Once you reach Lago Cisnes it’s 13 km on a combination of lakes and rivers that gets you very close to Villa O’Higgins. Only the last 3 km into the village must be walked on a gravel road.<br /> <br /> We travelled this route in 1.5 days and really enjoyed the landscape, the excellent trails and the scenic paddling. Even in suboptimal weather this route is feasible and offers plenty of alternatives and escape routes. Therefore I will re-route the regular packrafting route of GPT36H to this route.<br /> <br /> Between Lago Claro and Lago Salto we discovered the best maintained trails of the entire Aysen region. Bridges cross even the smallest streams and all muddy areas are crossed on wooden passages. After years of hiking in this region this came as a surprise. But we also know why. These trails were not created to serve the public but a single family: los “Luksic”, the richest clan of Chile (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrónico_Luksic_Abaroa). They buy up huge plots of land in this region to create family resorts and as investments. The land between Lago Claro and Lago Salto is owned to my knowledge by this family. And they have the money to contract a large stuff to i.e. create and maintain trails on their properties. What was nice: when a group of 3 employees passed us on a trail on quarts they did not challenge us but gave use useful recommendations how to continue. Legally, access to lakes, rivers and the coast must be given in Chile even if the private property i.e. surrounds a lake but landlords can make it difficult anyway. To my knowledge all access routes from public roads a locked but since we accessed this area on water we did not have to climb over locked gates. Therefore this route seams to me suitable for packrafters.<br /> <br /> Multiple route variations are feasible that link in further lakes. Short bushwhacking portages might be required in this case but the landscape and vegetation seams generally more open than the Valdivian rain forrest on the Aysen coast. Someone can easily spend up to 5 days discovering other packrafting routes in this area.<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''11/12/2019 - les 2 As - regular hiking route'''<br /> <br /> Hi! We finished this day the section 36 from north to south. It took us 6 days without the last 37 kms on the road (we hitchhiked on this part). It was rough, we have had 2 days of bad weather (only rain at our altitude but it changes everything). You are isolated in the middle of nowhere and we met no one during 5 days. Officially no bush bashing but sometimes the path is barely invisible and unmaintained so hard to walk. From the 3rd day to the end, we have had many rivercrossings. Some were easy, some not and some also quite dangerous. With all the snow melting, the level of the river is very high and the current is strong (I do not recommand to try these fords without walking poles, these saved us). Same situation with the lakes we walked near. Their level is high and often the path was submerged and we had to walk litteraly in the lake (sometimes up to the waist). Luckily we met 2 cabañas (2 last nights) to dry our clothes and sleep under a roof. This made the section even more wonderful than it already was. A great experience!<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Dec / Olrik / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> From O'Higgins there are 50km on a dirt road to the beginning of the sendero. There are some open refugios on the way to sleep. you can also arrange a paid transportation from O'Higgins. Hitchhiking is possible but there is not much traffic. The sendero was in pretty bad shape due to the weather conditions. Muddy and flooded all the way near the lakes. We ended up turning back as we did not plan to walk that slow and did not have enough food, and we felt it was safer. We met Matthieu (see below) and they completed it so his report seems better. Puesteros are really nice though.<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Dec / Matthieu / Northbound Regular HR : 9 days'''<br /> A very difficil trekk for us. Lots of river crossings, sometimes unsafe, and we had very bad weather conditions that make us last 9 days on the trekk, with hitchiking 40 km after Villa and 30 km before Cochrane. It could habe been more rapid though, but we walked &quot;tranquilito&quot;. So I would recommend to take 10 days of food,and the chileans agreed with this.<br /> <br /> I wont talk about the routes parts, because just long and we hitchhiked most.<br /> <br /> So 1st Part : The 2 lakes : A very technical trekk, very aquatic. Sometimes we had to walk in the lake (not dangerous though), and the trail by the lakes is very hilly and muddy, and the progression can be very slow. It was for us, with mostly only rain. 1 dangerous rivercrossing : Before El Caleuche, Strong river but a big fat trunk above perfect for crossing.We didnt search for another way of crossing, so maybe there are some safe places by the water.<br /> <br /> On this part, a few puestos good for shelters : between the two lakes, a good caban with possibility of making fire and a roof of metal and walls, very nice, two beds of wood, we slept in it well protected. El Caleuche : at the middle of the Lago alegre, near a abandoned house. POssibility of fire, but not really a good roof. We slept aside in the tents. The place is really nice though<br /> <br /> 2 houses of settlers on the way : - Ruben at the beginning of the Lago Christie, always happy to have visitors and share a mate. - At the end of the Lago Allegre a little bit south west from the trail (a rivercrossing a bit strong to go to the caban, or a &quot;bridge&quot; called Bridge ?-4 on the GPS waypoints, with 2 trunks, that we took in the morning to go back to the trail. A bit dangerous though, better to let Carmen show you how to cross): Ringo y Carmen, amazing persons too who let us plant the tent and permitted us to warm with a good mate, a meal and a wonderful smile, during the Christmas night.<br /> <br /> 2nd part : Rio Bravo and the pass We thought that the worst was behind but we had more strong weather conditions in this part. A few advises for the rivercrossings of the Rio Bravo : I would advise NOT to follow the GPS tracks that follow the normal trail on GPS devices (that is made normally for horses). All the locals (local guides in villa o higgins, Ruben, Carmen and Ringo) were agreed and told us all to follow the east side of the Rio UNTIL the Laguna. The crossing here is very safe, the rio not strong nor profund at all, and you have to cross it ONLY ONCE, instead of 4 or 5 (dont remember). To stay on the east side, there is a little cross country by the forest, a little bit technical and slow but not dangerous, and you can camp at the laguna on the east side. We saw some cairns in the forest too, on the last hill before the laguna, so the locals indeed use this way. We (very badly) abandonned this plan and passed by the normal way just near the camping site west from the river before the Laguna (really bad weather, really bad decisions !) and the rivercrossings (3 I think) were, for me, very dangerous with strong current in profund water, but there was a lot of rain and wind, so I wont judge during good conditions. We were frozen when we arrived at the camping site. I was very angry at me though to not have listened to the locals and taken all those risks.<br /> <br /> For the pass, not very difficult, but we had (again) very strong weather conditions with even snow, and finished at the camp at the north side completely frozen. Know that it can be very exposed !<br /> <br /> Last Part : Rio La Picota After the camping : Two choices - Following the normal road, made for horses. The rivercrossing is completely impossible, unless you want to join the fishes. Even for horses I don't understand how they do it. The Waypoint &quot;Dangerous&quot; totally make sense. - The GPS tracks : perfect to follow, and finished by a beautiful trail of cairns by the cliff (the optionnal trail OH on GPS track), very safe. The river crossing this way is very safe, the river is extremely large, separated and never go far from the ankle.<br /> <br /> The rest we didn't have any technical difficulties. A trekk not to take lightly, and with much respect. Take advises to the locals before. Every one is happy to talk about it in Villa. They have the bad habbit to say that it's an easy way though !<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-12 / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe / 6 days / northbound / regular hiking route'''<br /> <br /> This was a tough section for us! It rained and it rained and it rained and the trail turned to mud and was pretty overgrown in parts. We took the optional Hiking route after reaching Rio Bravo heading South to the Carretera Austral because we didn't feel comfortable forging on, knowing there was a high pass that was probably getting tons of snow instead of our rain, and a &quot;dangerous river ford&quot; that we were afraid would be tok dangerous with flooding too. The snow-line appeared to drop as low as 700 meters one night! We made surprisingly slow progress because of the conditions (entire trail flooded knee deep and extremely muddy after 6 days of rain) - were glad to have extra food with us. On the bail out route, about 10km from reaching the safety of the Carratera there was a pretty big river to cross. It was swollen after all the rain and scary and nearly floated us away. From the Carratera we hiked about 20 minutes before catching a lift back to Villa O'Higgins<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * '''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18'''<br /> <br /> Walk through town and join Highway 7, a moderately trafficked dirt road. The Regular Hiking Route follows X-901, a beautiful but fenced dirt road that culminates in the view of a stunning glacier, for about 28 km until it ends at a blockade just after the Mirador Calluqueo. Along X-901 there are few residences but extensive fence line on both sides. At the end of the road, the route transitions into a braided single track trail that may be confusing to follow.<br /> <br /> Comment by Jan Dudeck: I recently changed the regular packrafting route of GPT36H. This change avoids 35 km of gravel and adds around 70 km of paddling on the two lakes and one river. It’s a big detour but adds impressive beauty. Note that paddling Lago Cochrane is very challenging as wind can be firce. Follow the regular packrafting route only if you are willing and prepared to possibly wait several days on the shore of Lago Cochrane if wind makes paddling this lake unsafe.<br /> <br /> The trail, called La Ruta de Los Pioneros since it is frequently used by the local people, occasionally passes run down refugios as it winds through the forest. At the beginning of the climb to the highest pass, the trail joins a glacial river. Eventually the trail leaves the river to the west and follows a higher route above the valley that is occasionally marked by stone cairns. The top of the pass is at approximate elevation 1.300 m. From this point, there are several kilometers of very exposed hiking among rolling hills.<br /> <br /> The track descends down to treeline at a small, unnamed lake which is the source of the Río Bravo. Join the river and cross it as necessary. There are some stone cairns that mark the way, but they can be hard to spot. When the route is unclear, just follow the river bed. Where the trail deviates from the river bed to the east, it becomes easier to follow. The trail soon climbs about 80 m and remains above Río Bravo. Here there is the occasional small area to camp. To reach Lago Alegre, the trail leaves Río Bravo and travels through an open forest.<br /> <br /> Packrafters put in for Lago Alegre at a red sand beach. In general, both banks are very steep and heavily vegetated, but there are some flat areas near the shore where it may be possible to camp. Take-out is located at a rocky beach on the southeast end. 100 m from the Lago Alegre shoreline is an intact refugio; if you look closely inside, you may spot the etchings of GPT trail blazers, Jan and Meylin.<br /> <br /> From the refugio, there is a well-formed track to Lago Christie. The Regular Hiking route around the east side of Lago Christie is generally easy to follow, but be aware of the occasional spurs that leads away from the main route. The track climbs and descends frequently as it makes its way around the lake and offers a beautiful view of several glaciers. Watch for the occasional stone cairn or red spray-painted arrow to indicate the way. Camping is possible in the forest.<br /> <br /> The route exits onto X-911, a well formed and lightly trafficked gravel road. X-911 ends at X-905, and hikers continue to follow this road for around 20 km towards VIlla O’Higgins. X-905 is fence lined most of the way with the occasional residence.<br /> <br /> Río Mayer is a big, no-nonsense river that is swift at higher flows. It does however mellow out where the GPS route indicates packrafters should put in (a small beach on the other side of the fence).<br /> <br /> The Regular Hiking Route follows the Carretera Austral into Villa O’Higgins.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Villa O’Higgins<br /> <br /> The biggest thing to realize about Villa O’Higgins is that nearly all of the lodging and restaurant options only take cash and there is no ATM in town. The closest place to withdraw money is Cochrane which is a 9-hour drive. Fortunately, there are two grocery stores in town thatl take credit cards. Lodging options vary from camping to a bed in a hostel.<br /> 2024/Joscha<br /> I would recommend Los Cuatreros (-48.463589, -72.559946) and Los Coigues (-48.464742, -72.559453) for resupply. They are cheaper than the other supermarkets.<br /> <br /> *Supermarket on the square in Cochrane. Several shops in Villa O'Higgins.<br /> <br /> *Banco Estado on the square in Cochrane. The ATM was open on Christmas day.<br /> <br /> *Cochrane: Campsite run by Patricia half a block from the Plaza. She does a good breakfast &amp; also has Cabanas &amp; a 4 bed dorm.<br /> <br /> *Zapatoria Cochrane: Little Blue house North side of Dr Stefan's Street, above Rio Maitén street. -47.2541386, -72.5761942.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *There are no resupply options &amp; you should bring everything from Cochrane or O'Higgins. There are only two settlers living permanently on the central off road RR: A woman at Lago Alegre &amp; Ruben on Lago Christie. All other off road puestos are only used occasionally.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *There is a minibus from Cochrane to Villa O'Higgins on Monday, Wednesday &amp; Saturday at 8AM &amp; one from O'Higgins to Cochrane on Tuesday, Thursday &amp; Sunday @ 8AM. Operated by Buses Katalina, they have an office at the bus terminal in Cochrane. There is a minibus from Cochrane to Lago Brown on Monday &amp; Thursday at 11AM. It comes back from Lago Brown on the same days &amp; passes the junction with RR at about 2PM.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT36H - Ruta De Los Pioneros]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[Archivo:IMG 7500.jpeg|left|Puerto Yungay - Rio Bravo Ferry Timetable February 2024]]</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT15_(Curarrehue)&diff=120591 2025-03-02T13:41:48Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-Feb-10 to 2025-Feb-14 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Farah &amp; Jan '''<br /> <br /> Combined GPT14 and 15 and took 6,5 hiking days in total including the Sollipulli Summit ascent.<br /> <br /> Highlights: Araucaria forests, Piñones, fast food, hospitable Mapuches, delicious blackberries<br /> “Challenges”: Fallen trees and spinous blackberry bushes<br /> <br /> Planned to spend our first night on GPT15 at Camp $ {15} [2.4+0.2/819]. Upon arrival we only found a deserted property with an empty house. Augusto, the neighbor at S 39°08.1453’ W 71°28.9760’ told us that the owner wasn’t at home but we could camp there anyways. Few minutes later his daughter Gloria offered us to sleep in a bed in a house on their property house for 20 luca. We happily accepted and got ice cold watermelon and some savory empanadas for second dinner - a stroke of luck after the restaurant in Reigolil was closed.<br /> <br /> In the morning Gloria made a delicious breakfast for us, consisting of huevos revueltos, pan, ají, manjar casero and mate. We gave her 20 luca for the bed and another 20 for the two meals.<br /> <br /> Augusto showed us a small cabaña he is currently building to host more hikers in the future. After using the power supply and internet for some planning and communication, we continued our hike in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> At around S 39°11.0510’ W 71°28.0804’ we met a guy called Roky who offered us accommodation. We declined but noted his phone number for hikers who pass there in the future: +56 9 7820 4656<br /> <br /> At S 39°13.0879’ W 71°26.1168’ we discovered a food truck just 200 m across the bridge from the RR. We ate one serving of delicious fried chicken, one of salchipapas and two soft drinks for a total of 11 luca. The owner told us he had opened this year.<br /> <br /> Camped at S 39°15.0309’ W 71°25.9345’. Not ideal as it’s very close to the street but at least next to the river.<br /> <br /> The next morning we ascended to Laguna Hualalafquén and spent one and a half days there, enjoying this beautiful place. Along the way we found a brand new mini shop (although closed when we passed it at round 8 in the morning) at S 39°17.8526’ W 71°26.0645’. Also picked a lot of delicious blackberries on our ascent.<br /> <br /> On our second day at the laguna, we met fellow GPT hiker Peggy who pitched her tent close to ours and we had a nice chat with her.<br /> <br /> Started early in the morning the next day to walk to Curarrehue. Filled out water bladders at the laguna which would not have been necessary as there is plenty of water on the way down.<br /> <br /> Plenty of fallen trees that had to be climbed over or crawled under slowed us down on the way down. Got caught in blackberry bushes with nasty spines. Also found another locked gate which was super easy to climb around though.<br /> <br /> From Curarrehue we originally wanted to take the next bus to Pucón (they go every 30 min), but then decided to stay a night and then even one more as this little town/village is very beautiful. Strongly recommended for hikers who want to take some time to explore a community where Mapuche culture is lived and celebrated.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-02-11 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / Road+OH 15A+RR / Dorota Szparaga'''<br /> <br /> I followed the advice of the owner of the hostel and took the road which is parallel to the RR. Nice, comfortable road with a lot of houses. He said that here there are fewer cars. There were &quot;zona de carpas&quot; at points -39.23382, -71.43492. In the settlement Maite Aquas Blancas (15-A) [4.2+0.5/526] I crossed the bridge and joined at km 4 var A. There was water at -39.34382, -71.49513. Quiet road in the forest without views. Then I took the RR from km 40.9 of the RR. Night at Curarrehue en Cabana together with Peggy ( she went from stage 16). We paid 50.000 clp. To rooms and salón and kitchen (-39.36245, -71.58551). The village has everything. A lot of supermercados, ferreteria (gaz) -39.36469, -71.58380. Also, you can repair your clothes in two places. One -39.36170, -71.58498. Another at -39.36358, -71.58413. Also, there is a man who can repair shoes, his phone +56961763003.<br /> <br /> *'''2025-01-15 to 2025-01-16 / 1.5 days / NOBO / RR + Option 1 (PN Huerquehue) / Tobias '''<br /> <br /> Arrived at PN Hierquehue with the first Bus from Pucon in the Morning. Could not enter, because the Tickets for the Park were sold out and they didn’t let me cross the park anyway. No one with a big backpack was allowed to enter. Ranger said, that the path to the other side is closed since 9 years. Thought about finding my way around the checkpoint, but there is another checkpoint in the Park and I don’t won’t to complain, so I turned back and hitchhiked to Currarehue. There is a second unofficial entrance to cross Huerquehue down from the lake (-39.11001, -71.74589). I have done that trail 5 years ago and it worked. But to get there you need to do another 20km road walk by the lake. <br /> <br /> From Curarruehue I walked on the boring road. Good thing about walking boring section is that I always meet a lot of people. I was 3 times invited for coffee or mate, ate many cherrys and learned a lot about the Mapuche communities up there. I did not hitchhike, but 2 cars stopped beside me and took me for a while. So all in all, I liked the section.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-04 / 1 jours / Randonnée + bus / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT14+GPT15+GPT16+GPT17+GPT18+GPT19<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 1/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Bus a 7h45 Reigolil &gt; Maite Centre (km 24,1). Du km 39 au km 41, le sentier n'est plus utilisé par les locaux et la végétation pousse vite. Dans la vallée tout est cloturé, j'ai ouvert le portail au km 41,5 pour prendre de l'eau. La gravel road jusqu'a Curarrehue est arborée et se fait bien.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-DEC-31 to 2025-JAN-02/ 1,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. A) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> A gravel section, mostly flat, that felt more like a connecting stretch leading to Curarrehue.<br /> <br /> In Reigolil, we resupplied in the evening and walked a few kilometers past the village, where we camped by the river. We spent a peaceful evening by the fire with bottles of wine, marking the last night of 2024. The next morning, we took our time and then started tackling relatively monotonous gravel sections.<br /> <br /> At the Maite Centro crossroads X {15} [24.1/544], we deviated from the RR route and chose variant {15-A}. Shortly after, we came across a brand-new and well-stocked shop that wasn’t listed in the track files (coordinates: -39.29747, -71.43439).<br /> <br /> At the crossroads X {15} [41.5/719], we rejoined the RR route and followed the well-trodden MR path all the way to Curarrehue. This is a great place to resupply, and we even managed to find a gas cartridge at the hardware store located at the end of town (-39.3547505, -71.5930750).<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''December 17–26 2024 / 10 days/  Packrafting / SOBO / New option combining Huella Andina and nearby lakes from Icalma/Villa Pehuenia to Paso Mamuil Mamal (road from  Pucón to Argentina) GPT14 RP?, GPT15-RP???'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> See our full report on wikiexplora page for GPT 14 for Argentinian packrafting version of GPT15.<br /> <br /> * '''19Dec2024 - 20dec2024 / hiking / OH1 (after GPT14 SOBO) / 2 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> Nice way to go out of section 14. Sleep at hospedaje Verónica on OH1a<br /> <br /> Road for few km, hitchhike a part but not much cars. Then trail (to go on, need to enter a private property. There is a gate that is not close few meter after the tracks on map). Go back directly on tracks neither it's rapidly BB. Trail throught a dense forest but very well maintained. <br /> <br /> Lake isolda : impossible to camp here cause very dense vegetation and marsh around the lake. Few km further there are 2 glades where it's possible to camp with river flowing around. After lake, path is a bit less maintened and overgrown but still really easy to follow. After few km of trail, you arrive on an old road where cars can't go anymore for sure, easy walking till termas de rio blanco. Some nice views on the valley and montains around but most of time forest hiking. Multiple gates easy to go throught. 2 nice saltos (indicated) before termas de rio blanco where would bu nice to swim if hot weather. <br /> <br /> Camp eco termas (15k for night + enjoy termas really hot and nice). <br /> <br /> Day 2 is mostly trail in forest. Some nice views when up and on the other side on the lake and the villarrica volcan. 2 waterfalls. Up the trail, lago toro (west side), lago verde and lago chico have nice place where you can eat/rest. Then lake tinquilco, many campings, cabañas, restaurant. Conaf there between 8.30-18.30 and theoretically need ticket to go to the national park. Also it's written that path to rio Blanco is closed so maybe it's wouldn't be possible to go in the other way. There were no one when I passed, end of afternoon so they didn't asked me where I came from. <br /> <br /> From there, easy to hitchhike to Pucón. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-dec-08 to 2024-dec-10 / 2.5 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Karin'''<br /> <br /> Camp: km14 improvised (read text)/ km30.6<br /> <br /> From the village Reigolil to Maite, there are not real possibilities to camp. I was lucky and disovered a improvised place about 3.3km after GPT15-03 Start on the left side of the road, in a little forest, just before the paserelle, at the woodworker. A small stream is there too. It was ok for one night, but not optimal. There is space just for a one person tent between the trees. As it was Saturday nobody was there.<br /> <br /> The gravel road and the trail to the Laguna km30.6 is easy to follow. As the Laguna is quite flat at the border (high water level), the water was lukewarm and nice to take a bath. <br /> <br /> The way down to Settlement km40.9 was sometimes overgrown, or blocked by fallen trees/brunches. From the moment the path gets on the wider &quot;road&quot; (about km39), I would suggest to continue on this &quot;road&quot; (which joins var A) and not to turn left, as this path is not maintained at all and will soon be impossible to walk.<br /> <br /> Curarrehue is a bigger town in the mountain, so there is all kinds of shops for resupply and accomodation.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 nov 14 / 1 day/ hiking/ Sobo/ RR/ Allie'''<br /> <br /> I took the bus from reigolil (at the bridge by the river) to maio centro. From there i started the ascent to lago hualalafquen. Its very straightforward. From the lake to currarehue its easier to lose the trail and lthere are some large tree trunks to climb, but no real obstacles.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 nov 5.-8. / 4 days of hiking SOBO / Option PN Huerquehue / Daina and Arno'''<br /> <br /> We did a combination of GPT 14 &amp; 15 and took the option through the NP Huerquehue. Day 1 was GPT 14. Note: we didn't have the files.<br /> <br /> Day 2<br /> <br /> Almost no traffic at the minor road, but still boring for a hiker.<br /> <br /> At -39.069326, -71.536092 there is a locked gate with a good trail, which leads directly to the shore of Laguna Isolda. But we couldn't find a connection to the trail to the Thermas.<br /> <br /> The log entrys says the correct trail to Laguna Isolda is in good condition, so i assumed it will be easy to find the trail to Laguna Isolda, without knowing the exact position of it. I was totally wrong! I had marked a spot on the map where it could be, but there were two gates very near, both easy to open. We tried 3 different paths, but they all disappeared quickly. After more than one hour of searching, we hiked back to a trail which leads to Laguna Cochor to spend the night. Both sides of the road are fenced with barbed wire. Very difficult to find campspots.<br /> <br /> Day 3<br /> <br /> At -39.069326, -71.536092 there is a locked gate with a good trail, which leads directly to the shore of Laguna Isolda. But we couldn't find a connection to the trail to the Thermas. Here the path near the shoreline was very overgrown, until we couldn't find it anymore. We backtracked to the road and lost 3 hours. Frustrated we walked 15km to the Thermas on the road. No cars in our direction, no possibility to hitch. <br /> <br /> The trail to Camping Renahue at the right side was overall in ok condition. We didn't see the left trail. The lower part was very wet due to snowmelt. The steep part was muddy, but without obstacles. May be demanding on a rainy day. Later there were a lot of huge fallen trees on the path, we followed horse tracks. They lead around the blowdowns. 7:15pm we arrived at Camping Renahue. There and at the beginning of the trail we couldn't find signs about a trail closure. <br /> <br /> Day 4<br /> <br /> We choosed the trail down to the Laguna Carburgua to avoid the Conaf. The condition was good, can't complain about it. The roadwalk until the primary road was annoying, again no car in our direction.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 31st to Apr 5th / 4 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 1 / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> We did sections 14 and 15 together. <br /> <br /> TL:DR: Opt 1 is a nice route with lots of forest walking and some termales options; the Renahue sector of PN Huerquehue is still closed, but that also means no one is there.<br /> <br /> Day 1 Mar 31st<br /> <br /> Our hitch dropped us off at the beginning Opt 1. It is a road walk, but the road is not much used, so it wasn't too bad. <br /> <br /> We camped at (-39.06732, -71.51559) just before the bridge. It was a functional campsite. It was right next to the road and the ground was covered in a thin layer of pumice, so not optimal for the tent. But it was flat, and didn't require climbing any fences. Going back a small path it had good river access. It was also clearly used as a campsite by other people. There was a fire ring and a grill hanging in a tree.<br /> <br /> Day 2 Apr 1st<br /> <br /> We continued on the road. We passed the entrance to Opt 1B, though we didn't have time to take it. It is a clearly marked trailhead. We continued on the road to the private property. We tried calling the phone number on the private property sign, but no one answered so we decided to just go ahead. The entrance was through a barbed wire gate, then follow the path along the fence line to the trail. The trail was in pretty good shape except for a few areas where water has rutted it out. We did not find any real access to Laguna Isolada; there was a ring of marsh grass about 3 or 4 meters wide around the whole lake. Where the track gets closest to the lake there was a fallen tree that we sat on for coffee and lunch. At two points there were fairly elaborate wooden barricades, one that we climbed under, the other we climbed around. It was unclear whether they were for animals or people. As has been noted before, the road begins earlier than it shows on the map. We did not see anyone the entire time. We both really enjoy walking in the forest, and the forest was very pretty throughout the day, so we were happy we chose to go this way instead of just hitching all the way to the termas.<br /> <br /> We arrived at the termas area. Eco termas seemed nicer than San Sebastian. The weather forecast was predicting heavy rain and wind up to 60kmph with gusts over 100 kmph the following day, so we wanted to stay in a cabaña instead of the tent and neither of the termales places could accommodate us. We found a cabaña at Cabañas Rio Blanco (-39.10593, -71.61558). It had a well equipped kitchen, wood stove with wood included, and hot water in the shower and sinks. The woman who runs it, Angélica, was incredibly nice and made excellent pan amasado. There is no cell service in the valley and power cuts are a daily thing, though there was power for several hours a day, so plenty of time to charge things.<br /> <br /> Day 3 and 4 April 2nd and 3rd<br /> <br /> We stayed at Cabañas Rio Blanco for two days to wait over the weather. <br /> <br /> Day 5 April 4th<br /> <br /> We left Rio Blanco and started up the trail to PN Huerquehue. The trail was in decent shape, better than we had expected. Along the way we saw a lot of different mushrooms, including some very impressive groups of Amanita muscaria that were so shiny red they almost looked fake. At the Letrero mark on OSM is the welcome sign. There was a laminated piece of paper stapled to it that was so badly faded from water as to be unreadable. If it weren't for Natalie's note from last year we would have had no idea what it said. The Renahue sector is still officially closed, as is the camping. The trail up was sometimes a little hard to keep track of. It was also pretty slippery for a lot of it. I would definitely not recommend doing it in the rain. The forest is pretty though and we really enjoyed the hike. We camped at Renahue. It was fine, though nothing special.<br /> <br /> Day 6 April 5th<br /> <br /> From Renahue we followed the trail toward the entrance. Until Laguna Huerquehue there were still a lot of blow downs to climb over. In some places it looked like recent maintenance had been done, in others not. Laguna Avutardas is a short detour, as is Laguna Huerquehue which is less a laguna and more of a wetland. Laguna Toro was pretty and we stopped there for lunch. There is a campsite marked there on OSM, however the ground was saturated, not sure if from the rain or from the lake, but not a good camp spot. Lago Verde and Lago Chico were also nice. The trail after Lago Chico was in pretty rough shape. It was clear and there was no brush, but it was very wet and extremely slippery. There was no one at the ticket office when we left, however that is not really the exit. There is still more than a km of trail until a road, and then another 2 km until the actual gate. It was about 7:30 and we were about 200 m from the main entrance when a CONAF guard drove up in a truck, on his way to his house I assume. It ended up being a somewhat uncomfortable conversation, he was upset that we had gone that way and he said a number of things that didn't make sense, but the essence was that it was prohibited to cross the park from Rio Blanco. After everything he was a bit more demure and said if we wanted to camp at the CONAF camping it was 20.000 and we could register and pay in the morning, then he left. We were considering camping but a truck was leaving the entrance right as we got there and we caught a lucky hitch all the way to Pucón.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-03-09 // 1 day // Hiking // NOBO // OPT3 + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> As the weather was not on my side this week, and that I've got only one sunny day, I did my best to have this nice day for the ascent of the sollipulli volcano. <br /> <br /> So I decided to shortcut this GPT15, by passing threw the vallee Panqui (OPT3). It was not a very attractive section, as the RR I guess, rated 1/5 in terms of attractivity. But it was nor terrible ! <br /> <br /> After the city of Currarehue, you just follow a long and boring gravel road all along the vallee Panqui. Most surprising moment was to meet the polish priest of the city of Currarehue (yes, you read well), that really wanted to speak and know more on my adventure. After long discussions he even pried for me to have a safe end of my trip, and admit some doubt to have a track at the end of the gravel road. Another wtf moment of this GPT. <br /> <br /> The priest was wrong, of course there were a track at the end of the valley ! And I was happy about that because I was quite bored about this gravel. Track is easy to follow, again more when you pass after cross-country motorcycle that made the way again more easy to follow ! <br /> <br /> Best little moment of this section was the view on the pass, af the valley and the sollipulli volcano far away. <br /> <br /> Then you go down and continue the section until reigolil on a gravel road. People down there were very friendly and quite surprised to see me, not sure there's a lot of hikers who are passing threw the area ! <br /> <br /> Reigolil is tiny tiny, not the best choice to resupply, but there's a minimarket in case of emergency. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-14 to 2024-Feb-16 / 2,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / czimahi'''<br /> <br /> from Curarrehue by road, no prob, first drinkable water just before Puesto 15 [37.4/1101]<br /> one spiny fence on the way like on S39°22.000` W71°29.557` but you can just follow the road and then there is another road up. <br /> I slept like 0,5km before Puesto 15 [33.1/1096] with water<br /> The rest to Reigolil no prob, road ripio, I slept just after bridge Quinenahuin in some abandoned terrain<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-15 to 2024-Jan-16 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {15-03} / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Km1.07 : camping possibilities at west of the road(without fence)beside the river, some trees for privacy and cover.<br /> <br /> Km4.0 : Dirt road junction, you can follow the dirt road to river side, looks like a large flat area there.<br /> <br /> Km4.85 : large and beautiful grassland with trees and beside the river, some camping trace here. A small stream is flowing across the road 50m more.<br /> <br /> Km7.8 : I crossed to the other side of valley with a bridge at here.<br /> <br /> Settlement[59.8+6.9/767] : also a small shop here, selling some food and drinks, not much selection but good stock. I saw some locals waiting bus at here too. Super friendly.<br /> <br /> Then i continued south to join {15-03}.<br /> <br /> {15-03} km1.45 : i saw a clear trailhead going south at here.<br /> <br /> Km1.6 : junction of road and trail.<br /> <br /> From here to km4.1, {15-03} is a very old, damaged and no more cars running dirt road. Mostly you are following it, walking on it or some horse trail and cow paths to the pass at km4.35. Steep but very easy to follow.<br /> <br /> Km1.68 : a trail junction here, it is a very clear trail to north, i think it is connected with the trailhead at km1.45.<br /> <br /> Km2.25 : side trail to a stream (-39.19811, -71.47021), some people use wood and bamboo made a pipe here, easy to collect water, thank you!<br /> <br /> Km2.75 : beautiful camping spot with grassland.<br /> <br /> Km3.1 : small stream(-39.20079, -71.47549) flowing good, easy to collect.<br /> <br /> Km3.9 : no more trace of road, become a horse trail. Some flat spots at valley(east) side with views but windy.<br /> <br /> The trail is maintained by some people, some sticks just cut off on the ground maybe some weeks before. Trail condition is good and going smooth.<br /> <br /> Km4.35 : some flat spots and an old, small bridge here. Stream under the bridge without flowing.<br /> <br /> Km5.8 : trail condition becomes an old dirt road, also a dirt road junction here.<br /> <br /> Km5.85 : beautiful grassland(-39.21900, -71.48849), with a huge tree can fit lot of tents here. Bridge and a good flow stream nearby(-39.21831, -71.48848).<br /> <br /> Km5.9 : bridge, stream flowing good with clear water under the bridge.<br /> <br /> Km7.55 : stream flowing low beside the road, cross a log to grassland camping spot. After here, no more camping possibilities i can find.<br /> <br /> Km8.1 : a friendly locked gate, easy climb at left side.<br /> <br /> Km8.2 : bridge, stream flowing good with clear water under the bridge.<br /> <br /> Km11.3 : bus stop at the turning, but i don't know about the bus schedule.<br /> <br /> I walked about 4-5km more, a local driver waved hands to me, then i arrived Curarrehue, MAGIC!<br /> <br /> Good town for resupply. Lot of accommodation, some supermarkets and restaurants in Curarrehue, also bus to Pucón and Santiago. I resupply at Supermercado Katty(-39.36219, -71.58473), because locals told me it is the best in Curarrehue, and i find 230g gas canisters at GYG Supermercado (2nd floor)(-39.36043, -71.58693), it just left 2.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-28-12 / 1,5 days / Hiking / NOBO / Option 1 + 1a / Jens '''<br /> <br /> I crossed the Huerquehue National Park to the north. Bus from Pucon to the entrance at 8.30am. Be there early, it fills up quickly.<br /> <br /> The warden told me that it was illegal to cross the park because of the trek closure. I assured her that I would come back and ignored her. <br /> <br /> The crossing was easy and beautiful. The trail was mostly maintained with the occasional tree trunk to climb over. <br /> <br /> Camping and water available.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-27 / 4 days / Hiking / 15-O1 NOBO + Solipulli traverse + 14 SOBO / Martial '''<br /> <br /> Very nice expedition starting opposite side from Nat &amp; Tomas cause i skipped GPT11-13 for gear resupply in Pucón (Volcanica outdoors very good btw !).<br /> Started 15-O1 in Parc Huerquehue the 23 in the morning after negociating an entrance ticket with one of the guard off voices who was very comprehensive after i got here without ticket on the 22 at 18pm and parc was fully reserved for 2 more days.. Be more prepared ! Had a lucky price 10mil for Olga’s camping 10mil for 1 person arriving late. Very good value for money ! Crystal clear lake water sunset, hot clean showers, caring owners.. Beers, galletas y pan amasado caliente in the morning ! Had to get back to the CONAF gate in the morning for ticket so wished i had left the mochila in Olga’s 😓 Easy and nice walk up to the lagunas and although i have been warned Renahue sector was shut, i decided to continue as Conaf is not checking exit route. (The sector has been closed for missbehavior of the visitors so obviously don’t make fire or leave basura !!). Starting this sector the trail is volontary left sufficiently overgrown to discourage normal visitor but no GPT hiker 😄 and the way down to the Termas is nice enough. Stayed at ecotermas for 15mil after nice chat with Richard the guardian. Loved to immerge in the termas for hours with a beer and chating with Chileans.<br /> Next morning had in mind to hitchhike but no cars so found nice cascade before turning left to laguna Isolda. The owner put a gate « recinto privado » but you can pass asking for permission.. I bumped into him and his little daughter cleaning the trail to the laguna with machete : very nice guy and thanks to him the trail in this forest till the road is beautiful !<br /> Hitchhiking the road was no better so had to camp next to it on an unmarked camp here -39.06698, -71.51530, rainy night.<br /> The day after finally had a lucky hitch all the way to the entrance of the reserva to Solipulli so could actually make it to the summit on the same day by following the south est ascent. It is CC after the treeline and found a good path climbing to the lake located before the crater for high camp (my specialty it seems 😄 !). Aqui : -38.96789, -71.49060. Weather was getting full sun so no problem and was delightly rewarded by one of the most amazing sunset of my life setting just into a depression of the crater above the glaciar. Mesmerizing and got me smiling for hours despite the crazy windy cold !<br /> After an icy night i used the same path to the ridge scouted before and could join the RR and true summit for midtime before going down on the easy north route heading to CONAF. There was surprisingly no-one there on a sunday early afternoon. Got small supplies from the lodge owner (28mil one p. in the refugio so passed and camped near a lake before last ford : recommended). Met also Franklin family for a few welcome asada meat sandwich treat 🍖 So generous !!<br /> Next day was big MR hiking back 14 sobo so putted earpods and went fullgas to a camp after Reigolil marked on gaia gps (but actually shut so got it free after asking for permision to the abuelo : -39.13615, -71.48404). Very hot and boring no cars after the reserve exit. Happy to reach Curarrehue’s cafeteria for sweet delights after 07:10 bus !<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-20 to 2023-Feb-21 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 1 PN Huerquehue / Natalie &amp; Tomáš '''<br /> <br /> Hitched from the end of GPT14 to the start of the trail to Laguna Isolda (option 01). The start is gated (easily passable) and says private property but we continued. Sign said to call bosquesnalcahue (45) 91 06 59. We anticipated a bushwack but the trail was in surprisingly good conditions and we managed to meet the women responsible for the upkeep later in the park, she guides horse tours through those trails and clears as much as she can.<br /> The trail however is &quot;so so&quot; and you cannot access the lake easily, if you need water there is running water here;-39.10352, -71.54720. The trail turns into a road sooner than it is shown on the map, it turns into a road here;-39.10477, -71.54474 (about 5 km in). The road to the hotsprings has lots of water sources but it is not very interesting and I personally wished I just hitched all the way to the hotsprings to spend more time there. However, there was an interesting deserted logging operation along the way (-39.12617, -71.55411), we learned from the horse guide that the company went bankrupt and just left everything there.<br /> <br /> Camping at the hotsprings; Eco Thermas Rio Blanco and San Sebastian, are 15mil/person. We chose to stay at Rio Blanco because of the pools and a better variety of camping spots. We camped above the booth where you pay and the man who we payed showed us a hidden super hot (adjustable with cold water hose) bath not too far from our camp spot. Tomáš was surprised there by a family at 10 PM so keep some makeshift swimsuits ready. Both campings sell some basic food items but not much. <br /> <br /> There is a sign saying the trail to Huerquehue is closed &quot;Indefinitely&quot; and so is camping Renahue. Quite alarming but since the website said the park was open we continued with the mindset we would have to turn back. The trail was pretty good from the termas to camping renahue and it is here where we met the horse guides that were doing the trail maintenance near Laguna Isolda. The horse guides came up through the trail from lake Caburgua and they said it was an easy trail. This could be a good option if you wanted to avoid any trouble with CONAF and the section closure. However we were still curious about Huerquehue so we continued option 01 thinking we would turn back if we saw another sign or anything saying the trail was closed, to our surprise there were no more signs. Between camping Renahue to lake Huerquehue, there is a lot of blow down but after lake Huerquehue, the trail is pristine. We started seeing people after Lago Toro, so obviously the park was open. With the combination of having a late morning at the hot springs and all the indecisiveness about closures we ended up walking through the park at a great time (530-7pm). There were very few people and we really got to enjoy how beautiful it was there. CONAF website said they close at 530pm but there are no gates and attendants so no problems leaving the park later.<br /> Unfortunately at the lake the camping El Rincon was closed and camping Olga was 18mil a night with a minimum of a two night stay so we managed to get a hitch to Pucón. If needed, you can illegally camp at the CONAF station as that is what others were doing or ask &quot;Alicia&quot; at the old El Rincon campsite if you can pay privately and take care of your washroom needs- supposedly they had to shut down due to washroom problems. <br /> <br /> '''&quot;Trail closure&quot; on option 01PN Huerquehue. When leaving the Eco termas Rio Blanco hot springs there is a sign saying the &quot;Huerquehue trail, camping renahue and the dome&quot; are closed &quot;indefinitely&quot;. The park itself is open but supposedly that section on the trail is closed. We continued bcs we were not sure which trail they were exactly talking about but we were prepared to turn around if we saw something blocked off. The trail was fine except for a lot of blow down up until the lake Huerquehue. If you want to avoid this closure there is a trail in good shape coming from lake Caburgua to camping renahue. We met a horse guide coming from there and said it is fine.'''<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb-05 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Frank'''<br /> <br /> I combined GPT15, 16 &amp; 17. It's easy to resupply in Curarrehue &amp; Liquine. 2 short days for GPT15 &amp; continued to GPT16 on 2nd day. Got the bus from Pucon to Reigolil via Currarehue. Didn't go to the lake but continued straight on the main road to Curarrehue. This option is quicker but there are not many places to camp. <br /> <br /> * '''2020-Feb / 1.5 days / Hiking / NOBO'''<br /> <br /> We took the dirt road on the west side of river. There is a small coffee about 7km from Currarehue. Very nice with good atmosphere. No particular interest in this section. Hitch if you can, there are quite some people living along this road so it should be easy. There is a bus doing Currarehue/Reigolil every day. Currarehue is nice to resupply with restaurants, supermarkets and accommodation. There is also an ATM. Reigolil there is only one very small shop with not much.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-30 / SOBO / Main road / Martina &amp; Ivo '''<br /> <br /> We started to walk on the road on the Western side of the river just to see what will happen. After 2 hours a bus to Curarrehue came ;-)<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-26 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Shaun C '''<br /> <br /> Straightforward. Took a short 2 days. Rained incessantly, but still very pleasant, especially the misty Laguna Hualalafquen. Water readily available throughout. Only a few patches of snow (above 1200m).<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-15 / 4 days (GPT14 + GPT 15) / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus &amp; Anna '''<br /> <br /> We combined sections 14 and 15. It took us 3 days and nero.<br /> GPT14 - there are signs that someone tried to clear overgrown part of the trail on the begining and end but middle is still nicely overgrown. Though we didn't have problem to follow.<br /> Part of minor road on regular trail is under construction. They are putting a huge pipe under it. It was evening and workers were not there se we managed to sneak through but I don't think they will let you pass during working hours. It's just before descending to the river before National reserve Villarrica. <br /> In the Conaf campsite was food truck (it was weekend) with churasco, sopapillas, drinks... pure heaven. We paid 4000 per person at conaf.<br /> They are building a dorm at Lodge. It will be ready for next years hikers ;) <br /> Resuply in Reigolil - mini shop on trail seemed abandoned. We found best supplies in shop-4. There is one other shop directly after bridge. <br /> GPT15 - road and trail in good condition. On the climb to the lake bit before last settler there are some wild cherry trees on the left. We stuffed ourselves and left for others too. Enjoy. Multiple shops, accomodation options and restaurants in Curarrehue.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-19 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tom &amp; Maddie '''<br /> <br /> Easy walking, road in good condition. Would recommend hitching if you have limited time, but worth doing otherwise to connect sections 14 and 16. Really good resupply in Curarrehue (restaurants, grocery stores, clothing stores, pharmacy etc).<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> *Pucon has a few big supermarkets &amp; several shops with hiking gear. One of the supermarkets has a hardware section where you can buy camping gas. <br /> <br /> *Regioli at the northern start of the section has only one limited shop. <br /> <br /> *Curarrehue, at the southern end, is a decent-sized town with numerous restaurants and shops. <br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> Quentin : Currarehue is kind of a big city, where you'll find easily places to resupply (there's at least 4 supermarkets and 10 minimarkets), foodplaces and accomodation (cabanas, hospedaje and hostel (at the end of the city)). Didn't checked in all supermarkets, but there's a good chance to find Gaz in this city I reckon, if not in supermarkets, probably in ferretería ?<br /> <br /> Reigolil is tiny tiny, not the best choice to resupply, but there's a minimarket in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> Regioli has limited options. Curarrehue is much better connected.<br /> <br /> [[File:Reigolil.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Timetable January 2020]]<br /> <br /> Bus goes from Pucon to Curarrehue then Reigolil<br /> <br /> As of January 2024<br /> <br /> Bus from Reigolil to Curarrehue at 2pm. 1000 pesos. Two hour bus ride.<br /> <br /> November 2024:<br /> <br /> Direct bus from Pucón (Terminal Pullman) to Reigolil. 2600 CLP. 10:30 a.m. at a tuesday, but better to ask about the correct time at the terminal, because there is no written information.<br /> <br /> SOBO to Parque Huerquehue:<br /> Ask the Termas about chartered buses: Whatsapp;+56946809918, +56992318329.<br /> Otherwise make your way via Cunco or Temuco--&gt;Cunco.<br /> Temuco's Terminal de Buses Rurales (Balmaceda 1475) can be complicated since most buses have their own shop elsewhere. For Cunco go to office &quot;IGI LLAIMA/ Nar Bus&quot;; Balmaceda 997. The bus leaves every 30min. <br /> <br /> From Cunco check with locals about bus to Lago Caburga. Supposedly a bus leaves everyday at 4 or 5pm from Balmaceda corner La Concepción. It will pass by the nice supermarket;Supermercado Hesis on &quot;Colico Sur&quot; aka the S-75. Confirm schedule in the municipality of Cunco before traveling at +56 45 2200147.<br /> <br /> Hitchhiking is easy up until Lago Collico, after that there are cars but not many stop.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT15 - Curarrehue]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095280.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT15]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095440.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|GPT15 and [[Volcán Lanín]]]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095350.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095403.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095479.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]<br /> [[File:GPT_9_Curarrehue_109095515.jpg|thumb|center|1100px]]</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT31H_(Valle_Simpson)&diff=120589 2025-03-02T13:26:13Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-FEB-25 to 2025-FEB-26 / 1 day / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (Var. A) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''<br /> <br /> A rather unremarkable connecting section. There is ongoing roadwork on the road out of Coyhaique, with controlled traffic and a lot of construction vehicles passing through.<br /> <br /> To avoid walking on the road the whole time, we chose Variant A. This was a pleasant route through rural landscapes, passing by several settlers.<br /> <br /> The gravel road ends at a house at km 3.4 (-45.70686, -72.18007).<br /> <br /> At km 4.9 (-45.71769, -72.18602), the path crosses through Don Adriano’s property. It is not possible to shortcut closer to the river, as there is a steep, rocky ravine. However, Adriano is very friendly, has no problem with hikers passing through, and even enjoyed chatting with us. From his house onwards, the path becomes more defined and easy to follow.<br /> <br /> CHALLENGES<br /> <br /> On Variant A, at km 3.0 (-45.70361, -72.17915), there is a large, electrically controlled gate. However, there is a small pedestrian gate next to it that can be opened. We encountered a few locals beyond the gate, and nobody had any issue with us passing through.<br /> <br /> At km 4.7 of Variant A (-45.71709, -72.18511), there is a stream crossing, but it can be done without getting your feet wet.<br /> <br /> BIVOUACING<br /> <br /> There are not many nice places to bivouac around the road.<br /> <br /> We camped by Río Simpson at -45.71946, -72.17722. It is a beautiful and quiet spot right next to the river, with plenty of flat areas for tents.<br /> <br /> WATER<br /> <br /> There are not many water sources along the road. The first good spot to collect water on our route was the mentioned stream crossing on Variant A at -45.71709, -72.18511. After that, the next water source was Río Simpson.<br /> <br /> We didn’t notice any reliable sources until Villa Frei.<br /> <br /> RESUPPLY<br /> <br /> At the start of the section in Coyhaique, there are, of course, plenty of resupply options.<br /> <br /> At the end of the section, Villa Frei has a small shop located at -45.75304, -72.11432.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-13 / 1 jours / Randonnée + auto-stop / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT31&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT32+GPT33<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 0/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : route<br /> <br /> Je ne voulais pas marcher le GPT31, seulement faire de l'auto-stop et marcher que s'il n'y avait pas de voiture. A partir du km 3,1, la route est en travaux jusqu'au km 15. Très difficile d'arrêter les voitures car pas de place pour stationner. J'ai réussi à faire 7km en voiture sur cette portion. Ensuite la route est plus petite et il n'y a pas beaucoup de voiture. J'ai marché jusqu'au km 27 puis une voiture m'a emmené à Villa Frei. La vue vers le km 24 est vraiment sympa et les lacs sont jolie par une belle journée, mais la route est vraiment ennuyeuse à marcher.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''03-Apr-2023 / Hiking / NOBO / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Easy section that connects Coyhaique and Villa Frei. Minor road will take you around few lakes and local settlements, which makes some nice sceneries with surrounding mountains. They were partly covered with fresh snow in our case. Taking a bus from Coyhaique terminal to Villa Frei in the morning, we started quite early for our standards, and therefore we made it easily in 1 day, coming back to Coyhaique in the late afternoon. Because of a light rain, the road was not that dusty, but it might be annoying in dry weather, especially the last part around airport, that was also quite busy.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Nov 22 Frank 1 day RR NOBO'''<br /> <br /> Got the bus to Villa Frei &amp; walked back to Coyhaique. One small shop in Villa Frei &amp; lots of dogs, a stick may be useful. Didn't see any place to stay there. I agree with all the comments below. This must be the least interesting section on RR GPT1-40. No facilities along the route &amp; didn't see anywhere good to camp. As you approach Coyhaique it gets dustier &amp; going past the airport is nasty with lots of traffic throwing up blinding clouds of dust. The last 2KM is quiet.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Feb: 04-05, SoBo, RR, Kris&amp;Stiina''' <br /> <br /> The whole section is a gravel road, except for a few km in the beginning where it is asphalt. We hitched the first 16km and then continued on foot the traffic wasn’t too bad but it wasn’t great for peaceful hiking either, lots of dust eating with every passing car. Chileans do love their fences so everything was well fenced off on both sides of the road for most of the section. We were lucky that some cattle did not agree with the local politics of fencing off the open water and had broken a fence to access the Burgos Lake. Which is where we camped at and had a nice swim. It was right next to the road but bushes helped with making it somewhat private. What they didn’t help that much with was the dust cloud that the passing cars generated, but luckily the traffic was not too bad. <br /> The next day we hiked/hitched to the end of the section, as the road was just too boring and we wanted to get on some trails already. <br /> Unless you are super into connecting footsteps then we would recommend to just try and get a hitch to the start of next section. <br /> <br /> For more stories of the trail, pictures, videos and in case you want to ask us anything you can find us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *2 supermarkets in Coyhaique. 2 small shops in Villa Frei but they will not be open when the first bus arrives.<br /> <br /> *Several shops in Coyhaique sell camping gas. Shop around as prices vary a lot.<br /> <br /> *Lots of restaurants in Coyhaique. They generally open around 10AM. Moneda de Oro on the main street is good.<br /> <br /> *2 exchange offices in Coyhaique, rates may be poor. Several banks &amp; ATMs. All ATMs will be closed outside bank opening hours. Banco Estado opens on Saturday mornings.<br /> <br /> *Coyhaique : Bosque Patagonia hospedaje at the side of the Unimarc supermarket is one of the best cheap options.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2023 info:<br /> <br /> Buses to Villa Frei from Coyhaique bus terminal: Monday 7:30, 8:15, 15:30, 17:00, 19:30 Tuesday to Friday 8:15, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30 Saturday 08:00 No bus on Sunday. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Villa Frei &amp; the bus generally turns around immediately &amp; goes back to Coyhaique<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT31H - Valle Simpson]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT29H_(Rio_Cisnes)&diff=120588 2025-03-02T13:24:23Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> * General Recommendation: You can walk either direction but SOBO is a bit easier as it's downhill<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-FEB-18 to 2025-FEB-20 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel, Martina'''<br /> <br /> A very straightforward section that follows entirely paved roads, which can feel quite monotonous and boring. Up to kilometer 51.4, it is a dirt road that is not heavily trafficked. From this kilometer onward, you will walk along the busy asphalt road known as Carretera Austral until the end of the stage.<br /> <br /> Challenges: Monotonous and endless walking on asphalt, high daily mileage (if you want to get through it as quickly as possible).<br /> <br /> Bivouacing: Don’t expect any nice spots with views; however, you can usually find places to sleep just a few meters off the road. A major factor affecting campsite selection is the noise from Carretera Austral. On the first night, we camped a bit near the paved road (-44.650093, -71.746902), and on the second night, we camped by the river near Villa Amengual, where there was a “wild camp” marked on our OSM maps (-44.7526117, -72.2020304).<br /> <br /> Water: No problem; the trail or road frequently crosses streams or rivers.<br /> <br /> Resupply: We shopped at a store in the square in Villa La Tapera. There should definitely be at least one more store. We had a meal at a small local eatery located at -44.6464930, -71.6690406, but we didn’t find it very tasty. The soup and fries were good, but the beef was incredibly tough. In Villa Amengual (just off the trail after connecting to Carretera Austral), there are several smaller shops, with Minimarket El Gauchito offering the best prices. The town also features a small restaurant at Hostería Casona del Bosque and a nice café, Aroma Austral, where we managed to get freshly ground coffee for our French press.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-08 / 0,5 jours / Randonnée + auto-stop / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT27+GPT28+&lt;strike&gt;GPT29&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT30<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : ?<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 2/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : gravel road et autoroute<br /> <br /> Je suis arrivé à Villa La Tapera à 11h. Cette section est parfaite pour une rando velo mais je n'en ai pas dans mon sac a dos. Je voulais faire de l'auto-stop mais il y a très peu de voiture (~2/h). J'ai marché 4 km puis j'ai eu de la chance et un homme qui transportait du bois vers Puerto Cisnes m'a emmené au km 51. J'ai immédiatement retrouvé un autre chauffeur qui m'a emmené à Villa Manihuales. Le paysage est vraiment magnifique, dommage qu'il n'y ai pas de sentier sur cette section du GPT.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Dec 10th to Dec 11th / 2 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / RR / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: We were surprised at how pretty the section was. The valley is really beautiful and there is a lot of visual texture in the hills. However unlike 28H, this is a real road walk on a dusty gravel road, often without a shoulder and with traffic. We were there in early December and maybe 25 cars a day passed us. It is possible in the January/February season that much more traffic could be going along this road which would make the route much less pleasant.<br /> <br /> CAMP<br /> Night 01: -44.67970, -71.95016 (relatively flat, good water access, a little ways from the road)<br /> <br /> WATER<br /> There is infrequent access to the river as most of the road is high above it, and where it gets close the access is often fenced off. We still found water fairly frequently as the were a lot of little streams coming down the hill. Also many of the bridges provided access to tributaries and esteros.<br /> <br /> Day 01 - Dec 10th<br /> At Bridge 12.2, it looked like if you crossed the bridge and went left there was a dirt road on the other side. We did not go over to investigate, but we kept looking over as we went along. It seemed to go on for some time. It might be worth investigating. However it looked like if you did go that route you would have to ford the river at some point.<br /> <br /> At around km 16.6, below the road is a green, grassy field with some trees. There is an old road grade down to the field. The road down is very steep, but there were some good potential camp sites down there and easy river access.<br /> <br /> At Bridge 18.4 there were paths down to the river on both sides and areas that looked campable. No visual screening and no wind protection, but if it's a late camp it could be a good spot.<br /> <br /> We camped near Bridge 25.6 on the south side of the bridge back near the trees. We found a relatively flat area, and it had great water access. It is also a place that other people camp, there was a fire circle on the higher ground. It was set back from the road a bit, but there was no visual screening from the road. There were a lot of mosquitos.<br /> <br /> Day 02 - Dec 11th<br /> <br /> We continued on the road. The views were very nice, lots of color from all the spring flowers, purple lupines, yellow broom, and some red flower that is everywhere right now. The road is a true Chilean road, with long stretches lined with fencing on either side. Also in some areas the road is somewhat narrow and there is no shoulder. Many of the cars slowed as they passed us to minimize the dust, but it was a dry, sunny day so it was still fairly dusty. Mosquitos were around, not bad when walking but pretty unbearable when we stopped. Around 15:30 the bus passed. At first the driver said he didn't have enough space, but then he said he could take us to Amengual. In Amengual he said to wait for him and if he had space he would take us to Villa Manihuales, which he did (there were three or four other open seats). We paid 3.000 each for the ride.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-31 to 2024-02-01 // 2 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> This section begin with 30 km on the heavy carretera austral, and finish with 50 kilometers on a gravel road to reach La Tapera. <br /> <br /> After the carretera austral, you'll be happy to find a less crowded, more quiet and natural path, without asphalt. <br /> <br /> Surrounding are nice, nothing more to add except that I can't wait to find back the cute and remote tracks of Patagonia ! I even miss bush bashing... Imagine ! 😂<br /> <br /> KM 18,35, Next to punte Torcaza, on the curve, big space for camp with nice scenery, flying fish everywhere, you can be seen from the road, but not a lot of people are passing threw. Few kind locals are fishing around, Carabineros passed by and said hello to me, so no troubles to stay there. <br /> <br /> Arriving in La Tapera. I slept in hospedaje María, 15K CLP for a room, clean baños, good WiFi, nice people. Cabanas are possible too here. <br /> <br /> Happy to find accomodation, options to resupply and a place with completos, sandwiches in this little town to resupply. (Having cash money is essential there !).<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''2023-Mar-18 to 2023-Mar-19 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> A little more than we expected, there are some nice spots on the way, like Laguna Las Torres.<br /> <br /> * '''2022 19 Nov Frank 2.5 days SOBO'''<br /> <br /> I got the bus from Villa Amengual to La Tapera then walked back, camped 1 night along the way. Few opportunities for camping as you approach the Carratera Austral as the land is fenced off. Villa Amengual, which is 2KM off route on the Carratera Austral is a good base. On the third day I continued along the Carratera Austral to the junction with the X421 dirt road going to El Gato, a better place to break the journey as there is nothing at the end of stage 29. At the X421 junction there is a bus stop (very few buses) &amp; I hitched from there to Villa Manihuales.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *ATM and money exhcange : Only in Coyhaique. Bring cash although you may be able to pay with CC in Villa Amengual &amp; La Tapera.<br /> <br /> *There are at least 3 places to stay in Villa Amengual which is on the Carretera Austral 2KM off route, north of the junction with the X25 gravel road which runs 52KM to La Tapera. They should all have options for meals also. El Encuentro in Villa Amengual has a shop &amp; accomodation, 15,000 pesos single &amp; 20,000 double. Meals are 6000 pesos, breakfast is 4000.<br /> <br /> *2024: Tapera has at least 6 small shops. The one they refer to as the Super had the biggest selection. Shops in town are open sporadically, but all close between 13:00 and 17:00 for lunch, and are closed for the night around 20:00. At least 3 places had camping gas (the Super, the panadero next door, and the blue mini market a block from there), but only the tall refill canisters, not the threaded cans for backpacking stoves. The guy at the Super, which is also the hardware store, said he sometimes had the threaded type but didn't have them when we passed through.<br /> <br /> La Tapera has two small shops &amp; at least one hospedaje, all on or near the plaza.<br /> Hospedaje María was nice, great people, 15K CLP for a room, but they have cabanas too if needed more privacy. There's at least 2 other options in this little town.<br /> <br /> Food resupply in La Tapera, few minimarket. The one near the plaza central accepting CC, all the other only cash. <br /> <br /> Possibility to eat at La Pica de la Doña tapera (sandwichs, completos, papas fritas, pichangas, churrascos ...) -44,6468155, -71,6694500 <br /> <br /> *You could camp at the small car park at Laguna las Torres. Several KM further south on the Carratera Austral is Camping La Zaranda $ new, cafe &amp; cheap camping in little huts, you could sleep in them without a tent also.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> KM 18,35, Next to punte Torcaza, on the curve, big space for camp with nice scenery, flying fish everywhere, you can be seen from the road, but not a lot of people are passing threw. Few kind locals are fishing around, Carabineros passed by and said hello to me, so no troubles to stay there.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> *2024/25 info: There is a bus that goes from La Tapera to Coyhaique and makes stops in Villa Amengual and Villa Manihuales on the way. It leaves La Tapera from the community center on the square at 14:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 17:00 on Sundays. The cost was around 5.500 CLP. It originally leaves from Coyhaique, so probably the same bus as last year. Important to note it is a subsidized bus and priority is given to locals, though they will take you if there are empty seats. It is a Sprinter van style bus, so there are only around 15 seats.<br /> <br /> <br /> *2023 info: There is a bus from Coyhaique to La Tapera on Wednesday, Friday &amp; Sunday, leaving Coyhaique at 10AM, going to Villa Amengual village at 12:30 and arriving in La Tapera at 2PM. The bus leaves La Tapera &amp; returns to Coyhaique on the same route on the same days at about 3PM, going to Villa Amengual around 4PM<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT29H - Rio Cisnes]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT29H_(Rio_Cisnes)&diff=120587 2025-03-02T13:23:13Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> * General Recommendation: You can walk either direction but SOBO is a bit easier as it's downhill<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> *'''2025-FEB-18 to 2025-FEB-20 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel, Martina'''<br /> <br /> A very straightforward section that follows entirely paved roads, which can feel quite monotonous and boring. Up to kilometer 51.4, it is a dirt road that is not heavily trafficked. From this kilometer onward, you will walk along the busy asphalt road known as Carretera Austral until the end of the stage.<br /> <br /> Challenges: Monotonous and endless walking on asphalt, high daily mileage (if you want to get through it as quickly as possible).<br /> <br /> Bivouacing: Don’t expect any nice spots with views; however, you can usually find places to sleep just a few meters off the road. A major factor affecting campsite selection is the noise from Carretera Austral. On the first night, we camped a bit near the paved road (-44.650093, -71.746902), and on the second night, we camped by the river near Villa Amengual, where there was a “wild camp” marked on our OSM maps (-44.7526117, -72.2020304).<br /> <br /> Water: No problem; the trail or road frequently crosses streams or rivers.<br /> <br /> Resupply: We shopped at a store in the square in Villa La Tapera. There should definitely be at least one more store. We had a meal at a small local eatery located at -44.6464930, -71.6690406, but we didn’t find it very tasty. The soup and fries were good, but the beef was incredibly tough. In Villa Amengual (just off the trail after connecting to Carretera Austral), there are several smaller shops, with Minimarket El Gauchito offering the best prices. The town also features a small restaurant at Hostería Casona del Bosque and a nice café, Aroma Austral, where we managed to get freshly ground coffee for our French press.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-08 / ? jours / Randonnée + auto-stop / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT27+GPT28+&lt;strike&gt;GPT29&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT30<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : ?<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 2/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : gravel road et autoroute<br /> <br /> Je suis arrivé à Villa La Tapera à 11h. Cette section est parfaite pour une rando velo mais je n'en ai pas dans mon sac a dos. Je voulais faire de l'auto-stop mais il y a très peu de voiture (~2/h). J'ai marché 4 km puis j'ai eu de la chance et un homme qui transportait du bois vers Puerto Cisnes m'a emmené au km 51. J'ai immédiatement retrouvé un autre chauffeur qui m'a emmené à Villa Manihuales. Le paysage est vraiment magnifique, dommage qu'il n'y ai pas de sentier sur cette section du GPT.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Dec 10th to Dec 11th / 2 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / RR / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: We were surprised at how pretty the section was. The valley is really beautiful and there is a lot of visual texture in the hills. However unlike 28H, this is a real road walk on a dusty gravel road, often without a shoulder and with traffic. We were there in early December and maybe 25 cars a day passed us. It is possible in the January/February season that much more traffic could be going along this road which would make the route much less pleasant.<br /> <br /> CAMP<br /> Night 01: -44.67970, -71.95016 (relatively flat, good water access, a little ways from the road)<br /> <br /> WATER<br /> There is infrequent access to the river as most of the road is high above it, and where it gets close the access is often fenced off. We still found water fairly frequently as the were a lot of little streams coming down the hill. Also many of the bridges provided access to tributaries and esteros.<br /> <br /> Day 01 - Dec 10th<br /> At Bridge 12.2, it looked like if you crossed the bridge and went left there was a dirt road on the other side. We did not go over to investigate, but we kept looking over as we went along. It seemed to go on for some time. It might be worth investigating. However it looked like if you did go that route you would have to ford the river at some point.<br /> <br /> At around km 16.6, below the road is a green, grassy field with some trees. There is an old road grade down to the field. The road down is very steep, but there were some good potential camp sites down there and easy river access.<br /> <br /> At Bridge 18.4 there were paths down to the river on both sides and areas that looked campable. No visual screening and no wind protection, but if it's a late camp it could be a good spot.<br /> <br /> We camped near Bridge 25.6 on the south side of the bridge back near the trees. We found a relatively flat area, and it had great water access. It is also a place that other people camp, there was a fire circle on the higher ground. It was set back from the road a bit, but there was no visual screening from the road. There were a lot of mosquitos.<br /> <br /> Day 02 - Dec 11th<br /> <br /> We continued on the road. The views were very nice, lots of color from all the spring flowers, purple lupines, yellow broom, and some red flower that is everywhere right now. The road is a true Chilean road, with long stretches lined with fencing on either side. Also in some areas the road is somewhat narrow and there is no shoulder. Many of the cars slowed as they passed us to minimize the dust, but it was a dry, sunny day so it was still fairly dusty. Mosquitos were around, not bad when walking but pretty unbearable when we stopped. Around 15:30 the bus passed. At first the driver said he didn't have enough space, but then he said he could take us to Amengual. In Amengual he said to wait for him and if he had space he would take us to Villa Manihuales, which he did (there were three or four other open seats). We paid 3.000 each for the ride.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-31 to 2024-02-01 // 2 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> This section begin with 30 km on the heavy carretera austral, and finish with 50 kilometers on a gravel road to reach La Tapera. <br /> <br /> After the carretera austral, you'll be happy to find a less crowded, more quiet and natural path, without asphalt. <br /> <br /> Surrounding are nice, nothing more to add except that I can't wait to find back the cute and remote tracks of Patagonia ! I even miss bush bashing... Imagine ! 😂<br /> <br /> KM 18,35, Next to punte Torcaza, on the curve, big space for camp with nice scenery, flying fish everywhere, you can be seen from the road, but not a lot of people are passing threw. Few kind locals are fishing around, Carabineros passed by and said hello to me, so no troubles to stay there. <br /> <br /> Arriving in La Tapera. I slept in hospedaje María, 15K CLP for a room, clean baños, good WiFi, nice people. Cabanas are possible too here. <br /> <br /> Happy to find accomodation, options to resupply and a place with completos, sandwiches in this little town to resupply. (Having cash money is essential there !).<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''2023-Mar-18 to 2023-Mar-19 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> A little more than we expected, there are some nice spots on the way, like Laguna Las Torres.<br /> <br /> * '''2022 19 Nov Frank 2.5 days SOBO'''<br /> <br /> I got the bus from Villa Amengual to La Tapera then walked back, camped 1 night along the way. Few opportunities for camping as you approach the Carratera Austral as the land is fenced off. Villa Amengual, which is 2KM off route on the Carratera Austral is a good base. On the third day I continued along the Carratera Austral to the junction with the X421 dirt road going to El Gato, a better place to break the journey as there is nothing at the end of stage 29. At the X421 junction there is a bus stop (very few buses) &amp; I hitched from there to Villa Manihuales.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *ATM and money exhcange : Only in Coyhaique. Bring cash although you may be able to pay with CC in Villa Amengual &amp; La Tapera.<br /> <br /> *There are at least 3 places to stay in Villa Amengual which is on the Carretera Austral 2KM off route, north of the junction with the X25 gravel road which runs 52KM to La Tapera. They should all have options for meals also. El Encuentro in Villa Amengual has a shop &amp; accomodation, 15,000 pesos single &amp; 20,000 double. Meals are 6000 pesos, breakfast is 4000.<br /> <br /> *2024: Tapera has at least 6 small shops. The one they refer to as the Super had the biggest selection. Shops in town are open sporadically, but all close between 13:00 and 17:00 for lunch, and are closed for the night around 20:00. At least 3 places had camping gas (the Super, the panadero next door, and the blue mini market a block from there), but only the tall refill canisters, not the threaded cans for backpacking stoves. The guy at the Super, which is also the hardware store, said he sometimes had the threaded type but didn't have them when we passed through.<br /> <br /> La Tapera has two small shops &amp; at least one hospedaje, all on or near the plaza.<br /> Hospedaje María was nice, great people, 15K CLP for a room, but they have cabanas too if needed more privacy. There's at least 2 other options in this little town.<br /> <br /> Food resupply in La Tapera, few minimarket. The one near the plaza central accepting CC, all the other only cash. <br /> <br /> Possibility to eat at La Pica de la Doña tapera (sandwichs, completos, papas fritas, pichangas, churrascos ...) -44,6468155, -71,6694500 <br /> <br /> *You could camp at the small car park at Laguna las Torres. Several KM further south on the Carratera Austral is Camping La Zaranda $ new, cafe &amp; cheap camping in little huts, you could sleep in them without a tent also.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> KM 18,35, Next to punte Torcaza, on the curve, big space for camp with nice scenery, flying fish everywhere, you can be seen from the road, but not a lot of people are passing threw. Few kind locals are fishing around, Carabineros passed by and said hello to me, so no troubles to stay there.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> *2024/25 info: There is a bus that goes from La Tapera to Coyhaique and makes stops in Villa Amengual and Villa Manihuales on the way. It leaves La Tapera from the community center on the square at 14:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 17:00 on Sundays. The cost was around 5.500 CLP. It originally leaves from Coyhaique, so probably the same bus as last year. Important to note it is a subsidized bus and priority is given to locals, though they will take you if there are empty seats. It is a Sprinter van style bus, so there are only around 15 seats.<br /> <br /> <br /> *2023 info: There is a bus from Coyhaique to La Tapera on Wednesday, Friday &amp; Sunday, leaving Coyhaique at 10AM, going to Villa Amengual village at 12:30 and arriving in La Tapera at 2PM. The bus leaves La Tapera &amp; returns to Coyhaique on the same route on the same days at about 3PM, going to Villa Amengual around 4PM<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT29H - Rio Cisnes]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT35_(Parque_Patagonia)&diff=120492 2025-02-25T19:12:46Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-21 &gt; 25 / 4,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 35-02 &gt; 35-03A &gt; 35-03 &gt; 35-R &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT35<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : parfois difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : chenilles urticantes, rivière<br /> <br /> J'ai laissé ma machette à Coyhaique pour m'alléger. J'ai dormi à l'hostel Ayékan à Chile Chico puis j'ai commencé la randonnée à 9h. J'ai eu du mal à faire de l'auto-stop mais après 4 km de marche une voiture m'a emmenée au km 8. Il y a pas mal d'eau sur le plateau, bien plus qu'indiqué sur le GPS. Il y avait beaucoup de vent sur le plateau mais il faisait beau alors ça s'est bien passé. J'ai campé au km 36 mais il y avait de petites mouches qui piquent, pas super pour se laver. Malheureusement le vent s'est levé et il a pas mal plu dès 20h alors j'ai passé une nuit difficile. J'ai eu beaucoup de chance et j'ai pu faire du stop du km 45 au km 53. Très peu de voitures sur cette gravel road. Les arbres n'ont plus de feuilles car des chenilles ravagent tout dans le parc (https://laderasur.com/articulo/cuncunas-espinosas-a-la-vista-los-impactos-de-una-especie-que-ha-defoliado-miles-de-hectareas-de-lenga-en-chile/). Comme il a bien plu pendant la nuit, toutes les rivières sont en crues. C'est bien car les sentiers sont désert, mais les ford sont très dangereux. Le ranger et un monsieur du coin m'a dit que je pouvais tout franchir en faisant attention. Il n'y a pas de refuges aux km 81,8, 94,7 et 119,1. A partir du km 98, il n'y a plus de rivière, juste de petits ruisseau vaseux et les lacs bien sûr. Au km 10,4 du 35-R, le bâtiment peu servir de refuge. Il est très propre et je n'ai pas vu de rongeurs malgré la mise en garde. Le seul problème c'est qu'il n'y a pas d'eau. Il a neigé au dessus de 1000m. Je suis arrivé à 10h à Cochrane alors j'ai pris un hotel pour y passer la journée.<br /> <br /> '''2025 Feb 02 to Feb 14 / 10 hiking days, 3 zero days / SOBO, NOBO / Hiking / RR, Opt 6 Fachinal / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: The plateau at the beginning of RR is best done in good weather, but definitely worth it; the park is beautiful, though in summer there were a fair amount of people, though less than Cerro Castillo; Opt 6 Fachinal is a really beautiful and adventurous optional route and well worth it, though in our opinion better as an exit than an entrance to the section.<br /> <br /> CAMPS: <br /> <br /> Night 01: -46.60658, -71.80980 (nice views, water is about 150 m away, can be semi-protected by the hill depending on which way the winds come from)<br /> <br /> Night 02: -46.66455, -71.84387 (some wind protection from the hill if the winds come from the west, water is about 170 m away, only really good in good weather)<br /> <br /> Night 03: -46.73523, -71.89404 (water is close, not wind protected)<br /> <br /> Night 04: El Silencio campground<br /> <br /> Night 05 and 06 : Camp Raleigh<br /> <br /> Night 07 to 09: Camp Valle Hermoso<br /> <br /> Night 10: -46.75834, -72.22028 (good water access, not that wind protected, ground is difficult to get tent stakes into)<br /> <br /> Night 11: -46.69923, -72.22451 (some wind protection, water not close)<br /> <br /> Night 12: -46.62948, -72.27663 (some wind protection, water about 200 m away)<br /> <br /> <br /> WATER: water was generally easy to find throughout the section, even on the plateau<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 01 - Feb 02<br /> <br /> We took the bus from Chile Chico. The company was Buses Interlagos, +56 9 9038 6338. We made a reservation. There is a sign in the terminal in Chile Chico that says they leave at 09:00, but when I messaged to make the reservation they said they would leave at 08:00. It is due to regular road closures for road work, so it is recommended to message in advance to get the correct time if you take the bus. Also, the bus driver knew about a trail to Parque Patagonia, but it wasn't the GPT track, so it's good to watch the map to not overshoot. He charged us 2.000 each for the 8 km ride. The route up initially was just a road so easy going. There were multiple places to get water. At Puesto 15.8 we met Claudio who invited us in. His wife and son had passed us going the opposite way as we hiked up. We stayed and talked with Claudio for about an hour. He was very friendly and hospitable. He said a lot of backpackers go through there, some to the park, but a lot for a rock climbing area nearby. We camped at (-46.60658, -71.80980), water was a little ways away. It snowed briefly just before we set up the tent, then cleared up and was sunny for the rest of the day. The night was completely calm.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 02 - Feb 03<br /> <br /> We headed up to the pass. We followed the OSM track more than the GPT track which worked well. The landscape on the way up was very impressive and we saw our first guanacos. On the plateau it was pretty windy, but as others have said, there are spots where the topography shields you from the wind and you can get a break from it. We had seen on Windy before leaving that the next day on the plateau was supposed to be essentially windless and with full sun, so we wanted to stay for the night. We found a spot that was protected from the prevailing winds which were from the west that day and had a peaceful night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 03 - Feb 04<br /> <br /> We woke up to a silent morning that was quite warm. We took the whole day to walk across the plateau, carefully observed by guanacos the whole way. They seemed to work in shifts with at least one acting as lookout at all times. We found it very endearing. We stopped at a lake for lunch and watched 8 flamingos there as well as other birds. We also came across a curious hill that appeared to be made largely of giant ancient seashells. They looked like oyster shells, and some still looked like they had bits of mother of pearl on the inside. It was just the one hill. The descent was easy, gradual and with nice views. We found camping a little below camp 32.6 in a grassy area near the stream. It was not wind protected but we had a quiet night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 04 - Feb 05<br /> <br /> We wrapped up camp quickly, just before it started raining. We went under a fence and did CC between the GPT track and the OSM track. Around km 36.6, just before where the OSM and GPT tracks join, we found a well maintained trail that was not on the map that led down to a puesto. The man who lives there, Leopoldo, was friendly. He opened the gate for us and took us to another gate close by and pointed us to a 2 track road that rejoined with the GPT track after about 500 m. On the main road to the park, few cars passed and they were all full. We had lunch at the Bridge 42.7. The Camp 42.9 looked reasonably good, but it was visible from the road, so not that private. We walked about 1 km before we finally caught a hitch to the park entrance. The park office had an open StarLink wifi network. We bought tickets, 11.400 each. Camping 53.3, Camping El Silencio, was free. Each site had a covered area with tables and benches. Water spigots at the sites were not working so we took water from the outflow of the lake next to the bridge. The caterpillar apocalypse was definitely not overstated. Live, dead, dying, they were everywhere, most ominously in some places as enormous mounds of dead ones, like something out of a horror movie. The park office had to close the main bathrooms due to them and opened a temporary one at the office. They let us charge our devices in the office overnight and pick them up in the morning.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 05 - Feb 06<br /> <br /> We had a short day just hiking to Camp Raleigh. We stopped and had lunch on the beach of Lago Jenimeni. We passed several groups of day hikers on the way, but were the only ones called for the night. The caterpillars were not as bad there.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 06 - Feb 07<br /> <br /> We took a zero day to wait out an all day rain event. Two other groups showed up part way through the day, one going either direction. Both intended to keep moving but after two hours of waiting and no break in the rain, they both decided to stay and move the next day.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 07 - Feb 08<br /> <br /> The hike to Valle Hermoso was fairly easy. All fords were below the knee. At the last ford we went a little higher up and towards a small beach as the direct crossing to the trail marker was quite deep. Up to the pass was easy. On the way down the other side there were a few areas where it was steep and the trail was covered in scree, and a few places where the trail had been washed out, but nothing very difficult. There were some amazing views on the way down. All the fords until the camp were knee deep or below. Four other groups were staying at Valle Hermoso camp that night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 08 - Feb 09<br /> <br /> We took another zero day to wait out another all day rain event. All but one of the other groups stayed as well. The river went up about 15 cm over the course of the day and turned completely brown from all the sediment.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 09 - Feb 10<br /> <br /> We had intended to do some exploration toward Opt 7 Mallin Grande because Garmin weather report said it was supposed to be partly sunny for the day. It turned out to be very cloudy with high winds and very cold, alternating light rain and some snow. The valley was also mostly covered in clouds and fog so we decided to just take another zero day.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 10 - Feb 11<br /> <br /> We had good weather in the morning. We left for Opt 6 Fachinal. It was a really beautiful walk up. We were in water shoes until the first lake as there were many stream crossings. The first lake is a popular side trip from Valle Hermoso. One of the Chileans at the campsite mentioned that the valley was called Valle de los Glaciers. I'm not sure if that's an official name or just a common name, but we did see three huge glaciers, one above Ventisquero, and the other above the second lake. We passed a private refuge (-46.79249, -72.20797) that was locked, however they had prepped camp sites and an outhouse with running water, so it was possible to use the outdoor facilities if no one was there (if you use the toilet or sink, the water gate is down on the floor to the left of the toilet). It was too early to stop so we continued on. The trail around the bowl above the lake was faint but we were able to follow it. Over the pass the next valley opens up and is mostly flat. A lot of it was wetland, but we were able to find dry foot crossings by staying more on the west side. Occasionally we would come across a bit of trail and then it would disappear again. Around (-46.76362, -72.22212) where the track turns sharply east before heading north again, we switched to water shoes to cross the river. After that point we just left them on. As the track goes north again it enters a shallow canyon and we had to cross back and forth several times. We found a place to set up the tent near the stream at (-46.75834, -72.22028). A very short distance away (-46.75795, -72.22048) was a spot under some trees that was too small for an X-Mid 2, but would be nice for a 1-person tent or a smaller 2-person tent. It was fairly flat with nothing spikey and had great wind protection.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 11 - Feb 12<br /> <br /> We started the day in water shoes. All the way to the pass we crossed back and forth across the stream. It was never deeper than half-calf, and no serious current. There is a really beautiful lake at the top just before they pass. There is a trail along the west side, but it was so overgrown and muddy that we just walked in the water along the edge of the lake. The pass is a low pass. Going down the other side we struggled through a lot of it. We would find what looked like a good trail and follow it, and then it would just abruptly end leaving us to bushwack for some distance before finding another piece of it. It was strange how some sections would look almost meticulously maintained and then suddenly it would look as if there had never been a trail at all. The track files were very helpful, especially since there were other trail sections that led in different directions. At (-46.69923, -72.22451) there was an abandoned puesto with a single grave next to it. We camped inside the corral of the puesto. Just before it we had passed by the second private refuge. That one did not have as good of quality campsites and the toilet was a latrine with no water. Water access was further down the trail in the direction of the first Tyrolean traverse. That last 400 m is currently marked as CC in the track files, however a trail now exists there and is very easy to follow.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 12 - Feb 13<br /> <br /> We got up early to do the first ford. Water was crotch height (we're both about 165 cm) and with a good amount of current. The water was icy cold, milky and so hard to see through, and the bottom of the river had very large rocks so it was very uneven. It was one of the more challenging fords we've done. There is a second ford point listed in the track files, but we would not recommend using that point. It looks like a much easier ford, however in the far side there is a rock slide with very large rocks between it and the way to go forward on the trail. It looked to us like the area around the Tyrolean traverse was the only suitable place to cross. After the cross the trail follows the river for a couple hundred meters then heads very steeply up for a few hundred meters. Once up it was fairly easy to follow the trails, but we recommend again keeping an eye on the GPS as there were several trails, and while they often reconnected, sometimes they didn't. The second ford was just above the knee and with less current than the first, much easier for us. There was a flat area that would be good for camping on the far side. The trail then passed through open forest with a fairly clear trail, and through a few pastures where the trail disappeared. There seems to be less trail maintenance than in previous reports with a lot of downed trees not cleared. At around km 31 the trail heads downhill along a fence. There is a path that goes left to stay on the trail or goes right. We went right about 100 m and found an old puesto that has been completely broken down, but that has a nice flat area (-46.62948, -72.27663). We camped there for the night. Water was back out along the track through the fence. There was a side stream feeding into the river.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 13 - Feb 14<br /> <br /> We had to use water shoes to ford the side stream as even in the morning we couldn't find a suitable place to cross dry foot. The day was warm and sunny and the trail was very pleasant. In a few places other trails showed up. They usually rejoined later. A section of the GPT track had been washed out by the river, so there were a few CC areas. Towards the end the trail passes through an area where a fire has gone through a few years prior. We made it down to the road around 14:00. Hitching was not easy. Very few cars passed by and nearly all of them were full. After about two and a half hours someone picked us up and dropped us off in Puerto Guadal.<br /> <br /> <br /> We really enjoyed Opt 6 Fachinal and were very happy we chose to walk it. It was beautiful and had a varied landscape, and it felt very “GPT” compared to the park routes. We didn't see anyone else while we were on it. However we would recommend it as an exit since there is a lot of up and down and BB in parts that would be much easier without a full resupply. We would also recommend, if going NOBO, knowing the schedule for buses that pass along the road as it did seem that hitchhiking was not easy, and it was about 45 km or so of rather unpleasant, exposed and dusty road walking in either direction to the nearest towns. During the 24/25 season there were supposedly buses passing one direction or the other at least once during the day every day except Saturday. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> ''' 2025-Jan-28 to 2025-Jan-30/3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RH / Davide Materia '''<br /> <br /> I pretty much had the same experience of MiamZelt, with same camping locations as him.<br /> Details:<br /> 1- day. I would probably camp either a bit up than were he suggested, or a bit further down, as there are spots of grass created by dried pond, which if dry enough are perfect location for a tent, in general the location of the first camp is not ideal, many rocks and not that easy to find a spot. This mountain can get pretty windy, I would in general restrain myself from starting the section in bad weather, as even in good weather the wind is really strong, this also suggest why good care must be paid for the location of the tent.<br /> 2 trail is next to impossible to keep without gps, I doubt it even exist a real single trail. One good trick here is to jump over the fence and stay always on the right but following the fence until the gpx track and the former diverge. At that point there is a bit more of &quot;grass-bashing&quot; but you are getting closer to the off-track road. For the rest, I hitchhiked to the park once I reached the road and went to camping valle Hermosa, and damn Hermosa it was!!! Resting next to the river under the sun was the best moment in this section.<br /> 3 I kept following the track. Many fordings, more than the 2nd day. Luckily I restrained myself from the temptation of packrafting the river beside the trail as ~15km before Casa Piedra it gets inside canyons and becomes a deathtrap, there's a reason if Jan didn't do it by packraft, as always.<br /> Camping Casa Piedra actually has hot shower if the stove warming up the water has been turned on quite in advance, no such luck for me...<br /> <br /> 4-The next day after deciding to not do Rio chacabuco given all the bad reports of previous years I hiked around 2 hours on the road until some locals picked me up to cochrane.<br /> <br /> Awesome section, one I will remember for a long time<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-23 to 2024-Jan-28 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus at 9am to skip the paved road walk.<br /> <br /> After puesto 15.8km the gpx files are CC but there's a trail on OSM which we loosely followed to pass 20.8km, worked out well.<br /> <br /> Very exposed and windy from 19km to 32km. <br /> <br /> Camp 32.6km was wet, we camped about 500m further.<br /> <br /> Got a hitch around 43.5km to park ranger 53km. Paid 11,400 each entrance.<br /> <br /> Camp 53.3km and 61.7km have been taken over by caterpillars.<br /> <br /> Ford 66.4km about knee deep at about 6pm on a rainy day.<br /> <br /> Camped at valle hermosa 68.1km - well sheltered in the forest but lots of people.<br /> <br /> Fords 68.4 - 71.6km, 79.3, 82.6, 86.2 all below the knee and easy in the morning after a rainy day.<br /> <br /> Camped at 88.6km - slight protected from the wind.<br /> <br /> Camped at 98.9km Casa Piedra to wait out some bad weather. 8k pp. WiFi, cooking room, warm showers.<br /> <br /> Camped at Refuge 118.3km some wind protection but not great.<br /> <br /> Easy walk out, camp 136.9km looked nice we debated staying but walked out instead.<br /> Trail condition is really good after 139.1km so is pretty fast<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-Jan-13 to 2025-Jan-17 / 5 days Hiking / SOBO/ RR + Variant L / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> I very much enjoyed this lovely section. Took the bus to skip the first 6.5km of Roadwalk. CC was indeed easy, on the way up i didn't follow the Track very closely. Crazy windy between km 19-30. Surprinsingly there were some small areas that had way less wind. Guess it should be possible to find a campspot somehow sheltered by the curves of the landscape, when you can't make it further. Camp {35} [32.6/1300] is exposed and has no shelter besides from the tiny stonewall. Camped here: -46.722612, -71.904105. Was sheltered by the valley and fits a 1 person tent, wind was ok. 100m below there is a spot which can fit a 2 person tent. While sitting in the tent 2 german GPT hikers arrived and took the spot below. I very much enjoyed their company. <br /> <br /> Day 2 i could follow animal trails very often. Walked 4km on the road until i got a hitch. Entrance fee was 11400 for foreigner. You have to pay online, but they have WiFi. Tons of black caterpillars everywhere, gets better after Laguna Verde. Trail was in very good shape. Ford {35} [67.0/877] was up to the knees. Stayed at Camp Valle Hermoso, which is very good sheltered by the forest. <br /> <br /> Day 3 i met no one, until i reached the camp. Trail was 99% in good shape, few meters overgrown with young beech trees. -46.89382, -72.161099 campspots with shelter from the forest. All fords were easy. Stayed at Camping Casa Piedra. 8000 per person, can pay cash or card. They have WiFi, Room to cook inside and a shower (not hot). Most campspots are sheltered by trees or buildings. Spots next to buildings were occupied by carcampers. Trees provided good protection, although 80km/h winds according to Windy. <br /> <br /> Sendero 7 Lagunas was mostly in good to ok shape, <br /> only in few parts the trail isn't visible at all. -47.094236, -72.286568 near pass has lots of flat space and is sheltered by the forest. Small stream here: -47.097866, -72.285581. Also flat areas nearby to create a makeshift campsite. Later the only sources for water were the lakes. Refuge, X {35} [119.1/716] is collapsed, but flat space protected by trees and bushes for one bigger tent. Water from the lake. Stayed at small flat space with very little wind here -47.140176, -72.372035 and listened to the birds. <br /> <br /> Day 5 was mostly straight forward. Saw 2 Huemuls near the Minor Road. Lago Cochrane is a real gem. Open and abandoned huts here: -47.198091, -72.457465. There was a sign, saying danger becaus of rodents. Maybe not good to sleep in, but would be a good shelter in heavy rain. 1km later i saw the first dayhikers. Lot's of steep ups and downs at Sendero Carpinteros, but very beautiful. Got a hitch to Cochrane after 1.5km on the paved road. <br /> <br /> *'''GPT 35 SOBO RR // hiking, hitchhiking // 4 days 1-4.01.2025 Maks &amp; Gabi'''<br /> <br /> Simply magical section with lots of guanacos, birds and beautiful landscapes. We hitchhiked the first 8 km and then from Casa de Piedra to Cochrane. <br /> CC parts were quite easy and visible, later on when entering the park by Lago Jeinimeni the trail is incredibly well maintained. You can buy a ticket by the entrance because the is a wi-fi.<br /> <br /> One thing that is worth taking into account when planning the hike, are insects - there are tons of mosquitos and quite a lot of horseflies. Furthermore the ranger (Jeinimeni entrance) warned us about black worms that are in the forests (not sure what is the name in eng). For that reason we did not sleep at the camping by the lake (see pictures), choosing a camp spot by the bridge at 50.0 km instead. It is better not to camp by the trees. <br /> If you have a spare moment we really recommend the visitors center near Casa de Piedra as they have a really nice museum. If you already bought a ticket to the park it is free of charge.<br /> <br /> About trail itself it's hard to say something new compare to the previous notes. There was no snow, all ford's easy to cross.<br /> <br /> *'''2024-Nov-08 to 2024-Nov-16 / 8.5 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Jonas'''<br /> Day 01: 08.11.2024<br /> Arrived by ferry from Puerto Ibanez in Chile Chico at 1430. Started walking right away. Caught a ride for about 3 km. After street, needed to open fence and door.<br /> Dog kept following all day. Couldn't make him leave.<br /> Settlers (mother &amp; daughter) offered a ride but kept walking. Camp spot at 14.1 was too wet to stay there. Looked for another spot. Nothing was good, wanted to look after puesto at 15.8. settlers offered me mate and asked if I wanna pitch my tent here since it got late. Stayed close to their place. Same settler family who offered me a ride.<br /> <br /> Day 02: 09.11.2024<br /> Starting from the settlers puesto CC had light snow when packing my tent. Didn't follow the route exactly. On the way to the first pass, saw the first guanacos. Started snowing stronger. Didn't follow the track or the OSM path to avoid snowfields. Tried to follow the trails but not always possible. Stronger snow and windy. After the first pass went too far to the east to avoid snowfields, thought it'd be easy to come back to the trail but took a longer detour. At least saw the first flamingos! In the plateau it was crazy windy. Sometimes followed track, sometimes OSM. Often in between because of snowfields. Snowfields were not steep, just wanted to avoid them. More guanacos only on the way down. Camp at 32.6 was too wet. ~250 m further down found a protected spot close to a small river/creek.<br /> <br /> Day 03: 10.11.2024<br /> Woke up late. Water in pot was frozen about 1 cm thick. Walked down, saw a lot of bones. Followed not the OSM track. Crossed the fence relatively far to the west. CC walking was nice. Maybe as others mentioned there is a path sooner if you cross/stay further east. Hit the dirt road and walked to the main dirt road. Already afternoon. First Pick Up stopped and gave me a ride to the park entrance. Didn't book the ticket before. You can book it at the CONAF station with their WiFi for the same day. 11.400 CLP for the entrance. Camping is free. Walked to camp Raleigh (about two hours) and found a nice spot there.<br /> <br /> Day04: 11.11.2024<br /> Short day. Started late, trail easy to follow. In the beginning keep left if other trails are there. First fording section is well marked in the track files. Keep your shoes off until Ford Stop. Climb to pass is sometimes steep but easy. Climb down is ready with stunning view of Valle Hermoso. Some parts with some rock slides. After descend two rivers to ford. Until camp Valle Hermoso some stretches in wind protected first in the river bed, some stretches in open river bed. Easy to follow. Camp Valle Hermoso has two roofed areas.<br /> <br /> Day 05 12.11.2024<br /> Started from camp Valle Hermoso. If you keep south you can avoid all the fords. At least at this time of the year. <br /> Trail is easy walking, landscape is stunning! Did a detour to Laguna Escondida. Nice and windy up there. To get there keep close to the track files. <br /> Only needed to take the boots off for the ford at 79.3. The rest was easy to navigate around or enough rocks/trees in the river.<br /> Camped at refuge 81.0 at the broken down cabin.<br /> <br /> Day 06: 13.11.2024<br /> Easy walking all day. Trail was easy to follow. Needed to ford once.<br /> The bridge at 90.9 is something if you're afraid of heights.<br /> Arrived early at Casa Piedra. Could use the infrastructure including warmish water. Since I said I won't pass the ranger station it was fine without paying.<br /> <br /> Day 07: 14.11.2024<br /> Trail is easy to follow. Lago Gutierrez looks amazing and quite windy. Some beach walking off track is nice. After Lago Gutierrez the trail is mainly easy to follow. Checked the GPS every now and then. Climb to the pass takes some time. Filled water up at a stream at the end of Lago Gutierrez. There was on running stream in the middle of the stretch to the pass. Not sure if it has water all year. Way down is through a beautiful forest. Nice views of the valley along the way. Some trees on the path but easy enough to climb them or walk around them. <br /> Stayed at the collapsed refuge. Enough wind protection even though it was quite windy.<br /> <br /> Day 08: 15.11.2024<br /> Trail was easy to follow in the forest. Outside the forest check your GPS when you think you might be off trail. <br /> Water in the beginning mainly from the lakes, later streams existed as well. Took the MR on the RR easy fast walking, no GPS checking necessary. Settler at 138.7 wasn't there passed by his house and followed the RR on a horse trail. Camped at around 142 at Lago Cochrane. Beautiful lake with clear water.<br /> <br /> Day 09: 16.11.2024<br /> For the last 12 km it was easy to follow the trail. Quite some up and down. Nice views on the lake. Arrived the CONAF office at lunch time. Did a self checkout. Stayed in Cochrane for two nights before the next bus to Villa O'Higgins left.<br /> <br /> Really nice hike! Due to the time of the year I only met one other hiker. It snowed a bit in the first days but not too much. Trails were generally easy to follow. Fording was not too much, might be different at another time.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Dec-14 to 2024-Dec-18 / 4.5 / Hiking / SOBO/ RR + Variant J, L / Roman'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Route: Hitchhiked from Chile Chico to X {35} [8.1/505]. Hiked to X {35} [41.5/768]. Hitchhiked from there to Park Ranger {35} [53.0/843] and hiked from there to -47.244414, -72.529165 and hitchhiked from there to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> Started in the Morning in Chile Chico and and started hiking at X {35} [8.1/505]. It's a small easy hiking road up to Puesto {35} [15.8/1075]. It's easy CC. I camped at Camp {35} [32.6/1300]. The next day was a easy hike to X {35} [41.5/768]. I was waiting 25 minutes for the first car to come by which picked me up around 11:30 AM - so prepared to either walk or wait quite some time. At the Ranger Station (Park Ranger {35} [53.0/843]) is fesh water, a toilet. There you have free internet via starlink. I have heard multiple stories and read multiple prices for entry. I would recommend to just show up. You will scan the QR code and buy the ticket online. I said that I hike to &quot;Casa Piedra camping&quot;. I had to buy the ticket &quot;Parque Nacional Patagonia - Sector Chacabuco&quot; for 5.200 CLP. Link here: https://tickets.pasesparques.cl/events/parque-nacional-patagonia-sector-chacabuco . From there i hiked to Camped at Refuge {35} [69.0/867] there are multiple fordings (river bed walking) which had a few banks and tables and a shelter hut. The next day hiked to Camp $, Refuge {35} [99.8/379] (Casa dePiedra). The Camp has electricity and a warm (not hot ;)) shower and toilets and 3 rooms with benches and tables for cooking etc. I was staying there with 2 other people and the Ranger. Apparently the Ranger doesn't collect/want money - i/we didn't needed to pay. There is Apparently a lady coming from time to time to collect a fee - so we were lucky. The trail was maintained and easy to hike. At the beginning there was some fording.<br /> <br /> The next day I camped at Refuge {35} [131.2/556] which is only a emergency shelter but has some flat spots to pich a tent. The trail is not maintained and is sometimes very good or not visible at all - you need you GPS! Overall good easy to hike with some fallen trees. There is a bridge at -47.160823, -72.407796 also with water which makes the Refuge a great place to say. Picture of bridge https://imgur.com/a/ZydIQ7f and Refuge: https://imgur.com/a/NDMT0FP . After that it's a easy hike all the way to -47.244414, -72.529165 where I hitchhiked to Cochrane. I haven't camped there but this location looked like the best stay you could get in the trail here: https://imgur.com/a/rtak82Q. -47.198106, -72.457406 close to Camp {35} [138.4/173].<br /> <br /> Stayed at Camping, Refugio ,Cabaña y HostelCochrane which i can highly recommend (camping 7k, dorm 9k, laundry 5k and a supermarket across the street)<br /> <br /> Contact: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-Dec-13 to 2024-Dec-17 / 5 days / GPT35 SOBO RR / wiiiim<br /> Relatively uncomplicated &amp; fast section, lots of info exists so just a summary here. In essence it feels like 3 parts<br /> <br /> - part 1 Chile Chico to the park entrance: mostly cross country over a barren plateau with lots of animals. I arranged a taxi out of Chile Chico to skip the first 9km of road walk at 7am for an early start - Alexis +56 9 7971 5823. Surprisingly lots of water on this section.<br /> <br /> - part 2 Park entrance to Casa de Piedra, park fee is 11400, very easy going, well marked trail, lots of water<br /> <br /> - part 3 Casa de piedra to Cochrane, somewhat overgrown, less water, mostly from the lagunas so good to have a filter<br /> <br /> I took the bus from Cochrane to Villa O’Higgins, it runs every Monday, Wednesday &amp; Saturday at 8:30am (returning the next day), it’s a small publicly funded bus (8400 pesos) with about 25 seats, they typically want you to buy a ticket in person in Cochrane in the bus terminal upstairs (I believe the company is Gardy?), I got a ticket the afternoon before and it had 5 seats left.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2024-Dec-12 to 2024-Dec-14 / 3 days go and back / GPT35 SOBO option 1 by car and Regular Road with a little part of option D and OH-CC-A-{35-06} to the first laguna/ Julien Mamari <br /> <br /> All the way to the Releigh Camp is really easy and try with bridges.<br /> Into the Releigh Camp and the 3rd camp you have 2 rivers to cross with the Gloria pass but it's really easy with sandals... Water to the knees maximum (on my time)<br /> If you go to the first Laguna (option 6) on the right sise of valley better beguin on the left side for around 1km then you have obligation to cross and the best its to keep always on de right side, it's dry.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-07 to 2024-Nov-10 / 4 days with one day of rest at home of Daniel “Huemul” / GPT35 Regular Route SOBO from Kilometer 100 to 150 / Sendero 7 Lagunas / Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> This scenic route inside Parque Patagonia is officially closed due to lack of trail maintenance but still easily traversable. As we entered from the north we did not speak with any Conaf personnel and learned about the closure when exiting this route in Cochrane.<br /> <br /> The GPT track file 2024 precisely documents the official route of Sendero 7 Lagunas from Kilometer 37 to Kilometer 5 (GPT35 Regular Route) where the Regular Route connects on other trails to Cochrane. Note that the OSM data is in large parts incorrect. OSM is showing a now partially overgrown and less attractive routing on disused trails and minor roads. So all topographic maps based on OSM data are unreliable in this respect.<br /> <br /> About 30% of the trail is clearly visible, about 60% of the trail is vaguely visible and 10% of the trail are invisible as trail. There is just a trail mark every kilometer but no other visual aids to follow the official trail. This makes frequent GPS verifications essential. Without a GPS and without the correct tracks loaded to the GPS hikers get inevitably lost numerous times and it would be very time consuming to find the correct trail just based on visual references. But with a GPS it’s easy to stay on the trail.<br /> <br /> There was no snow left on the 1126 m high pass.<br /> <br /> In the forest numerous fallen trees block the trail but there is always an easy way around.<br /> <br /> There are no noteworthy river crossings and the trail is dry. Water can be obtained regularly at smaller streams or at the lakes.<br /> <br /> There are numerous potential camp sites except from the northern trail head and the 1126 m high pass. This northern end is mostly wind exposed with very little shelter to pitch a tent.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-02 to 2024-Nov-05 / 4 days (but 50 km hitchhiked) / Hiking / SOBO / Option 4 (Ruta RP41 in Argentina) / Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> This option provides an alternative to the weather-exposed regular route of GPT35. Therefore this option should be considered early or late in the season (October, November or April) or whenever poor weather makes the regular route of GPT35 unsafe. This option is east of the Andes main mountain chain in Argentina and the clouds that typically come from the west unload most snow and rain while crossing the higher peaks in Chile. Anyway, the maximum altitude of just under 1500 m should not be undermined. Up on the pass area, weather can become unpleasant all year around.<br /> <br /> This road walking option is certainly not as attractive as the regular route but the insignificant traffic and the scenic scenery makes it a worthwhile hiking choice. The landscape is that attractive that one tour company in Los Antiguos offers guided excursions along this route.<br /> <br /> This option connects back to regular route of GPT35 at the trailhead of “Sendero 7 Lagunas” that becomes also traversable early in the season (October or November).<br /> <br /> Route description:<br /> <br /> The border crossing from Chile to Argentina is a 13 km hike or hitchhike as there is not organized public transport. Argentines rarely check luggage of backpackers, therefore bringing all supplies from Chile should not cause problems. Don’t be surprised when Argentine border controls don’t stamp your passport on entry. It’s not any more a given, that all travelers with passports receive an entry stamp when crossing into Argentina.<br /> <br /> Before starting on RP41 consider a good meal in Los Antiguos.<br /> <br /> The first 43 km on RP41 from Los Antiguos to Estancia Los Alamos are wind-exposed and dry. We were lucky to ride most of this stretch on the back of a pickups truck. From the road we could only see one more reliable water source at kilometer 39.5. And descending 100 to 200 m into gorge of Rio Jenimeni just to refill water supplies seams an ordeal that should be avoided.<br /> <br /> The owners of Estancia Los Alamos are welcoming and helpful. We were invited for lunch and offered a bed for a night. But to get moving we opted to start hiking in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Estancia La Frontera at kilometer 46 of RP41 just after the bridge over Rio Zaballos seams also to offer accommodation on request. And here starts the more scenic part with patches of forest and more regular water streams crossing the road.<br /> <br /> At kilometer 54 of RP41 by-passes are welcome to camp just next to Rio Lincoln. Here we spend our first night.<br /> <br /> At kilometer 64 of RP41 the last patches of forest are left behind and exposed but scenic landscape is crossed.<br /> <br /> The highest point of RP41 (“portezuelo”) is reached at kilometer 76 with just under 1500 m. The last snowmelt washed a part of road away stopping currently most transit traffic but hikers and bikers can cross this damaged road section without problems.<br /> <br /> While walking from Rio Lincoln up to the “portezuelo” the wind and the light snowfall increased. But compared to the weather in Chile at the same time our conditions where quite manageable. The lack of wind-sheltered places keep us moving to kilometer 79 of RP41. Here, an unlocked puesto with a wood stove provided a surprisingly convenient shelter for our second night en route. We just had to seal some gaps in the walls to reduce the wind and snow from entering our temporary refuge. When getting up on the next morning a thin layer of fresh snow covered everything around us.<br /> <br /> The descent to Paso Roballos at kilometer 96 of RP41 traverses open but scenic landscape with little natural shelter. <br /> <br /> The best places to camp after the pass are:<br /> Kilometer 79: unlocked puesto<br /> Kilometer 87: maybe near puesto at 47°06'47&quot;S 71°50'00&quot;W<br /> Kilometer 96: the crossing to Paso Roballos 2 km before the Argentine border control <br /> <br /> At the Argentine border control camping is not permitted.<br /> <br /> When exiting Argentina make sure to get an exit stamp. This stamp is required to enter into Chile.<br /> <br /> Another good option is the abandoned Chilean military post 4 km after the Argentine border control. Most buildings of this small compound are sealed closed but one shelter is open and one mostly closed veranda provided good shelter for us for one night while rain and snow made pitching a tent less pleasant.<br /> <br /> The Chilean border control is 11 km inland from the border.<br /> <br /> From the Chilean border control it’s another 26 km to the trail head of “Sendero 7 Lagunas” with a brilliant camp site halfway (“camping alto valle”).<br /> <br /> * '''Note:''' The RR was changed between Lago Jeinemeni and Lago Verge in October 2024, so numbering of options in the reports below might be slightly off.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 14 to 2024 Mar 19 / 5.5 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Maddi and Tom'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Hiked out of Cochrane after lunch in light rain. Hiked up Sendero Las Aguilas then Las Lengas, easy trail and well defined. Rain got heavier as we approached Laguna El Cangrejo. Camped on the west side of the lake, started snowing lightly as we set up. One of the colder nights and we considered turning back and taking the lower route as we weren't sure how passable Laguna Altas would be in the snow.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Woke up to a snowy morning so decided to wait it out in the tent. Packed up once it stopped around 11am and followed Sendero Los Condores. Luckily had a bit of sun as we went over the pass but as we were coming down the other side the rain and wind picked up. Abandoned our plans to hike the Lagunas Altas circuit and instead followed it straight down to Westwind campsite. Sat there for a bit hoping to see a puma but only guanaco in sight. Hiked towards Valle Chacabuco hoping for a hitch but no cars came past. Kept walking along Paso Roballos trying for a hitch, eventually a couple from the UK picked us up and dropped us at Casa Piedra. Spent the night there and got a hot shower which was excellent after all the rain and snow. Didn't end up paying any entry fees for the park or the camping as noone asked.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Got up fairly early to overcast day but no rain. Followed the eastern branch of the Sendero Aviles which was clearly marked and easy to follow. The bridge over the canyon is fun to rejoin the west branch of the trail. Kept following the track along, easy going until you hit the river bed and then there are many crossings back and forth. We did a bit of dodgy scrambling up the banks to avoid getting wet feet. We were going to push on but it started raining lightly about 4pm so we set up camp in the trees along the river. Another group joined us later that night as it was raining heavily and it was the first flat and clear spot.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Started along the track, excellent views as you pass Cerro Jeinimeni. Fairly easy track down to the next river, followed by a lot of walking in the river bed. Gave in and just walked through the water to Lago Verde. Crossings were never really over ankle deep. Track around Lago Verde is fine to follow with excellent views. Very windy as we got over the pass and the path down is quite eroded (but manageable). Hiked around to Raleigh. There is a new suspension bridge over the river at Raleigh that connects to Sendero Laguna Esmerelda. It isn't marked on Gaia or Maps Me so a group behind us went around the other way and had to do a hip deep river crossing. Going via Raleigh and Sendero Esmerelda avoids all river crossings and is an easy track to follow. Hiked all the way to El Silencio for the night, noone there so didn't pay any fees.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Started the hike out along the road hoping for a hitch but no cars went by. Headed up the plateau following a minor road, then relying on GPS and animal tracks. Lots of guanaco. Kept hiking up the hill as the wind picked up. Found a camp spot somewhat out of the wind towards the top of the plateau with a small river passing by for water. Started snowing as we went to sleep.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Woke up to a few cms of snow on the ground and tent and started a very frosty walk up and over the plateau. Lots of guanaco around but not much else other than snow. Luckily the sun came out as we were coming back down the other side as it was freezing up the top and was difficult navigating with the snow cover. Once it cleared we had awesome views of the Torres de Avellano and the lake. The descent track is pretty eroded and very slippery in parts where mud is hidden under small stones. Eventually joined up to the minor road and followed it down to Ruta 265. I had a weird phenomenon with my shoes picking up enormous amounts of sticky mud on the minor road, making my feet a few kgs heavier and having to scrape it off every 100m. Got a hitch to Chile Chico from Ruta 265.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-12 to 2024-Mar-17 / 4 + 2×0.5 = 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH D + F / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: RR [0.0-16.7]<br /> <br /> I startet around 2 pm and did not try to hitch the first 8 km on the primary road. There is a good flowing stream at the water marker (km 12.2) and at the camp (km 14.1). The flat spot that is camp 14.1 is swampy and therefore not ideal for camping. I camped at -46.60658, -71.80980 which is at least a little bit wind protected. There is also a stream on the other side of the RR close to this spot. <br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [16.7-48.2]<br /> <br /> There was plenty of water. The RR was covered in snow from about km 23 to 28. I took a CC shortcut from km 40.8 to 42.7. I camped at -46.810258, -71.965073.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [48.2-59.1] + OSM trail to Laguna Verde + OH35-D + RR [62.4-88.9] + OH35-F + RR [70.3-78.9]<br /> <br /> The park gate at km 50.1 is open from 9 am to 5 pm. But the ranger didn't mind, that I entered before 9 am. I paid 17000 Pesos at the ranger station (km 53). This fee allows camping at all the Campgrounds in the park. I followed the official park trail which branches off at km 59,1 to Laguna Verde. From there it returns via OH35-D to the RR. All fords today were below my knees. After km 75.5 the RR was partially flooded and you had to walk through some branches. Therefore I sometimes walked in the river bed on the eastern side of Rio Aviles. I camped at km 78.9. Its an official campground of the park, but there is nothing. But its flat and wind protected.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [78.9-106.3]<br /> <br /> The roof of the refuge at km 93.9 is collapsed. Casa de Piedra is a real house with bathrooms and some common rooms to hang out and probably sleep. I camped on the lakeshore at -47.074614, -72.25701. I would not recommend this spot for windy nights.<br /> <br /> Day 5: RR [106.3-137.6]<br /> <br /> The next reliable water source after Lago Gutierrez (km 106.3) is a stream at km 113.8. Its possible to camp just south of the pass (km 110.8). I did a shortcut from km 129.1 to 130.3. I had to cross a small swampy area for that. Camping at km 137.6 is nice.<br /> <br /> Day 6: RR [137.6-150.4]<br /> <br /> Nice campsite at km 146.0 (RN Tamango) with sheltered tables and spots for camping. I stayed at camping calafate in Cochrane (-47.254013, -72.568419). It has a kitchen with common area (heated by wood oven), wifi and hot showers for 7000 pp.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-24 to 2024-Mar-01 / 6.5 days / &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO / RR+&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;RP&lt;/span&gt; / Lauren &amp; Seb'''<br /> <br /> Much has been said about this section, so we will share only our impressions.<br /> <br /> Day 1: After reaching wp Settler {35} [8.9/539] by taxi in the early evening, we hiked a short distance and camped at wp Camp {35} [14.1/923]. On a windy day it’s basically unprotected in a narrow valley. There was no wind that day, making it a spot with a great view.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Upon reaching the plateau, it felt like a guanaco/flamencos safari as previously described. To get up there, you have to CC on one manageable steep stretch. Follow the dotted line in OSM relatively far to the left and not the GPT files. We camped north of wp Water {35} [28.1/1579].<br /> <br /> Day 3: We headed across the pass and amazing views opened up before us. On the downhill, follow the GPT line until you reach a fence. Go through the fence on the left end and follow the fence line towards wp Puesto {35} [34.6/1191]. From the side of the puesto, you can easily follow well trodded horse tracks along the fence line until -46.75064, -71.89899. Follow the trails along the river towards the south until you hit the MR. We stopped for the night at wp Camp {35} [42.9+0.2/713].<br /> <br /> Day 4: Cars did not appear until after 10am but we eventually got a ride to the park entrance. From here, the more touristy part begins. Once inside the park we decided to walk the MR around Lago Jeinemeni and only inflated the packraft at Lago Verde. This was an absolutely great paddle on the most turquoise waters and we were lucky with the afternoon wind. We stayed the night at Refuge {35} [68.1/867]. <br /> <br /> Day 5: The next part has lots of fording so expect slow progress. We left our crocs on for the next 3 km. Well marked trail through the forest and across the pass. On the other side, however there is a new official route which starts here -46.87696, -72.17213 and requires more fording. The old trail still exists and no fording was necessary. Stick to the GPS here if you want to save time taking your shoes off! The rest of the way down the valley was enjoyable and we stayed the night just before wp Ford {35} [82.6/805].<br /> <br /> Day 6: Easy hiking down to Camp Piedra where we stayed and camped early.<br /> <br /> Day 7: We started paddling Rio Chacabuco the next morning, but I would advise packrafters against doing so (at least in the late season). Conditions of the river included low water levels with frequent ground contact and many trees in the water. The river splits often, making the already low water even lower and obstacles in the tightly winding corners become even more tricky. First time that we hit a tree since we are on the GPT. As if that wasn’t enough, wind picked up early and forced us out of the water. We decided to water-out here -47.05177, -72.29040 and hiked up the road, where a car took us towards Cochrane after 2 hours.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-27 to 2024-Mar-04 / 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {35-S} - {35-D} - RR - {35-J} - RR - {35-L} - RR / Lilian &amp; Rainbow '''<br /> <br /> Safari = GPT35, we saw foxes, bunny, flamingos, ostrich, owl, woodpecker, and more than 100 guanacos at this section!<br /> <br /> We standing at the end of town more than 1 hour and found that it is really difficult to hitch out by low traffic. So we go to tourist information ask for help maybe a ride, a man at there said he can take us to x[8.1/505] for 10k CLP, but lastly he just took us to the junction at km5.9, and said he don't want to drive on a non paved road, then don't wait us to respond and throw our backpacks out from his car immediately, and ask for the money.<br /> <br /> So, DON'T ask any ride in tourist information at Chile Chico, they cheated our trust.<br /> <br /> Km12 : flat spot (-46.57669, -71.82779) can fit some tents at other side of a stream, the stream is flowing good and dry feet crossable by rock hopping.<br /> <br /> Km12.75 : viewpoint(-46.58294, -71.82549) of a valley with sky blue colour, super beautiful, don't miss it!<br /> <br /> Camp[14.1/923] : grassland spot, a small stream is flowing low beside it.<br /> <br /> Km16.6 : flat spot(-46.60658, -71.80980), have some covers can stay away from the wind tunnel in valley at north.(wind from north)<br /> <br /> After this spot, no more camping spot or flat spot have wind protection until camp[32.6/1300]. Wind is crazy at the plateau.<br /> <br /> Camp[32.6/1300] : tiny wind protection from a rock wall, just fit 1 tent for it. Better wind protection nearby camp[42.9/713].<br /> <br /> Short cut CC from 38.2 to 42.7, it doesn't save much time, better follow GPX track, MR is completely finished and super easy to walk. It also walk beside some beautiful meadows that are nice to camp(no wind protection).<br /> <br /> Camp[42.9/713] : spots at a wet muddy road. Better spots nearby at (-46.79053, -71.91127), dry and 2-3 sides wind protection by bushes, can fit many tents there.<br /> <br /> Didn't see any cars going south at morning, so road walking all the way to entrance. 11k CLP for entrance fee, 6k CLP for camping fee, total 17k CLP, can pay by credit card.<br /> <br /> Camp,$,bridge,lake[53.3/852] : El Silencio campsite and Lago Jeinemeni. This campsite is a little bit crown with car camping, and the lake is amazing beautiful!<br /> <br /> HIGHLY RECOMMEND walking on the shore of lake from km56.65 - km57.75(from the junction of viewpoint, to the point that trail met the beach), easy, dry feet and excellent beautiful!<br /> <br /> Bridge[58.9/856] : after this bridge, follow south route ( {35-S} &amp; RP{35} ) to Lago Verde, then take the bridge(-46.86056, -72.07982) to cross the river. Lastly follow {35-D} rejoin RR. Dry feet.<br /> <br /> Lake [59.2/840] : Laguna Esmeralda. Didn't find any camping possibilities. Better views at trail.<br /> <br /> Refuge[61.7/856] : beside Laguna Esmeralda, a super blue lake. This refuge is not a cabin, just a shelter with 3 side wooden wall, good wind protection, but I'm not sure about heavy rain, because i saw many holes at the wall. Better camping spot with views beside the lake(not much wind protection).<br /> <br /> Ford start/end[63.4/896] : late season, all the way easy dry feet crossing, walking on log or rock hopping.<br /> <br /> Pass[64.5/1132] : no camping spot here, the spot shown on OSM, is already covered by many blowdowns. Nice viewpoint(-46.84093, -72.10324) of Lago Verde just SW of here.<br /> <br /> Ford[66.1/877] : better river crossing point at (-46.83741, -72.11991), there is a sign at another side of river. Below knee, easy.<br /> <br /> Ford[66.4/859] : river breaks into some parts, below knee, easy.<br /> <br /> Refuge[68.1/867] : shelter with 2 walls, nice weather protection. Refuge with 4 walls, but huge air tunnel at ceiling, so just wind protection. A sign book inside refuge too. Camping spots at here can fit lot of tents, mostly have some wind protection, but not much, because trees are too tall, and just 1 spot behind a blowdowns have well wind protection.<br /> <br /> Fords[68.4/869] - [71.6/905] : lot of river crossing, some trail can go around the river, but not much help and they are overgrown, so finally you need to be crossing and crossing then wet feet.<br /> <br /> Km74.7 : camping spot(-46.87204, -72.17630), can fit 3-4 tents with some weather protection by the forest. Have a shelter made by logs here, can squat 1-2 hiker inside for emergency, but not much help, because it is really small and too many holes on it.<br /> <br /> Km75.7 : camping spot(-46.87886, -72.16954), can fit 3-4 tents with some weather protection by the forest.<br /> <br /> Km78.9 :camping spot(-46.90498, -72.15591), and some more spots nearby, total can fit 4-6 tents with some weather protection by the forest.<br /> <br /> Ford[79.3/846] : Below knee, easy.<br /> <br /> Refuge[81.0/819] : no refuge, no shelter. Camping spot with views can fit 2 tents but no protection.<br /> <br /> Ford[82.6/805] : Below knee. Camping spot(-46.93485, -72.15869), can fit 2 tents with not much weather protection by the bushes, before the crossing.<br /> <br /> Km83.3 : camping spot(-46.94089, -72.15600), can fit 2-3 tents with some weather protection by some trees. Also one spot at south but not much protection.<br /> <br /> Km84.7 : camping spot(-46.95268, -72.15123), can fit 1 tent with some weather protection by some brushes.<br /> <br /> Km88.6 : camping spot(-46.98397, -72.15988), can fit 2 tents with weather protection by some trees and brushes. Flat area nearby can fit many tents with good views but no protection.<br /> <br /> Bridge[90.9/635] : classic bridge! Worth to take a look and walk on it!<br /> <br /> We took {35-J} instead RR here, because less puds, also walking on a plateau looks like more scenic.<br /> <br /> {35-J} Km5 : viewpoint(-47.03902, -72.19077) of the whole valley, very beautiful! Don't miss it!<br /> <br /> Camp,$,refuge[98.9/379] : Casa de Piedra campground. Have some shelters with picnic table for cooking, and a refuge with hot(warm) shower, toilet and some tables for meals. If you decide to camp here, please expect sleep late. This spot mostly are campers and tourists. They'll speaking and cooking until 10 or 11 or midnight.<br /> <br /> You can take a shuttle form here to Cochrane(30k CLP per person) or Camping Los West Wind(15k CLP per person)<br /> <br /> Time schedule: 9am Cochrane - 9.45am Museo, 10am Museo - 10.15am Camping Los West Wind, 10.30am Camping Los West Wind - 10.45am Museo, 12noon Museo - 1pm Camping Casa de Piedra, 4.30pm Camping Casa de Piedra - 5.15pm Museo, 5.30pm Museo - 6.30pm Cochrane<br /> <br /> Start from here, the trail is not maintained anymore, but still in good condition.<br /> <br /> Km103 : Lago Gutierrez, amazing beautiful lake, have some minutes i thought back to Norway again.<br /> <br /> Km103.85 : a small stream(-47.07911, -72.22738) flowing good with clear water, easy to collect.<br /> <br /> Pass[110.8/1126] : some fresh snow remain at here.<br /> <br /> Km112.45 : emergency camping spot(-47.10718, -72.28893), the ground is a little soft, but is flat and some wind protection, can fit many tents here.<br /> <br /> Km116.9 : Laguna Guagua. Camping spot(-47.13350, -72.30170), can fit 2-3 tents with some wind protection from west by bushes, SW of the spot have a side trail to lake. BUT, DON'T go for {35-02A} back to RR, it is completely CC and BB with spike plants, not fun. Better CC climbing up to RR from camping spot directly.<br /> <br /> Refuge,X[118.3/716] : no refuge, it is collapsed. The woods becomes a super small shelter here. If you lost your backpack, crawling inside maybe can save your life. Otherwise just for photos snapping function.<br /> <br /> From here to km125.0, you will walk beside 3 lakes, didn't see any wind protection camping spots there, but if you have good luck at a no wind night, you maybe find some spots at the last lake.<br /> <br /> Km125.0 : road walking start. Flat spot with some wind protection on the road can fit 1-2 tents at here too.<br /> <br /> Km125.9 : junction of RR and {35-L}, because the road is too easy to walk and follow, we completely miss this junction and walk a long time then realised RR is a different way, so we keep going on {35-L} and rejoin RR later.<br /> <br /> {35-L} km3.6 : a small stream(-47.17383, -72.37063) flowing good with clear water, easy to collect. Flat spot can fit 1-2 tents after the crossing.<br /> <br /> We walked the whole way{35-L} and rejoin RR at km130.8.<br /> <br /> RR Km132.4 : flat spot(-47.17220, -72.42231) can fit 1 tent at the end of lake. With some wind protection by forest.<br /> <br /> Camp[136.9/162] : can fit 2-4 tents with weather protection by forest, but if the wind is come from south, it is not much help. Excellent views on the beach.<br /> <br /> Camp[137.6/173] : can fit 2-3 tents with wind protection from east and north by trees. Excellent views on the beach. Just beside a port, looks like can take a boat to here.<br /> <br /> Km138.3 : camping spot(-47.20064, -72.46718), total can fit 3-5 tents at several stage, some spots have good wind protection by trees and bushes.<br /> <br /> From here to km146.0, lot of up and down beside some cliffs (maybe slippery in rain), but it is a trail with lot of amazing views, we are really enjoyed it.<br /> <br /> Km139.77 : a tiny stream(-47.20803, -72.47813) flowing good with clear water, easy to collect.<br /> <br /> Km141.73 : side trail to viewpoint(-47.21986, -72.49280) and cell service for Movistar.<br /> <br /> Km142.15 : flat grassland(-47.22231, -72.49623) can fit 4 tents just beside the beautiful lake, some wind protection by valley itself.<br /> <br /> X[143.9/244] : cell service for Entel(-47.23128, -72.50780)<br /> <br /> Km146.0 : RN Tamango campground, some shelters for cooking, large arae for camping, hot shower and trash can, 7k CLP per person.<br /> <br /> Km146.5 : the last flat spot(-47.24353, -72.53067) before Cochrane, some wind protection by brushes, can fit 1-3 tents with nice sunrise, you can arrive there by a clear trail beside ranger station, the trail is shown on OSM map.<br /> <br /> Cochrane : <br /> <br /> Lot of accommodation, markets and restaurants, and 2 outdoor gear shops.<br /> <br /> 230g gas canisters, power bank, chargers and tent stakes at Supermercado Melero(-47.25386, -72.57414).<br /> <br /> Sunglasses, micro spikes, snow shoes and some clothes at La Ruta 7 Patagonia(-47.25591, -72.57320).<br /> <br /> Sleeping bag, tents, boots(just 1 trail runner), socks, base layer, warm clothes and pants at Kalfu Patagonia(-47.25474, -72.57018).<br /> <br /> Clothes at Vansy(-47.25417, -72.57431), not a outdoor gear shop, but some sporty clothes and pants for a low price at here.<br /> <br /> Some campground and lot of indoor stays at Cochrane. The only hostel is Camping, Refugio ,Cabaña y Hostel(a long name) (-47.25446, -72.57497). And most of the rooms here include breakfast(without kitchen), 20k CLP per person. The only one we found with kitchen(but no breakfast) is Casa Raíces Hostal(-47.25113, -72.56848).<br /> <br /> Bus terminal to Coyhaique, Villa Cerro Castillo, Villa O' Higgins, Chile Chico, Puerto Rio Tranquilo and Tortel at (-47.25137, -72.57317).<br /> <br /> Tourist information(-47.25439, -72.57283).<br /> <br /> I recommend La Martica(-47.25112, -72.57266), local restaurant with nice food in a good price.<br /> <br /> * '''24-Feb-17 to 2024-Feb-22 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR, Variant L / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> There were several hitchhiker groups out of Chile Chico so we took a taxi (990250968) to the settler at 8.9 for 10,000 CLP. Nobody was there, but there is a locked gate so it would not be possible to take a taxi further up. For pedestrians, there is an unlocked door. One can shortcut the first zigzag of the road thereafter and several others, it is open terrain. We camped in a dry lakebed (for windprotection) about 1 km after the first pass. Despite strong wind in Chile Chico and a forecast of wind gusts over 60km/hr, the night was largely peaceful with just one hour of wind. The plateau has terrain features and it seemed to us it is not that impossible to camp there, but maybe we were just lucky.<br /> <br /> The next day was like a safari, lots of animals and little wind. Pawprints on lake bed turned out to be a big dog and not a puma according to the rangers though. Going down from the plateau, it is possible to shortcut the GPX track to the SE and end near the puesto at 34.6. Trail starts above the puesto but is not so easy to follow and the GPX does not seem to be the most precise. It is advisable to take a CC shortcut to bridge at 42.7 as mentioned by Adrien Kunzli: about 1 km before the end of MR 38.2, veer right aiming for a black outcrop on the mountain on the other side of the valley and you will pop out above the bridge. We got lucky and got a ride at around 16:30 to the parkoffice. We paid 15000 CLP only for one person - they forget to charge the other one. They were friendly and told us the weather forecast. We did not get any receipt or pass though. Walked two hours to campsite Raleigh, there were two other foreign tents there. The new trail is technically the old &quot;laguna Esmeralda&quot; (RP 59.2) trail with a new bridge, so keep left to avoid fords, combined with variant D it seems preferable to RR even when not intending to camp [November 20224: this is not RR].<br /> <br /> From Raleigh, the first fords were possible to cross without fording thanks to logs and stones. The next valley is indeed beautiful, especially Lago Verde. There were about ten tents but no people near the refugio at 67.6. Tomáš tried to go around the second fords through the forest on the left and he eventually reached variant F, which exists but partially goes through a marsh and does not avoid fording anyway: it is pointless, just ford. Initially the start of the fords seem like a marsh, go around it from the right through the river, it is a nice riverbed thereafter. Rio Aviles was kneedeep and ok. Ford 71.2 is mighty - go downstream about 200 m, it splits and is easy there (there is a cairn in the middle). We camped at a camping site marked on OSM about 2 km further down from there. There is a place for one tent about 20 m from a creek. Very nice spot. Having a headstart to people starting from the park office, we only met three groups of foreigners all day.<br /> <br /> Variant J does not avoid any substabtial fords, water at 96.1 is easily jumpable and the river is bridged on both J and RR. <br /> Casa de Piedra is a nice spot with resident guanacos (and some tourists). Tomáš had a hot shower! We were asked for our passes - we explained we were not given them and it was ok. We went on. The Siete Lagunas trail is surprisingly in a rather good shape. It is little used but not much overgrown and generally easy to follow, needing a GPS only occasionally. Tomáš liked it tremendeously. Did not meet anyone on it.<br /> <br /> We slept near the pass next to a marsh. It rained most of the night but stopped before morning, luckily the trail was not too wet the next day. The first stream after the pass is very weak (not flowing if not raining?); it flows from the marsh by which we slept and is about 500 m after the pass waypoint. The next stream is about 1 km further down, it had more water. After that, water is only in the lakes. Tomáš cleaned a lot of the logs and branches from the trail, if you can spare a moment, please do likewise. We could not see any traces of option 02A or option K. We took option L near km 129.9 - we were confused by other reports because we thought people were taking the much longer part of L that follows a MR. RR leaves the Siete lagunas trail at the end of option L after 29 km. The trail probably goes to Valle Chacabuco. [OSM has Variant F and L marked as &quot;Sendero 7 Lagunas&quot;, this is wrong. Variant K looks to be indeed CC and variant L looks to be an unnecessary detour on a MR (overgrown and with logs at first when RR is on this MR - when you cross the MR again after four km on RR, it no longer looks that overgrown). November 2024: OSM has been corrected.] On L, one can easily take a CC shortcut from top of the hill to MR. We found two shortcutting trails to the MR. We met Daniel who was coming back from cutting invasive pines with his chainsaw, he had a friendly and humorous attitude. Camped at the lake at the wind protected camp.<br /> <br /> The night brought surprisingly strong wind and rain - try to camp deeper in the forest. We followed a faint trail tracing the shore of the lake instead of CC 137.6, in the middle of it there was an apple tree that will be ripe in March probably. Did not meet anybody until the viewpoint above the lake that says &quot;signal Movistar&quot; (we have Entel, which has a sign 2 km further on but it did not work, just wait one hour until Cochrane proper), from then on, there were daytrippers. CONAF had a lunch break so we passed unnoticed. Cochrane as a town is ok.<br /> <br /> Nat's Notes:<br /> The Bulk shop in Chile Chico (Güenta Emporio) is not open on weekends, they have weird hours and sometimes need to call before; Andrea +56 9 9540 1708. I recommend the hospedaje Rio Baker, 15mil pp which is the general price here. <br /> The plateau <br /> - Besides Descabezado, this area was one of the most visually interesting sections for me. I haven't had that much fun taking photos in a long time. At first the guanacos scared me a little, I felt like I was surrounded by ninjas, eventually I warmed up to them. A good place for a zoom camera.<br /> -For me the going was slow, besides being tired and equipped with rash-covered feet I found the navigation tricky. I kept aiming for the wrong pass because there are many rolling hills. However I found things got better near and after pass km28.8.<br /> - Water in the plateau is still frequent. If one wants to camp as close to the plateau as possible (SOBO) I suggest this spot:-46.62397, -71.81920. Also there is a nice grassy and fairly sheltered spot near water km23.9: -46.66437, -71.84393 and a big flat grass patch at water 30.6. There is a huge boulder for wind protection if needed here; -46.65469, -71.83997. In the valley bottom near the puesto, there are less/no camping spots. I did not like all the dogs at puesto 34.6, so I purposely avoided it. <br /> - When finishing the plateau section, I filled up on water at the last stream that wasn't the main river here: -46.72842, -71.89633, as I didn't think we would get a hitch to the park office.<br /> <br /> Sendero Avilés<br /> - The descent from pass km64.5 is nothing, just a bit of dirt dust that makes traction hard. The only part on this track that I would worry about safety-wise (apart from the two river crossings) is a new steep traverse 2ish kms after pass km74.1: -46.88996, -72.16428. I decided to throw my bag down 5m instead of walking down the &quot;free fall&quot;. (Alternatively you could ford rio Aviles twice.)<br /> - The series of mini river crossings were all fine, there is a nice water source before pass km74 in the forest once you finish all the fords, it comes from a waterfall not far away. <br /> - Near the end I took Variant J bcs I thought it avoided a river crossing (no rivers to cross but RR doesn't either). If you do this option I recommend still going to the hanging bridge at the X of J and RR bcs it is a fun and unique bridge!<br /> - Cassandra at Case Piedra was nice and easy to get along with.<br /> <br /> Siete Lagunas<br /> - The water we took from the marsh was probably the grossest water I have had to drink, lots of algae and oil, I filtered and boiled. (The second stream was much better.)<br /> - As noted the trail is not hard to follow at this moment, only a handful of times I lost it. That being said it could be because we were walking near the end of the season and therefore it was obvious where ppl had been walking (pushed down grass), I think it would be a lot harder at the beginning of the season. Another bonus was that most spikees were gone.<br /> - Near to camp 136.9, there is a water source. It is at the end of the beach, 200-300m west of camp. There are two or three more water sources on the first part of the trail but after the look-out, there are no more.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-6 to 2024-Feb-11 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + option L / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Tess &amp; Lukas'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : really nice overall // the trail is sometimes overgrown and easy to loose from km 113,5 to km 122, so just keep an eye on the gps<br /> - Water : easy to find plenty of rivers and lagunas<br /> - Camping spot : we camped at km 32,6 and it was a bad idea, too exposed and we got snow and a lot of wind during the night, would really recommend to go down more // we camped near the lago Gutiérrez at km 106,15 there is place for 2 tents<br /> - Weather : windy, sunny, snow, rain <br /> - River crossing : easy<br /> - Resupply : in Chile Chico (a bulk shop just opened in front of the camping Nandu) // in Cochrane everything you need<br /> - Entrance fee : for park Patagonia 11 000 pesos per pp + 6 000 pesos for camping per pp<br /> - Overall : really nice section, we were happy to encounter 3 huemuls<br /> <br /> *'''2024-Jan- 18 to 2024-Jan-24/ 7 days/hiking/SOBO/ 35/ 35-02a( from 47.1567357S, 72.4154650W)/ 35-02 ( from S 47.12123, W 072.46099) /35-03 ( from S 47.11712 W072.48494)/35-03c ( from Laguna El Cangrejo)/35-03d/ 35 from Lago Cochrane/ Paulina'''<br /> Long, beautiful tour in Parque Patagonia, as I mixed different variants, it allowed me to see all the divercity of the park. Almost no people, a lot of guanacos, a really beautiful section!<br /> <br /> Day 1 The way from Chile Chico to Lago Jeinimeni. I was prepared to walk all the way, but as some cars stoped and it was a very hot day, I took a lift ( I have walked maybe 8 km in total ). I stopped at 46.7304997S, 71.7415019W, to do the loop of about 7 km in the first reserve of Jeinimeni. The entrance is paid 6000 CLP but the ticket is valid later, at the main entrance at Lago Jeinimeni ( the next 2 days). It's really worth to walk on this place. The rock formations are amasing. It takes about 3h and you can leave your backpack at the park reception After that, another car stoped and took me to the main entrance of Lago Jeinimeni. The views from the road are really scenic, it's a pity not to walk some parts of this road, lucky my car was old and slow so I could admire the views.<br /> <br /> Day 2 From Lago Jeinimeni to the refugio and camping at 46.8406732S, 72.1409082W. The first part of the trail to Portezuelo La Gloria is rather easy, it stays mostly in the valley, the ascent to the pass is not very difficult and rather short. On the way down from the pass there are some steeper moments and there are some places where the trail is distroyed by a kind of stone avalanche so you have to find your way thru the stones. Amasing views on Laguna Verde. Once you are down at Laguna, there are some fords, when I was there, the highest one was till knees.<br /> <br /> Day 3 A lot of fords all the way in Valle Hermoso, there were all easy to cross. Also, you can't clearly see the path but anyway, you have to follow the valley. Sometimes there are signes so you will always find the way. This day, the only a bit more difficult place you can find around S 46.89032 W 072.16461. Going SOBO it's a steep descent, it's very short but steep. Can be dangerous after the rain. Later the views on the canyon on Aviles river became really amasing, it was for me one of the most beautiful part in all the park.<br /> <br /> Day 4/5 I had 6 km till Casa de Piedra ( there was a tiny spot for one tent with a stream at this distance) and I started the part Siete Lagunas. At Casa de Piedra I asked the ranger if the trail was walkable and he confirmed that it was ok and I could go. But, as the others already mentioned , the trail is not maintained anymore. Till the end of Laguna Gutierrez it's rather easy to find the way without gps, but later, there are some places where the path is not at all visible. With trail on gps is not very difficult to find the way, but without this, can be very difficult to follow this trail. There are also a lot of fallen trees, some BB. If they do nothing, I think in 2 years the path will completely disapear. But it's a beautiful trail, wild, you meet nobody, a pure and intacked nature. Just take enough water, the first day of this sendero the water was at Lago Gutierrez and later about 1h after the pass.<br /> <br /> Day 6 Instead to continue on RR I went to Valle Chacabuco to discoverer also this sector. I started with the trail Lagunas Atlas. Well marked, beautiful, various views, it was the most frequented part of the park, but still I can't say it was crowded. Beautiful camp on Laguna el Cangrejo.<br /> <br /> Day 7 The views on Lago Cochrane are really amasing. The landscapes and the vegetation are in this part different than before.<br /> <br /> To conclude, I did not encontered really difficult places on this long hike. As I walked through all sections of the park, it allowed me to see all the divercity of the area. Except maybe 3 h in Valle Chacabuco, I did not really meet people in the park. It was a beautiful section! In Cochrane, you will find a lot of shops where you can find everything you need for next section. There are several campings ( I liked a lot Camping Lorenzo not crowded, nice place to cook with gaz, friendly owner, spots with twin protection<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-04 / 8 days / RR / SOBO / Roshi'''<br /> <br /> I hitchhiked from Chile Chico to X{35}[8.1/505] and did not see the settler at El Ciprés. It was very windy and I decided to cross the plateau at midday which was maybe not the best idea. The cross country I found very challenging and the extreme head wind across the plateau was in relentless. Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed the amazing landscape and the challenge, although a less windy day or starting earlier would have made it more enjoyable. I camped close to Camp 32.6/1300 at a dry spot and the next day followed the fence down to the road and walked to the Park entrance at Jenimeni. The park rangers told me of an alternative route to the start of the Avilés trail to Casa de Piedra and gave me some maps and info, they were very friendly. I paid 3000 pesos for park entry. I camped at Valle Hermoso which lives up to its name and then did a day hike to the glacial lake leaving my tent at the Refugio Valle Hermoso and following Estero Ventisquero or part of OH-CC-A {35-06} After packing up I then hiked a couple of kms down to a next campsite (there are a couple of established places to set up your tent on the way to Casa de Piedra). From Casa de Piedra I followed the Site Laguna's trail which was overgrown and difficult to follow and navigate and for me probably my least favourite part. The kms are marked but you really have to follow the GPS me there aren't many places to pitch if you don't feel like hiking anymore. I think going down into Chacobuco (which I had done previously) would have been nicer. I loved the Lago Cochrane and Tamango reserve the views and colours were amazing and the trails very easy to follow and not very busy. I got a lift into Cochrane halfway from the entrance but the road walk is not long anyway and I was not actively hitching. <br /> <br /> Annoyances were horse flies but I got good advice to &quot;out Zen&quot; them and to be honest once you let it go and enjoy the views and being in nature generally they are easy to deal with. Just don't stop between 2 and 8 PM ;) <br /> And from Jenimeni to Casa de Piedra is lots of river crossings so just accept wet feet :) and try do river crossings in the morning especially on hot days ( esp Avilés) Be safe and sensible obviously!<br /> I would have maybe even liked to stay longer on this part of the trail, there were lots of little day hikes and alternative routes I'd have loved to explore, but I didn't have enough food. It's a beautiful part of the world, enjoy it! <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''From 2023-01-15 to 2023-01-19 // 5 days // Hiking // NOBO // VARIANT P + OPT3 + OPT3A + RR + VARIANT J + VARIANT I + VARIANT D + Sendero Laguna Esmeralda (no variant on that one yet) + RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> From Cochrane, I thought it was sad to go straight along the Lago Cochrane without checking what's going up there, and have a view over the vallee Chacabuco. So that's what I did. <br /> <br /> I just took the beginning of Variant P, you have to pass threw a gate saying &quot;no passar&quot; then you have to bifurcate to the option 3 (tamango) to reach the pass between vallée tamango and chacabuco. Very nice views. Then instead of going down into vallée Chacabuco, I went straight, and continue on the sendero de las siete lagunas, wich is an old track, sometimes hard to guess, so check the GPS, but mostly easy to folllow (you still have the mark every kilometers). <br /> <br /> Really loved the colours at the end of Lago guitterrez ! <br /> <br /> Main difficulties on the section are these horrible horseflies, and the no less terrible little spiky plants that stay sticks in your shoes and socks. <br /> <br /> Then you reach casa de piedras. I took the variant J to don't have to put my crocs for the river crossing (yeah, I'm a lazy walker aha). <br /> <br /> Then follow the river until the vallée hermoso, wich lives up to its name. And at this time it's just a mix between walking and crossing rivers. No need to ask, I putted my crocs on aha ! <br /> <br /> The pass up to Lago Verde was steep but the view so outstanding and the colours .. same amazing colours on Lago jeinemeni ! <br /> <br /> Didn't stayed at, but the Raleigh camp is very nice if you may choose a camp around ! <br /> <br /> Second part of NP was CC, and that was so cool ! Just have the directions and go straight to this point. Passing from mountains to others, surrounded by an unnumerable number of curious guanacos ! <br /> <br /> Hardest part is to deal with the strong wind during the ascend and at the highest point. And the descent is quite unstable, stay close to the GPX tracks, I tried to shorttrack but it led me down to slippery slopes, so I had to backtrack to find again the GPX. <br /> <br /> Then it's 15 km down to reach Chile Chico (8km on the asphalt). Settler wasn't angry against me and saluate me kindly when I passed threw his land.<br /> <br /> <br /> Very nice stretch. Very diversificate, great landscapes, wildlife. I loved it ! <br /> <br /> And about the entrance fees, It was not my intention, but I haven't paid for as I entered by variant P which is not a porper enter. And haven't seen any guardaparque at all. <br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2023-Dec-30 / 1 day / Packrafting / SOBO / Option 10 C / Tom Pieper'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> I attempted this option as an alternative starting point for section 36G. Hitchhiked to the bridge of Carreterra Austral over Rio Chacabuco. I scouted rapid {35-10C} [2.3/121] from 100 m above and it looked feasible. This was not true when I approached on the river after entering just before the bridge. The rapid was impassable (late afternoon) which brought me into serious troubles. The canyon is pretty steep here and there is no way back. It was not fun to climb the steep slopes cliffs to escape the 100 m deep canyon. Its really dangerous. The rapid is pretty hard to investigate from above. I would recommend to only go later in the season and only in the morning or at least with company.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-21 / 8 day / Hiking + &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO / RR + Option 10 + Old and new tracks to Administration Parque Patagonia Valle Chacabuco / Tom Pieper'''<br /> <br /> Most have been described by Kris and Stina. The plateau and the entire track is awesome. After the kind Arriero at the puesto {35} [15.8/1075] (actually its his house) I found it a little bit tricky to find a good route first but then just ascended and found a nice cross country route. Camped before the plateau. There are nice spots just before 1400 m, after that its just rocky until you descend to the Water {35} [23.9/1586]. Camp {35} [32.6/1300] was a little bit swampy. Found a better spot 300 m south. Try to be early at the road if you want to hitchhike. I was lucky and got the last car passing at 14.00 to the park at day. On the 25/12 the park entrance (but only the entrance) is always closed! Keep in mind if you come around christmas. At the park entrance you must disinfect your packrafting gear due to Didymo algae. I could not packraft lago jenimeni and verde due to wind but its still stunning. Between Water {35} [75.5/937] and Ford {35} [79.3/846] there is a approx. 3-4 steep bluff. I felt really uncomfortable with my heavy backpack as a lot of erosion happened to the steep ‘steps’. Maybe exploring an additional bush bashing route is feasible here. The ford was rather deep and could be a problem for shorter persons but I crossed in the evening, so in the morning it should be fine. Collapsed Refuge {35} [81.0/819] makes a nice camp spot. The other forts were fine. Stayed one night at Casa Piedra were I met Tobi and Fangwen and spend dinner and breakfast together the next day. CONAF first denied to packraft Rio Chacabuco due to conservation reasons, but after I mentioned that I came along all the track with my gear and rangers et sector jenimeni they were fine with me going on that river. The river is a bit unspectacular. I left at the River Out {35} [119.8/277] and I followed the old trail/road to Park Ranger, Refuge, Camp {35} [123.2/263]. There is a new picknick hut and I spend the night in there with a spectacular view of the valle chacabuco to the rims of campo hielo norte. The next day I continued the old track right side of the river (not in the GPT track files) until the bridge {35-10} [4.7/265]. Track is still in good conditions and occasionally used by the horses and guanacos there. A wonderful hike with massive views. I than continued on the CONAF trail (also not in the GPT track files) to Park administracion at Lodging $$$ {35-03} [1.9/340]. Would not recommend the restaurant. 65 $ for a 3 course meal but nothing fancy. Better spend for dinner in Cochrane. But for a post hike drink at the bar it is a lovely place and staff is kind. Also liked the museum and stayed the night at the campsite approximately 2 km away. The puma still seems to be there occasionally. Next day I hitchhiked out to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Dec-18 to 2023-Dec-23/ 5.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina &amp; Kris'''<br /> <br /> Got a taxi for the first 8 kilometers of the roadwalk. Nobody present at the farm where the dirtroad starts to go uphill, gates easy to get through, friendly dog. We hiked just 6km and made camp by a stream.<br /> <br /> The next day passed the puesto at km15.8, owner seemed friendly and waved. Slowly climbed up to the plateau, lots of water everywhere, very few snowpatches en route. Perfect day - not much wind. Saw lots of guanacos, hares, flamingos. Moving cross-country was ok throughout. Climbed a few barbed-wire fences. Finally found the dirt road, hiked to camp at km42.9.<br /> <br /> In the morning hitched a ride to the park entry with a ranger. We had no online booking as we didn't know when we'd arrive, they had us make one on site. Super friendly guys, said that there is currently fewer visitors than normally at this time. The route between Rio San Antonio crossing and Camp Raleigh has been changed, partially new trail built; follows mainly the Lago Esmeralda trail. There is now a brand new hanging bridge over Rio San Antonio right next to Camp Raleigh, avoiding all the needless crossings.<br /> <br /> After the camp there trail seems new in places, but then resorts to many rivercrossings again. The way up and down the Puertozuela La Gloria is steep and loose. After Lago Verde there are a million more crossings until you turn South. Here the trail is not much maintained, lots of fallen trees. The next 25km to Casa Piedra the trail is a bit harder to see at first but then gets much better. The guy (not a ranger) at Casa Piedra informed us that the Siete Lagos trail is closed but couldn't say why. It's definitely overgrown in parts, lots of fallen trees - need to keep track on the gpx at all times. After settler at km135.2 the trail has been recently maintained and bushes cut.<br /> <br /> For photos and stories, you can follow us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-31 to 2023-Apr-06 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option J / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We enjoyed this section a lot, especially with all the beautiful autumn colors in early April and basically without people until the last part before Cochrane. PN Patagonia closed some sectors on the first Monday in April, so we were the last ones to get a permission and do this section ‘legally’. Be prepared for this if you want to do this part in April or later. The problem is they close Casa Del Piedra and probably won’t let you pass to that sector from Lago Jeinemeni, where the entrance stays open for longer time. Sneaking around the guards house early in the morning or just not be specific about your plans might work if needed, its very unlikely you would meet anyone on the way from the main entrance.<br /> <br /> Just like others we found the plateau between km 20-28 very very windy. Definitely don’t count with camping there. We found a good spot right after the secound pass, aprox. 500m down the hill where you can find a wind protected place. The descent down is a little slow but with nice views, guanacos, horses.. simply amazing. Once back on the road, it’s not too far to the PN entrance where we met a guard, but fortunately were able to get a permission as described above. The trail from Lago Jeinemeni was one of our favorites. All the fords were easy, but expect quite slow progress in the CC parts. We camped in a forrest at km 81 where is a destroyed refugio but still a good spot for camping. The rest of the trail to Casa Del Piedra is again straightforward and the landscape is somehow more dry. We didn’t cross the first bridge but went with the J option which turned out to be a good decision as we met a xx of guanacos that let us come really close to them. Closed and locked refugio still provides a good shelter, but when open it must be a perfect stop in the middle of this long section. Water was turned off as well but there is a stream behind the house.<br /> <br /> We spent the next night on the beach of Lago Gutierrez where is enough space to build a tent - bushes around the trail are otherwise very thorny and sharp. After the ascent to the pass was a good stream of water, probably the last place to safely take unfiltered water for the next couple of kms. The trail from there leads around all the lakes and is nice and easy. We spent the night in a refugio at km 134. This one was the only one standing from what we have seen and its a good shelter when it rains, however we decided to stay in our tent anyway. You can make fire inside. Closest water is actually the one in a lake uphill, the stream on the other side of the path was very dirty and hard to gather anyway.<br /> <br /> From there its a one more day until the finish with a good pace. We haven’t met the settler Daniel, but he’s definitely still living there. Beautiful beach of Lago Cochrane and from there we started to meet more and more tourists, doing just a day hike or some circuit around the lake - might be a good option as well in this beautiful region. The last kms felt a little long for us as we were looking forward to have some rest and enjoy all the fun in town. At the official campsite were a few people but no one asked us about anything. There are nice toilets and shower. From there its around 30m to Cochrane. Good to remember they celebrate Easter holidays in Chile as well, but we still managed to find some shop and bakery open.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''12/03/2023 - 18/03/2023 / RR SOBO / Jakub+Veronika:'''<br /> <br /> Doing section 35 was due to closure of the Patagonia NP caused by heavy rains with helicopter rescue of several tourists from Valle Hermoso quite complicated, we did walk all we could in Tamango reserve and later (when it was opened) in Chacabuco valley. Be sure not to miss the museum. It's really worth it. The northern part was opened as the last one, that's why we've skipped it and hitchhiked back to Caretera. All paths in great condition. When going from Tamango to Chacabuco there's one suggestion:<br /> <br /> It seems that on RR (35, km 141) ends new 11km long track ”Huemules” which starts at the parking in Chacabuco valley on RP (35, km 132.5). That trail might be a nice alternative to RR (mud road) leading over private land of settler David Huemul.<br /> <br /> *8.02. - 05.03.23 / Anna &amp; Christopher / SOBO, Chile Chico - Cochrane<br /> <br /> We started in Chile Chico around 5 pm walking the first km on the road. After a while we got a ride to the Bahía Jara cross and camped a few hundred meters further near the street (we carried water from Chile Chico).<br /> <br /> The ascent to the plateau is mostly easy dirtroad walking and the last CC part easy to navigate. The whole stretch on the plateau until the street at km 41.5 we had extreme wind, which made walking super tiring and nearly blew us away a few times. We found a tiny and steep, but wind protected place to set up our tent at around km 28 in the ridge dug by the river. We had to get a bit inventive to set it up and to be able to sleep properly there. There were almost no other places that were protected by the wind until you get off the plateau. As almost all previous entries say, it's better to camp off the plateau. But it's really worth doing it because you can see Guanacos and flamingos on it :)<br /> <br /> When we reached the street at km 41.5 we were lucky and a car passed by a few minutes later, which brought us to the entrance of Parque Patagonia. We payed 15k CLP p.p. and walked to the camp Raleigh at Lago verde. There are some sheltered places to set up the tent, with an unfamiliar amount of people for the GPT. Lago Verde is beautiful though.<br /> <br /> The next day involves lots of river- and stream crossings and it started to rain not particularly heavy, but after some hours we were completely wet. Therefore the rivercrossing at km 82.6 was really hard for Anna (1,63 m) but we managed by inertlocking our arms and doing it step by step slowly. After that the trails get really good and you can walk way faster. We camped at the unofficial camp site at km 84.7.<br /> <br /> We had good weather the next day and the trail was really good until Lago Gutierrez. Up to the pass the trail gets a bit worse with some navigation issues, but you always find a good path again. As the others wrote there are only some tiny streams within the first km after the pass until the next Laguna, so we filled up our bottles there and camped somewhere in the forest soon afterwards once it started to rain again.<br /> <br /> The next day there were still not too much water sources and we fetched the first water at the first Laguna which wasn't super easy to access. The trail until Lago Cochrane wasn't in bad condition neither. We also took Option L, which follows the 'regular' siete lagunas trail. The stretch from Lago Cochrane until the Conaf office at the end of the lake is absolutely amazing with great views of one of the clearest lakes in the world. We camped at km 145.7 and took a bath in the lake.<br /> <br /> The last 8 km to Cochrane went super fast on an easy trail until Conaf and 4 km road walking to the town, so happily we could escape from the starting rain.<br /> <br /> * '''20 to 24 of February 2023 / Silke &amp; Hans / Loop - Fachinal -&gt; Chile Chico'''<br /> <br /> We didn't do the regular route, but read about an intresting loop starting in Fachinal and entering the normal route at Valley Hermoso. We then continued along the regular route to the entrance at Laguna Jeinimeni, and back to Chile Chico. The first 3 days from Fachinal we didn't see any other hikers, but it was pretty clear why. The trail was completely overgrown, full of fallen trees and a lot of the time there is no trail at all. But we managed our way through pretty good, and is was an awesome alternative to enter the Park. We recorded our GPX for others, waypointed some POI's and added some photo's to it: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/114121493<br /> <br /> DAY 1 / 18km / +740m /<br /> Although we heard of a bus to Fachinal from Chile Chico, nobody really appeared to know any information about it.. In the terminal the people we spoke said there were none. So we started hitchhiking the following morning. But after 3-4h of no luck we went back to the terminal, and all of a sudden there was a bus leaving at 11:30. 10.000 pesos pp, a little expensive but being unsuccesfull hitchhiking we took it. We had lunch at the turnoff, and starting hiking around 13:00. The first part is on a clear double track, but soons turns into a clear singletrack. We took the wrong intersection twice (waypointed on our GPX). We camped right before the first big river crossing. There is one steel cable, so if you bring a harness you could tiroller across. <br /> <br /> DAY 2 / 22km / +1100m /<br /> First up, we crossed the river. The water level didn't seem a lot lower than the day before, and at the deepest part it was about halfway our thighs. After taking another wrong intersection and backtracking, we reach the second river crossing. Again a steel cable is provided but the crossing was pretty straightforward, and the water level was only slighty above our knees. Just across the river is a an old cabin, and then short after a very new refugio (locked, used by a trekking agency). The trail gets super dense after this, climbs steeply on the mountain side and dissapears completely on numerous occasions. After the climb it flattens out, opens up and you reach a laguna. After the laguna it's the easiest to just follow the river bed down to the open valley floor (possible sheltered campsite in the forest). Follow the valley floor to another amazing laguna where you can camp near a second locked refugio.<br /> <br /> DAY 3 / 14km / +440m /<br /> We started the day with a side-trip to a mirador looking over the glacier high above. Takes about 1,5-2 hours return. We then packed up camp and headed for Valley Hermoso. You pass another beautiful laguna and follow the river down to the main valley. Lots of river crossing here. We camped at the Refugio Valley Hermoso, arriving earlier than expected. <br /> <br /> DAY 4 / 15km / +200m /<br /> Very short and easy daytrip to another laguna. About 3 hours return. We just chilled the rest of the day.<br /> <br /> DAY 5 / 36km / +830m /<br /> Final day along the normal route to the entrance of Laguna Jeinimeni. The day started off with some heavy rain for a couple of hours, but all the river crossings were still very doable. We arrived at the entrance around 13:00, and there was no sign of anybody leaving soon. So we decided to continue hiking untill we could find a ride along the way. We ended up hiking an extra 19km before finally a car was willing to take us along. There is an established campsite at the entrance for 3000 pesos pp.<br /> <br /> * '''19 to 24 of February 2023 / Will / SOBO, regular route'''<br /> <br /> Not too much to add on this one. I had a good time but the section felt long.<br /> <br /> On the way up to the first plateau there were a few somewhat sheltered places to camp past the puesto. I camped around km 19, just before the last steep climb up to the plateau. Lots of streams around there.<br /> <br /> None of the river crossings went above my knees, after a dry week.<br /> <br /> I liked the detour up to the Lago Jeinemeni mirador. I also took variant I out and back to a glacier lake, I'm less sure whether that was worth it. I couldn't find any real trail, it was nice easy cross country walking through the woods followed by some open rocky ground. The glacial lake was cool, but not as spectacular as some of the ones I've seen in other sections.<br /> <br /> I camped at the casa de piedras and took a luxurious warm shower. The ranger said you're supposed to pay at the office in valle Chacabuco, but since our route doesn't go there she just let me stay for free. She also said that sendero de siete lagunas (our route) was closed, but that I could do it since I had my gps and satellite communicator. She made it sound tough/dangerous though it turned out to be fairly quick trail.<br /> <br /> Not much water or campsites along the siete lagunas. There's a nice campsite at the tip of the pencil lake just after the (still intact!) refugio at 133.9.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-12-19 / NOBO / RR + Option 35-L / Ondrej and Bara / Cochrane - Chile Chico / 7.5 days'''<br /> <br /> We really enjoyed this section! We went from Cochrane to Chile Chico. Our favourite parts were the descent through Valle Hermoso and the descent on the cross country section to Chile Chico. We spent 7.5 days on this section, taking a relaxed pace and including a half day break.<br /> <br /> We only had to pay 9,000 CLP per person entrance fee at the Cochrane park gate (sector Tamango). We then showed the pass three days later to a ranger at Casa de Piedras and he let us go. The final checkpoint for us was the CONAF park exit/entrance at Lago Jeinemeni. The ranger there didn’t want to see our pass at all, he just asked from where we hiked (we said Casa de Piedras).<br /> <br /> Some details: - Starting from Cochrane, the trail is easy walking up until km 144.9. As you leave Lago Cochrane, the trail is harder to follow. Fortunately this lasts only up to km 138, where the trail becomes easy to follow again. We camped next to the refuge on km133.9. The refuge has a good roof and can serve as an emergency shelter. There is no good water next to it though - we needed to climb the hill to the laguna to refill. - From roughly km 125 to km 99, the RR follows the old Siete Lagunas trail, which is not maintained anymore. Expect some fallen trees and slightly overgrown parts but the trail is beautiful and easy to navigate in general. - We took Option L to cut some overgrown road walking as recommended by others. We really liked it. - We camped next to the destroyed refuge at Laguna Guagua (km 118.3) and really loved the place - there is an amazing pebble beach at the laguna. - If you don’t want to camp at Casa de Piedras, there is a place for a small tent and a stream at roughly km 97 (-47.07463, -72.20439). We camped there. - The river crossings in Valle Aviles and Vale Hermoso were maximum to our knees. The deepest one was at Lago Verde (km 66.1). However, the river levels can change rapidly when it rains the days before - do check the weather. - We camped at the eastern shore of Lago Verde (km 61.7; campsite Raleigh) and really loved it - it has picnic tables and a spacious cooking/eating shelter. - We hitchhiked the part on the road between km 53 and 41.5. Few cars go by but the hitch was easy - we stopped the first car. - The cross country section from km 41.5 is very different from the rest - semi-desert like and lots of animals. We saw llamas, flamimgos, condors and hares (among sheep, cows and horses). - Between km 38 and 33 the path goes along a fence. We had to get over the fence once (we scrambled below it without problems). - If you are going NOBO, expect stunning views of the General Carrera Lake and Torres del Avelano when coming from the last pass (km 20.8) down to Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> A ranger in Casa de Piedras wanted to prevent us to walk the RR NOBO from Casa de Piedras to Valle Hermoso. He claimed that route is closed now as the rivers are too high to cross. To avoid conflict, we said that we will only do the “loop trail” which is basically the RR from Casa de Piedras up until the bridge where the RR joins Option J. The Option J is then used to return back to Casa de Piedras. When doing the loop, we met several hikers in the opposite direction who confirmed that all river crossings are fine. In light of this we decided to continue on the RR and indeed the deepest ford was to our knees. Therefore if faced with a ranger claiming that the rivers are too high, we suggest to start with the loop trail (rangers should be okay with that) and get more info on the river levels from the hikers going the opposite direction.<br /> <br /> *2023 last week January NoBo (6 days but could have very easily been done in less) / Helen and Craig + (Caro, Ali and Gabby)<br /> <br /> &gt;Such lovely camp sites. Beautiful places to stay the night the whole way around<br /> <br /> &gt;Very very easy trails. River crossing section isn't bad at all and the Valle hermosa lives up to its name.<br /> <br /> &gt;1st and last camp site particularly lovely<br /> <br /> &gt;Keep eyes peeled for pumas! I would have easily missed the sighting if I hadn't been looking the right way at the right time. They were super close. 10m or less away. Two cubs outside the refugio at casa peidra. Not where they are commonly seen in the park at all Aparently around west winds camp they are more commenly seen.<br /> <br /> &gt;Museum in the middle of the section worth checking out. Very visual and quite hard hitting environmental museum<br /> <br /> &gt; Can hitch easy enough to Chile Chico but leave last camp early in the morning. There's often a driver with a 4x4 who drives hikers in to the park and will take you back for 10,000p/p. Hikers who were a few hours behind us had no luck hitching as demand can often overtake spaces.<br /> <br /> * '''27 of January to 1 of February 2023 / Véronica &amp; Zach / GPT35 RR SOBO / 5.5 days '''<br /> <br /> Route: Chile Chico - Lago Jeinimeni - Valle Hermoso - Casa de Piedra - Lago Cochrane - Cochrane <br /> <br /> What a beautiful and diverse stretch of the GPT! I hiked half of this section with Zach, up to Casa de Piedras at km 98.9. We were unable to get a hitch out of Chile Chico, so we ended up walking the road to where the trail begins. No navigation issues, but the entire cross-country section to Río de las Nieves (waypoint at 42.7 km) is very exposed and was very windy when we crossed. We ended up camping at the water at 23.9 km, but the wind blew very strongly all night and I was worried it might take my tent. If you can, it is better to camp off this plateau unless the weather is calm. Lots of guanaco trails to follow :) <br /> <br /> At the CONAF office at km 53.0, we each paid 9,000 clp for entry to the national park, plus 6,000 clp for passage/camping along the trail to Casa de Piedras in the Valles Hermoso and Aviles. Beautiful trail the whole way, popular and well-maintained, with cairns and markers to follow. There is an awesome shelter and camping area with picnic tables on the eastern shore of Lago Verde, at the end of Option D. In my opinion it was nicer than the popular refugio in Valle Hermoso (km 68.1) that everyone talks about. <br /> <br /> We had no issues with fords, except the one at km 82.6 which flows into Río Aviles. It was the end of a warm sunny day, so the flow was quite high and strong. Had I been on my own I would have camped on the north side and waited till morning to cross. However, this time I was able to cross by linking arms with Zach as he is much taller than me and was more stable in the current. <br /> <br /> At Casa de Piedras, Zach and I parted ways as he wanted to packraft down the Río Chacabuco. The ranger at the Casa told me the Sendero de las Siete Lagunas (which begins at km 99.5) was no longer maintained. This is true, there were stretches in the desertlike brush that were hard to follow, and I checked the GPS frequently. Generally it was better when the trail went into wooded areas. I also found this trail to be dry — the only water I found was the water from the lagunas and a tiny trickle about a kilometer south of the pass. Lots of spiky plants that get stuck in your socks and shoes. I took Option L to cut out some overgrown minor road walking. It's sad that this trail is being neglected and left to be swallowed up by nature, because otherwise it is quite scenic. <br /> <br /> The horse trail that goes from the puesto of Daniel Huemul (km 143.3) to Lago Cochrane was also rough and overgrown. Everything gets easier once you reach Lago Cochrane though, nice, maintained trails all the way to Cochrane with beautiful places to camp along the lake. <br /> <br /> * '''GPT35 / Yannic &amp; Mirjam / 2022-Dec-13'''<br /> <br /> Much is already detailed below, so we will keep it short <br /> <br /> 1 day: from Chile Chico to the entrance of the National Park. We camped one night before the pass at S 46.61639 W 71.81632. Water right next to the camp. Pass is very windy.<br /> <br /> 2 days: from the National Park to the Refugio. Nice refugio with small house where you can make a fire inside to dry things. From the Refugio to Casa Piedra is possible in one day. But it is a long day with many kilometres.<br /> <br /> 2.5 days: Casa Piedra to Cochrane. Leaving Casa Piedra, after a few hundred metres the trail leaves the Minor Road and enters the trail (where there is a large stone marker). The trail is officially closed and partly in bad condition. There are many fallen trees on the trail, some of it is overgrown and not completely clear. We therefore checked the GPS regularly. We took OH-TL-V{35-L}, which saves a few kilometres of (overgrown) minor road.<br /> We spent one night at Laguna Guagua (Refugio is completely destroyed) and one at Lago Cochrane.<br /> When we left the national park, no one was at the office. We therefore simply went through...<br /> <br /> * '''GPT35 Variant P, Option 3, 3C, 3D / Meylin Ubilla, Jan Dudeck / 2022-Dec-12 and 13 / 1.5 days'''<br /> <br /> While waiting in the village Cochrane for our friends to catch up, we did a little 1.5 day hike higher up next to Lago Cochrane that we visited at least 3 times by packraft in past years. For the first time this year we waked with a light backpack without packrafting gear.<br /> <br /> We took Variant P eastbound that slowly climbs on a gravel road to an altitude of 500 m and then continues as a panorama trail in this altitude.<br /> <br /> Apparently, this is not authorized access to Parque Patagonia (Sector Tamango) and two gates need to be climbed but there was nobody to be seen on this route. The normal access to the park is down next Rio Cochrane and Lago Cochrane.<br /> <br /> Nearly the entire route was scenic and worth the effort.<br /> <br /> The settler “El Húngaro” apparently sold the land and became part of the national park. There is an open building that might be used as a refuge in case of emergency but camping is probably more comfortable.<br /> <br /> The refuge at {35-P} [4.0/501] is collapsed but camping is pleasant on this pasture.<br /> <br /> The trail section OH-TL-V {35-03} [0.0+5.2] is not maintained for several years making this route inconvenient to walk. The route south of both lakes is easy walking.<br /> <br /> As long as Parque Patagonia does not challenge hikers to make a full traverse from Cochrane to Chile Chico it is prudent to take the official route which is the current regular route and pay the entrance fee near Cochrane when hiking northbound.<br /> <br /> But should longer multi-day traverses be denied, then it might be less bothersome to take Variant P which avoids the entrance.<br /> <br /> Packrafters can travel east and westbound on Lago Cochrane and will not pass any park entrance.<br /> <br /> * '''Alice &amp; Florian / 4 to 10 November-2022 / Regular Hiking Northbound'''<br /> <br /> Here's our story of our GPT35. We really enjoyed this section, it is really diverse, beautiful landscapes and we saw heaps of animals. <br /> <br /> As we wanted to do the trail in the northbound direction, we took the bus from chile chico to Cochrane, arriving in chile chico from argentina from the south (border o'higgins closed...). It tales 4 hours and leaves on sunday at 14 (return Monday 7 Am), Monday 16 (return Tuesday 7 AM),Wednesday and Friday 7 Am (return 16).<br /> <br /> We took the option north of Cochrane because we were not sure if they would allow us to sleep in the tamango reserve. But, indeed you have to pass a no entry sign, a gate and a sign saying that entering the park that way is prohibited so we do not recommend it when it is written on the conaf website that it is allowed to sleep in tamango section.<br /> <br /> We took the sendero de los huemules and slept at camp 1 waypoint. There was plenty of water at that time and a beautiful view.<br /> <br /> After that we took the option OH-TL-V 35-P to avoid going downhill. The entry of this trail is about 150m before what is indicated on the GPT so be aware. I don't think the trail is an official one from the park so you have to fight your way through some bushes. But apart from that, it is clear. Then we joined the regular route, which since the 2022 version does follow the siete lagunas trail. You will join the siete lagunas trail at the kilometer 11 more or less. We then camped around the km 13 of the 7 lagunas trail. <br /> <br /> We found water just before climbing at the pass at S47°06.0856' W072°17.592' and there is more at the top. However, it is true that it is drier on the other side of the pass, so if you are going Southbound, pack enough water from Lago Gutierrez to climb the pass. <br /> <br /> We spent the third night at casa de Piedra where you have all facilities (electricity, hot shower, kitchen). Unfortunately for us they were on strike so they wouldn't allow us to go further on the trail. We did anyway as going out to jeiminini or through the road to chacabuco would take the same time. <br /> By the way various national parks - including Torres del Paine were on strike at the moment. <br /> <br /> The second part in the aviles valley is really clear, the trail is really nice and easy and with a lot of water available. Exiting the casa de piedra you should take the option OH-TI-V 35-J instead of the regular route, it will save you 600 m and two river crossings, and the view is similar. Starting at km 20, you will have to reduce your pace because the trail is busy with a lot of fallen trees, bushes and rocks. Between the km 22 and 23 of the valle aviles trail, the trail has been swept away by the river this winter so you have to cross the river two more times to go around. The kilometers indications disappear more or less after the pass, at km 25. <br /> <br /> After that you enter the valle Hermoso. We camped at the waypoint 17/Camp Valle Hermoso but we do not recommend it. It was really small and close to the river, so if there is a sudden level rise because of heavy rain or a flooding because of a glaciar outburst (GLOF), you might get wet... Better sleep st the small caban near km23 if you don't think you will reach the refugio in valle Hermoso.<br /> <br /> Once you reach Lago Verde, follow the GPT track and not the trail that leads to the lake, or you will have to turn back. After the pass it's more river crossings but you can save some kilometers in the river bed by taking the option OH-TI-V 35-E and then OH-TI-V 35-D until the rio jeimenini (the first part of the option OH-TI-V 35-D does not exist anymore). We did not have any trouble to cross the Rio between the 2 lakes even though we were in the middle of the afternoon. It was about thigh deep for me but I'm tall. <br /> <br /> After that it's really easy to the Parc entrance. We went back to Chile Chico walking on the road instead of taking the cross country option, because0 there were still snow on the mountain. The first part is still pretty until the intersection, once you enter the valley of the Rio it is a bit more monotonous. Halfway there is an access to an annex of the national park, to go see the Cueva de las manos and valle lunar. <br /> <br /> * '''Adrien Kunzli / 31-Oct-2022-04-November-2022 / Regular Hiking Northbound'''<br /> <br /> All rivers crossing are easy to pass at this time of year. One tricky passage on the snow at the entrance of lago verde, very steep, but it was to avoid walking in the lake (frozen feet early in the morning). <br /> <br /> No guards at the entrance at Tamango so i didnt pay the fee but didnt get my pass. Tamara gently gave me one at the camping of casa del piedra (apparently if i didnt have this pass i could not be admitted at Jeinimeni.) At Jeinimeni pass, again, nobody. So i were to the houses near and finaly find the guy. He took my pass and i get no fee in this NOBO direction. <br /> Nice shortcut after the bridge of Rio de las Nieves (S 46° 47.274', W 071° 54.665') that can avoid you a little bit of the 4x4 unfinshing road and get you directly into the heart of this amazing and beautifull last part. So: <br /> In front of the end of the bridge, you go up the big hill and go diagonally (or directly if you feel better) to join the path (pretty wild) of the gps (S 46° 45.843', W 071° 54.359'). Small stretches of paths are drawn rather well along this shortcut. <br /> <br /> Not much good water between the bridge (brown water) and the puesto but the the puesto's water is of much better quality.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''GPT 35: Parque Patagonia/ Exploration Route via Valle Maullín Grande/ 2022 March-12/ 4 days / Tobias Schorcht, Jonas Grünewald '''<br /> <br /> We hiked from Maullín Grande to Cochrane by chance. I always wanted to do the stretch from Chile Chico to Cochrane, but we had just 4 days left… When we hitchhiked northbounded from Villa O’Higgins, we luckily got picked up by Pascual Diaz, who is a experienced Mountain Guide (company Kalem) and took us all the way to his refugio in Maullín Grande. He also explained us, how to reach Cochrane on time while doing that crossing. The next day he took us to the end of the Road, where we started hiking around midday (-46,80390, -72,42001). It was a easy walk to the end of the Valley where we camped (-46,87872, -72,34138). The following day was hard, but we went up to the pass (1430m) in perfect sunshine. At (-46,87234, -72,30906) you will face a waterfall in a steep canyon. We recommend to walk on the left side (northwest) through the forest until you meet the riverbed again. The other side is also possible (we went there), but you have to climb higher in difficult terrain. From that point you can easily do a cross country walk up to the pass, where you have to cross the Glaciar (without cracks). It was absolutely stunning! Going down to the laguna is quite steep. I would not do it in bad weather conditions. When you meet the laguna, you can either walk on the left or right side. Both options are not easy. We crossed on the right (southern) side, which is ok in good weather conditions. There is one river crossing in between, which could be impossible with more water. Now we think it would have been easier to walk on the left (northern) side, although we would have had needed to cross the river before and after the laguna. Packrafting is an option as well, but since it only 1.5 km we don’t think it is worth it. Camped in a forest close to the regular trail dry and save. All in all we recommend this option to experienced hikers in good weather conditions. The hike to Cochrane was hard, because we had just 2 days for 80km. So we hitchhiked to the museum of Parque Patagonia and we even saw a puma at the Westwind Campsite! It seems like this puma shows up there regularly. I waited for that moment almost 5 months. My dream came true on my very last evening in nature. Thank you Patagonia for this great gift. 🙏<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2022-Feb / Packrafting / Mikhail Bogdanov&amp;Masha Ovchinnikova'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> See for Rio Chacabuco and picturesamd discussion of the canyons.<br /> <br /> https://web.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1319249015247648/<br /> <br /> * '''Christmas2021 / GPT 35, NOBO, participants Janna &amp; Matthias, dec 2021, duration 6 days from Cochrane to Conaf center at Lago Jeinimeni, then hitchhiked to Chile Chico'''<br /> <br /> As recommended by a friend we opted for the following route through the Parque Nacional de Patagonia which is highly recommendable (first two days mainly GPT variants and options, afterwards GPT regular routes. There are several marked senderos in the beginning as 5 Los Huemules, 8 los Pumas, 7 los Guanacos, sendero 9, sendero Lagunas Altas etc.) as you can see in our attached tracking file.<br /> <br /> All in all the trails were easy to find, some seemed to be still unhiked this year. To enter the park from Cochrane we had to pass a prohibition sign and climb over a no entrar gate. We didn't meet anyone on the first day, the settler didn't seem to be around. The following days we met two to three other hikers per day, but no rangers until the end at Conaf Center near Lago Jeinimeni, where we easily paid the park fees in arrears (8000 pp park entrance fee and an additional 6000 pp overnight stays in the park). We deliberately skipped the Conaf center in Valle Chacabuco on the advice of our friend.<br /> <br /> Good to know:<br /> - There is no water anymore at S 47.198557, W 72.474927 near the camping site but instead at S 47.203460, W 72.480747 and S 47.179332, W 72.465807<br /> - There were many lagoons on our day 3 that weren't visibly well marked neither on our apps nor on the Garmin GPS.<br /> - All the marked refugios along the trail are heavily damaged except Casa de Piedra<br /> (closed on the 24th of dec) and Refugio Valle Hermoso (where we could even dry our<br /> soaked shoes from the many river crossings next to the fireplace).<br /> - From the refugio Valle Hermoso we did a side trip to the first glacier lake in the Valle<br /> Estero Ventisquero without all the luggage.<br /> - The río Jeinimeni water level was up to our waists and strong (note it had rained the<br /> night before). According to others it was supposed to be knee-deep.<br /> - Hitchhiking from Conaf center Jeinimeni to Chile Chico is possible when camping or day guests are leaving. As we arrived later in the afternoon we spent an extra night there. <br /> - The supermercado sur in Chile Chico sells gas.<br /> <br /> Track files and waypoints: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-98Ou9jk0porCVRp7CSFZ-KciXQ2PBzD<br /> <br /> *'''30 Nov RR 5 days SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> From Chile Chico I got the Bahia Jara bus &amp; got off at the junction, saves a 6KM roadwalk. Walked 2KM up the road then on trail to the high plateau. The settler before the pass wasn't there but his dogs were a bit territorial so I avoided the puesto. I went across the high plateau &amp; camped a bit before the second puesto in one long day. Camp marked on track file below the pass was not very good (boggy &amp; sloping) so I continued down to camp near the stream. The second puesto is above the RR &amp; not visible from it. Camping on the high plateau definitely not recommended. It is very exposed &amp; the wind can &amp; will knock tents. On day 2 I got to CONAF, they said a puma had been there every day the week before. Continued with many river crossings to the hut. There are trails marked with ribbons on LHS of the river SOBO, they go in on small loops which avoid some of the river crossings. Nearing the hut there is a stream flowing into the lake. At the lake it was too deep to cross. Bush bashed for about 40 metres to reach the ford. Camped outside the hut. Several river crossings on the third day. The double crossing is the crux. I avoided it by going over the bluff on LHS of river with a bit of tree bashing but I don't recommend that. The bluff descent is cliffed off with only a narrow breach where you can downclimb on trees. The breach is not obvious from above. Better to ford the river - it was running high but I met several hikers who had crossed it. Got to Casa de Pidera in 1 long day from the hut. You can cook in the Casa (they have a gas stove, electricity &amp; showers) but have to camp outside. There are some trees to shelter from the wind. On the fourth day I started walking Sendero de Siete Lagunas (SSL) but I was using the 2019 track file which doesn't show the SSL. It had not been walked much recently &amp; the route was not obvious. At the lake I lost the SSL in guanaco tracks. I continued around the lake &amp; walked out about 2KM to the road. The descent to the road was cliffed off but I found a way down in a gully. Then I walked out the road past a meadow where hundreds of guanaco were grazing. Past the meadow I went in left on a side road to rejoin the RR. On the fifth day I walked past Daniel Huemul's puesto &amp; was lucky to meet Daniel who was riding out &amp; he showed me the way. He said the direct RR which goes right from the puesto is now overgrown &amp; disused. Instead we went out to the left. There is a small road which goes in a loop &amp; turns towards Lago Cochrane but with his directions I was able to shortcut it. I paid 15,000 CLP for entry &amp; camping at CONAF Lago Jeinemeni &amp; they didn't charge me anything at Casa de Piedra.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> *'''2020-Mar-18 , Tyler Wood, 7 Days Sobo'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section to end my season with. I got a couple short hitches on the way up past Chile Chico. Up past the last puesto are some great areas to camp along a big boulder field. Maybe 2 km more. Beautiful and surrounded by Guanacos. Plenty of water too. Up near the top of the pass was very cold, but very beautiful, and even saw a bunch of flamingoes in the lakes.<br /> <br /> On the way down the pass I tried to find the fore-mentioned route to the puesto to take the road the rest of the way down and didn’t really have any luck...found my way anyways and camped down by Rio sucio under a willow.<br /> <br /> Into Jenimeni I got another little hitch. Once you cross the deeper river by Laguna esmeralda just keep those water shoes on, you’ll be crossing many more times.<br /> <br /> I also was told by a ranger that sendero siete Lagunas wasn’t habilitado, but went for it anyways. Water is Not after Laguna Gutiérrez for a while, so make sure you fill up around there. After the pass there are a few more small<br /> Streams to fill up. <br /> <br /> The road walking to Tmango reserve seemed to take forever, but Walking/camping by Lago Cochrane was all worth it. At puesto Huemul Is when I got my first advice that the corona virus was a big deal. The woman told me there were 3 confirmed cases in Cochrane, I went there and booked my tickets straight home. Hasta le vista baby!!!<br /> <br /> * '''2020-February-08 / 7 days / Southbound'''<br /> <br /> Long and beautiful section. No major difficulties. Great diversity. Without hitchhiking, it took me 173 kilometers. <br /> <br /> 1st part / 2 days / Chile Chico to Div 217<br /> At the beginning of the cross country, valley full of Guanacos. I camped just after the puesto, about 2 kilometers after the beginning of the cross country, before the pass, where there are still rocks to protect from the wind.<br /> As related in previous reports, after camp 279, you will stumbled upon a fence. Go on the East along the fence, cross it, and you will find a trail to the next Puesto and then the trail goes down from the puesto to the dirt road. You will avoid cross country this way. <br /> <br /> 2nd part / 2,5 days to Casa de Piedra<br /> Popular part. Groups of hikers along the way. 8000CLP entrance fee + 6000 CLP for 2 nights sleeping inside the park. <br /> <br /> 3rd part / 2,5 days / Sendero de las 7 lagunas<br /> After Casa de Piedra, I followed the GPS regular route which took me to the beginning of the Sendero of 7 lagunas. CONAF said it was not &quot;habilitado&quot; but it is actually well marked. The good thing is that there will be no hikers on this part, except when you approach the end, along the lago Cochrane. The trail is very different from the GPS tracks but no difficulties to find it. So, don't worry not having the GPS tracks. <br /> At S 47º08.015' W 72º18.948', there is a nice place to camp and also, the trail will merge with the optional route OH-TL-V@35-02F-#001 You can then follow this track and then go back to the Regular Route to reach Cochrane.<br /> <br /> * Martin Lizondo / 28-Jan-2020 / Regular Hiking Southbound<br /> <br /> The section took me 6 days. Some tips:<br /> <br /> The first part from Chile Chico has a +20 km cross country walk. The wind is extremly strong and the route very high, with no forest protection. I recommend spending the first night behind the trees of El Ciprés (the settler Orlando Vazquez allows people to pass and is very kind) or near to the puesto at the end of the minor road at 46º 36' 5,3&quot; S, 71º 48' 45,05&quot; O (Miguel Pacheco is very kind too). Enough water all along the route.<br /> <br /> The Jeinimeni section of Parque Patagonia is very easy and well marked. Entrance to foreigners costs CLP 8000 plus 6000 if spending the night. There’s a shelter with place for fire and tents after 18 km.<br /> <br /> Valley Aviles to Casa de Piedra is also easy and beautifull, with many free camping spots. Casa de Piedra costs CLP 8000 per night.<br /> <br /> The rest of the gps track is very different from the actual trail, called “Sendero de las Siete Lagunas”. I recommend taking this route instead of the old gps track, as it’s very well maintained. At Lago la Pepa ( 47º 7' 45,19&quot; S, 72º 18' 41,54&quot; O ) the trail crosses an old overgrown minor road, which coincides with the gps track and takes to Puesto Huemul (47º 11' 25,31&quot; S, 72º 26' 6,98&quot; O). If going to the left, you’ll reach the puesto, if going up to the right you’ll end the official “Sendero de las Siete Lagunas” near to the main park center. Other hiking options are possible from that point, but the regular route to Puesto Huemul is the shortest.<br /> <br /> From Puesto Huemul, the trail goes down near to the lake Cochrane through Sendero “Coigües” and “Carpinteros”. Well marked and signed, this trails will take you to the start of Tamango section, very near to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-27 / GPT35 New Route: Lago General Carrera (Fachinal) to Parque Patagonia (Lago Jenimeni or “Casa de Piedra”) / 5 days / Meylin Meylin Elisabeth Ubilla González and Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> Based on a recommendation from Tobias Hellwig W and Daniel Mahn Borkowsky we investigated a new route that I did no had on my radar until a few weeks ago. This route provides an alternative access from the southern coast of Lago General Carrera into the Parque Patagonia and is of interest for packrafters and hikers.<br /> <br /> The route is a traditional animal trail that was used by the settlers of Fachinal to drive cattle to a large summer pasture that is now part of Parque Patagonia (sector Jenimeni). With the enforcement of keeping domestic animals out of the protected park area a 5 km trail section inside Parque Patagonia lacks maintenance but is still quite well traversable for GPT standards. Apart from this short trail section most of the route is very scenic and nice to walk but practically unknown. Only one tourism company runs guided hiking trips along this route about once per months. Apart from this occasionally use the full traverse seams not to be done anymore.<br /> <br /> Due to lack of trail markings we spend about one extra day in searching and following the poorly maintained 5 km trail section but with our GPS record other hikers should struggle much less than we did and will be able to walk in 4 to 5 moderate hiking days from Fachinal at the southern shore of Lago General Carrera to “Casa de Piedra” in the center of Parque Patagonia in the Valle Chacabuco.<br /> <br /> We hiked the route northbound as we considered the option to cross Lago General Carretera at its shortest narrow by packraft. Here the lake is only 3.2 km wide but we finally did not cross this rather dangerous lake due to suboptimal wind conditions.<br /> <br /> Fachinal to Rio Aviles River Crossing: <br /> <br /> A well maintained “cattle highway” leads from Fachinal from the road bridge of Rio Aviles along the western/southern side of Rio Aviles to the limit of Parque Patagonia. This roughly 20 km long trail section gets regularly cleaned with chain saws to facilitate access to the pastures along Rio Aviles for free-rooming cattle. Most of the trees that have fallen on the trail have been cut to keep the trail easily traversable. Some hikers might find the “pointless up and down” annoying but this trail was created by men that move on horses that did not had to ascent and descent themself. About 1 km before crossing the Rio Aviles two signs indicate the limit of Parque Patagonia (Sector Jenimeni) and ban access for unauthorized people and domestic animals (without providing any clue who might be authorized and who not ;-). From the park limit the trail descents steep to Rio Aviles but remain well maintained to ford.<br /> <br /> This trail section requires two possibly demanding river crossings that can become impossible during snow melt in spring, after heavy rain or on the afternoon or evening of hot days (melting water from glaciers!). To keep the route traversable in such circlesumstances the tourism company has installed in both locations steel ropes (to cross these two rivers hooked up in harness to the steel rope without even touching the water).<br /> <br /> Rio Aviles River Crossing to the Pass (1150 m above Sea Level): <br /> <br /> After the river crossing the trail condition suddenly changes. Fallen trees don’t get cut anymore and undergrowth is not cleaned by machete. It’s mainly the remaining path on the ground that indicates the former animal trail. Advance is slow and in various locations care must be taken to not loose the trail. Here you will need to climb over fall trees and push occasionally through dense vegetation until reaching an altitude of 950 m. At this altitude the forest floor opens up (no dense undergrowth any more) and the trail disappears completely. Here walking becomes easy again. Walk the following kilometer through the open forest following roughly the GPS track until reaching the end of the forest and the small lake after the 1150 m high pass.<br /> <br /> An advise for northbound hikers: <br /> <br /> Finding the first signs of the trail in the open forest was a struggle as we had no information where exactly the trail starts to descent. I searched at least 3 or 4 hours in a 400 m wide and 1200 m long section of open forest till I found a first old machete mark on a tree that indicated the location of the trail. Carefully searching and following similar marks I finally found the descending trail.<br /> <br /> Searching northbound we lost the trail again when reaching Rio Aviles at the bottom of the valley and searched half a day for the correct continuation. A well visible and noticeably used trail next to Rio Aviles leads directly to an suitable river ford but from there a well maintained trail continues 1 km in the wrong direction (upstream). Only after bushbashing 1 km along the river shore downstream we recognized with surprise a second river ford (now the correct river ford) which connects to the well maintained trail section in the correct direction. In hindsight we understood that the well maintained trail simply continues upstream along Rio Aviles and that this trail crosses twice the Rio Aviles. Due to a partially not evident trail section on the other side of we did not recognize this when hitting this trail on the bottom of the valley and took the wrong direction to the wrong river ford.<br /> <br /> Now hikers with our GPS record and a GPS should not struggle to find and follow this trail as we did.<br /> <br /> Pass (1150 m above Sea Level) to Valle Hermoso Refugio: <br /> <br /> After leaving the forest at the 1150 m high pass the most scenic part of this route starts. A roughly 15 km long cross country route leads over pastures and river sediments past 3 lakes and two glaciers to the Refugio Valle Hermoso. Occasionally signs of a trail are visible but due to the open landscape a continuous trail neither exists nor is needed. <br /> <br /> Near the Refuge Valle Hermoso this route connects with regular route that leads along Valle Aviles (diffrent river with the same name!) to “Casa de Piedra” in the center of Parque Patagonia.<br /> <br /> Access to Trail Head at Fachinal:<br /> <br /> There are multiple buses per week from Chile Chico to Puerto Tranquilo on the Carretera Austral that pass Fachinal.<br /> <br /> Monday and Friday runs a subsidized bus from Chile Chico to Fachinal and back to Chile Chico (One round trip in the morning and a second one in the evening).<br /> 8:30 leaving Chile Chico<br /> 9:30 in Fachinal<br /> 11:00 returning to Chile Chico<br /> 17:30 leaving Chile Chico<br /> 18:30 in Fachinal<br /> 20:00 returning to Chile Chico<br /> <br /> If you wish to cross Lago General Carrera to continue hiking in the Cordillera Avellano North of the lake speak to Carloz Amoros in Fachinal (mobile: +56 9 76267029 / price around 30‘000 CLP) or Pascual Diaz de Mallin Grande.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-January 23 / Oreste Marquis/ Northbound : 8 days '''<br /> <br /> Going northbound. I followed the route until the second settler at the puesto Tejuela. From there, until the optional route @35-02e#001,<br /> I could not find the approximate trail in the files. I manage to find another one which is call siete Lagunas. It is really easy to follow and really beautiful! I find it near km 18 and keep walking on it until km 38. It is the end of it and is at the campground near Lago Gutiérrez. For more informations go reed Martin post in recent alerts and suggestion. I met him on the trail and he updated the wikiexplora before me. From the beginning to Casa Piedra took me 3 days. Then I hiked to the end of the reserve in an other 3 days. Lots of rivers to cross but felt pretty safe for all of them even the one higher between Lagos Jeinimeni and Verde. The cross country part the next day was my favorite of the hole trip! Awesome views, a lot of wildlife, just need to check a little bit more the gps! Last day, I headed to Chile Chico without any problem. Overall, I love it! Enjoyed it as much as GPT40.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-January / Matthieu / Northbound : 7.5 days &quot;tranquilito&quot;'''<br /> Incredible trekk, lots of different type of views and soil, my favorite since El Chalten. Money required for passing by the reserves !!<br /> I hitchhiked 10 km on the road to Casa Piedra, and 12 km between Jeinemini qnd the beginning of the trail that goes north in the mountain to join Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> '''1st part : Reserve Tamango''' : 6000 CLP the entry<br /> I took the old &quot;Huemul trail&quot; in the Tamango reserve, taking the left route at the &quot;Camp 284&quot; It is an old trail for 4x4, so very easy, and closed to vehicles now. <br /> <br /> '''2nd part : The road to Casa Piedra :''' the rangers I crossed were all agreed that it was not permitted to camp aside of the road (so the information is different that in Nov). One officiql camping at the end of Tamango reserve (WestWind) and one at Casa Piedra 26 km after. 8000 CLP each. At Westwind (not verified, only inforñqtions for guardaparques): no accomodations, only baño. At Casa Piedra . real big house, hot shower, electricity, place to cook. <br /> <br /> '''3rd part : Reserve Jenemeni :''' Entry 8000 CLP. For the camping, the ranger told me that it was permitted to camp wherever I wanted, so the information differs too from november. And at the exit, I told the ranger about my &quot;savage&quot; camping in the conversation, and he didnt tic at all, so no stress. The rangers are very nice !<br /> Good trekk, easy to follow. One very good refuge in the valle Hermoso where fire is possible. a more open refuge/camping site by the east shore of Lago Verde. <br /> Many river crossing, all safe except one, before the Laguna Esmeralda. Strong current, and people choose many different way with different profundness. Better do it in the morning, being a glaciar river (I could effectively compare between late in the afternoon and the morning and it is very different).<br /> <br /> '''Last part, to Chile Chico by the mountain :''' Amazing views, totaly different climate, more dry and with only bushes. <br /> At the beginning of the Cross country after the 4x4 road, I would advise to go a few meters west from the GPS tracks, to the east side of the river. There is effectively a fence on the west ridge, and a good trail on the east ridge that can avoid you the difficult crossing of many bushes, and that goes directly to the puesto.<br /> Two puestos, The 135 of metal being used by the locals (real bed inside), so just putted the tent outside. The second one 134 is actually a real house. Two mens were here when I arrived, working with the animals. I could put the tent near the house and take water from the sink outside. Many dogs, all nice.<br /> <br /> * '''Mum, Sis and I / Southbound / 11 days '''<br /> <br /> Well. What an interesting and varied section. Also the longest walk I think we'd all done. It took us 11 days in the end with a couple of longer side trips. Interestingly, when we emerged from the park it was closed, there was martial law in effect, a curfew in place. Borders closed. Only a week to get back to Santiago to catch the last flights back to Australia... Anyway. We're heading back now. Got temperature tested as we reentered Chili Chico this morning. Waiting for the boat across the lake mañana in la mañana. No buses out of town. Enough rambling...<br /> <br /> As always, thanks to the others before us that have taken the time to comment and provide feedback. Here's my two cents.<br /> <br /> Firstly here are some landmarks to make it easier for others to orient themselves: <br /> <br /> El Ciprés<br /> http://ge0.me/oGvL0ey6_7/El_Ciprés<br /> ge0://oGvL0ey6_7/El_Ciprés<br /> Casa Piedra<br /> http://ge0.me/4GvJGSxqPH/Casa_Piedra_%28Stone_House%29<br /> ge0://4GvJGSxqPH/Casa_Piedra_%28Stone_House%29<br /> Westwind<br /> http://ge0.me/wGvC_gnJaX/Westwind<br /> ge0://wGvC_gnJaX/Westwind<br /> <br /> Camping in Chile Chico:<br /> El Carro is supposed to be the cheapest place to stay in town. Though if you want a hot shower it's the same as Kon-aiken next door. We stayed at neither so can't really comment, but there were a lot of people staying at Kon-aiken and next to none at El Carro which might be indicitive of value for money or just the fact they are a little closer to the centre of town.<br /> El Carro however was the only one willing to look after some things for us.<br /> We also visited a hostel, but the owner was unfortunately very rude.<br /> <br /> El carro<br /> 4k frío <br /> 5k caliente <br /> 1k por día por mochila <br /> <br /> Kon-aiken<br /> 5k pp / noche <br /> No baggage service <br /> <br /> Part 1: Chili Chico to Jeinemeni<br /> In the end we decided to cache things in the bushes just outside of town. Mum and my sister got a lift to the Bahía Jara cruz whist I was caching. Unfortunately I had to walk all the way to El Ciprés where my mum and sister had been enjoying a nice conversation with Orlando Vazquez who allowed us to pass but emphasised the dangers and didn't really recommend crossing. <br /> Passing through the gate a couple of utes were exiting. Apparently there is a new mine up in the mountains and they didn't really want us to walk up. They admitted they just worked there.<br /> Turn off the main rd that assumably heads to the mine about here: -46.57775, -71.82666<br /> Goucho Miguel Pacheco passed us on the way up herding some cattle and we talked to him at the puesto for a while. We also gave him one of the Australian coins we'd been carrying around. He seemed to believe it was everyone's right to pass. &quot;People pass through here all the time &quot;.&quot;Just yesterday a lad passed by &quot;.&quot;It's the shortest route across the mountains &quot;<br /> Anyway. We camped in the rocks just outside the park boundaries (as mentioned by??).<br /> We then camped two nights up on the windy plateau. Our side trip to Valle Lunes was amazing. I'd recommend it. But be careful with wind. Oh and did anyone mention the guanacos?<br /> Unfortunately I think the water wasn't very clean on this part. Sheep, cows, guanacos, birds... It's the first time in Chile I've wished I took my water filter along. We had some sore stomachs.<br /> Dropping down the other side we hit the mentioned fence (about here -46.72574, -71.90211). We crossed, but would recommend following it to the left until you get to a corner. I'm not sure where it starts, but there is a trail running on the outside of the fence to the puesto. We then followed a sheep trail that ran high on the left (east) of the valley. Very good but it bypassed Las Abutardas completely and seemed to be heading towards Laguna los Flamencos instead. We ended up cutting down to the road where León passed us heading into town, a little confused why we hadn't taken the 'proper trail'.<br /> We camped the night at the Río El Sucio camp. Not really recommended.<br /> We walked the road and stayed at Río Las Vacas for a bit which is at the border of the park and a nicer place to camp. (There is a good stream between the two).<br /> <br /> Part 2: Jeinemeni to Casa Piedra<br /> It was 8k to enter the park (for foreigners) and an additional 6k for camping in Valle Hermoso. The section to the refugio (-46.84092, -72.14078) was very nice. This is the only shelter still standing. The others included in the track files were not really enterable.<br /> Heading to the refugio (where everyone seems to camp) you cross the small ankle deep creek exiting Laguna Esmeralda and then the deeper river between Lago Verde and Jeinemeni. This might have been the trickiest but when we crossed it wasn't really bad. We then had two more smaller crossings before passing through Portezuela La Gloria (1100m) to cross Estero Ventisquero and the other river running down the main valley.<br /> The next day we did the popular side trip to the glacier in this valley: -46.80924, -72.20116<br /> We wondered if it was the same way Jan et al entered recently?<br /> From the refugio to Valle Avilés there are no compulsory river crossings if you stick to the somewhat scrubby trail to the left (south) of the valley. The first crossing we did was Río Avilés shortly followed by the tributary. So only 8 crossings (wet feet) on the RR. <br /> <br /> We walked from the refugio to Casa Piedra in a day. It was closed so we camped on the other side of the Rd.<br /> <br /> Part 3: Casa Piedra to Cochrane<br /> From casa piedra we took the aforementioned Sendero las Siete Lagunas. It is not it the track files but indeed very well marked with numbered markers every kilometre. I'll upload a kml with the markers I recorded as well as some of the water bodies I sketched.<br /> After the stream running into Lago Gutiérrez there wasn't much water until Lago la Pepa.<br /> You will briefly intersect with a road here: -47.14006, -72.37138. The road seems to run down to Puesto Tejuela coinciding with OH-TL-V@35-02F-#001 which I think is incorrectly labelled as TL. Part of RH-TL-I@35-99.0+30.0 too should be marked as MR. You'll intersect this road before taking it down to Lago Cochrane.<br /> We passed the occupied dwelling (Daniel Huemul?) but the man wearing a shirt emblazoned with Parque Patagonia seemed afraid to approach us (another hint the world had gone Corona crazy). He wouldn't let us take the RR so we followed the road for a bit before taking another newly made trail also not in the track files.<br /> Everything after that was very easy to follow.<br /> Everything was abandoned at the entrance and the gate locked. People avoided us on the streets and covered their face when passing us. <br /> We grabbed some needed food (we were very short after 11 days!) and got on the WiFi. Wow! How things had changed! Martial law in place and a curfew in place, we slept under a bridge with some Colombians and caught a bus back to Chili Chico in the morning. Waiting for the boat across the lake tomorrow now.<br /> <br /> Links to files :<br /> Kilometre markers: https://www.dropbox.com/s/fuzt4xacxjjvvg4/kms.kmz?dl=0<br /> Water bodies: https://www.dropbox.com/s/uz1ei95s1913xvb/water.bodies.kmz?dl=0<br /> Other planning: <br /> https://www.dropbox.com/s/uk9ym56gufwk4zq/planning.kmz?dl=0<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Dec / Olrik/ Northbound '''<br /> <br /> Amazing part of the GPT, from Cochrane ou enter in the Tamango national reserve and pay 6000CLP for the entrance. We took several trails to get to Valle Chacabuco : Las Aguilas, Las Lengasm Los Condores, Laguna Altas. Great views. We had a snow storm at the pass though. There you end up in a paid campground. From there we walked the dirt road to Casa Piedras in Valle Chacabuco, it was beautiful with lots of guanacos. Then we took the Las Aviles sendero. We camped near the first river crossing as it was late and waited for the morning to cross. It is normally not possible to wild camp in the park but the guardaparque told us to camp there if the river crossing is not sage. The rest of the trail is easy to follow next to the river. There is a pass then you descend to Valle Hermoso and to lago Jeinimeni. It was just gorgeous and easy to follow with great weather. Be aware of the numerous river crossings. In lago Jeinimeni there is a paid campground. From there you can hitchhike, walk, or pay a transportation at the entrance of the park (15000Clp pp) but I'm not sure if this is a regular thing. We ended up hitchhiking to get to Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-28/ Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe/ 5.5days/ Northbound / Regular Hiking Route (Cochrane to Chile Chico) with OH-32-2-#003/'''<br /> <br /> This section might have been our favorite out of the whole Group H, where the diversity of the landscape was our favorite part (also including weather and trail conditions). The NP was entered at Tamango just outside of Cochrane. Registration is mandatory, the entrance fee is at 8000 CLP. The ranger asked us to explain our route and since the regular Hiking route did not seem familiar to them, they told us to take the optionals route going north over the pass to WestWinds campground and then do the road walk Eastwards. <br /> The pass had some snow patches on the Southern side but was easy to traverse. At the Valley Chacabuco (another entrance to the national park) we got asked for our permits and the route we plan on taking. We heard different information on if it is allowed to camp at the road or not (there were signs that told us not to do it but the ranger said it is okay). After the roadwalk, we passed another ranger station where we had to register and sign a responsibility form telling that we plan to leave at Lago Jeinimeni (and telling that we're only allowed to stay at designated campsites). The hike from there is extremely beautiful and super diverse, the trail well maintained. The rivers were at higher flow but all fords were doable. <br /> We camped next to the Refugio because we still weren't sure about the camping rules (other hikers we met said they were told that it's okay to camp everywhere along the river). Leaving the NP at Lago Jeinimeni was straightforward, but it's mandatory to check out at the rangers office. The cross-country section after the road walk was a bit slow on the way up due to many bushes and hilly terrain. We found a nice trail next to the fence leading up to the puesto when going up the ridge on the Eastern side. From the puesto we took a short steep uphill after which the terrain became more open and easier to travel on. It was very windy and snowy in the mountains, which made it difficult to walk at times and it felt like the temperatures were rather low.<br /> The lagoons on the way up are filled with exciting birds (flamingos!) and guanacos are running around on the whole plain. Once reaching the plateau we headed down in a pretty straight line which was easier than the uphill until we reached the road<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Chile Chico has two supermarkets. Sell gas.<br /> <br /> *Cochrane is a decently sized town with three mid-range supermarkets. The largest one, which is a grocery and department store, is located adjacent to the town square. There are many lodging and restaurant options. Be sure to withdraw an ample amount of money here because most of the businesses in the next town, Villa O’Higgins, only take cash and there is no ATM.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2025 / MiaimZelt<br /> Buses (starting at Terminal de buses in Chile Chico) that enable you to skip the first 7-8km of Roadwalk when hiking SoBo: <br /> <br /> Turismo Tramal. Chile Chico - Bahia Jara. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 8:30 &amp; 16:30. <br /> WhatsApp: +56 9 7538 0178<br /> <br /> Buses Interlagos from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 9:00.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2023-Mar-31 to 2023-Apr-06 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option J / Martin &amp; Helena<br /> <br /> PN Patagonia closed some sectors on the first Monday in April, so we were the last ones to get a permission and do this section ‘legally’. Be prepared for this if you want to do this part in April or later. The problem is they close Casa Del Piedra and probably won’t let you pass to that sector from Lago Jeinemeni, where the entrance stays open for longer time. Sneaking around the guards house early in the morning or just not be specific about your plans might work if needed, its very unlikely you would meet anyone on the way from the main entrance.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT35 - RN Lago Jeinimeni]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> [[file:Greater Patagonian Trail (7).jpg|left|GPT35 - RN Lago Jeinimeni]]</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT33H_(Torres_de_Avellano)&diff=120331 2025-02-19T19:35:25Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> The GPT manual has an extensive description of this route and all its options.<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-15 &gt; 19 / 4 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 33-B &gt; RR &gt; 33-D &gt; RR &gt; 33-H &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT31&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT32+GPT33<br /> | Meteo : soleil nuages et vent<br /> | Eau : difficile au début<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : Rivière, éboulis<br /> <br /> J'ai fais quelques courses et j'ai mangé au restaurant à Villa Cerro Castillo. Ensuite j'ai repris la randonnée. Attention l'eau est difficilement accessible car les lacs sont clôturés et en contrebas de la route. Sur la gravel road j'ai réussi à faire 4 km d'auto-stop. J'ai mal préparé ma randonnée et j'ai raté la 33-A. Mais je n'avais pas encore dépassé la 33-B alors je l'ai prise. Il y a un petit ruisseau devant le settler du km 0,7. Je n'ai pas pu faire de stop sur la gravel road car je n'ai vu aucun vehicule. Il y a un ford au km 36 quand le sentier traverse la rivière. Au km 52 un arbre permet de passer la rivière. Je suis passé par la 33-D pour aller voir les lacs. Je suis content d'avoir eu du soleil car la descente après le km 62 est vraiment raide sur des pierres lisse et des éboulis. Il n'y a pas de bush-bashing sur cette section du GPT. La descente après le lac se fait bien puis on entre dans un bois ou il n'y a pas de végétation au sol. Ensuite il faut suivre la rivière en marchand dans l'eau jusqu'au km 68,5 où la rivière se transforme en rapide et on trouve un sentier dans le sous-bois. Il faudrait trouver une autre couleur pour les sections de randonnées où on marche dans l'eau. Les fords des km 71,8, 73,5, 78,3 et 89,5 se font sans mettre les pieds dans l'eau. Le chemin est innondé au km 75,5, difficile à éviter car il est entouré de marais. Le ford du km 81,2 était dangereux car le courant était très fort même avec 60cm d'eau. Au km 98,5 il faut aller directement sur la plage. Le chemin le long du lac est parfois envahi par la végétation surtout dans les zones humide. A partir du km 130 c'est la gravel road peu frequentée X-735. J'ai eu du mal à faire de l'auto-stop mais j'ai reussi à faire les 15 derniers km avec un camion. Je n'ai pas pu m'arrêter à la cataracte du km 148,4, c'est mon seul regret car le vent était si violent que j'avais du mal à avancer.<br /> FEV-20: Repos Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> ''' 2025-FEB-7 to 2025-FEB-15 / 8 hiking days / Hiking / SOBO / option 03B, RR, option 02 / Nimrod &amp; Tamar '''<br /> <br /> Good camps for bad weather (more info below): (-46.172528, -72.273827) Hut near km 52. puesto?[4.8/745] (-46.48726, -72.10065)<br /> <br /> We think that its worth mentioning that if the weather is bad and you choose option 02 you should expect hard fords and having hard time following the trail until connecting back to RR.<br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> <br /> Hitchhiked from Coyhaique - 3 rides 5 hours. Started walking at 17:00, camped at (-46.116414, -72216049). It was a little wind protected.<br /> <br /> Day 02:<br /> <br /> Rain all night and all day. Got a lift for 5 km by 2 chilean hikers that went to the Torres and back. Camped at: (-46.172528, -72.273827). Rain and wind all night and the camp location was well protected.<br /> <br /> Day 03:<br /> <br /> Finally sun came out, so we dried our gear. Camped at km 62. Great view and wind protection. The weather became bad again.<br /> <br /> Day 04:<br /> <br /> Started hailing in the morning and it should have became worse along the day. We climbed to the pass early in the morning. Got a glimpse of the Torres and made our way to camp at km 52. Near the camp there is an abandoned small hut where we stayed until the next day. The hut is well protected from rain and wind, and you can even make a fire inside.<br /> <br /> Day 05:<br /> <br /> Our Inreach forecast lied us (again...) and the rain didn't stop until evening. Took option 2 - Rio Avalleno. The river was swollen because of the rain and the fords were quite difficult for us. The trail was gone under the water in a lot of parts, and in some parts it was just CC. Track files was irrelevant in many parts. Camped at puesto?[4.8/745]. Like described before - it's actually a wooden built wall which protects from the wind. The wind was crazy and it gave us great wind protection to pitch our tent and to enjoy a fire.<br /> <br /> Day 06:<br /> <br /> Finally a nice day. Untill we connected to the RR the trail was in bad condition, and again the track files not very helpful. You can skip 2 fords at km 9 if you stick to the nice and visible trail on the east side.<br /> <br /> Maria and Julio not at home. Camped at (-46.276123, -72.204873) There was some wind protection and no water.<br /> <br /> Day 07:<br /> <br /> At (-46.275422, -72.198820) we met Ricardo (we are not sure if he is a settler or a woreke), which kindly suggested to help us cross the Avellano on his horse back. The river was quite swollen from the rain but it's hard for us to say if it was crossable by foot. Camped at (-46.48726, -72.10065) by the small lake. The wind was strong and the campsite was well protected by the big rocks. We filtered water from the small lake/swamp. It might be flooded earlier in the season though.<br /> <br /> Day 08:<br /> <br /> Walked all the way to X[130.4/311] and camped near the junction. Not wind protected but the weather was good. There were a lot of water at variant N.<br /> <br /> Woke up late and took the bus at 9:00. About one hour ride, 1000 clp. Times like MiaimZelt has written.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-02 to 2025-Jan-05 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 3B, RR, Opt 8 / Tom'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Rainy: I hitchhiked from Villa Castillo to the junction at the beginning of 3B. Great views, but if you can afford to pay for transportation to the end of the road, it's worth it. I camped at -46.2647991, -72.41223312025. Due to the rain, there were several streams, and some areas offered wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Rainy: A simple day, just following the route. Be mindful of the exit point from the road—I was focused on the rain and missed it. The Mallín (wetland) can be challenging at times, but nothing too difficult.<br /> <br /> I arrived at Camp 57.2, where four students had waited for a day, hoping for clear skies.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Sunny: I started early, around 6:45 AM. It took about 2.5 hours to reach the viewpoint. Around -46.3870597, -72.4916724, there's a more recent landslide. Nothing too difficult, just loose rocks and fallen trees. Another 2.5 hours to return. On the same day, I started Opt 8 at 1 PM. This section took me 6.5 hours. It's a cattle trail, poorly marked—you really need to follow the GPS carefully, as there are many paths that lead nowhere. I recommend checking the contour lines since there is significant elevation gain. I arrived at Camp ? 11.6, which is Puesto Aguero—it appears to be in use, with sleeping bags and food inside. The camping area isn't ideal, as the ground retains a lot of moisture.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Rain/Sunny: I started at 2 PM when the rain stopped. The river was quite high, so unlike Michael and Kasia, I used the &quot;punte&quot; (a makeshift crossing). It's a fairly slender tree, but there's a rope to help with balance. I had no issues, but if the river were lower, I would have crossed directly through the water. At the beginning, the route is quite muddy but clear. The first half can be a bit more challenging at times, but the trail is well-marked towards the end. It took 4.5 hours to reach Bahía Muerta.<br /> <br /> General Notes: From Route 7 to the Torres viewpoint, it's quite straightforward and well-marked. The difficult section is between Camp 57.2 and Camp ? 11.6. I know there's a route from Camp ? 11.6 to another viewpoint of the Torres, which is not included in current GPS tracks. It seems to be a trail that guides from Avellano Bahía Muerta are currently working on.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-17 to 2024-Jan-21 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH03B RR + variant D + variant H / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus at 10 from Villa Cerro Castillo to the start of Option 03B. We'd hope to hitch the dirt road but we literally saw only one car.<br /> <br /> Bridge 25.7km - good place to get water<br /> <br /> Camped just before junction for option C (46.5km roughly) by the stream in the woods. Great wind protection.<br /> <br /> 49km to 50.8km - track files go CC but on OSM there's a trail we followed it and it worked well. CC route looked wet and boggy in places.<br /> <br /> Ford 52km - lots of downed trees so can cross with dry feet.<br /> <br /> Took variant D - easy and beautiful would recommend it.<br /> <br /> Pass 60km small patch of snow on South side no problem without spikes<br /> <br /> Camped at camp 63.4km - very beautiful but no wind protection, we were lucky the wind was pretty calm.<br /> <br /> CC &amp; BB 64.3 + 4.2 - we just stuck with the stream the whole way down worked out well.<br /> <br /> Ford 81.2km - about 550m before the waypoint the trail gets close to the river for us it looked easy at this point so we just crossed here. Just over knee deep at 4pm on a hot sunny day, no rain for the past few days.<br /> <br /> Took variant H to skip the other 2 fords.<br /> <br /> Camped at 93.3km (S 46° 28.690', W 072° 11.674') nice grassy area with a small stream.<br /> <br /> 98.5km - shortly after leaving the road RR take you through some bushwhacking but it's avoidable just go straight to the beach.<br /> <br /> Camped on the beach around 116km<br /> <br /> Road walked to 138.5km where we saw the first car of the day and got a hitch to Puerto Ibanez.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025 Jan 02 to Jan 11 / 10 hiking days / SOBO, NOBO, WEBO / Hiking / Opt 3B, RR, Opt 2, Opt 8 / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: <br /> <br /> A nice section with some great views and some good optionals. It is a fairly popular trail up to the Torres; we met 11 other hikers on the RR. Opt 2 is a really pretty and peaceful valley. Opt 8 is an adventurous alternative route, probably better to exit GPT33 than to enter it on full resupply weight.<br /> <br /> <br /> CAMPS:<br /> <br /> Night 01: -46.25532, -72.38365 (good water access, decent wind protection (look up before you set your tent, there were some widow makers), next to the road, no view)<br /> <br /> Night 02: -46.34592, -72.49822 (Camp 57.2) (decent view, excellent water access, minimal wind protection, surrounded by dead trees, not safe in windy conditions, a lot of spots to choose from) <br /> <br /> Night 03: -46.40655, -72.49601 (amazing view, decent water access, no wind protection)<br /> <br /> Night 04: same as night 3<br /> <br /> Night 05: -46.35732, -72.45379 (flat space for two tents, wind protected, just off the trail, water is a little ways away)<br /> <br /> Night 06: -46.36802, -72.43937 (flat space for 2 tents, excellent wind protection, no view, water is a little ways away, accompanied by the sturdy arrieros shelter)<br /> <br /> Night 07: same as night 6<br /> <br /> Night 08: same as night 2<br /> <br /> Night 09: -46.39734, -72.58201 (Camp ? 11.6) (not much truly flat space, but if you aren't picky there's lots of space, no wind protection, water is down a steep hill,next to the used puesto)<br /> <br /> <br /> WATER: <br /> <br /> On 3B and into RR on the road it was difficult to find at times. On all trail sections it was easy to find.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 01 - Jan 2nd<br /> <br /> We got the bus from the terminal in Coyhaique. It was a bit of an ordeal. The buses hadn't been running for two days on account of the holiday, and we had not purchased tickets in advance. There was quite a line and it seemed they had been sold out much earlier. We went and talked to the driver after he finished loading most of the luggage. He said to give him a minute to check. He luckily had two empty seats to Cerro Castillo, and we paid him cash at the break point in Cerro Castillo, 8.000 pp, the normal price. He dropped us at the beginning of Opt 3B. There was a bus stop there. Opt 3B is a gravel road. There is some nice scenery, but overall it's a road walk. There isn't much traffic, but hitchhiking is possible. RR from km 24 where Opt 3B meets it is also gravel road until km 45.5. There isn't a huge grade and the road is in good condition, so it's easy if somewhat underwhelming walking. Water is not so easily accessible. All the little side creeks had dried up or were just water trickling through mud. Much of the time we were too high above the water, or it was fenced off. At km 24.9 there is an unmarked bridge. There was good water access there. There was also a very nice campsite there at (-46.21595, -72.34452). It had flat space for at least one tent, maybe two, trees and good water access close by. The next good water spot we found was at Settler 29.4. There was easy water access next to the bridge down to the barn. We didn't find water again until km 35.5 when we camped for the night. Camp 32.0 should be marked “Camp with No Water”. We did not see any water nearby or anything that looked like there is water at another time of year. At km 31.9 there was a locked gate with a No Trespassing sign, but a set of stairs to walk over the fence on the left hand side. The stairs were solid and in good condition. At km 32.9 was an easy open gate with a No Trespassing sign facing the other direction. It looked like someone had been working there recently, lots of fresh wood cuts, but we didn't see anyone. We camped just off the road at km 35.5 in a little clearing, just after a gate. There was access to the estero there.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 02 - Jan 3rd<br /> <br /> We continued the road walk. The trail in the forest was very nice. The meadows were a little marshy but we moved through them fairly quickly. Ford 52.0 was easy, top of the calf and not much current. There was actually a fallen tree that could work as a bridge to do a dry foot crossing. We camped at Camp 52.7 next to a stream. This would not be a good site if it is windy. Fortunately we had a windless night. No issues finding water this day. We met three other hikers on their way out of Avellanos.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 03 - Jan 4th<br /> <br /> The trail to the Trailhead 57.0 is easy to follow and, except in a few places, in good shape. There were a few places where it disappeared for a bit. Where they diverged, sometimes GPT track files were better, sometimes OSM, we just chose what seemed the most traveled. After Trailhead 57.0 the track is a little more difficult to follow. The OSM track was a little more accurate for the CC sections. There was only one ford at the end of the valley a little before it goes up into the woods, around km 59.3, just below the knee, not a strong current. The way through the woods at the end was difficult to follow. It is fairly overgrown in parts and we ended up walking a bit above the GPT track pushing through trees until the boulder field. We were trying to make it to Camp 61.2 above the pass. After the Trailhead 57.0 we did not see another suitable place to camp until close to Camp 61.2; everything was wet or on a slope, either covered in rock or trees. We camped at (-46.40655, -72.49601), about 400 m before Camp 61.2 in a flat area. There was no wind protection, but the night was calm. The site has a great view of the mountains and one of the lakes. We met five other hikers heading out over the course of the day.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 04 - Jan 5th<br /> <br /> We did a packless day trip up to the pass to see the Torres. The weather was good, full sun and light wind. We spent about an hour on the pass. The Torres are nice; the one in the middle looked to us like it had the face of the rock eating monster from Neverending Story. As nice as the Torres were, we actually preferred the view on the mountains on the north side of the pass. On the way back down we looked at the area around Camp 61.2. We didn't really see any spaces suitable for a tent, certainly not for something the size of the X-Mid 2. There seemed to be a few options for bivys. There were strong gusts of wind in the night and part of our tent collapsed. We managed to get it back up and it stayed up for the rest of the night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 05 - Jan 6th<br /> <br /> We headed back NOBO on RR. We met Mia who was heading SOBO at the ford. It was nice to cross paths with another GPTer. At the X 54.5 we switched to Opt 2 Avellanos Bypass. We were interested to see the valley. The trail in places is in great shape, especially the higher areas, and in places non-existant, especially in low, wet areas, or where the river has washed it out. At one point we saw a huemul, our first one. It was walking up stream in the river very slowly and pausing often. We watched it for about 15 minutes before it finally got up on the hill on the opposite side and climbed into the trees. A little while later there was a huge waterfall coming down from one of the mountains. We camped in a sandy area under some trees a ways away from the river. All fords were more of a blessing in the scolding sun than a challenge. The riverbed moved in some places into the land where the GPS tracks were but it was very easy to navigate.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 06 - Jan 7th<br /> <br /> We walked further downriver to Puesto ? 4.9. It is not actually a puesto, but a stopover half-shelter with fire pit for people driving animals. It was a great wind barrier, and a place to hang out on our rest/”waiting rain over” day. Just a few meters away we found a nice flat area with space for two tents that was very well wind protected and we were expecting 90 km/h winds to come next day. We left our packs and went further down river. The valley is really beautiful and has some great views. For a while the trail is in excellent condition, then it starts to disappear. It was not possible to follow the GPT track for all of it, but we found other paths. The river fords got increasingly more challenging as we went down stream. More drainages joined the river and added water. We turned around at Ford 8.2 and we noticed the increase in river level just over those few hours. The most difficult ford was mid-thigh with a good amount of current (at 6pm, earlier around 3 pm it was good 20 cm lower).<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 07 - Jan 8th<br /> <br /> We took a zero day. Rain and high wind all day. The camp site worked very well for inclement weather. <br /> <br /> <br /> Day 08 - Jan 9th<br /> <br /> We backtracked the rest of Opt 2 and arrived midday back at Camp 57.2. We were planning to exit 33H on Opt 8 but didn't want to start it the same day. We enjoyed a half rest day with sun and no wind at the campsite. We passed three other tents during the day.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 09 - Jan 10th<br /> <br /> We started Opt 8 in the morning. For the first 7 km or so it is actually fairly easy to follow. The GPX tracks aren't always spot on, but we followed them as closely as we could and we managed to find the trail more often than not. The landslide seemed to be quite small and we just walked below it. The two fords at that point are just over a side stream, so probably dry foot crossable a little later in the season. Everything after that until Camp ? 11.6 where we stopped for the night was a bit of a challenge. In areas the trail is in excellent shape and then it just disappears into slopes of grass and blow downs. We would lose the track and CC for a while, finding it again a couple hundred meters on. I just walked with the Garmin in one hand for most of the way since I had to check it so frequently. The last few km to the campsite were very muddy. It ended up being a very long and very exhausting day. We did not see any serviceable campsites for our tent between the beginning and Camp ? 11.6. Camp ? 11.6 is a puesto with a sign saying it is called Puesto Agüero. There is also a sign saying “No Dejar Basura”, which we took to mean that the puesto is used, at least unofficially, for public camping, but just to pack your trash out. The site does not have good wind protection, but we had a windless night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 10 - Jan 11th<br /> <br /> Ford 11.5 had the same makeshift bridge that Maggie &amp; Julien reported last season. We decided to ford instead of use the bridge. We forded a little lower than the waypoint. It was above the knee and with a fair amount of current. The path after the ford was generally very easy to follow. In the pastures we kept an eye on the GPS as there are animal trails that go all over, but in the forested areas it was very clear. It was very muddy for the first half and mostly dry for the second half. There are some nice views of the river along the way, and of the valley toward the end of the section. The MR at the end has been extended further up the valley and now starts about 1.5 km sooner than indicated in the track files. We walked into Puerto Murta around 18:30. We had no particular difficulty with Opt 8, and it was not overgrown enough that we wished we had a machete at any point. Though it doesn't look like it from the elevation profile in Gaia, due to the constant ups and downs there is an enormous amount of cumulative elevation gain and loss. For this reason we think that this is a much better option for exiting the section, so the pack can be as light as possible.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025 Jan 4th to Jan 9th / 5.5 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 3B, RR, Opt D &amp; E &amp; H / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> This section indeed is a real gem, but also challenging. Weather was hot and sunny, too warm in my opinion. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Wanted to hitchhike from Villa Cerro Castillo to the start of Opt 3B, but then a bus came an took me. Mostly boring hiking along a minor road.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Continued along the minor road, soon it got smaller and wasn't passable for cars anymore. At -46.254893, -72.381462 is a new fence, theoretically it could be opened, but you need to be strong. I crawled under it... Here -46.260122, -72.397627 is a large rather open field with lot's of flat space to pitch a tent. Water nearby. -46.260547, -72.400255 small building, which was unoccupied. The horsetrail is in good condition. Camped here: -46.352094, -72.488826, but there is only space for small tents. <br /> <br /> Day 3: The ascend in the forest was also in good condition. Later you have to sharpen your eyes and look for the cairns. Met Kasia and Michael, was nice to meet other GPT hikers. Option D is marked with cairns, but there is no trail and i had to cross the river 2 more times. Especially the first lake is a real gem. <br /> Hike up to the pass was not difficult, just take your time. <br /> Way down is more challenging. I had to cross a large and steep patch of snow, which was ok without microspikes. Than you have to climb down a steep slope with lots of boulders, but they have good traction. The middle part was the hardest, because both smartphone and Garmin didn't show my correct position and wanted me to hike down a small waterfall. According to the smartphone there had to be a lake, but there was a forest instead, which wasn't shown neither on the Garmin nor on the Smartphone. Hiked down left of the waterfall, which looked much safer. The last part before you arrive at the glacier lagoon, is a large field of XXL-boulders which you have to cross. The views at the lake were awesome! <br /> The bushbashing was mostly easy or at least not difficult. The worst was the stretch along Rio Ventisquero to the Trailhead. In the beginning i tried to walk in the riverbed, which often means to walk in the river, not just crossing the river. But when a 2nd river was added, the water was up to middle thigh and had a stromg current - not a good idea to continue this way. Hiked at the left side in the forest instead. Sometimes there was a vague animal trail, but it disappeared very often. This was really annoying with a lot of bushbashing. Camped at Camp Without Water {33H} [68.7/766].<br /> <br /> Day 4: Crossing of Rio Ventisquero was just up to my knees and not diffucult. Enjoyed the horsetrail along Rio Avellano, but i took Option E, because the RR was i overgrown in this area. Option E is in better condition. Didn't met Maria &amp; Julio, later i saw to guys on horseback. Ford {33H} [81.4/492] was up to my crotch (i'm 1.74cm) and had a strong current, but i made it. My feet had traction, but couldn't place my trekkingpoles correctly due to the strong current. You have to cross 3 times here, but the other two were easy. <br /> The Minor road is not like a real road, it's more a 4x4 track used by horses with sandy ground and vegetation in the middle. It's hard to find a camp at this minor road, because of the thorny vegetation. Camped here: -46.478173, -72.19456. It's a patch of flat gras with enough space for several tents, has a small stream and good protection from the wind. <br /> <br /> Day 5: According to my Inreach the wind gusts should reach up to 101km/h. Was indeed very windy, but fortunately it came from the back and the wind was warm. The trail along Lago General Carrera is very scenic and mostly visible, but also strenuous. Some (fortunately very short parts) are badly overgrown - a machete would be useful. Almost every plant in this area has thorns. The ups and downs a very steep, which i didn't like in the heat. Lot's of water. Used Camp {33H} [116.3/239] which has a great protection from the wind. But be aware of the thorny plants while searching where to pitch you tent - there are only 2 places without them. <br /> <br /> Day 6: The last stretch until the minor road was much faster. The first part of the minor road has vegetation on it and isn't used by cars. Brought all the water from the lake, but it wasn't necessary. Small streams here: -46.403664, -71.975755 and next to the road at Settler {33H} [121.8/643]. The settler wasn't at home and the wooden gates were locked, had to climb over them. There are several minor roads, not just one. Bridge {33H} [129.3/304] is a deep canyon, didn't see a possibility to get water there. Walked two hours along the road between Levican and Puerto Ibañez, until i got a hitch. <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''Dec 6-11 / 03B + RR SOBO / wiiiim'''<br /> <br /> Great route, still early season, weather was sunny but still cold, rivers were low, the infamous crossing of the lower rio Avellano just above knee height.<br /> The crux of the route was the South side of the pass, sections of snow, I crossed later in the day when it was softer, avoided most of the snow on the East rock flank, but around 1200m the rock slabs were wet &amp; the gullies in between were filled with snow. A bit of a maze, it took some time and back tracking, I used micro spikes but its probably okay without, I think knowing how to self arrest on snow with hiking poles is always a good skill to have, lots of videos exist on that.<br /> Laguna la Plaza is a short/easy side trip well worth it, the North side of the pass is fast going &amp; pretty well indicated (ciarns), on the South side section of CC once on the valley floor it seems easier to wade through the (spectacular) river.<br /> I was pleasantly surprised with the walk along the lake, it’s really different and beautiful.<br /> I was lucky to get a ride out from the MR to Puerto Ibáñez quite quickly from around -46.36065, -71.90255 but it’s usually very quiet.<br /> <br /> At -46.26604, -72.41735 there is an established rock bivvy that could also fit a medium size tent.<br /> <br /> Overall I would probably recommend the regular route NOBO to cut out most of the start/end road sections: organise a ride from Puerto Ibanez to the trail head (it will be worth the money) and on the other end the finish of 03B on the carretera austral will have plenty of traffic to hitch a ride<br /> <br /> <br /> • '''2024-Dec-09 to 2024-Dec-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Opt.A + Opt.01A + Opt.01/ Julien'''<br /> <br /> Following the road to Puerto Ibáñez <br /> Just a little difficulty about finding water because most of lakes and rivers are private now.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-28 to 30 / 3 day / Hiking / Circuit / GPT33H Option 5 and 5A Valle Miller from Puerto Alarcon to Valle Jaramillo and return to Puerto Sanchez / Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> The Cordillera de Avallano between Rio Ibanez and Lago General Carrera is one of the hidden treasures of Patagonia. And Valle Miller is one possible entrance into this mountain range.<br /> <br /> After packrafting to Puerto Alarcon we packed our packrafting gear and hiked up Valle Miller along the minor road to the bridge over Rio Miller to crossing “X {33H-05} [7.8/611]”. There are numerous possible camp sites and water sources along this minor road.<br /> <br /> A few hundred meters after crossing “X {33H-05} [7.8/611]” is the last pasture with suitable camp sites. <br /> <br /> Valle Jaramillo is a very scenic side valley of Valle Miller that can be explored in one day.<br /> <br /> This side valley has no distinct trail but the forest is reasonably open. Therefore ascending and descending through the forest is not really bush bashing but just a slalom around the numerous fallen trees.<br /> <br /> Once the open terrain is reached, hikers can see the very scenic valley with some remaining smaller glaciers.<br /> <br /> The cross country walk to the 1679 m high pass is very rewarding in good weather. From an altitude of 1400 m the terrain was in parts covered by snow fields as we visited this early in the season.<br /> <br /> We returned to Puerto Sanchez which is the alternative starting Point for hikers.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 22 to 2024 Mar 28 / 7 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Maddi, Tom and Jordan'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Got the public bus from Puerto Ibanez to Levican for about 1000CLP each. We were the only ones on the bus and the driver dropped us at the trailhead. After walking along the road for a while we miraculously got a hitch in the back of a pick up for a couple of kms. Trail down to the lake was a little confusing but just head down and you'll hit the main trail eventually. Trail along the lake has plenty of up and down but nothing too strenuous. We had a perfect, windless day with not too much sun so it was pretty easy going, plenty of spots to get water once down near the lake. The notes said there was some scary exposure but we didn't really encounter any along this section, the path is pretty solid and clearly used by horses. Set up camp on the lake on the small rocky beach at (-46.47634,-72.08138). Just enough room for our Zpacks Triplex and Jordan's free standing tent. Jordan caught a fish that night but chucked it back.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Great sunrise over the lake but then it started to rain. Jordan caught another fish which the boys had for breakfast. Walked along the lake in light rain until the old road where we went up the steep hill and started inland. One apple tree along this section but the apples weren't great. Followed the disused road until the end and then started along the track. Hit our first ford at about (-46.46161,-72.24620) which was above the knee on me (174cm tall) and quite fast flowing/muddy from all the rain. Tom slipped climbing up the bank here and fell backwards into the water but somehow avoided getting swept away. Kept walking along until we hit the refugio, unfortunately it was locked. Set up camp next to it so we could use the porch for shelter then went to scout the next ford just past it. This one was way too high and fast to cross so we were hoping it would go down overnight. Rio Avellano also looked impossible but that was a problem for the next day.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Luckily the tributary into the Rio Avellano had gone down significantly overnight and we were able to cross without issues, although it was still fairly fast flowing at about knee height. Had a go at crossing the Rio Avellano just after this ford where it is marked on the GPX and others had mentioned it was doable but we had no luck, even employing the three astern. Decided to try the settler's place up on the hill to see if we could get help crossing but noone seemed to be around. Kept following the track along the river, hoping for a place to cross. Jordan somehow manage to cross using the eddies formed by a large tree that had fallen into the river. He had to come back across to help me get over with Tom but it was a near miss. Water level just below hip and quite fast flowing. Massive relief to make it across and get to enjoy the sun a bit. Had lunch near Maria and Julio's but still didn't run into anyone other than sheep. Enjoyed an awesome section walking along through ankle deep water in the autumn colours with snowy peaks in the background. Hit another fairly fast flowing ford, just above the knee, but manageable now we were getting good at crossing 3 astern. Thought we would make it to camp just below the towers but unfortunately hit another ford that even Jordan couldn't cross. Much higher consequence with huge rapids downstream and the water level above the hip. Tried to walk upstream a km or so to see if we could cross but ends up high above the river as it enters a canyon section. Scrambled back down and camped for the night on the track in the forest with the hope of lower water in the morning.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Water was much lower in the morning and we were able to cross with no issues. Still over the knee and fast flowing but the group of 3 works wonders. Headed into the forest and up past the old corral then into the swampy section. This was super rough going as the swamp was over the knee in parts. We constantly switched between climbing between the tangle of tree or wading through the swamp. It was raining lightly and getting quite cold by this point. We made it to a clearing along the river at about 11am but the towers were in complete fog and I was shivering hard. Decided to set up camp in the forest and try for the towers the next day in the hope of more visibility. Found a nice camp spot in the forest at (-46.42932,-72.49572) with easy access to the river for water. Snuggled down to try to warm up all afternoon, only emerging for meals.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Set off through the forest up towards the towers. Says bush bashing but was actually pretty easy walking up the hill. Towers still in a bit of cloud but made it up there mid morning and spent some time scrambling around the lake to take a look around. Camp site in the rocks was flooded from yesterday so glad we didn't try to get up there to camp. Scramble over the boulder field and up to the pass isn't too bad, although some snow patches made it a bit slippery. Cool granite slabs on the way up. Super windy once we got over the pass so hurried down the valley. No navigation issues but definitely got wet feet walking along the river. Camped at the refugio.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Hiked along clear trail until we got to the minor road. Hoped to get a rare hitch but didn't really see anyone. Decided to hike along the river just before the bridge toward Lago Lapparent to find somewhere to camp. Found a few awesome spots along the crystal clear water for our last night.<br /> <br /> Day 7: Headed back to the road and followed it back to the Carretera Austral. Got a hitch in about 15 minutes all the way to Coyhaique but there is a bus stop there if you can time it right.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-02-23 to 2024-02-27 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH03B + RR + OH08 / Maggie &amp; Julian '''<br /> <br /> Trail attractiveness: 4/5;<br /> Difficulty: 3/5<br /> (keep in mind that this is our first GPT hike)<br /> <br /> Day 1: ‘GPT33H-03B start’ to (-46.2570, -72.3711):<br /> <br /> We entered from Carretera Austral at Laguna Verde (Option 03B) after being dropped off by the morning bus from Coyhaique (heading to Cochrane). Arrived at the crossroads at 11:30am with Don Carlos bus.<br /> Whole day was walking on roads and relatively easy to make distance.<br /> At (-46.2671, -72.3561) there was a sign reading &quot;se prohibe la entrada al predio&quot; and a locked gate with a ladder to climb over the side. There is a campsite (Camp, X {33H} [32.0/700]) pinned shortly after, but we decided to keep going because of the sign. At (-46.2621, -72.3613) there is an end to the property (same sign facing opposite direction, no gate). We camped on an area used for chopping wood at (-46.2570, -72.3711). Short scramble down to the river.<br /> <br /> Day 2: (-46.2570, -72.3711) to Camp {33H} [52.7/953]:<br /> <br /> Large part of the day was also road walking, afterwards trails and some cross country.<br /> Camped by Camp {33H} [52.7/953]. Camping around Puesto {33H} [53.0/946] has better mountain views, Puesto itself was being used, possibly for guided horseback trekking.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Camp {33H} [52.7/953] to Pass {33H} [62.0/1314] and back:<br /> <br /> We left our tent set up and most things at Camp. The way up was sometimes hard to find. Trail markers made more sense on the return. Had an extended lunch a little after Pass {33H} [62.0/1314] and then returned the way we had come.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Camp {33H} [52.7/953] to Camp ? {33H-08} [11.6/548]:<br /> <br /> Probably hardest day in navigation, trail disappeared often, but manageable.<br /> The former landslide section at (-46.3853, -72.5520) did not pose any difficulties for us as the water level was not too high and the main river flow now goes near the northwestern side of the valley. We just had to step over the remaining side stream. With more water some fording might still be necessary, but I imagine you could get away with staying near the southeastern bank for this section.<br /> At Camp ? {33H-08} [11.6/548] there is a puesto that seems to be in use, but we saw no one and camped a little lower near the river. <br /> <br /> Day 5: Camp ? {33H-08} [11.6/548] to ‘GPT33H-08 start’:<br /> <br /> Right after camp there was a makeshift bridge to cross the stream (tree and rope, very rickety).<br /> Trail seemed to be used and maintained on this part of option 08.<br /> Shortly before Camp {33H-08} [6.9/435] there was a previously washed-out section with a new path already laid out. In heavy rainfall this could wash out again but should not pose a big hindrance.<br /> <br /> Notes:<br /> <br /> - RR + option 08 is a great short alternative without much backtracking.<br /> <br /> - Our hitch out of Puerto Murta happened to be local members of an association that wants to bring more tourism to their town and the Torres del Avellano. If their plans are fruitful, traffic and trail maintenance may increase on option 08.<br /> <br /> - We organized the transport of our non-trekking items from Coyhaique to Puerto Río Tranquilo by encomienda. Ines, the lady working at the Sao Paulo bus office in Coyhaique terminal was kind enough to hold our boxes until we arrived and called her from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Our things arrived the day after we called at around 1pm. We shipped a rather large quantity of items (enough items to fill 50L bag) for 12000 CLP. Sao Paulo bus Coyhaique telephone: +56 672 255 726<br /> <br /> * '''30/01/2024 - 01/02/2024 / 3 days, 78 km / Options 06 and 07 / Alex + Andrey'''<br /> South bound (east bound).<br /> “Mountain route”,<br /> <br /> a combination of Options 06 and 07 which are now passed and confirmed.<br /> <br /> Difficulty: Difficult/Very Difficult<br /> <br /> Most of the route is off-trail<br /> Thanks to Jan for the suggested routes and clues.<br /> Short resume:<br /> <br /> This mountain route is a more difficult and demanding alternative to the regular route but can be an interesting option for those looking for a challenge.<br /> The combination with a regular route allows to form a full-fledged “eight”, a trip of 6-10 days.<br /> <br /> Option 07 is a shorter, although more difficult, alternative to the regular route in case the Avellano River cannot be forded NOBO.<br /> Notes and recommendations.<br /> <br /> Option 07:<br /> <br /> All fords do not pose any significant difficulty.<br /> Due to the height and southern exposure the areas between Pass 1 and Pass 2 (Pass {33H-07} [17.0/1755]) and descents from Pass 2 in the early to mid-season have extensive areas of snow where microspikes or crampons may be required.<br /> The main difficulty on the descent is overcoming several side washouts, which are small but deep and steep canyons.<br /> <br /> Option 06:<br /> <br /> There is no water during the first 4-5 hours of ascent to the valley.<br /> The open area of ​​the upper valley at Camp 2 and beyond throughout the ridge is a resort for very strong winds. Setting up camp may be difficult or impossible. A strong hiker can combine and complete this section in one day.<br /> The predominant wind exposure makes passage from west to east highly recommended.<br /> The last reliable source of water is before reaching High Pass 3. Further east there is no water until the junction with the regular route, except for temporary streams from seasonal snow.<br /> <br /> The track and additional information are here:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/avellano-mountain-route-chilean-patagonia-160489118<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-04 to 2024-Mar-08 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 03B + RR + OH D + K / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: OH33H-03B + RR [24.2-41.2]<br /> <br /> I tried to hitch from Villa Cerro Castillo to the start of OH33H-03B. After 1 hour a Bus arrived and took me to the start for 2000 Pesos. The Bus runs from Cohayique to Chile Chico on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It starts in Coyhaique at 9 am and stopps in Villa Cerro Castillo at around 10:30 am. From the brigde at km 25.7 until km 35.8 there is no water on the RR. You walk close to some rivers but I didn't check if its possible to acces them. After km 35.8 there is plenty of water. At km 38.5 is a big flat field for camping with a creek next to it. I camped just before the crossing of the river at km 41.2.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [41.2-58.3] + OH33H-D + RR [61.0-63.4]<br /> <br /> There was plenty of water all along the trail. Camping possible at -46.291963, -72.470389 just before the Pass (km 44.4), at the start of OH33H-C and along the CC section from km 49.0 to 50.8. I can recommend OH33H-D. I especially liked the first Laguna. Camp 63.4 has awesome views, but is only slightly wind protected and the spots are only good for small tents.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [63.4-93.2]<br /> <br /> I stayed inside the riverbed for the last 2.5 km of the CC&amp;BB section. I had to cross the river about 20 times, but its the fastest and easiest way. The ford at km 83.6 was just below my crotch (I am 191 cm) and the current was pretty strong at around 5 pm. It would have been difficult for smaller persons. All the other fords today were at max. knee hight. There is plenty of water all along the route. I camped next to the RR on a flat, grassy field at km 93.2.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [93.2-116.3]<br /> <br /> Plenty of water along this part of the RR.<br /> <br /> Day 5: RR [116.3-119.6] + OH33H-K + RR [122.6-141.0] <br /> <br /> OH33H-K is easy to walk but does not offer any great views. If you choose OH33H-K, than there is no water between km 117.5 and 138.5 (at km 135.2 is a water marker, but I didn't see any as I walked by. Maybe I missed it, because I wasn't looking for it). There is water at km 140.3. I got a hitch from km 141.0 to Puerto Ibanez. But there are very few cars on the road, so don't count on getting a hitch.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-12 to 2024-Feb-16 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 03B, RR, Variant C, E, H, K / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> There was a queue of three hitchhiker groups who did not get picked up while we were doing our shopping, so we opted to hire a taxi for 15000 to the start of 03B (Pedro Zuleta: +56 993 5786 68). Somehow, during our arranging of the taxi, all three groups left. Roadwalking to option 07 was uneventful. Tomáš got a hitch (he eats lunch too slowly so Natalie got ahead) for about 5 km from a family which was exploring in a car. About 500 m before the diversion to option 07, there is a locked gate with a sign saying the property is private, but one can go over a ladder. At the gate, we met a local with a key who has a house on Option 07, if we got him right. He gave us a ride of 500 m. The start of option 7 is actually a road. <br /> <br /> The MR at 24.2 is in a bad shape due to erosion after ford at about 12 km in. Tomáš made a bridge out of a log but managed to jump into the water while doing it. Enjoy the bridge while it lasts as did a Frenchman we met there. He did the circuit NOBO based on Wikiloc. He said he keeps coming across GPT, but could not figure out how to get the GPS route. We told him to talk to Jan. Maybe he will come back the next season.<br /> <br /> On the way to the Torres, we met 3 pairs of Chilean hikers going back. Tomáš went to Laguna La Plaza (option C). Lake is grey but the valley is nice enough to justify the short detour. It is no BB, there is a trail in the forest and above the tree line a vague trail or easy CC. The Torres are indeed magnificent. One can easily walk on the sloped polished slab falling into the far side of the second lake before the pass - it is an exhilirating detour. Going down from the pass, when the GPX turns right, Tomáš actually managed to walk over one of the ledges above the GPX and liked it. Just be extremely careful with moss and water, they can make the stones extremely slippery, but he survived that without falling. About 100 m before the lake, there is a at-least-a-ton heavy swing in the form of a loose boulder. Enjoy if you can find it. Camp 63.4 is literally awesome. We had a very warm almost windless night there.<br /> <br /> After the boulder field under camp 63 we loss the rest of the elevation on the right side of the creek and then when the swamp appeared on the right we went to the left and stayed on that side (North) for the entire BB/CC. There is a vague trail most of the way, but is has many many logs over it. It took us 3 hours to walk to the trailhead. We kept our feet dry and were in the shade, but it would have been quicker and far less tiring just following the riverbed and constantly crossing the river.<br /> <br /> Ford at 69.8 around noon was slightly above the knees. Ford it diagonally as the trail wants you to - it is shallower that way (ie a little further down than where the trail spits you out). Greeted grandfather, Maria and Julio and their three kids and had a short talk with the grandfather, nice to see the whole family working together on projects. From their place, the trail sort of is wide enough for a car (there is one at their place) but we think it is never or virtually never used by cars. Ford at 81.4 at six in the afternoon was 5 cm under our crotches (we are about 1.70), we forded about 100 upstream of GPX. The river was strong but we did not feel it was dangerous for us. We forded the widest part of the river just before a dead end fence (if you are coming from the other direction, after the grey river and around the dead end ford you will see the widest part of the river).The day was hot and despite not covering even 20 km, we felt superexhausted. Strong sun and spikees got to us!<br /> <br /> We camped about 4 km along the road, shortly after the second (both jumpable) ford. It must be a good place to camp, as Tomáš, who went back to the big ford where he left his sandals the previous day, met a GPT hiker going NOBO who apparently slept in a hearing distance from us. The hiker first started to come to Patagonia decades ago, before it was overrun. Tomáš sadly never asked his name. Met the grandfather again, coming back from the port, horses are fast!<br /> <br /> The road is not used by cars but stiĺl quite ugly. Around middle, near option 6, there are two shortcuts (400 and 50 metres) to the zigzags, three of which were marked by cairns by Tomáš. Please add the fourth cairn. Puesto 98.3 is a settler. He offered Natalie to come inside and rest but she didn't feel right stopping at that moment and kind of got the &quot;heeby jeebies&quot; from him. Met another pair of GPT hikers, doing just 33. The stretch along the coast is beautiful and very Mediterranean. All day the lake was without waves, even that can happen. Slept at Lake 113.8: nicer, with water and less buggy than camp 200 m earlier (just beware if the wind picks, up the waves can be very loud). <br /> <br /> Variant K misses last water but is easy to follow, nicer than a road and involves only three very easy fence hops. Reached the bus stop for Puerto Ibanez around three. Got lucky and received a hitch from two British tourists to Puerto Ibanez. The shops there are larger than expected and stock overpriced pesto and gnocchi, Tomáš is almost as joyful as cherries make him!<br /> <br /> Nat's Notes:<br /> <br /> - For views I would prefer this NOBO. I suffered a new type of &quot;look back&quot; syndrom on most of the route. Plus, if you are walking the lake shore in the afternoon, the sun should be on your downhills and not your uphills (it was insanely hot when we did it and without a whisper of wind).<br /> <br /> - In the section notes for km24-45 I think what was meant was that from roughly km36-45, &quot;there are many small streams and camping spots&quot;, this is indeed true. However, between km 24-36 and option 3 there are NO longer many STREAMS to drink from, I remember only one slightly decent one and both sides of the road are fenced so if you want to camp or drink water from the main river, then you must jump the fences (cow panels or barb) or ask a settler. Also, strange to say, there is very little shade and can get uncomfortably hot...<br /> <br /> - Intersection 45 is not hard to miss anymore, it is marked with an orange ribbon around a tree and a large cairn on your left.<br /> <br /> - On Trail#9 (ascent before the first two alpine lakes) I took Veronicas advice about going into the woods where the RR is but rather than trying to follow the GPS, I followed what seemed to be a trail along the creek with some cairns here and there. Eventually it ends above the trees but you should be able to make your way back to the RR once the &quot;coast is clear&quot;, ie. no more trees. If you want to walk along the lake then you should do the CC up the boulder field on Variant D.<br /> <br /> - Going down from the pass was no problem, like everyone says, &quot;just follow the gps&quot;. However with that said, it is very tempting to make your own way bcs there are many good looking ledge systems but after reading Wills experience, I backed away from the temptation and followed the GPS. I also slipped on some wet moss on RR.<br /> <br /> - So much water everywhere except for the lake camping, if you are smart you will fill up on one of the many streams before getting to the lake...<br /> <br /> - When doing the BB/CC section, after the initial elevation loss from the lake, there isn't much drinking water apart from the river until near the end of the BB. I think you could make &quot;makeshift&quot; camps. I was tempted to cross the river early to avoid crossing it at km69 but once again I remembered what Will wrote last year about the thorns and cliffs so I don't think that's a good idea. <br /> <br /> - Not a fan of the lakeside gate locking technique (remember how it looks before you open it;)<br /> <br /> - I surprisingly really enjoyed the lake stretch, it seemed it is where Pantagonia meets the Mediterranean/Arizona. The trail is in good shape, just a few overgrown roses and thorny bushes here and there (regretted shorts only a little bit). If you are coming from the north and still have your sand gaiters, this will be a good time to reuse them :). No exposure, wish there was more wind the day we were there. I am usually the biggest hater of &quot;PUDs&quot; - thanks for the new word - but these were not annoying. These PUDs are just a few large hills rather than a bunch of steep micro hills like gpt22 or the valley bottoms in Argentina. Water is at pretty much every &quot;notch&quot; in the hillside.<br /> <br /> - Water is at the bottom of the MR~117.5 and there is still water at the top 119.9 RR (easier to grab it a little higher up).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-30 to 2024-Feb-4 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Tess &amp; Lukas'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : gpx easy to follow / between km 63,7 and km 68,5 we mostly stayed on the left of the river<br /> - Water : easy to find plenty of rivers and lagunas<br /> - Camping spot : easy to find and the one at km 68.7 is nice // the refugio near the lake at km 98.5 is perfect - make fire, sleep inside, we even could ask for some bread<br /> - Weather : some rainy and cloudy days but overall the weather was ok<br /> - River crossing :at km 69.8 we crossed the river early in the morning and the current was strong and the water up to the middle of the thighs but manageable // at km 81,2 the river was strong and up to our hips, we crossed it in the rain, it was also manageable for us that already jave a little bit of experience<br /> - Resupply : in Villa Cerro Castillo and in Chile Chico ( a bulk shop just opened in front of the camping Nandu) // at km 76,7 we could buy some bread, cheese and eggs at Maria and Julio's house <br /> - Overall : we absolutely loved this section ! The views are spectacular and really diverse from one day to another // we got a hitchike at the end on the gravel road to go to Puerto Ibanez.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''01.27.2024 / 5 days / Hiking / SoBo / RR + Option 8 to Bahía Murta / Milton Cea + 4 more'''<br /> <br /> Considering that we would venture to make this route a journey from Villa Cerro Castillo to Bahía Murta, we have decided to pay Pedro Zuleta, who is dedicated to transportation in the surrounding areas (+56 9 9357 8668), to take us to the entrance of the route at the registration booth. There, we encountered a pair of muleteers who did not pay much attention to our passing, however, we spoke with them to ask for their permission and inquire about the condition of the path.<br /> <br /> We started with the regular route, a bit late, and for that reason, we camped the first night at Mallín Grande, which is a very good option, as watching the sunrise in this beautiful place is worthwhile.<br /> <br /> Starting early the next day, we reached the &quot;Los puestos&quot; sector and from there, leaving our camp set up, we headed towards the towers. We were only able to reach the first lagoon at the base of the massif, as we went a bit late and our conversation with some other hikers we met extended. I would recommend leaving early to take advantage of the views from the portezuelo lookout.<br /> <br /> The next day we began the crossing through the &quot;Río Resbalón&quot; Valley, as the locals call it, following an animal trail that sometimes tends to get lost among new vegetation or fallen trees, accompanied by other hikers who decided to join the journey.<br /> It is a part of the route that can be slightly complex if you do not have a good reading of the surroundings, finding the animal traffic trail, and considering that you navigate through a forest that can easily disorient. This changes when you already walk with the &quot;Resbalin/Resbalón&quot; river to your right, as it is quite useful to follow its course. Always on the left side of the river.<br /> On the way, there are some fallen trees and abandoned muleteer posts that can be used as camping space if necessary, although I would not recommend camping in this old forest.<br /> Upon reaching the point of the road collapse, the crossing of the scree can be done at the level of its arrival, but to continue the route, you must climb a few meters up the mountain until you find the entrance to the continuation of the route. This point took some time from us, and we decided to camp near the river, towards the rock beach in the middle of a young forest with a mossy floor, very comfortable and restorative. We also decided to place some pircas at this point, as there was no mark to help resume the path towards Murta, since the difference in height was noticeable and it can be easy to believe that the path continues by the river side, but no, from here the path separates from the river and goes up the mountain.<br /> <br /> Finally, after this last abandoned stretch, where the vegetation is abundant in some parts, we ended up arriving at the Puesto de Los Agüeros and decided to spend a night there, as we were very tired from constantly finding the route. It's worth mentioning that we couldn't find a GPS track before the trip.<br /> <br /> The next day, after a night of intense rain, we took the official route traced from &quot;Bahía Murta&quot; at opossite direction and arrived in the town at dusk.<br /> If you want the track and the Waypoints of the journey, feel free to write to me at '''milton.1902@gmail.com''' =)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''From 2023-01-20 to 2023-01-21 // 1,5 day // Hiking // NOBO // option 1 Valle Ibanez // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> When I arrived in Puerto Ingeniero Ibàñez, I had to make a choice, as the weather window were pretty short. I had only 3 days and a half ahead of nice weather followed by one entire week of rain. <br /> <br /> So I made the hard choice to skip Torres del Avelano, and go straight to Cerro Castillo by the OPT1 to explore the NP of CERRO CASTILLO. <br /> <br /> This section was not so bad. Even if it was gravel road until the Lago tamango, I had nice views, and was not too bored from this stretch, but well yeah, it's gravel road for 30 km, so of course it was not all the time so funny aha ! <br /> <br /> Then I went to the small track along Lago tamango. Very quiet, pretty well marked thanks to these sticks with red and white colours on top, and with some scenic views. <br /> <br /> You'll end up at the parking of the touristic sendero sitio archeologico de manos pintadas (Paredón de las Manos (1000CLP for children's, 2000CLP for adults. From Tuesday to Sunday 10h00-17h00). Then it's gravel road, following by 1,3 km on the carretera austral to reach Villa cerro castillo. <br /> <br /> I was expecting worse for this section. Quite happy about it. That's a nice alternative if, for a reason, you want or have to skip Torres de Avelano<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan- 14 to 2024-Jan-16/ 3 days/hiking/SOBO/ 33h/ 33h-b/33h-a/ 33h-P/Paulina'''<br /> <br /> At first, I wanted to do RR, but as the recent reports about the river crossing where not very encouraging, I decided to play it safelty, so I just mixed some sections. <br /> I started in Villa Cerro Castillo, till X 33h [ 5.5/554] it was a very peaceful, nice trail, with beautiful views on Cerra Castillo. There were some fence crossing, but not very annoying. <br /> After the intersection, so once I joined the road X-725, it was less interesting, walk on a gravel road. I think this part of RR is better to hitch-hike ( it's possible and not very difficult to catch a car on this way). <br /> Once I reached the big lakes ( beautiful views!) and some wanderful camping spots [ S 46.17790 W 072.32049] between Lago Alto and Lago Lapparet, I took 33h-b. At the beginning the trail was l crossing a forest used by locals as wood supply, but later ( around the place where it joined 33h-a), the landscape was amazing! Especially the part with lakes and settlers.<br /> <br /> The last section was on 33h-01A. The cannion of Rio Claro and later the waterfall are beautiful, but for some hikers a long distance on gravel road on this section can be annoying so it's probably better to hitch-hike ( not a lot of cars but still possible).<br /> <br /> I bought my ticket for ferry from Puerto Ibanez to Chile Chico without any problem 1h30 before the ferry departure. <br /> <br /> The mix of these 4 sections + hitch-hiking it's a good option for bad weather or high river level on RR. Some parts are very beautiful, and the less interesting parts ( long distances on gravel roads) it's possible to cover by car. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-02 to 2024-01-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; Options: 03, 03B, 04C, 04 &amp; Variant E / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Route: Hitchhiked along Option 03 to X {33H-03} [18.6/315]. Hiked via Option 03B to X {33H} [24.2/462] and than continued RR to Ford, X {33H} [71.8/602]. Here used Variant E and back to RR all the way to Settler {33H} [85.0/462] (Luis Diaz). Continued on Option 04C to X {33H-04} [73.9/559]. From here used option 04 all to way to Bahía Murta.<br /> <br /> Decided to go SoBo to get the tricky parts done with a good weather forecast. Hitchhiked along Option 03 because it's easier to get a lift. Was at X {33H-03} [18.6/315] 12:35 PM. From there it's a super easy to hike street all the way to X {33H} [45.5/1088] via Option 03C and than 03. Sadly there where no cars going in the correct direction. Towards the end (last 5km) there are some rivers crossing the street, nothing bad, you can get over them dry feet if jumping on the rocks. Continued the RR, the trail is clearly visible and easy to hike all the way to Camp {33H} [52.7/953]. Arrived there at 09:30 PM. It's a awsome place to pitch a tent! It was absolutely woth it to go for such a long day. Met 2 locals who went with a truck all the way to this point: -46.26754, -72.419667. Met also Cy &amp; GG (see GPT 23). We continued the next day. Trail was in a good condition and CC was easy no snow up to the pass Pass {33H} [62.0/1314]. Absolutely beautiful view! There is some snow on the south side on the way down. It's mostly melted to you can decide if you want the first 150-200m of elevation go down in snow or trough the boulders. It was a sunny day therefore quite easy to get down to the lake. From there we went down a boulder field to the BB (Bush bashing) section (400m). This is trivial - no macheta required. It's just walking trough the forest. From there the CC&amp;BB is at the beginning easy. We found a animal trail on the southern side of the river. Than the swamp started which was annoying. We started, after finishing the swamp section, to walk in the river bed around here -46.438037, -72.469247 which was fast progress but wet feet. Jumped on the trail and camped at Camp Without Water {33H} [68.7/766]. There is a lot of water at the river and it's just a 10 minute walk so we filled the bottles. The Camp is good, stayed there with 3 tents. Continued the next day (it was moderate rain during the night and at the morning) to the X, Ford {33H} [69.8/634]. This was at the limit what is safely possible. Fast flowing river - hip deep (iam 180). From there on the trail was clearly visible and easy to hike fast. Continued the RR and did Variant E. Check you GPS, we didn’t intend to do it we just followed the most clearly visible trail and ended up at the Puesto {33H-E} [0.8/619] so we continued. The statement from above is still valid all the way to Settler {33H} [85.0/462] (Luis Diaz) for the RR ;). After that is a easy trail, at Settler {33H} [76.7/535] (Maria &amp; Julio) I met Julio and they had a car there to the trail from this point on is even easier. I split up here with Cy &amp; GG because of different plans and it was questionable if the Ford at Ford {33H} [81.2/490] (Rio Avellano) is even possible so I wanted to speed up. Reached the point around 05:00 PM. It was not possible to Ford - way to deep and to much current! So I used my packraft and crossed the river. Got in the water here: -46.456627, -72.320677 and followed than the RR. Ford {33H} [81.4/492] was also impossible by foot. Used the same tactic and crossed it by boat. Got in the water here: -46.453523, -72.316373 and crossed by boat. After that easy trail and continued the RR. Ford {33H} [83.6/467] (Rio Avellano) was also absolutely impossible so also did it by boat. After that I camped here: -46.463767, -72.26597.<br /> <br /> interim conclusion: if the weather is not stable (I knew it wasn't [would reccomend checking with meteoblue] go SoBo and be aware that the crossing can be impossible - I would reccomend bringing you packraft so you habe more options even though it's the H route. Otherwise you have to wait, potentially for days or you need the help of a local (this is how Cy &amp; GG managed it).<br /> <br /> Next day continued 04C. The trail to the pass is clearly visible and beautiful to hike. From there it's hard to find a few times because of a lot of animal tracks. Follow the GPS. The trail is again visible from this point on: -46.486009, -72.212428. Trail condition generally good with some bushes hanging in the trail. Reached X {33H-04} [73.9/559]. Same here a lot if animal trail - follow the GPS. The trail is clearly visible from this point on: -46.49591, -72.205307 up to Bahía Murta. Condition is good. The Pass {33H-04} [71.5/958] is definetly a highlight. Camped at Camp {33H-04} [66.2/209] - great place. Next day was long no changes on the trail condition - good and easy - hiked to Ford, Camp {33H-04} [37.5/259]. Camping there is a bit tricky to find a good place but manageable. Met a guy at the gosttown Puerto Cristal. The trail is according to him also used by tourists groups. I asked before the trial if there is a ferry connection - there is none only one company goes there by boat for tourist. Maybe you can arrange a transfer ( https://turismopuertocristal.cl/ very fast response time via WhatsApp 10 minutes). The Pass {33H-04} [43.3/840] is also a highlight. The Ford, Camp {33H-04} [37.5/259] is challenging hip deep. After that it's easy road walk to Bahía Murta. Got a lift at -46.520007, -72.636049.<br /> <br /> Overall: I would recommend SoBo because the difficult sections are at the beginning and weather dependent. Go if you have a few stable non rainy days. Bring you packraft to have more options for fording. The entry via Option 03 &amp; 03B is in my opinion easy due to hitchhiking &amp; ou find a grop and book a lift The views are amazing at the passes. The BB is trivial. BB&amp;CC is annoying but done within 2 hours. The Option 4 is absolutely beautiful and if you are a bit luckier than me avoids a lot of road walking. Would definitely reccomend the section. The reason for me to go with Option 04 is to easy connect to 82P.<br /> <br /> Contact: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-22 / 3 days / RR / SOBO / Anh'''<br /> <br /> Just a quick info: The first part of RR is not marked but very easy to hike. After the pass (km 62) I had a hard time with the 2km CC. At first the snowfields were very steep (60 slope). The snow thickness was only 20-80cm, underneath are very big steep boulders and the melting snow makes the hollows big. Then there are the streams under the snowfields. I was a few times with a foot in it, fortunately not whole body. I had to go up and down in the forest, on the edge, on the rocks... My goal was to be safe, it took me 2 hours to cover the 2km.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''2023-Mar-30 to 2023-Mar-31 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 1 / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We started from Villa Cerro Castillo around 11 AM and took ferry from the port the next day at noon. The former RR trail follows path of Sendero de Chile, and starting with no expectations we were quite impressed with what it offers, especially all the amazing views of Cerro Castillo. It's definitely a good short alternative to the Torres del Avellano detour that we were forced to skip. Trail is easy to follow and you can find many camp spots along the way. There are many small shops in Puerto Ibáñez. Knowing the ferry schedule we went directly to the port where were just a few others in this time of the year.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''26/02/2023 - 02/03/2023 / RR SOBO with emergency exit on a boat on Lago General Carrera / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé :'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - From Lago Verde - 15.5km - +700m/-300m We first hitchiked from Villa Cerro Castillo to Lago Verde on the Carretera Austral. We hiked then the gravel road until the camp next to the free check in point, in the forest.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Laguna La Plazza - 16.5km - +800m/-500m We kept going on the minor road before the well maintained horse trail. We took option to the Laguna La Plazza and we camped there but the weather was quite bad with a lot of wind. Would recommend to camp in the pasture down there in these conditions.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Lagunas before the pass - 17km - +1000m/-900m The trail was still very easy to follow this day. A bit of cross country at the end but nothing difficult as there are kerns. There is a spot to pitch tents next to the second lake, between it and the waypoint &quot;camp&quot; (that we didn't find btw). Very nice there and without the clouds, the view should be incredible.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - CC until diversion @km69.8 - 14km - +500m/-1100m The troubles began for us this day. Noé injured his knee just after the pass. With Rémi, we alternated carrying his bag in addition to ours. That's why we hadn't moved a lot. The bush bashing is demanding and under the rain, fording is a real challenge. I would recommend you to be south of the Rio after the diversion/ford. We camped on the north side, a few hundred meters after the div.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Lago General Carrera - 30km - +700m/-1000m As we were a bit late, we decided to walk directly to the lake. We forded the Rio in order to be south of it and we found the horse trail, it was easier then ! We crossed the Rio a last time @km81.2, still manageable with the rain but a bit hard (water until the hips, we are 1m80 tall) with a strong current. Then, the minor road. We didn't leave it until the lake. A bit of ups and downs but the road is nice so it is fast. Here, at the lake. There is mobile coverage and so we contacted numeros given on the PDF on WhatsApp to find a boat to bring us back to civilisation. With the third bag to carry, it was too hard for us to keep hiking. I let you the contact of Jairo, that can bring you back to Puerto Tranquilo... for 400.000 CLP... we didn't had the choice as the settler living just in front of the lake wasn’t there. Jairo : +56 9 6633 9507 He transported us the next day.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-21-27 / NOBO / RR + Option 3B / Ondrej and Bara / Puerto Ibanez - Vila Cerro Castillo / 6.5 days'''<br /> <br /> Gorgerous section. Unfortunately, we were struck by bad weather mid-way which took out the joy and brought a few very difficult moments for us.<br /> <br /> We went NOBO and on the 3rd day camped in the valley close to Maria &amp; Julio (76.7 km). It started raining early morning and while the rain stopped around midday, it was enough to turn streams into rivers and cross country paths into swamps. We were unable to ford the river at km 69.8 at two different places. To continue, we decided to make a risky choice and bush-bash upstream on the other side of the river, hoping to ford it in an upper section and rejoin the trail. This eventually worked out. We forded the river at -46.43642, -72.45456 and rejoined the trail. This 1.2km diversion took us about 2 hours. Bush-bashing through forest was okay but in the middle of the diversion we struggled through 300m of thorny bushes which took forever to get across.<br /> <br /> From around 1000m of altitude, we had fresh snow on the slopes. This made the boulder field more challenging than we wanted (fortunately still manageable). We crossed the exposed pass at km62.0 and continued on the other side, firstly through snow and then again through muddy cross country parts until we joined the trailhead at km 57.0. Afterwards the trail was easy all the way until the end.<br /> <br /> We also met Anna and Christopher going the opposite direction - really great to meet fellow hikers!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-20-24 / NOBO / RR shortend on the road sections / Zohar / Road to Levicán - Carterra Austeral / 5 days'''<br /> <br /> I tried to shorten the section because of the upcoming bad weather, which hit on the last day, but I was lucky to catch a ride out with a family that came to collect wood from their land.<br /> <br /> I arrived on Monday to pureto Ibañez spoke with the van to levicán that left at 17.40 to Levicán got off on the way where the rout leave the main road and walked till the shore of Lago General Carrera. Day 2 I followed the horse trail along the lake, which was very visible and easy to follow. Then, I followed a miner till I found a stable campsite. Day 3 was the hardest. I was determined to sleep at the base of the torres, so I had a lot of trail to cover, and the route was hard to follow, but the direction was clear. Day 4 started with a beautiful sun rise on the clear torres de avellano. The bolder field wasn't as hard as I itentenly thought, but be careful. After the pass, I met 4 young hikers going to the torres and back. Day 5 was wet, but at least on a minor road and about 9 km before the road, I was picked up and taken to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> I don't advise doing the section in 5 days thay where long, big days, and it is better to enjoy the surroundings. if the weather was better, I would have taken 7 days. This section is beautiful and highly recommended<br /> <br /> * '''20.02. - 24.02.23 / Anna &amp; Christopher / SOBO, Villa Cerro Castillo - Puerto Ibáñez'''<br /> <br /> In the afternoon we started hitchhiking the Carretera Austral to where Option 3B starts. There were lots of people trying to hitchhike directly from Villa Cerro Castillo, so we figuered to have a better chance if we walk further up the Carretera Austral. We soon got lucky. That day we walked the dirtroad until km 4.4 and camped there next to a small stream.<br /> <br /> The next day was mostly easy walking on dirtroads until the crossing at km 45.5 (which is relatively easy to miss!). We camped at km 49 at the edge of the forest.<br /> <br /> The next day the weather turned bad once we reached the section with all the boulders on the ascent to the pass. We did some unnecessary climbing by not sticking to the main route. When descending we lost the main route again and briefly tried to descend without it, which we soon realised is a bad idea, so we climbed back up to where we lost it. We spent the night at the camp at km 63.4.<br /> <br /> The next morning we woke up with a clear blue sky and finally saw the Torres del Avellano. Really amazing rock formations. The following bushbashing part seemed ok to us, we had worse ones on the GPT so far ;). First we walked on to the right of the river following a good animal path. Once it ended we changed to the left side and stayed there. About 2/3 of the route is a realtively good path and the rest was some easy BB and climbing over fallen trees. Luckily the ford at km 69.8 was easy to cross. We took variant E from where on the trail was in a great condition and we could walk pretty fast. The river crossing at km 81.1 was more demanding and went almost up to Annas hips (1,63m). We camped soon after that at approx. km 81.5.<br /> <br /> We continued on variant H the easy trail on the dirtroad until the lake, where it gets more demanding (we underestimated the continous ups and downs). The views are amazing though. It gets pretty windy next to the lake. We camped at a tiny spot at km 109.3 next to a small stream.<br /> <br /> On the final day we walked to the bus station (6 pm) and took the ferry to Chile Chico the same day (8 pm). This section was great :)<br /> <br /> * '''11-18 February 2023 / Maks&amp;Gabi / SOBO / RR, 33H-E, 33H-H ( hichhiking from km136 to Puerto Ibanez)'''<br /> <br /> We started from Villa Cerro Castillo. If you can, try not to skip the first part of road walking. It's beautiful with the view over Lagunas and Cerro Castillo. The terrain is also different than in later parts of the section.<br /> <br /> There are some problems - lot of fences and gates on the first 5 km. Then many aggressive dogs and limited access to water (steep descents and fences around the lakes). The camping spots, marked on track files, can be hard to access (private properties with new fences). We camped by the bridge around 25km (the bridge is not marked).<br /> <br /> We than waited half a day for the rain to stop. The rest of the road is also well maintained with occasional river crossing (all easy).<br /> <br /> The next trail part (until km 57) is mostly visible. Some problem can occur by the CC part, especially during heavy rain - it was all floded. We weren't exactly expecting it, but it was snowing and the temperature during the night was about -4. Next day we waited until 11 am to dry our stuff, as the sun finally came out.<br /> <br /> As Veronica wrote, when going up to the pass try to follow the cairns (33H-D). The part between the lakes and the pass is quite easy.<br /> <br /> Going down from the pass we followed the GPS and we found it quite manageable (actually for us it seemed to be much easier going SOBO than NOBO at that point, even though it was slippery and with a lot of small streams going down the rock). We reached the camp at km 63.4 at 4 pm. First 400 m of BB is easy as the forest is not overgrown. It's getting worse in the valley. If possible try to be close to the river. We were fording it multiple times. Finally we stayed at the left side of the river, bushbashing for the next 3 km (that's where the trail starts). We slept next to the ford at km 69.8.<br /> <br /> We forded the river in the morning. It's possible, but the current was strong (for us it was the worst ford on this section with water above our knees - I'm 175 cm). After the next ford we followed 33H-E as we couldn't find the entrance to the RR. It's a very well maintained path with a big puesto nearby.<br /> <br /> After fords at km 81 we followed 33H-H as we didn't want to cross the river anymore. For those of you, who are planning to go there during the next few days, be carefull - somewhere around km 91 there is a fresh dead cow near to the water.<br /> <br /> The lake part's quite exhausting. We were blessed with sunny and windless weather so we found it astonishing and not so dangerous. We started our last day at camp km 113.8 . Ascent on the road (117.5) is ok and there was water on km 119.9 (small stream). The rest of the road walking is easy (with occasional fences) but there's no water on km 135.2 (water on 129.3 is hard to access).<br /> <br /> We hitchhiked from km 136 to Puerto Ibanez. During the weekend there is only one ferry a day (Saturday morning and Sunday evening).<br /> <br /> * '''8 to 13 of February 2023 / Will / SOBO from Laguna Verde / 6 data'''<br /> <br /> This one was an ordeal for me, I don't recommend starting with a week straight of rain in the forecast. At first I appreciated the ambiance after six completely dry weeks in the north, but after a few days it started to get me down. Thankfully to keep my morale up I encountered some kind settlers, a few pairs of GPT hikers, and some sun in the final stretch.<br /> <br /> The rains never got too heavy, generally off and on light rain. The temperatures were fairly cold from the nearly constant cloud cover.<br /> <br /> To start out I hitched out of Villa Cerro Castillo to Laguna Verde, teaming up with some of the many hitchhikers. The initial road walk was beautiful, some podcasts helped me power through the rest.<br /> <br /> The pass was tough in the rain, but manageable. Things were slippery but there's enough to grab onto in the boulder fields to keep you stable, as long as you're focused and moving slowly. The ascent was nice boulder field the whole way, on the decent things looked scarier. Instead of boulders there was a lot of large smooth slab with water flowing down. The gpx route there was good, following boulders and vegetation around the slab. Things only felt dangerous once, when I went slightly off the track and ended up trapped between a cliff and a water slide. After some scary experimentation I found that I could get good traction on the waterslide using a crab walk technique, on my back with hands and feet and butt all resting on the slab. This let me traverse the waterslide back to safety.<br /> <br /> The little bush bashing section after the pass was easy, I camped in there. Things got bad again once I got back out to the river and the cross country+bush bashing marker. My feet got worryingly numb after a bunch of river crossings and marshland traversal, I tried to stick to the woods after that.<br /> <br /> I then took two big questionable detours from the tracks, staying to the south of the rio avellano and avoiding crossing it all the way until I reached the lake. I'll quickly describe them here but they were both uncomfortable and not worth it unless the river is impassable. The cold and rain seem to damage my decision making quite a bit, I refused to backtrack or to take breaks to think things through.<br /> <br /> To skip the crossing at 69.8 I stayed in the woods south of the river starting at around km 67.5. Initially nice cow path, followed by a tricky wooded boulder field, followed by a horrific stretch crawling over thorny bushes. Eventually I made my way up to the base of some cliffs where things got a bit easier. Following the cliffs I reached a cow path, leading to some open woods through which I rejoined the trail around km 70.5. Never thought I'd be so happy to find cow poop.<br /> <br /> I dropped a blue and black stone bracelet somewhere before or during the 71.8 river crossing, let me know if you come across it!<br /> <br /> Some of the minor streams merging into the river were tough to cross. 71.8 was up to my thighs with a strong current.<br /> <br /> To skip the first major crossing of the Rio Avellano at 81.2 I followed some horse trail to the big white rock hill, and climbed to the top. The rock was super grippy even in the rain. I then traversed along the slope to the east, staying between an elevation of 700 and 750m. There was some cow path making it easier to walk, I wonder how they get up there. A few tough bushy sections descending and climbing out of crevasses/streams before I got to a gradual stream at -46.46385, -72.30601 which I scrambled down to the river.<br /> <br /> I ran into the settlers Luis and Jaqueline at their house by the river. They generously took me in for the night and gave me a chance to dry out some of my stuff.<br /> <br /> From there I followed option 4C down to the lake, hoping that the river crossing there would be less scary with the river fanned out wider. The option was decent trail over some low passes to the lake, though at times it was hard to follow. It's tough to choose where to cross the river because you can't see the bottom through the silt. I decided to cross near the gpx line where it was wide with lots of debris and sand bars to rest in between the channels. At the worst points it was crotch deep and powerful, the rocks under my feet sliding back from the force. Pretty scary.<br /> <br /> I camped in the willow grove by campo chico, and the next day (Monday) I raced to the bus stop at 130.4. It turns out that the bus is now at 6pm, I got there just in time. I took the bus to Puerto Ibáñez and got straight on the 8pm ferry to Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> A small cut on my ankle ended up getting infected, I'm now in town out of commission with a ton of swelling. Should have been more careful!<br /> <br /> * '''Feb 12 Direct Route SOBO 1 day Frank'''<br /> <br /> I walked straight from Villa Cerro Castillo to Puerto Ibanez in one long day. A few KM out on a dirt road there is a museum on your left &amp; a short trail on the right which goes to some rock paintings. You pass by a lake with good views of Cerro Castillo. Salto Rio Ibanez waterfall is impressive.<br /> <br /> *Helen and Craig + (Caro and Ali)<br /> 5th-10th February NoBo&lt;- only direction to do it! So pretty!<br /> <br /> almost got stung by the ferry from Chile chico. Make sure when you go to the office as the online booking doesn't seen to be working, that you specify your a foot passenger. And if they refuse ask to be put on the waiting list for the next ferry (which means you'll get on just fine) pretty sure you could probably just turn up and ask very nicely and they would let you across. Looked in to the boats from Carlos and Pascual to join 33 missing the coast section from levican but Carlos is not in the area at the moment and Pascuals boat is currently non functional, sad times but the coastal section I would have been sad to miss!<br /> <br /> -Decided to do Torres del avellano northbound. Highly recommend doing it this way and thankyou to the others who pointed out this point before us. Veiws were great and much easier to get over the bolder scramble going up.<br /> <br /> -We walked in a group of 4 so payed for a transfere to levican and a pick up from lago lapparent. 60,000 each time.<br /> -Phone signal from Puerto del avellano to levican<br /> -The river valleys of avellano and venti were incredibly beautiful to the south.<br /> -Route was better marked and easier to navigate than exsepted. Very Easy going apart from km 68.7-62. if you've done GPT 40 or 37, then you'll find 33 delightfully a breeze. (We did have good weather, in bad weather even just a little rain I imagine a very diffence and worse exsperience)<br /> -In the BB/CC river valley of Rio avellano walk on the north shore of the river rather than going to the south. The forest is mostly easily passable or can hop out to the river valley to walk more freely. The south side of the river is calf/ knee high swampy bush bashing which leads to very cold feet and frustration.<br /> -keep eyes peeled for humels! We spotted a male humel on the bushbash/cross country section and had the most amazing sighting!<br /> <br /> * '''22 to 26 of January 2023 / Véronica / GPT33H RR SOBO / via GPT33H-03B / 4.5 days'''<br /> <br /> Route: Villa Cerro Castillo - Laguna Verde (Río Alto valley) - Upper Río Avellano valley - Torres del Avellano viewpoint - Lower Río Avellano valley - Lago General Carrera - Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez<br /> <br /> Simply beautiful section. Lots of excellent info is written about it in the Hiker's Manuel too. I only met 4 other hikers, with two of them being northbounding GPT hikers! Great to meet you, Yannic and Mirjam :)<br /> <br /> From Villa Cerro Castillo I hitched easily on the Carretera Austral to Laguna Verde, where Option 3B begins. I wanted to cut some of the initial road walking because poor weather was incoming the next day and I wanted to try and beat it to have a chance at seeing the Torres. The road walk in the Río Alto valley was actually quite pleasant and scenic. There is a little self-registration booth across the road from the settler at km 30.8, where hikers are asked to &quot;check in&quot; before proceeding down the private road towards the Río Avellano valley. There is no charge.<br /> <br /> The camp at 52.7 km is very nice with a little stream running through, lots of dead wood around to make a fire, and relatively sheltered. There is an old puesto/refuge there too that is open and has a fireplace. Could be a good spot to hole up if the weather is bad.<br /> <br /> When you diverge from the Río Avellano valley to head up the pass, don't try and follow the GPS. Instead take the path of least resistance (or the path that looks the clearest) through the woods and across the rocks near the river. There are occasional cairns to mark the way too, although not always obvious to spot. Only the last cross-country section before the pass did I follow closely with the GPS, as it goes across a boulder field and the GPS line seemed to be the easiest way up to the pass.<br /> <br /> On the south side of the pass is where you finally see the Torres del Avellano proper. Absolutely incredible, and I managed to get the great views only a couple of hours before the rain started and clouds engulfed everything.<br /> <br /> I followed the GPS track closely going down through the granite boulder field, since it guided a safe way around the steeper cliffs. It was slow going down through the boulders, but it didn't feel unsafe as the rocks were grippy and solid.<br /> <br /> The initial &quot;bushbashing&quot; segment at km 63.9 was very easy through a mature forest. I didn't follow the GPS here, just followed an old animal trail alongside a creek until it joined with Río Ventisquero. Again, the CC&amp;BB section starting at km 64.4 was quite easy at first. I forded the river multiple times to walk along whichever side looked easier/less swampy. About midway through this section though it got tougher because Río Ventisquero got silty and the flow increased, so that I didn't want to ford it much anymore, so I stuck to the left (north) side of the river, mostly in the forest. There were some areas of unavoidable blowdowns and marshy terrain, and everything was wet from the rain coming down too.<br /> <br /> When I reached the waypoint X, Ford at 69.8 km, I camped there for the night because Río Ventisquero was a torrent and looked unsafe to ford. There are a few nice, flat places to pitch a tent in this area, under large mature trees. Early the next morning, it was very cold and still raining, and I couldn't tell if the river had gone down at all or not. There was fresh snow higher on the mountaintops. I ended up fording the river slightly downstream from where the trail crosses it, and the water came up just below my hips (I'm 165 cm). The water is silty so you can't see the bottom, but the rocks underneath had surprisingly good traction, which I was grateful for because the current was strong.<br /> <br /> It might be better to take Option 33H-E than the regular route. That trail looked well-maintained and clear, whereas the RR between 71.8 and 73.5 km was hard to follow and overgrown at times. There were no signs of life at the homestead of Maria and Julio when I passed through.<br /> <br /> I was strategic when I forded Río Avellano at km 81.2, crossing multiple branches at their shallowest points. The water went midway up my thighs at the deepest point. Afterwards though I didn't want to cross it two more times, so I took Option 33H-H which stayed north of the river.<br /> <br /> The refugio at km 98.5+0.2 on the shore of Lago General Carrera is nice and clean. There is a woodstove and some tables and chairs. It was crazy windy when I got there though, and I can't reccomend it as a good place to camp unless you sleep inside the refuge — the wind gusts were coming from all directions and there wasn't a spot that was sheltered outdoors. Further along the path at Campo Chico, there is a grove of mature willow trees that is probably a much better camp spot.<br /> <br /> Very beautiful hiking along Lago General Carrera, but it was wildly windy for me that day. At times it was hard to stay on the trail due to the strong gusts trying to blow me off the path. Lots of water sources.<br /> <br /> RH-MR&amp;CC-V {33H} [19.5/118.0+4.6] is all minor road, no cross-country involved at all. I met the settler at km 121.8, he kindly let me pass through his property (and many gates) no problem.<br /> <br /> I got to the minor road from Levican (waypoint at 130.4) at 7:40 a.m. on a Thursday. There is a little bus shelter there to protect from the wind. It was very cold and windy when I got there, and I waited until almost noon, hoping to hitch a ride. Not a single car passed by that whole time. So I resigned myself to the road walk, walked for about an hour in extremely windy conditions, and then a car finally came by and picked me up and drove me into Puerto Ibáñez :) Very grateful!!!<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Jan / Yannic &amp; Mirjam / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> From Puerto Ibanez we made the first kilometres to junction 130.4 by car stop. Then we hiked on to Camp 113.4. We didn't stay at the location, but a little further ahead where the river flows into the lake. Along the lake was nice with a lot of ups and downs and then we camped somewhere on the side of the Minor Road. Along the Rio Avellano we stayed on the northern side so that we only had to cross the river once (at 81.2). The water came up to my waist (I am 180 cm). Surprisingly, there was another Ford at 69.8. Again, very strong current and loose ground, so it was difficult to find a good footing. Right after this Ford we spent the night in the forest.<br /> <br /> On the climb at the start of the cross country section (at trailhead 68.5) be sure to get the right entry point as there are several small streams coming down the valley. We thought we saw a trail further into the forest that we could follow. Unfortunately, this was a mistake and led to us having to bush bash back onto the trail for a few hundred metres. In general, the trail was mostly better close to the river than deeper in the forest. The camping spot at the Torres was incredible and worth getting up for sunrise. The climb up the pass was very doable with the GPS tracks and not too difficult. On the other side of the pass, the trail got surprisingly good. We met a group of horses that were probably trekking to the lakes. Because the weather got worse, we took option 03 on the Carretera Austral and stopped at Ceroo Castillo.<br /> <br /> *GPT section 33 7 days, 84 miles, 14K ft ascent Dec. 21 to 27, 2022 David and Erika NOBO<br /> <br /> Ferry from Chili Chico runs just once a week (Mondays at 8:00 am) we missed it by hours and were stuck at the hotel California in Chili Chico for a day. “You can enter any time you like but you can never leave” got to be the feeling after residential bus after residential bus filled with residents and would not take us. Eventually got to Sierra Castillo and then hitched to Puerto Inginiero Ibanez. The tourist office there got her husband to give us a lift further 24 km to the end of the road. Well worth the 25,000 pesos. Road hike from there straightforward but new gates are being installed at the last road (NOBO) before you hit Lago General Carrera. Lots of wind. Last Refugio on the lake is legitimate. Good place to camp. Lower Rio Avellano was fordable. We thought we could avoid the 2nd and 3rd ford by taking the path over the hill. Don’t. It doesn’t go…Don’t worry, it gets worse. Ultimately, you’ll be hiking through the river all the way to Torres de Avellano. Note on that. The route takes you up to the lake. Beautiful, but then you go through a 2 km boulder field. We found the start of a trial before exiting the river that seems to lead right up to the pass. Might go, we don’t know. Instead, we took the boulder route, broke through a snow bridge, and put a deep gauge in Erika’s leg. Could have used stiches but had no sutures. Might be worth investigating.<br /> <br /> *'''2022 Nov, NoBo, Option 1, Alice and Florian'''<br /> <br /> We chose to do the option 1 taking the sendero de chile from Puerto Ibañez to Cerro castillo. Most of it is a trail road (first 25km, and the last 4) so it is quite tiring for the knees as some point. But it seems quite easy to do hitchhiking at least on the first 25 km if needed. Nevertheless it is quite a nice road. You first arrive to a very nice waterfall after 5km, them walk through a canyon with nice scenic views. The 10km pass through a forest trail near lakes, it is really nice as well.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2022 Nov / GPT33H Option 11 and Parts of Regular Route / Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> GPT33H/GPT34P: Northern coast of Lago General Carrera from Puerto Sanchez to Levican (packrafting and hiking)<br /> <br /> From 2022-Nov-20 to 2022-Nov-24 we (Meylin Ubilla, Jan Dudeck) packrafted and hiked in 5 days from Puerto Sanchez to Levican along the northern coast of Lago General Carrera.<br /> <br /> This lake is infamous for the frequent strong gusty wind, therefore packrafting requires a careful monitoring of the weather to depart only onto the lake when a period with calmer conditions is approaching. Luckily, there is reasonable good mobile phone coverage what facilities checking the weather and wind forecast frequently.<br /> <br /> Given the wind conditions any packrafting attempt on Lago General Carrera requires to my opinion:<br /> <br /> - decked packraft, a longer tandem is strongly preferable (faster, more stable) - a sail (to get quicker to an exit point) - packrafting experience in the region (to anticipate typical weather and wind patterns) - smartphone with entel SIM card or entel rooming - YR weather App, Windy weather App<br /> <br /> The predominant wind is eastbound therefore only eastbound packrafting is advisable.<br /> <br /> I’m left with the impression that wind gets generally stonger towards the east (towards Levican and Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez) and that calm periods are more frequent and longer towards the west (Puerto Tranquilo, Puerto Sanchez).<br /> <br /> Also, calmer conditions are more likely in the early morning just after sunrise but strong wind all night is also common.<br /> <br /> During a previous hike in February 2020 we experienced an entire summer day with barely any wind but such days are as frequent as unicorns and no travel plan should be build on exceptional favorable circumstances.<br /> <br /> There is a trail along the northern shore but due to the steep coast there are sections of up to 13 km on the lake without a connection from the shoreline to this trail.<br /> <br /> Emergency exits are more frequent along the coast but using such an exit means waiting for the wind to calm down what can take days. Therefore it is generally favorable to exit the water only in a location from where the trail can be reached easily.<br /> <br /> We packrafted most of the distance from Puerto Sanchez to the Avellano river delta on 3 mornings in about 9 hours on the water but from there we hiked in two days to Levican because we had no similar promising calm weather windows in following early mornings. In hindsight the wind remained manageable in the morning hours till about noon but there was no point in reversing our decision to hike (and we urgently needed some exercise to get used to hike with heavy backpacks again).<br /> <br /> Crossing from Puerto Tranquilo to Puerto Sanchez is reasonable feasible by packraft in calm weather (typically either very early in the morning or later in the evening). The crossing is 3 km wide and best started 1 km north of Puerto Tranquilo in a hidden bay with a nice protected spot to pitch a tent (46.6146°S / 72.6838°W · 210 m). If preparing the packraft at the beach of Puerto Tranquilo officials may stop packrafters as there are numerous restrictions and requirements applicable (in example accompanying motor boat with two licensed boat drivers).<br /> <br /> Packrafters should depart in north-eastern direction to compensate for a south-eastern wind drift in case wind increases.<br /> <br /> A very nice protected camp site is approximately 8 km from the recommended exit point near Puerto Tranquilo.<br /> <br /> GPT33H: Bus Levican - Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez<br /> <br /> The last 26 km from Levican to Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez are rather dull road walking. Therefore hikers that arrive at the right day and time can take the subsidized bus.<br /> <br /> Monday and Friday only: 08:00 Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez -&gt; Levican 09:00 Levican -&gt; Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez 18:00 Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez -&gt; Levican 19:00 Levican -&gt; Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez Price: 1000 CLP<br /> <br /> Transport at other times can be arranged for a substantially higher cost (estimated 40‘000 to 60‘000 CLP per vehicle).<br /> <br /> Paty: +56 9 9506 3176<br /> <br /> Luis: +56 9 8648 4075<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Feb: 10-14, SoBo, RR, Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> Even though the first few days out of town is a road walk, the first part of it is actually really scenic and worth walking, the lakes are just very beautiful one the way. The second part was mostly in the forest and our feet, knees and hips were already hurting from all the road walking but once we got on trail it got better right away. The trail was surprisingly well maintained I would even say better than in Cerro Castillo National Park. Another unexpected surprise was the amount of people that we met on the trail a total of about 25 people in different size groups were hiking to see Torres de Avellano. We really didn’t expect that, there also seemed to be some sort of backpack hauling and guiding service that the local arrieros were offering. We unfortunately didn’t manage to talk to them to find out, but it seems that the place is getting popular. Which is not a surprise because it’s very very beautiful there, probably is correct what the manual says, that it’s going to be the next Torres del Paine, time will tell.<br /> <br /> On day 3 about 2-3km before the pass the trail disappeared and the going got tougher and tougher, mostly just bolder hopping up and over the pass. The descent was pretty steep on large granite slabs which offered plenty of good grip but I am not sure how well would it work in wet conditions. I think the pass is doable in not good weather conditions but only if one feels very confident in own abilities on wet rocks. Also it’s a good idea to follow the gps on the way down because otherwise you end up on a cliff edge and have to track back up. The ground finally eases up once you enter the forest, but then starts the bushwhacky part all the way until ford/div at 69,7km.<br /> <br /> That was as far as we could make it that day because the river was pretty fast in the evening. So we decided to camp right there and cross it in the morning when the flow would be a bit more manageable and our decision payed off. In the morning the river was about 10cm lower than the evening before, so if you ar a shorter person it could save you. The flow was pretty strong and water was still about hips deep. Both of us crossed it together by standing in a line, me in front and Stiina supporting me from behind, it worked great. After that it was easy cruising for the next 32km, however we had to cross that river once again at 81,2km. It was still challenging but we managed to do it the traditional way one by one, facing upstream. But the current was still very strong and pushing our feet out from under us, challenging our balance. After that we didn’t want to cross it two more times as gps suggested so we just stayed on the left coast all the way to the lake. There were some cow trails to follow and also to bypass the cliffs it was no problem.<br /> <br /> The lake is really beautiful with all the islands and it wasn’t too windy when we arrived. We camped about a kilometer from Campo Chico on the rocky stream bed and managed to cook on the fire that night without causing fire hazard. And there were apple, pear and plum trees at the 98,3km, plums were very ripe but the apples and pears still need a week or two to get ready, but it was a very nice treat nevertheless.<br /> <br /> Next day was Monday which meant that we could avoid the 26km road walk at the end of the section which we were determined to do. We had 30km to goto get to the road junction were the bus is passing by and according to the manual the bus would pass there some time after 20:00 which is when it starts from Levican. So we pushed the whole day over the steep, sandy, bushy terrain and made it to the junction by 19:00, great, we thought. But after bus didn’t show up we called the phone nr that Janna &amp; Matthias had provided and it turned out that the bus actually leaves Levican at 18:00 and is long gone. But the bus driver was nice enough to offer us a ride to Puerto Ibañez, however for a hefty 45.000 pesos. We were out of food, out of water and pretty spent from getting ourselves there so we accepted the offer. The car ride showed that it would be a pretty dull road walk aswell if we would have had to do it so in the end it all worked out and we got to town just as we wanted.<br /> <br /> The town was a bit disappointing, people were somehow not very helpful and also all accommodations were full, but we managed to camp at Las Cabañitas about a km out of town. The next day we went to the port to catch the ferry to Chile Chico, but due to strong winds all ferries were canceled and nobody could even give us a guess of when the ferries would restart. We didn’t want to spend another day in Puerto Ibañez so we hitched back to Villa Cerro Castillo in hopes to get bus or a hitch around the lake. There are definitely daily buses to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> In the end our plans changed and we decided that we are content with our experience on GPT this season, so we left it at that. Thanks for kicking our butts GPT and showing us beauty we haven’t seen before! :)<br /> <br /> For more stories of the trail, pictures, videos and in case you want to ask us anything you can find us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''GPT 33H Option 4 (Puerto Cristal)/ Torres de Avellano/ Packrafting Route / 2022 Feb-4 / 7 days / Tobias Schorcht and Jonas Grünewald'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> I started Packrafting from Puerto Tranquilo to Puerto Sanches in the calm morning hours. Since Jonas doesn‘t have a Packraft, we booked a full Marvel Caves Tour by boat for him and asked the Captain, to leave him in Puerto Sanches, which was possible without any extra paying. We hiked northbounded along Lago Vidal Gormez and visited the left behind abandoned village Puerto Cristal. It was an impressive experience to see the old facilities of the Mining Company! The good visible trail is partly overgrown with spiky bushes and contains a lot of altitude. We have been rewarded with stunning views on the Lago General Carrera and recommend this option anyway. We went up to the Torres with good weather knowing, that some wind and rain have been predicted for the night. It took us many hours to cross the valley (-46,43300, -72,48867) because we mainly followed the “cow-trails” through the forest and wetland (as an alternative to walk up the river). We reached the camp (-46,42178, -72,50672) late and sheltered the spot with rocks against the wind. You are welcome to use our cozy spot free of charge 😉. Took the trail from the Torres down to Cerro Castillo without difficulties.<br /> <br /> We have to say, that this part of the GPT was challenging but absolutely worth the struggle.<br /> <br /> Disfrutas las cosas 🙏<br /> <br /> * '''NoBo, January 2022, 6.5 days, Participants: Janna &amp; Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: We took the ferry from Chile Chico to Puerto Ibañez (ferry schedule online).There still runs a government-subsidised bus (+56 9 89448847) between Puerto Ibañez and Levicàn on Mondays and Fridays at 8am &amp; 5pm (summer). We decided to spend the afternoon rain relaxing at the pizzeria in Puerto Ibañez and then catch the bus. We called and found out that the bus stop is now in front of the Supermercado Jelvez. The driver let us off at Div 130.4/311 at about 6pm ($1000 per person cash) and we hiked for another hour or so. At bridge 129.3/304 you cannot get water (a kind of gorge), maybe at the marked &quot;Water?&quot; about 15min downstream. We had enough with us and camped sheltered from the wind between the monoculture trees (S 46.377764 W 71.922459).<br /> <br /> Day 2: We continued through / over many gates and past empty houses down to the water. Attention if NoBo: at gate 122.6/628 there are two gates - the GPT splits behind the left one, so take that one. The first water before the lake and two good camps at the lake are marked. The path along Lago Carrera was easy to find, sandy and rough in places but we could follow old riders' tracks. We really enjoyed the fantastic view over the lake and had a tábano-free time thanks to the strong wind. About 2 km before Campo Chico (S 46.478295 W 72.086034) we found a west wind-protected and very nice camping spot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Further camping possibilities would be as already described on wikiexplora at Campo Chico and at Puerto Avellano. Along the lake there are streams/rivers for drinking water every 1-2h. There is a wild apple tree on the trail here: S 46.487073 W 72.102247 in case you come by at the right time of year. After Puerto Avellano there is about 15km of a former mine road that is easy to follow. We had a wonderful view of the mountains the whole day. The first two Fords are easy to pass with little water. Water sources again every 1-2h. Our camp 3 was here: S 46.457910 W 72.299412 - beautiful, next to the water, sheltered from the wind.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Ford-day - in total we forded rivers more than 20 times, all of them were easy to knee deep except Río Avellano at 81.2/490 which reached almost to our hips and required a lot of effort. We met and chatted with settler Maria who was on her way to have some work done. At Div/Ford 69.7/634 the mountain peaks remained hidden in the clouds and the weather forecast was not so sparkling why we opted for the bypass (option 2) which is also very nice to walk with imposing mountain massifs on both sides, enchanted fairytale forests, a waterfall and easy-to-find cow tracks. Only the large swamp around S 46.386387 W 72.422623 was very unpleasant and foul-smelling, about shin deep. It may be worth looking for a path along the water there. Camp 4: S 46.371434 W 72.432519, quiet and nice under curious observation of two horses on the other side of the river.<br /> <br /> Day5: At Div 54.5/841 we checked the weather again but as it still looked bad and everything in the valley further up was already in fog we finally decided against the Torres. At this Div there was an unmarked Ford when coming from option 2. If NoBo hiking directly after this Div take the path higher up the hill and not the marked route directly along the water, because the latter is slipped and to climb. At Puesto 53.0/946 (if NoBo) do not go through the gate but continue on the east side. A Horse Trail runs along the eastern edge of Mallin Grande. Our Camp 5 was here: S 46.281253 W 72.436128.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Continued on the gravel road, passing many settlers and pastures. The Estero Alto flows much lower than the road, there is water at Bridge 25.7/454 and otherwise only at the lakes. There is a fence almost everywhere to the left and right of the road. To get to Camp 16.9+0.3/598 you have to climb over a locked gate (S 46.178222 W 72.312583). The two buildings in the pasture are a ruin (S 46.182635 W 72.311414) and a stable (S 46.183119 W 72.310509).<br /> <br /> Day 7: Continued along the gravel road we almost missed Div 5.5/554 where a sandy path continues. The path is blocked by a wire fence at S 46.143124 W 72.184071 but a little further to the right you can slip through. No problems to get to Villa Cerro Castillo<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> * '''February 2021 from Bahía Murta to Torres del Avellano to Carretera Austral / Northbound, 5 days. Valle Resfalín/Resfalón (Option 8) + Mirador Torres del Avellano + Regular Hike + Escape to Carretera Austral (Option 3B) + Hitchhiking to Villa Cerro Castillo'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Bahia Murta to Camp #5 (Camp ? @33H-08-#005) / 11.5 km / 6 hours<br /> <br /> The hike started at Bahía Murta, on a steep hillside. We used the GPS tracks to find the path, and from there on it’s pretty easy to follow the path (when in doubt, we checked the GPS). It’s a very nice hike, and at the end of the day it’s necessary to cross the river. We both had trekking sandals, which came in handy every time we had to cross a river. Just after the river there is a camp option. We found a nice spot on the other side of the wooden fence, but there are many more options up the small hill. It was a perfect place for sleeping, with the soothing sound of the river.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Camp #5 (Camp ? @33H-08-#005) to Regular Route at Mallín Quemado (Camp ? @33H-08-#010) / 11.7 km / 8 hours<br /> <br /> This was one of the longest days for us, mainly because we underestimated how much time it takes to walk through a path that’s been reclaimed by nature. The day started with a steep uphill, where we lost the path for a while and then had to check the GPS to find it again. There are streams on the way where it’s possible to refill the water bottles. About a third way in, at (-46.38537, -72.55201), the path collapsed, probably washed out by the river. We took a look around and decided it was way safer to cross the river than to continue on the collapsed path (it was late February, so the river was not so full). We crossed to the other side, and 100m ahead crossed back. This is definitively the trickiest part of the day (although a bit farther ahead we found ourselves in the middle of a caterpillar forest...not really pleasant). Just after the crossing the are two camp sites (Camp ? @33H-08-#008 and Camp ? @33H-08-#009), but we would recommend keep going as the second part of the day is definitively easier than the first. Farther ahead we found two more camp site options: at (-46.36768, -72.53116) on this side of the river and at (-46.36722, -72.53088) on the other side of the river. We considered sleeping there, because we were exhausted, but in the end we decided to keep going as we still had some hours of daylight left. This was the right choice, because that way we could sleep at Mallín Quemado and then the next day do the day trip to Torres del Avellano. Mallín Quemado is the name the locals use for the big forest area that was “burned” by the ashes of Volcan Hudson. It’s near (Puesto @33H-53.0) and it’s a perfect place for sleeping. We decided to boil the water from the small stream, because there were some cattle grazing around.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Camp #10 (Camp ? @33H-08-#010) to Mirador Laguna y Torres del Avellano and back to Camp #10 / 7.1 km (each way) / 3 hours (each way)<br /> <br /> We started early and with a lot of motivation to go and see the Torres del Avellano. Sadly the day was a bit cloudy, but nonetheless it was totally worth it: the views from up there are breathtaking! A lot of glaciers and superstreams with the purest water you can ask for. When we arrived back at the camp, we met the first person in 3 days: Francisco, a teacher from Puerto Aysen. He came up the other way, from Villa Cerro Castillo, and was planning on going to Torres del Avellano on the next day, and then head back to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Camp #10 (Camp ? @33H-08-#010) to Camp at (-46.26244, -72.35118) / 21.6 km / 8 hours<br /> <br /> Another long day, but without any difficult parts. This section of the hike is way more popular than Valle Resfalín/Resfalón, so the path is way easier to follow. The first section, until the car road, is really beautiful. We even saw some (semi) wild horses! We knew that once the car road started there wouldn’t be so many camp site options, so we kept our eyes open. The car road goes through a narrow valley, and then comes a steep down hill. At the bottom of the hill, on the left side, there is a small meadow, where it’s possible to pitch a tent (-46.26244, 72.35118). Water is available 100m down a steep hill.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Camp at (-46.26244, -72.35118) to Carretera Austral / 14.8 km / 4 hours<br /> <br /> Following the main car road to Carretera Austral it’s impossible to get lost. We didn’t find any stream on the way, but in case of needing water there are many houses. Just be sure to ask nicely :) Once on the Carretera Austral we hitchhiked to Villa Cerro Castillo. We only had to wait for 30 minutes to get a ride, and considering that we did this during covid times...not too bad. We also had the backup plan of Francisco, who would be driving to Villa Cerro Castillo later that day. Funny enough, we ran into Francisco by chance in Villa Cerro Castillo and he invited us to an ice cream. It was a nice way of ending the trip.<br /> <br /> We are extremely grateful to Jan and all the people from wikiexplora for making this adventure possible!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> *'''Section 33: RR(New!) from Ibáñez. Exit via Option 8 to Bahía Murta.'''<br /> Westbound. 11 days. Party (3): Mum, Sis and I.<br /> <br /> Ibáñez y Península Levican: Continuing our extended stay in Chile we caught a government subsidised bus from Cerró Castillo to Ibáñez where we learnt after a somewhat lengthy process: talking to the ticket office, boat personnel and then the carabineros (an officer and then his jefe!), everyone passing the buck; that without a certificado de salud (not available in town, and only online) we couldn't board the vessel. The upside was that the Naviera Austral had fantastic baños (yes! they were open!) and the cleaning lady let us have a quick body wash and even do a little laundry before she had to close up. There was also limited WiFi connectivity (only WhatsApp would work) and powerpoints where we could charge our things. It also happens that we bumped into a Zulema Amoroz who was born in Fachinal, most likely a relative of Carloz Amoros who offers the boat service from Fachinal across the lake (we contacted him but no boats were allowed on the lake). If you hang around near where the ferry docks you might find her selling coffee and alfajores.<br /> <br /> We quickly decided to walk the new Section 33 Jan recently published, but end in Bahía Murta instead (i.e. explore option 8). Some effort was exhausted trying to organise a lift out to Península Levican. We did find someone for $30k, (it seemed a little steep but that's roughly what to expect), but it wouldn't be till the following day and we needed to get out of town to spend the night. We stocked up on food and started out on foot on the old RR (now Option 1) camping before we reached Río Ibáñez.<br /> <br /> I had a little concern about water on the way to Levican, but there are two or three good streams along the way: (-46.31022, -71.97272) (-46.32470, -71.96457) (-46.34091, -71.94069)<br /> <br /> In Puerto Ray a lady (also named Zulema!) warmed up to us and let us camp in her fruit orchard. In the morning we bought some eggs and 'bread' from them. Her husband was tanning a chivo hide; he had such a jolly step!<br /> <br /> Along Lago General Carrera: We went back to the junction (Div Levican @33H-131.4) where a good emergency shelter exists. The road is still very clear from here, but don't expect any traffic. I think it was a rare sight that we saw an old Mercedes truck full of wood lumbering (pun intended ;) out. The rd deviates a little from the track files maybe due to the pine plantations. There are many new rds., so take care you don't go the wrong way. Taking the RR you will pass through a locked gate (-46.38234, -71.96692), after this keep an eye out for a gate on the left. It's not in the track files and we didn't look for it, so maybe it's not there. The issue we had was that the road continues up the hill, deviating from the RR around (-46.38448, -71.97642). Here you should already be on the small road on the other side of the fence (someone traveling towards Levican/Ibáñez will find this easier to scope I imagine). Though it's not recommended to cross fences, we carefully crossed instead of heading back. A very minor Rd continues down to a dilapidated puesto and a couple of portóns. The road didn't seem to continue as indicated in the track files... but I wasn't following my gps. We CCed across a field until we encountered another road that led back to the RR.<br /> <br /> You will finally encounter your first reliable water source since Levican (-46.40196, -71.97831), especially if you are heading towards Ibáñez, make sure you fill up here!<br /> <br /> The two camps in the track files at km117 and km114 were the best we saw. The next obvious choice would be around Campo Chico I think, quite a bit further along. Plenty of water along the lake and we had plenty of apples seeing we were walking so late in the walking season. Amazing autumn colours! The track is also in good shape, someone had very recently 'cleaned' the way! The refugio at Los Álamos was a very welcome sight, a great place to spend a night (it's there because of the high winds possible on the lake). The nearby settler was resonably friendly and his dog Puestero even more so! He told us that it was him who 'cleaned' the track along Lago General. It made our walking so much easier! Thanks Armando!<br /> <br /> Valle Avellano y Ventisquiero: The old mining road through Valle Avellano was easy to follow. The road actually continues significantly further than indicated in the track files. Taking Variation F to avoid extra crossings of the river we found the road ended about here: (-46.45730, -72.30207). There is an unmarked ford here: (-46.46107, -72.24636)<br /> <br /> We took Variation D and just caught Maria and Julio before they headed out with their kids on a horse ride. We bought some bread from them. They called it a tortilla, but I think my Mexican friends would strongly argue the point ;)<br /> <br /> Easy walking up into Valle Ventisquiero. Read Jan's track notes. They are quite thorough. The trail to remeet Río Avellano is a little unused (also as mentioned in his write up), but easy to follow. Some good camping before the river. We met some gouchos using the puesto, they were not overly friendly; I think a little scared because of the virus. They pointed out a nearby shelter we could use made from a very old technique using U-shaped logs (I met a carpenter in Murta who told me a little about it).<br /> <br /> Option 8: Valle Resbalín/Resfalón(?): It was snowing in the morning. We decided to take Option 8 to Bahía Murta. This meant less road walking and involved a part marked as 'I' (investigation) which would be nice to document. It appears that this route down Valle Resbalín (or &quot;Resfalón&quot; as some locals in Murta told me it was named... anyone know?) is no longer used; quite overgrown, vague and in places difficult to detect at all. Sometimes all we could see was the occasional chainsawed log; and in some chutes: machete marks. Water was plentiful. There was a very old but partially functional puesto en route.<br /> <br /> There is a junction ('div') here: (-46.37495, -72.53695). The trail heading up the side valley actually looked quite distinct. I'm not sure what it's name is, or what's up there, but the water was a nice glacier blue and it had a higher flow than the 'main' named river.<br /> <br /> The only tricky spot to find the track was where it was washed away by the river, about here: (-46.38527, -72.55201). I cut steps in the bank, crossed, and dropped a rope down for the others. It would be much safer to walk in the river. We explored options to bypass via skirting around in the bosque, but they didn't seem practical. The nearby camp site marked in the track files (Camp ? @33H-08-#008) is not really good. Better to camp 200m upstream If camping around here. We camped at the confluence with Estero Sur, which is the best spot to camp we saw in the entire valley. From this point down the valley, the track is in use: plenty of fresh signs of cattle (maybe they graze in the side valleys?). Ford Estero Sur (-46.39815, -72.58224) and follow the track down the valley with ease. There is camping at (Camp ? @33H-08-#004) but better 300m down the valley near a corral. 50m down valley of (Camp ? @33H-08-#002) camping is possible next to the vague ruins of an old puesto. Further down the valley are several grassy areas good for camping, the most obvious is here (-46.43778, -72.65597) in the vicinity of the old puesto. The track (as opposed to Rd) continues much further than indicated in the track files. The road only starts about here (-46.44697, -72.66655) once you are nearly in Murta. We rested a full day in Murta and I happened to run into Felepé who we'd meet before the trip in Cerró Castillo. Loco!<br /> <br /> Thanks Jan for making this trip possible, Tobias Hellwig for recommending the reroute, and all the people on wikiexplora who explored and documented the tracks.<br /> <br /> If anyone has any information on the history of Valle Resbalín/Resfalón(?), the mining prospectors in Valle Avellano, or the settlers that abandoned the coast of Lago General Carrera, I'd love to read a bit.<br /> <br /> I hope this helps someone. Thanks!<br /> <br /> Oh! and we're back in Cochrane now and planning to be in Coyhaique in a week or so. Cheers.<br /> <br /> * '''BE AWARE THAT THE BELOW LOGS refer to Option 1 and not to the new Regular Route:'''<br /> Until 2019 the Regular Route followed the Sendero de Chile in the vicinity of Rio Ibañez what is now Option 1. Tobias Hellwig suggested to reroute the GPT via the Torres de Avellano to incorporate this hidden treasure. This proposed new route was investigated and documented in February 2020 by the founders of the GPT. By this time multiple segments of this new route were already published on Wikiexplora by other authors. Only the route from Kilometer 62.2 to 69.9 remained undocumented and had to be researched and ground-proved.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''10 Mar 2020 / RH SOBO / Ty / 1 day'''<br /> <br /> Super easy in general. I was able to get a hitch for like the last 10 kilometers. There’s a lot of different trail you can wander off on at the start of the sendero de Chile, so just be aware of your navigation at the start. The only good easily accessible water I found was between the two lakes before the intersection where you start walking the road. The ferry to Chile Chico leaves around 8 and takes a couple hours. Otherwise the next ferry leaves at 11 am....but make sure to confirm these times yourself. When arriving in Chile Chico, I climbed up to the viewpoint/mirador close to the ferry landing and found a place protected on the wind and slept on the ground. There is also an abandoned house marked in I-overlander that has an area in a room big enough for a 2 person tent. It’s on your right just before the climb up to the mirador.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan 2020 / RH Northbound / Matthieu / 2 days'''<br /> <br /> No technical difficulties on this part. However, I was stopped, when the GPT leave the road to go between the two lakes, by a sign : área protegida, ingreso no permitido. For me, it was cristal clear, so I just continued the road, disappointed. I spoke to one of the settler not far, who told me that it was only for cars and it s ok for walkers, and that it is part of the &quot;Sendero de Chile&quot;. So the way seems open finally. Anyway, there is another little path just before the lago Ardillas that goes north, and join the GPS tracks above the Valley Ibanez. Well maintained, in the hills, lots of cows, good experience.<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Jan/ Olrik / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> From Ibanez you walk on a dirt road to the entrance of a Reserva Natural. You are on the Sendero de Chile so it is well marked. In the reserva the trail is easy to follow and there was no one. You end up in Cerro Castillo. We did it in 2.5 days but could be done in 1 day if beginning early.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-28/ Lea Geibel/ 1 day / Northbound / Regular Hiking Route (Puerto Ibañez to Villa Cerro Castillo)'''<br /> <br /> After arriving with the ferry at 10.30 a.m., the section can be hiked in one day (around 8 hours of walking). Most of the section is on a dirt road with very little traffic. The part that is following a trail is marked with posts with red / white rings on them. Occasionally the trail is not very visible but numerous animals tracks are usually heading in the right direction before eventually meeting up with a trail marker again.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *2025 / Michael &amp; Kasia: <br /> If entering or exiting via Opt 8 or Opt 4, Bahía Murta (Puerto Murta) has several places that rent cabañas or camping space. There are at least 5 shops in town. The two largest both had tall skinny gas recharge canisters (Minimercado Gemaniar 3.000, Minimercado Estribo 4.000), but no screw type for backpacking stoves. Minimarket Gemaniar across from the tourist information office had generally the best prices and a good selection. The panadería across from the plaza had good pan amasado.<br /> <br /> *Section GPT33H starts in Villa Cerro Castillo and terminates in Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez (Resupply information see GPT34H). Hikers that continue southbound may also resupply in Chile Chico after the ferry crossing of Lago General Carrera (Resupply information see GPT35).<br /> <br /> *Several shops sell food and camping gas canisters.<br /> <br /> *Restaurants offer filling meals. <br /> <br /> *Accommodation is provided by hostels, cabañas and camp sites in these towns.<br /> <br /> *Hikers that walk GPT33H and its adjacent sections with continuous footsteps can resupply in Cerro Castillo, Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez and Chile Chico and do not need to leave the route to resupply.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *There is no plannable resupply along the entire Regular Route but some food may be obtained at the two homestead farms on the route.<br /> <br /> [Settler (Maria &amp; Julio) @33H-76.9]: Maria and Julio are one of the few settlers that still make cheese for sale in such a remote location. If you are short on foot you might also ask if they may sell some bread, milk or meat.<br /> <br /> [Settler (Luis Diaz) @33H-85.2]: Luis : When passing his home consider a visit. You may also ask if he has bread or meat to sell.<br /> <br /> [Puesto @33H-98.5]: The puesto 250 m north of Puerto Avellano is rarely occupied by their owners but the fruit trees might provide some well desired vitamins in summer and early autumn.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2025 / MiaimZelt<br /> Subsidized bus between Puerto Ibañez and Levican every Monday &amp; Friday: Ibañez/levican 8:15 &amp; 17:00, Levican/ibañez 9:00 &amp; 18:00. <br /> Transportes Freddy Morales (+56 9 9506 2906)<br /> <br /> *2023 / Maks&amp;Gabi <br /> We hitchhiked from km 136 near Levican to Puerto Ibanez. During the weekend there is only one ferry a day (Saturday morning and Sunday evening).<br /> <br /> *2023 / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé :<br /> Here, at the lake. There is mobile coverage and so we contacted numerus given on the PDF on WhatsApp to find a boat to bring us back to civilisation. I let you the contact of Jairo, that can bring you back to Puerto Tranquilo... for 400.000 CLP.. Jairo : +56 9 6633 9507 <br /> <br /> *Most buses to Villa Cerro Castillo leave Coyhaique in the morning around 08:00 and pass Villa Cerro Castillo approximately 1:30 hours later. In the opposite direction buses pass Cerro Castillo in the early afternoon. <br /> <br /> *Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez has regular public transportation to Coyhaique (1:45 hour by bus) and Chile Chico (2:15 hour by ferry). The ferry over Lago General Carrera that connects Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez with Chile Chico does two round trips each day, one in the morning and one the evening. Buses to and from Coyhaique operate synchronized to these ferries. <br /> Best Call Buses Alejandro: +56 9 7652 9546<br /> <br /> *Subsidized bus from Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez to Levicán: Monday and Friday, Approx. 1’000 CLP Morning round trip: Leaving Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez at 08:00, arriving in Levican around 09:00 and returning immediately to Ibañez around 09:00 and arriving at Ibanez around 10:00. Evening round trip: Leaving Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez at 17:00, arriving in Levican around 18:00 and returning to Ibañez at 18:00 arriving at Ibanez at 19:00.<br /> <br /> *Private transport from Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez to Levicán: Anytime, Approx. 35´000 CLP<br /> Try to call Luis: +56 9 8648 4075<br /> <br /> *Combining GPT35 with GPT33H<br /> <br /> Northbound hikers may consider connecting GPT35 directly with GPT33H by exiting Parque Patagonia towards Fachinal and crossing Lago General Carrera by motorboat from Fachinal to the Desembocadura Rio Avellano. Here Lago General Carrera is only 3.5 km wide and a motorboat crossing does not take more than 20 minutes. Unfortunately, in summer this requires some patience as the normally strong wind often impedes this. In the morning or the evening the wind occasionally calms down but rarely during the day.<br /> <br /> Carlos Amoroz, a settler in Fachinal owns a motorboat and offers this service on request. Pascual Diaz, a tour operator from Mallin Grande, can also provide this service but he must first haul his motorboat the 42 km on trailer from Mallin Grande to Fachinal what makes his service substantially more expensive.<br /> <br /> Settler with motorboat in Fachinal (Location: -46.5568°S / -72.2120°W) Name: Carlos Amoroz Mobile: +56-9-76267029 Price: Approx. 30’000 CLP for 2 persons<br /> <br /> Tour operator with motorboat in Mallin Grande Name: Pascual Diaz (Company: “Kalem Patagonia”) Mobile: +56-9-7391 7881 Price: Presumably more expensive and advance notice required<br /> <br /> This section combination of GPT35 with GPT33H seems more practical in northbound direction as hikers can first talk directly to the settler with the motorboat in Fachinal, resupply in Chile Chico (by taking a motorized transport from Fachinal to Chile Chico and back) and then cross Lago General Carrera with a refilled backpack. While waiting for the wind to calm down hikers can pitch their tent at a nice wind protected camp site on the shore of Lago General Carrera.<br /> <br /> Thanks to the reasonably good mobile phone coverage in Fachinal hikers can check the weather and wind forecast and call the settler with the motorboat when approaching Fachinal. This permits hikers to anticipate or discard a motorboat crossing on arrival.<br /> <br /> Hikers that attempt a more complicated southbound crossing of Lago General Carrera should make arrangements with the settler with the motorboat at least one or two weeks before arriving at Puerto Avellano, test communication devices (i.e. InReach to mobile phone), agree on the precise pick-up location (Puerto Avellano or Desembocadura Rio Avellano) and carry enough food to wait some time in Puerto Avellano. Hikers should be prepared that the wind may not calm down while waiting several days in Puerto Avellano. In this case the motorboat transfer should canceled, and the hiker should walk out to Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez before the food reserves deplete. There is mobile phone coverage at Puerto Avellano (entel if I recall correctly).<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *To my knowledge paddling on Lago General Carrera requires a permit from the Armada de Chile but complying with all requirements might not be possible even for a well equipped packrafter (i.e. distress signal rockets).<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT33H - Puerto Ibañez]]<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT33H - Torres del Avellano]]<br /> <br /> For additional information see the Wikiexplora Articles:<br /> <br /> [[Península de Levican - El Avellano]]<br /> <br /> [[Torres del Avellano]]<br /> <br /> [[Laguna La Plaza]]<br /> <br /> For more information see the Wikiexplora Article:<br /> <br /> [[Puerto Cristal]]<br /> <br /> For more information see the Wikiexplora Articles:<br /> <br /> [[Valle Miller]]<br /> <br /> [[Estero Jaramillo]]<br /> <br /> A part of this route is described in the Wikiexplora Article:<br /> <br /> [[Mirador Este de las Torres de Avellano]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT33H_(Torres_de_Avellano)&diff=120327 2025-02-19T19:32:48Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> The GPT manual has an extensive description of this route and all its options.<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-15 &gt; 19 / 4 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 33-B &gt; RR &gt; 33-D &gt; RR &gt; 33-H &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT31&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT32+GPT33<br /> | Meteo : soleil nuages et vent<br /> | Eau : difficile au début<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : Rivière, éboulis<br /> <br /> J'ai fais quelques courses et j'ai mangé au restaurant à Villa Cerro Castillo. Ensuite j'ai repris la randonnée. Attention l'eau est difficilement accessible car les lacs sont clôturés et en contrebas de la route. Sur la gravel road j'ai réussi à faire 4km d'auto-stop. J'ai mal préparé ma randonnée et j'ai raté la 33-A. Mais je n'avais pas encore dépassé la 33-B alors je l'ai prise. Il y a un petit ruisseau devant le settler du km 0,7. Je n'ai pas pu faire de stop sur la gravel road car je n'ai vu aucun vehicule. Il y a un ford au km 36 quand le sentier traverse la rivière. Au km 52 un arbre permet de passer la rivière. Je suis passé par la 33-D pour aller voir les lacs. Je suis content d'avoir eu du soleil car la descente après le km 62 est vraiment raide sur des pierres lisse et des éboulis. Il n'y a pas de bush-bashing sur cette section du GPT. La descente apres le lac se fait bien puis on entre dans un bois ou il n'y a pas de végétation au sol. Ensuite il faut suivre la rivière en marchand dans l'eau jusqu'au km 68,5 où la rivière se transforme en rapide et on trouve un sentier dans le sous-bois. Il faudrait trouver une autre couleur pour les sections de randonnées où on marche dans l'eau. Les fords des km 71,8, 73,5, 78,3 et 89,5 se font sans mettre les pieds dans l'eau. Le chemin est innondé au km 75,5, difficile à éviter car il est entouré de marais. Le ford du km 81,2 était dangereux car le courant était très fort même avec 60cm d'eau. Au km 98,5 il faut aller directement sur la plage. Le chemin le long du lac est parfois envahi par la végétation surtout dans les zones humide. A partir du km 130 c'est la gravel road peu frequentée X-735. J'ai eu du mal à faire de l'auto-stop mais j'ai reussi à faire les 15 derniers km avec un camion. Je n'ai pas pu m'arrêter à la cataracte du km 148,4, c'est mon seul regret car le vent était si violent que j'avais du mal à avancer.<br /> FEV-20: Repos Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> <br /> ''' 2025-FEB-7 to 2025-FEB-15 / 8 hiking days / Hiking / SOBO / option 03B, RR, option 02 / Nimrod &amp; Tamar '''<br /> <br /> Good camps for bad weather (more info below): (-46.172528, -72.273827) Hut near km 52. puesto?[4.8/745] (-46.48726, -72.10065)<br /> <br /> We think that its worth mentioning that if the weather is bad and you choose option 02 you should expect hard fords and having hard time following the trail until connecting back to RR.<br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> <br /> Hitchhiked from Coyhaique - 3 rides 5 hours. Started walking at 17:00, camped at (-46.116414, -72216049). It was a little wind protected.<br /> <br /> Day 02:<br /> <br /> Rain all night and all day. Got a lift for 5 km by 2 chilean hikers that went to the Torres and back. Camped at: (-46.172528, -72.273827). Rain and wind all night and the camp location was well protected.<br /> <br /> Day 03:<br /> <br /> Finally sun came out, so we dried our gear. Camped at km 62. Great view and wind protection. The weather became bad again.<br /> <br /> Day 04:<br /> <br /> Started hailing in the morning and it should have became worse along the day. We climbed to the pass early in the morning. Got a glimpse of the Torres and made our way to camp at km 52. Near the camp there is an abandoned small hut where we stayed until the next day. The hut is well protected from rain and wind, and you can even make a fire inside.<br /> <br /> Day 05:<br /> <br /> Our Inreach forecast lied us (again...) and the rain didn't stop until evening. Took option 2 - Rio Avalleno. The river was swollen because of the rain and the fords were quite difficult for us. The trail was gone under the water in a lot of parts, and in some parts it was just CC. Track files was irrelevant in many parts. Camped at puesto?[4.8/745]. Like described before - it's actually a wooden built wall which protects from the wind. The wind was crazy and it gave us great wind protection to pitch our tent and to enjoy a fire.<br /> <br /> Day 06:<br /> <br /> Finally a nice day. Untill we connected to the RR the trail was in bad condition, and again the track files not very helpful. You can skip 2 fords at km 9 if you stick to the nice and visible trail on the east side.<br /> <br /> Maria and Julio not at home. Camped at (-46.276123, -72.204873) There was some wind protection and no water.<br /> <br /> Day 07:<br /> <br /> At (-46.275422, -72.198820) we met Ricardo (we are not sure if he is a settler or a woreke), which kindly suggested to help us cross the Avellano on his horse back. The river was quite swollen from the rain but it's hard for us to say if it was crossable by foot. Camped at (-46.48726, -72.10065) by the small lake. The wind was strong and the campsite was well protected by the big rocks. We filtered water from the small lake/swamp. It might be flooded earlier in the season though.<br /> <br /> Day 08:<br /> <br /> Walked all the way to X[130.4/311] and camped near the junction. Not wind protected but the weather was good. There were a lot of water at variant N.<br /> <br /> Woke up late and took the bus at 9:00. About one hour ride, 1000 clp. Times like MiaimZelt has written.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-02 to 2025-Jan-05 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 3B, RR, Opt 8 / Tom'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Rainy: I hitchhiked from Villa Castillo to the junction at the beginning of 3B. Great views, but if you can afford to pay for transportation to the end of the road, it's worth it. I camped at -46.2647991, -72.41223312025. Due to the rain, there were several streams, and some areas offered wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Rainy: A simple day, just following the route. Be mindful of the exit point from the road—I was focused on the rain and missed it. The Mallín (wetland) can be challenging at times, but nothing too difficult.<br /> <br /> I arrived at Camp 57.2, where four students had waited for a day, hoping for clear skies.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Sunny: I started early, around 6:45 AM. It took about 2.5 hours to reach the viewpoint. Around -46.3870597, -72.4916724, there's a more recent landslide. Nothing too difficult, just loose rocks and fallen trees. Another 2.5 hours to return. On the same day, I started Opt 8 at 1 PM. This section took me 6.5 hours. It's a cattle trail, poorly marked—you really need to follow the GPS carefully, as there are many paths that lead nowhere. I recommend checking the contour lines since there is significant elevation gain. I arrived at Camp ? 11.6, which is Puesto Aguero—it appears to be in use, with sleeping bags and food inside. The camping area isn't ideal, as the ground retains a lot of moisture.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Rain/Sunny: I started at 2 PM when the rain stopped. The river was quite high, so unlike Michael and Kasia, I used the &quot;punte&quot; (a makeshift crossing). It's a fairly slender tree, but there's a rope to help with balance. I had no issues, but if the river were lower, I would have crossed directly through the water. At the beginning, the route is quite muddy but clear. The first half can be a bit more challenging at times, but the trail is well-marked towards the end. It took 4.5 hours to reach Bahía Muerta.<br /> <br /> General Notes: From Route 7 to the Torres viewpoint, it's quite straightforward and well-marked. The difficult section is between Camp 57.2 and Camp ? 11.6. I know there's a route from Camp ? 11.6 to another viewpoint of the Torres, which is not included in current GPS tracks. It seems to be a trail that guides from Avellano Bahía Muerta are currently working on.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-17 to 2024-Jan-21 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH03B RR + variant D + variant H / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus at 10 from Villa Cerro Castillo to the start of Option 03B. We'd hope to hitch the dirt road but we literally saw only one car.<br /> <br /> Bridge 25.7km - good place to get water<br /> <br /> Camped just before junction for option C (46.5km roughly) by the stream in the woods. Great wind protection.<br /> <br /> 49km to 50.8km - track files go CC but on OSM there's a trail we followed it and it worked well. CC route looked wet and boggy in places.<br /> <br /> Ford 52km - lots of downed trees so can cross with dry feet.<br /> <br /> Took variant D - easy and beautiful would recommend it.<br /> <br /> Pass 60km small patch of snow on South side no problem without spikes<br /> <br /> Camped at camp 63.4km - very beautiful but no wind protection, we were lucky the wind was pretty calm.<br /> <br /> CC &amp; BB 64.3 + 4.2 - we just stuck with the stream the whole way down worked out well.<br /> <br /> Ford 81.2km - about 550m before the waypoint the trail gets close to the river for us it looked easy at this point so we just crossed here. Just over knee deep at 4pm on a hot sunny day, no rain for the past few days.<br /> <br /> Took variant H to skip the other 2 fords.<br /> <br /> Camped at 93.3km (S 46° 28.690', W 072° 11.674') nice grassy area with a small stream.<br /> <br /> 98.5km - shortly after leaving the road RR take you through some bushwhacking but it's avoidable just go straight to the beach.<br /> <br /> Camped on the beach around 116km<br /> <br /> Road walked to 138.5km where we saw the first car of the day and got a hitch to Puerto Ibanez.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025 Jan 02 to Jan 11 / 10 hiking days / SOBO, NOBO, WEBO / Hiking / Opt 3B, RR, Opt 2, Opt 8 / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: <br /> <br /> A nice section with some great views and some good optionals. It is a fairly popular trail up to the Torres; we met 11 other hikers on the RR. Opt 2 is a really pretty and peaceful valley. Opt 8 is an adventurous alternative route, probably better to exit GPT33 than to enter it on full resupply weight.<br /> <br /> <br /> CAMPS:<br /> <br /> Night 01: -46.25532, -72.38365 (good water access, decent wind protection (look up before you set your tent, there were some widow makers), next to the road, no view)<br /> <br /> Night 02: -46.34592, -72.49822 (Camp 57.2) (decent view, excellent water access, minimal wind protection, surrounded by dead trees, not safe in windy conditions, a lot of spots to choose from) <br /> <br /> Night 03: -46.40655, -72.49601 (amazing view, decent water access, no wind protection)<br /> <br /> Night 04: same as night 3<br /> <br /> Night 05: -46.35732, -72.45379 (flat space for two tents, wind protected, just off the trail, water is a little ways away)<br /> <br /> Night 06: -46.36802, -72.43937 (flat space for 2 tents, excellent wind protection, no view, water is a little ways away, accompanied by the sturdy arrieros shelter)<br /> <br /> Night 07: same as night 6<br /> <br /> Night 08: same as night 2<br /> <br /> Night 09: -46.39734, -72.58201 (Camp ? 11.6) (not much truly flat space, but if you aren't picky there's lots of space, no wind protection, water is down a steep hill,next to the used puesto)<br /> <br /> <br /> WATER: <br /> <br /> On 3B and into RR on the road it was difficult to find at times. On all trail sections it was easy to find.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 01 - Jan 2nd<br /> <br /> We got the bus from the terminal in Coyhaique. It was a bit of an ordeal. The buses hadn't been running for two days on account of the holiday, and we had not purchased tickets in advance. There was quite a line and it seemed they had been sold out much earlier. We went and talked to the driver after he finished loading most of the luggage. He said to give him a minute to check. He luckily had two empty seats to Cerro Castillo, and we paid him cash at the break point in Cerro Castillo, 8.000 pp, the normal price. He dropped us at the beginning of Opt 3B. There was a bus stop there. Opt 3B is a gravel road. There is some nice scenery, but overall it's a road walk. There isn't much traffic, but hitchhiking is possible. RR from km 24 where Opt 3B meets it is also gravel road until km 45.5. There isn't a huge grade and the road is in good condition, so it's easy if somewhat underwhelming walking. Water is not so easily accessible. All the little side creeks had dried up or were just water trickling through mud. Much of the time we were too high above the water, or it was fenced off. At km 24.9 there is an unmarked bridge. There was good water access there. There was also a very nice campsite there at (-46.21595, -72.34452). It had flat space for at least one tent, maybe two, trees and good water access close by. The next good water spot we found was at Settler 29.4. There was easy water access next to the bridge down to the barn. We didn't find water again until km 35.5 when we camped for the night. Camp 32.0 should be marked “Camp with No Water”. We did not see any water nearby or anything that looked like there is water at another time of year. At km 31.9 there was a locked gate with a No Trespassing sign, but a set of stairs to walk over the fence on the left hand side. The stairs were solid and in good condition. At km 32.9 was an easy open gate with a No Trespassing sign facing the other direction. It looked like someone had been working there recently, lots of fresh wood cuts, but we didn't see anyone. We camped just off the road at km 35.5 in a little clearing, just after a gate. There was access to the estero there.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 02 - Jan 3rd<br /> <br /> We continued the road walk. The trail in the forest was very nice. The meadows were a little marshy but we moved through them fairly quickly. Ford 52.0 was easy, top of the calf and not much current. There was actually a fallen tree that could work as a bridge to do a dry foot crossing. We camped at Camp 52.7 next to a stream. This would not be a good site if it is windy. Fortunately we had a windless night. No issues finding water this day. We met three other hikers on their way out of Avellanos.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 03 - Jan 4th<br /> <br /> The trail to the Trailhead 57.0 is easy to follow and, except in a few places, in good shape. There were a few places where it disappeared for a bit. Where they diverged, sometimes GPT track files were better, sometimes OSM, we just chose what seemed the most traveled. After Trailhead 57.0 the track is a little more difficult to follow. The OSM track was a little more accurate for the CC sections. There was only one ford at the end of the valley a little before it goes up into the woods, around km 59.3, just below the knee, not a strong current. The way through the woods at the end was difficult to follow. It is fairly overgrown in parts and we ended up walking a bit above the GPT track pushing through trees until the boulder field. We were trying to make it to Camp 61.2 above the pass. After the Trailhead 57.0 we did not see another suitable place to camp until close to Camp 61.2; everything was wet or on a slope, either covered in rock or trees. We camped at (-46.40655, -72.49601), about 400 m before Camp 61.2 in a flat area. There was no wind protection, but the night was calm. The site has a great view of the mountains and one of the lakes. We met five other hikers heading out over the course of the day.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 04 - Jan 5th<br /> <br /> We did a packless day trip up to the pass to see the Torres. The weather was good, full sun and light wind. We spent about an hour on the pass. The Torres are nice; the one in the middle looked to us like it had the face of the rock eating monster from Neverending Story. As nice as the Torres were, we actually preferred the view on the mountains on the north side of the pass. On the way back down we looked at the area around Camp 61.2. We didn't really see any spaces suitable for a tent, certainly not for something the size of the X-Mid 2. There seemed to be a few options for bivys. There were strong gusts of wind in the night and part of our tent collapsed. We managed to get it back up and it stayed up for the rest of the night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 05 - Jan 6th<br /> <br /> We headed back NOBO on RR. We met Mia who was heading SOBO at the ford. It was nice to cross paths with another GPTer. At the X 54.5 we switched to Opt 2 Avellanos Bypass. We were interested to see the valley. The trail in places is in great shape, especially the higher areas, and in places non-existant, especially in low, wet areas, or where the river has washed it out. At one point we saw a huemul, our first one. It was walking up stream in the river very slowly and pausing often. We watched it for about 15 minutes before it finally got up on the hill on the opposite side and climbed into the trees. A little while later there was a huge waterfall coming down from one of the mountains. We camped in a sandy area under some trees a ways away from the river. All fords were more of a blessing in the scolding sun than a challenge. The riverbed moved in some places into the land where the GPS tracks were but it was very easy to navigate.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 06 - Jan 7th<br /> <br /> We walked further downriver to Puesto ? 4.9. It is not actually a puesto, but a stopover half-shelter with fire pit for people driving animals. It was a great wind barrier, and a place to hang out on our rest/”waiting rain over” day. Just a few meters away we found a nice flat area with space for two tents that was very well wind protected and we were expecting 90 km/h winds to come next day. We left our packs and went further down river. The valley is really beautiful and has some great views. For a while the trail is in excellent condition, then it starts to disappear. It was not possible to follow the GPT track for all of it, but we found other paths. The river fords got increasingly more challenging as we went down stream. More drainages joined the river and added water. We turned around at Ford 8.2 and we noticed the increase in river level just over those few hours. The most difficult ford was mid-thigh with a good amount of current (at 6pm, earlier around 3 pm it was good 20 cm lower).<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 07 - Jan 8th<br /> <br /> We took a zero day. Rain and high wind all day. The camp site worked very well for inclement weather. <br /> <br /> <br /> Day 08 - Jan 9th<br /> <br /> We backtracked the rest of Opt 2 and arrived midday back at Camp 57.2. We were planning to exit 33H on Opt 8 but didn't want to start it the same day. We enjoyed a half rest day with sun and no wind at the campsite. We passed three other tents during the day.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 09 - Jan 10th<br /> <br /> We started Opt 8 in the morning. For the first 7 km or so it is actually fairly easy to follow. The GPX tracks aren't always spot on, but we followed them as closely as we could and we managed to find the trail more often than not. The landslide seemed to be quite small and we just walked below it. The two fords at that point are just over a side stream, so probably dry foot crossable a little later in the season. Everything after that until Camp ? 11.6 where we stopped for the night was a bit of a challenge. In areas the trail is in excellent shape and then it just disappears into slopes of grass and blow downs. We would lose the track and CC for a while, finding it again a couple hundred meters on. I just walked with the Garmin in one hand for most of the way since I had to check it so frequently. The last few km to the campsite were very muddy. It ended up being a very long and very exhausting day. We did not see any serviceable campsites for our tent between the beginning and Camp ? 11.6. Camp ? 11.6 is a puesto with a sign saying it is called Puesto Agüero. There is also a sign saying “No Dejar Basura”, which we took to mean that the puesto is used, at least unofficially, for public camping, but just to pack your trash out. The site does not have good wind protection, but we had a windless night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 10 - Jan 11th<br /> <br /> Ford 11.5 had the same makeshift bridge that Maggie &amp; Julien reported last season. We decided to ford instead of use the bridge. We forded a little lower than the waypoint. It was above the knee and with a fair amount of current. The path after the ford was generally very easy to follow. In the pastures we kept an eye on the GPS as there are animal trails that go all over, but in the forested areas it was very clear. It was very muddy for the first half and mostly dry for the second half. There are some nice views of the river along the way, and of the valley toward the end of the section. The MR at the end has been extended further up the valley and now starts about 1.5 km sooner than indicated in the track files. We walked into Puerto Murta around 18:30. We had no particular difficulty with Opt 8, and it was not overgrown enough that we wished we had a machete at any point. Though it doesn't look like it from the elevation profile in Gaia, due to the constant ups and downs there is an enormous amount of cumulative elevation gain and loss. For this reason we think that this is a much better option for exiting the section, so the pack can be as light as possible.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025 Jan 4th to Jan 9th / 5.5 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 3B, RR, Opt D &amp; E &amp; H / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> This section indeed is a real gem, but also challenging. Weather was hot and sunny, too warm in my opinion. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Wanted to hitchhike from Villa Cerro Castillo to the start of Opt 3B, but then a bus came an took me. Mostly boring hiking along a minor road.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Continued along the minor road, soon it got smaller and wasn't passable for cars anymore. At -46.254893, -72.381462 is a new fence, theoretically it could be opened, but you need to be strong. I crawled under it... Here -46.260122, -72.397627 is a large rather open field with lot's of flat space to pitch a tent. Water nearby. -46.260547, -72.400255 small building, which was unoccupied. The horsetrail is in good condition. Camped here: -46.352094, -72.488826, but there is only space for small tents. <br /> <br /> Day 3: The ascend in the forest was also in good condition. Later you have to sharpen your eyes and look for the cairns. Met Kasia and Michael, was nice to meet other GPT hikers. Option D is marked with cairns, but there is no trail and i had to cross the river 2 more times. Especially the first lake is a real gem. <br /> Hike up to the pass was not difficult, just take your time. <br /> Way down is more challenging. I had to cross a large and steep patch of snow, which was ok without microspikes. Than you have to climb down a steep slope with lots of boulders, but they have good traction. The middle part was the hardest, because both smartphone and Garmin didn't show my correct position and wanted me to hike down a small waterfall. According to the smartphone there had to be a lake, but there was a forest instead, which wasn't shown neither on the Garmin nor on the Smartphone. Hiked down left of the waterfall, which looked much safer. The last part before you arrive at the glacier lagoon, is a large field of XXL-boulders which you have to cross. The views at the lake were awesome! <br /> The bushbashing was mostly easy or at least not difficult. The worst was the stretch along Rio Ventisquero to the Trailhead. In the beginning i tried to walk in the riverbed, which often means to walk in the river, not just crossing the river. But when a 2nd river was added, the water was up to middle thigh and had a stromg current - not a good idea to continue this way. Hiked at the left side in the forest instead. Sometimes there was a vague animal trail, but it disappeared very often. This was really annoying with a lot of bushbashing. Camped at Camp Without Water {33H} [68.7/766].<br /> <br /> Day 4: Crossing of Rio Ventisquero was just up to my knees and not diffucult. Enjoyed the horsetrail along Rio Avellano, but i took Option E, because the RR was i overgrown in this area. Option E is in better condition. Didn't met Maria &amp; Julio, later i saw to guys on horseback. Ford {33H} [81.4/492] was up to my crotch (i'm 1.74cm) and had a strong current, but i made it. My feet had traction, but couldn't place my trekkingpoles correctly due to the strong current. You have to cross 3 times here, but the other two were easy. <br /> The Minor road is not like a real road, it's more a 4x4 track used by horses with sandy ground and vegetation in the middle. It's hard to find a camp at this minor road, because of the thorny vegetation. Camped here: -46.478173, -72.19456. It's a patch of flat gras with enough space for several tents, has a small stream and good protection from the wind. <br /> <br /> Day 5: According to my Inreach the wind gusts should reach up to 101km/h. Was indeed very windy, but fortunately it came from the back and the wind was warm. The trail along Lago General Carrera is very scenic and mostly visible, but also strenuous. Some (fortunately very short parts) are badly overgrown - a machete would be useful. Almost every plant in this area has thorns. The ups and downs a very steep, which i didn't like in the heat. Lot's of water. Used Camp {33H} [116.3/239] which has a great protection from the wind. But be aware of the thorny plants while searching where to pitch you tent - there are only 2 places without them. <br /> <br /> Day 6: The last stretch until the minor road was much faster. The first part of the minor road has vegetation on it and isn't used by cars. Brought all the water from the lake, but it wasn't necessary. Small streams here: -46.403664, -71.975755 and next to the road at Settler {33H} [121.8/643]. The settler wasn't at home and the wooden gates were locked, had to climb over them. There are several minor roads, not just one. Bridge {33H} [129.3/304] is a deep canyon, didn't see a possibility to get water there. Walked two hours along the road between Levican and Puerto Ibañez, until i got a hitch. <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''Dec 6-11 / 03B + RR SOBO / wiiiim'''<br /> <br /> Great route, still early season, weather was sunny but still cold, rivers were low, the infamous crossing of the lower rio Avellano just above knee height.<br /> The crux of the route was the South side of the pass, sections of snow, I crossed later in the day when it was softer, avoided most of the snow on the East rock flank, but around 1200m the rock slabs were wet &amp; the gullies in between were filled with snow. A bit of a maze, it took some time and back tracking, I used micro spikes but its probably okay without, I think knowing how to self arrest on snow with hiking poles is always a good skill to have, lots of videos exist on that.<br /> Laguna la Plaza is a short/easy side trip well worth it, the North side of the pass is fast going &amp; pretty well indicated (ciarns), on the South side section of CC once on the valley floor it seems easier to wade through the (spectacular) river.<br /> I was pleasantly surprised with the walk along the lake, it’s really different and beautiful.<br /> I was lucky to get a ride out from the MR to Puerto Ibáñez quite quickly from around -46.36065, -71.90255 but it’s usually very quiet.<br /> <br /> At -46.26604, -72.41735 there is an established rock bivvy that could also fit a medium size tent.<br /> <br /> Overall I would probably recommend the regular route NOBO to cut out most of the start/end road sections: organise a ride from Puerto Ibanez to the trail head (it will be worth the money) and on the other end the finish of 03B on the carretera austral will have plenty of traffic to hitch a ride<br /> <br /> <br /> • '''2024-Dec-09 to 2024-Dec-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Opt.A + Opt.01A + Opt.01/ Julien'''<br /> <br /> Following the road to Puerto Ibáñez <br /> Just a little difficulty about finding water because most of lakes and rivers are private now.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-28 to 30 / 3 day / Hiking / Circuit / GPT33H Option 5 and 5A Valle Miller from Puerto Alarcon to Valle Jaramillo and return to Puerto Sanchez / Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> The Cordillera de Avallano between Rio Ibanez and Lago General Carrera is one of the hidden treasures of Patagonia. And Valle Miller is one possible entrance into this mountain range.<br /> <br /> After packrafting to Puerto Alarcon we packed our packrafting gear and hiked up Valle Miller along the minor road to the bridge over Rio Miller to crossing “X {33H-05} [7.8/611]”. There are numerous possible camp sites and water sources along this minor road.<br /> <br /> A few hundred meters after crossing “X {33H-05} [7.8/611]” is the last pasture with suitable camp sites. <br /> <br /> Valle Jaramillo is a very scenic side valley of Valle Miller that can be explored in one day.<br /> <br /> This side valley has no distinct trail but the forest is reasonably open. Therefore ascending and descending through the forest is not really bush bashing but just a slalom around the numerous fallen trees.<br /> <br /> Once the open terrain is reached, hikers can see the very scenic valley with some remaining smaller glaciers.<br /> <br /> The cross country walk to the 1679 m high pass is very rewarding in good weather. From an altitude of 1400 m the terrain was in parts covered by snow fields as we visited this early in the season.<br /> <br /> We returned to Puerto Sanchez which is the alternative starting Point for hikers.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 22 to 2024 Mar 28 / 7 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Maddi, Tom and Jordan'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Got the public bus from Puerto Ibanez to Levican for about 1000CLP each. We were the only ones on the bus and the driver dropped us at the trailhead. After walking along the road for a while we miraculously got a hitch in the back of a pick up for a couple of kms. Trail down to the lake was a little confusing but just head down and you'll hit the main trail eventually. Trail along the lake has plenty of up and down but nothing too strenuous. We had a perfect, windless day with not too much sun so it was pretty easy going, plenty of spots to get water once down near the lake. The notes said there was some scary exposure but we didn't really encounter any along this section, the path is pretty solid and clearly used by horses. Set up camp on the lake on the small rocky beach at (-46.47634,-72.08138). Just enough room for our Zpacks Triplex and Jordan's free standing tent. Jordan caught a fish that night but chucked it back.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Great sunrise over the lake but then it started to rain. Jordan caught another fish which the boys had for breakfast. Walked along the lake in light rain until the old road where we went up the steep hill and started inland. One apple tree along this section but the apples weren't great. Followed the disused road until the end and then started along the track. Hit our first ford at about (-46.46161,-72.24620) which was above the knee on me (174cm tall) and quite fast flowing/muddy from all the rain. Tom slipped climbing up the bank here and fell backwards into the water but somehow avoided getting swept away. Kept walking along until we hit the refugio, unfortunately it was locked. Set up camp next to it so we could use the porch for shelter then went to scout the next ford just past it. This one was way too high and fast to cross so we were hoping it would go down overnight. Rio Avellano also looked impossible but that was a problem for the next day.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Luckily the tributary into the Rio Avellano had gone down significantly overnight and we were able to cross without issues, although it was still fairly fast flowing at about knee height. Had a go at crossing the Rio Avellano just after this ford where it is marked on the GPX and others had mentioned it was doable but we had no luck, even employing the three astern. Decided to try the settler's place up on the hill to see if we could get help crossing but noone seemed to be around. Kept following the track along the river, hoping for a place to cross. Jordan somehow manage to cross using the eddies formed by a large tree that had fallen into the river. He had to come back across to help me get over with Tom but it was a near miss. Water level just below hip and quite fast flowing. Massive relief to make it across and get to enjoy the sun a bit. Had lunch near Maria and Julio's but still didn't run into anyone other than sheep. Enjoyed an awesome section walking along through ankle deep water in the autumn colours with snowy peaks in the background. Hit another fairly fast flowing ford, just above the knee, but manageable now we were getting good at crossing 3 astern. Thought we would make it to camp just below the towers but unfortunately hit another ford that even Jordan couldn't cross. Much higher consequence with huge rapids downstream and the water level above the hip. Tried to walk upstream a km or so to see if we could cross but ends up high above the river as it enters a canyon section. Scrambled back down and camped for the night on the track in the forest with the hope of lower water in the morning.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Water was much lower in the morning and we were able to cross with no issues. Still over the knee and fast flowing but the group of 3 works wonders. Headed into the forest and up past the old corral then into the swampy section. This was super rough going as the swamp was over the knee in parts. We constantly switched between climbing between the tangle of tree or wading through the swamp. It was raining lightly and getting quite cold by this point. We made it to a clearing along the river at about 11am but the towers were in complete fog and I was shivering hard. Decided to set up camp in the forest and try for the towers the next day in the hope of more visibility. Found a nice camp spot in the forest at (-46.42932,-72.49572) with easy access to the river for water. Snuggled down to try to warm up all afternoon, only emerging for meals.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Set off through the forest up towards the towers. Says bush bashing but was actually pretty easy walking up the hill. Towers still in a bit of cloud but made it up there mid morning and spent some time scrambling around the lake to take a look around. Camp site in the rocks was flooded from yesterday so glad we didn't try to get up there to camp. Scramble over the boulder field and up to the pass isn't too bad, although some snow patches made it a bit slippery. Cool granite slabs on the way up. Super windy once we got over the pass so hurried down the valley. No navigation issues but definitely got wet feet walking along the river. Camped at the refugio.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Hiked along clear trail until we got to the minor road. Hoped to get a rare hitch but didn't really see anyone. Decided to hike along the river just before the bridge toward Lago Lapparent to find somewhere to camp. Found a few awesome spots along the crystal clear water for our last night.<br /> <br /> Day 7: Headed back to the road and followed it back to the Carretera Austral. Got a hitch in about 15 minutes all the way to Coyhaique but there is a bus stop there if you can time it right.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-02-23 to 2024-02-27 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH03B + RR + OH08 / Maggie &amp; Julian '''<br /> <br /> Trail attractiveness: 4/5;<br /> Difficulty: 3/5<br /> (keep in mind that this is our first GPT hike)<br /> <br /> Day 1: ‘GPT33H-03B start’ to (-46.2570, -72.3711):<br /> <br /> We entered from Carretera Austral at Laguna Verde (Option 03B) after being dropped off by the morning bus from Coyhaique (heading to Cochrane). Arrived at the crossroads at 11:30am with Don Carlos bus.<br /> Whole day was walking on roads and relatively easy to make distance.<br /> At (-46.2671, -72.3561) there was a sign reading &quot;se prohibe la entrada al predio&quot; and a locked gate with a ladder to climb over the side. There is a campsite (Camp, X {33H} [32.0/700]) pinned shortly after, but we decided to keep going because of the sign. At (-46.2621, -72.3613) there is an end to the property (same sign facing opposite direction, no gate). We camped on an area used for chopping wood at (-46.2570, -72.3711). Short scramble down to the river.<br /> <br /> Day 2: (-46.2570, -72.3711) to Camp {33H} [52.7/953]:<br /> <br /> Large part of the day was also road walking, afterwards trails and some cross country.<br /> Camped by Camp {33H} [52.7/953]. Camping around Puesto {33H} [53.0/946] has better mountain views, Puesto itself was being used, possibly for guided horseback trekking.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Camp {33H} [52.7/953] to Pass {33H} [62.0/1314] and back:<br /> <br /> We left our tent set up and most things at Camp. The way up was sometimes hard to find. Trail markers made more sense on the return. Had an extended lunch a little after Pass {33H} [62.0/1314] and then returned the way we had come.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Camp {33H} [52.7/953] to Camp ? {33H-08} [11.6/548]:<br /> <br /> Probably hardest day in navigation, trail disappeared often, but manageable.<br /> The former landslide section at (-46.3853, -72.5520) did not pose any difficulties for us as the water level was not too high and the main river flow now goes near the northwestern side of the valley. We just had to step over the remaining side stream. With more water some fording might still be necessary, but I imagine you could get away with staying near the southeastern bank for this section.<br /> At Camp ? {33H-08} [11.6/548] there is a puesto that seems to be in use, but we saw no one and camped a little lower near the river. <br /> <br /> Day 5: Camp ? {33H-08} [11.6/548] to ‘GPT33H-08 start’:<br /> <br /> Right after camp there was a makeshift bridge to cross the stream (tree and rope, very rickety).<br /> Trail seemed to be used and maintained on this part of option 08.<br /> Shortly before Camp {33H-08} [6.9/435] there was a previously washed-out section with a new path already laid out. In heavy rainfall this could wash out again but should not pose a big hindrance.<br /> <br /> Notes:<br /> <br /> - RR + option 08 is a great short alternative without much backtracking.<br /> <br /> - Our hitch out of Puerto Murta happened to be local members of an association that wants to bring more tourism to their town and the Torres del Avellano. If their plans are fruitful, traffic and trail maintenance may increase on option 08.<br /> <br /> - We organized the transport of our non-trekking items from Coyhaique to Puerto Río Tranquilo by encomienda. Ines, the lady working at the Sao Paulo bus office in Coyhaique terminal was kind enough to hold our boxes until we arrived and called her from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Our things arrived the day after we called at around 1pm. We shipped a rather large quantity of items (enough items to fill 50L bag) for 12000 CLP. Sao Paulo bus Coyhaique telephone: +56 672 255 726<br /> <br /> * '''30/01/2024 - 01/02/2024 / 3 days, 78 km / Options 06 and 07 / Alex + Andrey'''<br /> South bound (east bound).<br /> “Mountain route”,<br /> <br /> a combination of Options 06 and 07 which are now passed and confirmed.<br /> <br /> Difficulty: Difficult/Very Difficult<br /> <br /> Most of the route is off-trail<br /> Thanks to Jan for the suggested routes and clues.<br /> Short resume:<br /> <br /> This mountain route is a more difficult and demanding alternative to the regular route but can be an interesting option for those looking for a challenge.<br /> The combination with a regular route allows to form a full-fledged “eight”, a trip of 6-10 days.<br /> <br /> Option 07 is a shorter, although more difficult, alternative to the regular route in case the Avellano River cannot be forded NOBO.<br /> Notes and recommendations.<br /> <br /> Option 07:<br /> <br /> All fords do not pose any significant difficulty.<br /> Due to the height and southern exposure the areas between Pass 1 and Pass 2 (Pass {33H-07} [17.0/1755]) and descents from Pass 2 in the early to mid-season have extensive areas of snow where microspikes or crampons may be required.<br /> The main difficulty on the descent is overcoming several side washouts, which are small but deep and steep canyons.<br /> <br /> Option 06:<br /> <br /> There is no water during the first 4-5 hours of ascent to the valley.<br /> The open area of ​​the upper valley at Camp 2 and beyond throughout the ridge is a resort for very strong winds. Setting up camp may be difficult or impossible. A strong hiker can combine and complete this section in one day.<br /> The predominant wind exposure makes passage from west to east highly recommended.<br /> The last reliable source of water is before reaching High Pass 3. Further east there is no water until the junction with the regular route, except for temporary streams from seasonal snow.<br /> <br /> The track and additional information are here:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/avellano-mountain-route-chilean-patagonia-160489118<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-04 to 2024-Mar-08 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 03B + RR + OH D + K / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: OH33H-03B + RR [24.2-41.2]<br /> <br /> I tried to hitch from Villa Cerro Castillo to the start of OH33H-03B. After 1 hour a Bus arrived and took me to the start for 2000 Pesos. The Bus runs from Cohayique to Chile Chico on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It starts in Coyhaique at 9 am and stopps in Villa Cerro Castillo at around 10:30 am. From the brigde at km 25.7 until km 35.8 there is no water on the RR. You walk close to some rivers but I didn't check if its possible to acces them. After km 35.8 there is plenty of water. At km 38.5 is a big flat field for camping with a creek next to it. I camped just before the crossing of the river at km 41.2.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [41.2-58.3] + OH33H-D + RR [61.0-63.4]<br /> <br /> There was plenty of water all along the trail. Camping possible at -46.291963, -72.470389 just before the Pass (km 44.4), at the start of OH33H-C and along the CC section from km 49.0 to 50.8. I can recommend OH33H-D. I especially liked the first Laguna. Camp 63.4 has awesome views, but is only slightly wind protected and the spots are only good for small tents.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [63.4-93.2]<br /> <br /> I stayed inside the riverbed for the last 2.5 km of the CC&amp;BB section. I had to cross the river about 20 times, but its the fastest and easiest way. The ford at km 83.6 was just below my crotch (I am 191 cm) and the current was pretty strong at around 5 pm. It would have been difficult for smaller persons. All the other fords today were at max. knee hight. There is plenty of water all along the route. I camped next to the RR on a flat, grassy field at km 93.2.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [93.2-116.3]<br /> <br /> Plenty of water along this part of the RR.<br /> <br /> Day 5: RR [116.3-119.6] + OH33H-K + RR [122.6-141.0] <br /> <br /> OH33H-K is easy to walk but does not offer any great views. If you choose OH33H-K, than there is no water between km 117.5 and 138.5 (at km 135.2 is a water marker, but I didn't see any as I walked by. Maybe I missed it, because I wasn't looking for it). There is water at km 140.3. I got a hitch from km 141.0 to Puerto Ibanez. But there are very few cars on the road, so don't count on getting a hitch.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-12 to 2024-Feb-16 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 03B, RR, Variant C, E, H, K / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> There was a queue of three hitchhiker groups who did not get picked up while we were doing our shopping, so we opted to hire a taxi for 15000 to the start of 03B (Pedro Zuleta: +56 993 5786 68). Somehow, during our arranging of the taxi, all three groups left. Roadwalking to option 07 was uneventful. Tomáš got a hitch (he eats lunch too slowly so Natalie got ahead) for about 5 km from a family which was exploring in a car. About 500 m before the diversion to option 07, there is a locked gate with a sign saying the property is private, but one can go over a ladder. At the gate, we met a local with a key who has a house on Option 07, if we got him right. He gave us a ride of 500 m. The start of option 7 is actually a road. <br /> <br /> The MR at 24.2 is in a bad shape due to erosion after ford at about 12 km in. Tomáš made a bridge out of a log but managed to jump into the water while doing it. Enjoy the bridge while it lasts as did a Frenchman we met there. He did the circuit NOBO based on Wikiloc. He said he keeps coming across GPT, but could not figure out how to get the GPS route. We told him to talk to Jan. Maybe he will come back the next season.<br /> <br /> On the way to the Torres, we met 3 pairs of Chilean hikers going back. Tomáš went to Laguna La Plaza (option C). Lake is grey but the valley is nice enough to justify the short detour. It is no BB, there is a trail in the forest and above the tree line a vague trail or easy CC. The Torres are indeed magnificent. One can easily walk on the sloped polished slab falling into the far side of the second lake before the pass - it is an exhilirating detour. Going down from the pass, when the GPX turns right, Tomáš actually managed to walk over one of the ledges above the GPX and liked it. Just be extremely careful with moss and water, they can make the stones extremely slippery, but he survived that without falling. About 100 m before the lake, there is a at-least-a-ton heavy swing in the form of a loose boulder. Enjoy if you can find it. Camp 63.4 is literally awesome. We had a very warm almost windless night there.<br /> <br /> After the boulder field under camp 63 we loss the rest of the elevation on the right side of the creek and then when the swamp appeared on the right we went to the left and stayed on that side (North) for the entire BB/CC. There is a vague trail most of the way, but is has many many logs over it. It took us 3 hours to walk to the trailhead. We kept our feet dry and were in the shade, but it would have been quicker and far less tiring just following the riverbed and constantly crossing the river.<br /> <br /> Ford at 69.8 around noon was slightly above the knees. Ford it diagonally as the trail wants you to - it is shallower that way (ie a little further down than where the trail spits you out). Greeted grandfather, Maria and Julio and their three kids and had a short talk with the grandfather, nice to see the whole family working together on projects. From their place, the trail sort of is wide enough for a car (there is one at their place) but we think it is never or virtually never used by cars. Ford at 81.4 at six in the afternoon was 5 cm under our crotches (we are about 1.70), we forded about 100 upstream of GPX. The river was strong but we did not feel it was dangerous for us. We forded the widest part of the river just before a dead end fence (if you are coming from the other direction, after the grey river and around the dead end ford you will see the widest part of the river).The day was hot and despite not covering even 20 km, we felt superexhausted. Strong sun and spikees got to us!<br /> <br /> We camped about 4 km along the road, shortly after the second (both jumpable) ford. It must be a good place to camp, as Tomáš, who went back to the big ford where he left his sandals the previous day, met a GPT hiker going NOBO who apparently slept in a hearing distance from us. The hiker first started to come to Patagonia decades ago, before it was overrun. Tomáš sadly never asked his name. Met the grandfather again, coming back from the port, horses are fast!<br /> <br /> The road is not used by cars but stiĺl quite ugly. Around middle, near option 6, there are two shortcuts (400 and 50 metres) to the zigzags, three of which were marked by cairns by Tomáš. Please add the fourth cairn. Puesto 98.3 is a settler. He offered Natalie to come inside and rest but she didn't feel right stopping at that moment and kind of got the &quot;heeby jeebies&quot; from him. Met another pair of GPT hikers, doing just 33. The stretch along the coast is beautiful and very Mediterranean. All day the lake was without waves, even that can happen. Slept at Lake 113.8: nicer, with water and less buggy than camp 200 m earlier (just beware if the wind picks, up the waves can be very loud). <br /> <br /> Variant K misses last water but is easy to follow, nicer than a road and involves only three very easy fence hops. Reached the bus stop for Puerto Ibanez around three. Got lucky and received a hitch from two British tourists to Puerto Ibanez. The shops there are larger than expected and stock overpriced pesto and gnocchi, Tomáš is almost as joyful as cherries make him!<br /> <br /> Nat's Notes:<br /> <br /> - For views I would prefer this NOBO. I suffered a new type of &quot;look back&quot; syndrom on most of the route. Plus, if you are walking the lake shore in the afternoon, the sun should be on your downhills and not your uphills (it was insanely hot when we did it and without a whisper of wind).<br /> <br /> - In the section notes for km24-45 I think what was meant was that from roughly km36-45, &quot;there are many small streams and camping spots&quot;, this is indeed true. However, between km 24-36 and option 3 there are NO longer many STREAMS to drink from, I remember only one slightly decent one and both sides of the road are fenced so if you want to camp or drink water from the main river, then you must jump the fences (cow panels or barb) or ask a settler. Also, strange to say, there is very little shade and can get uncomfortably hot...<br /> <br /> - Intersection 45 is not hard to miss anymore, it is marked with an orange ribbon around a tree and a large cairn on your left.<br /> <br /> - On Trail#9 (ascent before the first two alpine lakes) I took Veronicas advice about going into the woods where the RR is but rather than trying to follow the GPS, I followed what seemed to be a trail along the creek with some cairns here and there. Eventually it ends above the trees but you should be able to make your way back to the RR once the &quot;coast is clear&quot;, ie. no more trees. If you want to walk along the lake then you should do the CC up the boulder field on Variant D.<br /> <br /> - Going down from the pass was no problem, like everyone says, &quot;just follow the gps&quot;. However with that said, it is very tempting to make your own way bcs there are many good looking ledge systems but after reading Wills experience, I backed away from the temptation and followed the GPS. I also slipped on some wet moss on RR.<br /> <br /> - So much water everywhere except for the lake camping, if you are smart you will fill up on one of the many streams before getting to the lake...<br /> <br /> - When doing the BB/CC section, after the initial elevation loss from the lake, there isn't much drinking water apart from the river until near the end of the BB. I think you could make &quot;makeshift&quot; camps. I was tempted to cross the river early to avoid crossing it at km69 but once again I remembered what Will wrote last year about the thorns and cliffs so I don't think that's a good idea. <br /> <br /> - Not a fan of the lakeside gate locking technique (remember how it looks before you open it;)<br /> <br /> - I surprisingly really enjoyed the lake stretch, it seemed it is where Pantagonia meets the Mediterranean/Arizona. The trail is in good shape, just a few overgrown roses and thorny bushes here and there (regretted shorts only a little bit). If you are coming from the north and still have your sand gaiters, this will be a good time to reuse them :). No exposure, wish there was more wind the day we were there. I am usually the biggest hater of &quot;PUDs&quot; - thanks for the new word - but these were not annoying. These PUDs are just a few large hills rather than a bunch of steep micro hills like gpt22 or the valley bottoms in Argentina. Water is at pretty much every &quot;notch&quot; in the hillside.<br /> <br /> - Water is at the bottom of the MR~117.5 and there is still water at the top 119.9 RR (easier to grab it a little higher up).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-30 to 2024-Feb-4 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Tess &amp; Lukas'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : gpx easy to follow / between km 63,7 and km 68,5 we mostly stayed on the left of the river<br /> - Water : easy to find plenty of rivers and lagunas<br /> - Camping spot : easy to find and the one at km 68.7 is nice // the refugio near the lake at km 98.5 is perfect - make fire, sleep inside, we even could ask for some bread<br /> - Weather : some rainy and cloudy days but overall the weather was ok<br /> - River crossing :at km 69.8 we crossed the river early in the morning and the current was strong and the water up to the middle of the thighs but manageable // at km 81,2 the river was strong and up to our hips, we crossed it in the rain, it was also manageable for us that already jave a little bit of experience<br /> - Resupply : in Villa Cerro Castillo and in Chile Chico ( a bulk shop just opened in front of the camping Nandu) // at km 76,7 we could buy some bread, cheese and eggs at Maria and Julio's house <br /> - Overall : we absolutely loved this section ! The views are spectacular and really diverse from one day to another // we got a hitchike at the end on the gravel road to go to Puerto Ibanez.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''01.27.2024 / 5 days / Hiking / SoBo / RR + Option 8 to Bahía Murta / Milton Cea + 4 more'''<br /> <br /> Considering that we would venture to make this route a journey from Villa Cerro Castillo to Bahía Murta, we have decided to pay Pedro Zuleta, who is dedicated to transportation in the surrounding areas (+56 9 9357 8668), to take us to the entrance of the route at the registration booth. There, we encountered a pair of muleteers who did not pay much attention to our passing, however, we spoke with them to ask for their permission and inquire about the condition of the path.<br /> <br /> We started with the regular route, a bit late, and for that reason, we camped the first night at Mallín Grande, which is a very good option, as watching the sunrise in this beautiful place is worthwhile.<br /> <br /> Starting early the next day, we reached the &quot;Los puestos&quot; sector and from there, leaving our camp set up, we headed towards the towers. We were only able to reach the first lagoon at the base of the massif, as we went a bit late and our conversation with some other hikers we met extended. I would recommend leaving early to take advantage of the views from the portezuelo lookout.<br /> <br /> The next day we began the crossing through the &quot;Río Resbalón&quot; Valley, as the locals call it, following an animal trail that sometimes tends to get lost among new vegetation or fallen trees, accompanied by other hikers who decided to join the journey.<br /> It is a part of the route that can be slightly complex if you do not have a good reading of the surroundings, finding the animal traffic trail, and considering that you navigate through a forest that can easily disorient. This changes when you already walk with the &quot;Resbalin/Resbalón&quot; river to your right, as it is quite useful to follow its course. Always on the left side of the river.<br /> On the way, there are some fallen trees and abandoned muleteer posts that can be used as camping space if necessary, although I would not recommend camping in this old forest.<br /> Upon reaching the point of the road collapse, the crossing of the scree can be done at the level of its arrival, but to continue the route, you must climb a few meters up the mountain until you find the entrance to the continuation of the route. This point took some time from us, and we decided to camp near the river, towards the rock beach in the middle of a young forest with a mossy floor, very comfortable and restorative. We also decided to place some pircas at this point, as there was no mark to help resume the path towards Murta, since the difference in height was noticeable and it can be easy to believe that the path continues by the river side, but no, from here the path separates from the river and goes up the mountain.<br /> <br /> Finally, after this last abandoned stretch, where the vegetation is abundant in some parts, we ended up arriving at the Puesto de Los Agüeros and decided to spend a night there, as we were very tired from constantly finding the route. It's worth mentioning that we couldn't find a GPS track before the trip.<br /> <br /> The next day, after a night of intense rain, we took the official route traced from &quot;Bahía Murta&quot; at opossite direction and arrived in the town at dusk.<br /> If you want the track and the Waypoints of the journey, feel free to write to me at '''milton.1902@gmail.com''' =)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''From 2023-01-20 to 2023-01-21 // 1,5 day // Hiking // NOBO // option 1 Valle Ibanez // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> When I arrived in Puerto Ingeniero Ibàñez, I had to make a choice, as the weather window were pretty short. I had only 3 days and a half ahead of nice weather followed by one entire week of rain. <br /> <br /> So I made the hard choice to skip Torres del Avelano, and go straight to Cerro Castillo by the OPT1 to explore the NP of CERRO CASTILLO. <br /> <br /> This section was not so bad. Even if it was gravel road until the Lago tamango, I had nice views, and was not too bored from this stretch, but well yeah, it's gravel road for 30 km, so of course it was not all the time so funny aha ! <br /> <br /> Then I went to the small track along Lago tamango. Very quiet, pretty well marked thanks to these sticks with red and white colours on top, and with some scenic views. <br /> <br /> You'll end up at the parking of the touristic sendero sitio archeologico de manos pintadas (Paredón de las Manos (1000CLP for children's, 2000CLP for adults. From Tuesday to Sunday 10h00-17h00). Then it's gravel road, following by 1,3 km on the carretera austral to reach Villa cerro castillo. <br /> <br /> I was expecting worse for this section. Quite happy about it. That's a nice alternative if, for a reason, you want or have to skip Torres de Avelano<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan- 14 to 2024-Jan-16/ 3 days/hiking/SOBO/ 33h/ 33h-b/33h-a/ 33h-P/Paulina'''<br /> <br /> At first, I wanted to do RR, but as the recent reports about the river crossing where not very encouraging, I decided to play it safelty, so I just mixed some sections. <br /> I started in Villa Cerro Castillo, till X 33h [ 5.5/554] it was a very peaceful, nice trail, with beautiful views on Cerra Castillo. There were some fence crossing, but not very annoying. <br /> After the intersection, so once I joined the road X-725, it was less interesting, walk on a gravel road. I think this part of RR is better to hitch-hike ( it's possible and not very difficult to catch a car on this way). <br /> Once I reached the big lakes ( beautiful views!) and some wanderful camping spots [ S 46.17790 W 072.32049] between Lago Alto and Lago Lapparet, I took 33h-b. At the beginning the trail was l crossing a forest used by locals as wood supply, but later ( around the place where it joined 33h-a), the landscape was amazing! Especially the part with lakes and settlers.<br /> <br /> The last section was on 33h-01A. The cannion of Rio Claro and later the waterfall are beautiful, but for some hikers a long distance on gravel road on this section can be annoying so it's probably better to hitch-hike ( not a lot of cars but still possible).<br /> <br /> I bought my ticket for ferry from Puerto Ibanez to Chile Chico without any problem 1h30 before the ferry departure. <br /> <br /> The mix of these 4 sections + hitch-hiking it's a good option for bad weather or high river level on RR. Some parts are very beautiful, and the less interesting parts ( long distances on gravel roads) it's possible to cover by car. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-02 to 2024-01-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; Options: 03, 03B, 04C, 04 &amp; Variant E / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Route: Hitchhiked along Option 03 to X {33H-03} [18.6/315]. Hiked via Option 03B to X {33H} [24.2/462] and than continued RR to Ford, X {33H} [71.8/602]. Here used Variant E and back to RR all the way to Settler {33H} [85.0/462] (Luis Diaz). Continued on Option 04C to X {33H-04} [73.9/559]. From here used option 04 all to way to Bahía Murta.<br /> <br /> Decided to go SoBo to get the tricky parts done with a good weather forecast. Hitchhiked along Option 03 because it's easier to get a lift. Was at X {33H-03} [18.6/315] 12:35 PM. From there it's a super easy to hike street all the way to X {33H} [45.5/1088] via Option 03C and than 03. Sadly there where no cars going in the correct direction. Towards the end (last 5km) there are some rivers crossing the street, nothing bad, you can get over them dry feet if jumping on the rocks. Continued the RR, the trail is clearly visible and easy to hike all the way to Camp {33H} [52.7/953]. Arrived there at 09:30 PM. It's a awsome place to pitch a tent! It was absolutely woth it to go for such a long day. Met 2 locals who went with a truck all the way to this point: -46.26754, -72.419667. Met also Cy &amp; GG (see GPT 23). We continued the next day. Trail was in a good condition and CC was easy no snow up to the pass Pass {33H} [62.0/1314]. Absolutely beautiful view! There is some snow on the south side on the way down. It's mostly melted to you can decide if you want the first 150-200m of elevation go down in snow or trough the boulders. It was a sunny day therefore quite easy to get down to the lake. From there we went down a boulder field to the BB (Bush bashing) section (400m). This is trivial - no macheta required. It's just walking trough the forest. From there the CC&amp;BB is at the beginning easy. We found a animal trail on the southern side of the river. Than the swamp started which was annoying. We started, after finishing the swamp section, to walk in the river bed around here -46.438037, -72.469247 which was fast progress but wet feet. Jumped on the trail and camped at Camp Without Water {33H} [68.7/766]. There is a lot of water at the river and it's just a 10 minute walk so we filled the bottles. The Camp is good, stayed there with 3 tents. Continued the next day (it was moderate rain during the night and at the morning) to the X, Ford {33H} [69.8/634]. This was at the limit what is safely possible. Fast flowing river - hip deep (iam 180). From there on the trail was clearly visible and easy to hike fast. Continued the RR and did Variant E. Check you GPS, we didn’t intend to do it we just followed the most clearly visible trail and ended up at the Puesto {33H-E} [0.8/619] so we continued. The statement from above is still valid all the way to Settler {33H} [85.0/462] (Luis Diaz) for the RR ;). After that is a easy trail, at Settler {33H} [76.7/535] (Maria &amp; Julio) I met Julio and they had a car there to the trail from this point on is even easier. I split up here with Cy &amp; GG because of different plans and it was questionable if the Ford at Ford {33H} [81.2/490] (Rio Avellano) is even possible so I wanted to speed up. Reached the point around 05:00 PM. It was not possible to Ford - way to deep and to much current! So I used my packraft and crossed the river. Got in the water here: -46.456627, -72.320677 and followed than the RR. Ford {33H} [81.4/492] was also impossible by foot. Used the same tactic and crossed it by boat. Got in the water here: -46.453523, -72.316373 and crossed by boat. After that easy trail and continued the RR. Ford {33H} [83.6/467] (Rio Avellano) was also absolutely impossible so also did it by boat. After that I camped here: -46.463767, -72.26597.<br /> <br /> interim conclusion: if the weather is not stable (I knew it wasn't [would reccomend checking with meteoblue] go SoBo and be aware that the crossing can be impossible - I would reccomend bringing you packraft so you habe more options even though it's the H route. Otherwise you have to wait, potentially for days or you need the help of a local (this is how Cy &amp; GG managed it).<br /> <br /> Next day continued 04C. The trail to the pass is clearly visible and beautiful to hike. From there it's hard to find a few times because of a lot of animal tracks. Follow the GPS. The trail is again visible from this point on: -46.486009, -72.212428. Trail condition generally good with some bushes hanging in the trail. Reached X {33H-04} [73.9/559]. Same here a lot if animal trail - follow the GPS. The trail is clearly visible from this point on: -46.49591, -72.205307 up to Bahía Murta. Condition is good. The Pass {33H-04} [71.5/958] is definetly a highlight. Camped at Camp {33H-04} [66.2/209] - great place. Next day was long no changes on the trail condition - good and easy - hiked to Ford, Camp {33H-04} [37.5/259]. Camping there is a bit tricky to find a good place but manageable. Met a guy at the gosttown Puerto Cristal. The trail is according to him also used by tourists groups. I asked before the trial if there is a ferry connection - there is none only one company goes there by boat for tourist. Maybe you can arrange a transfer ( https://turismopuertocristal.cl/ very fast response time via WhatsApp 10 minutes). The Pass {33H-04} [43.3/840] is also a highlight. The Ford, Camp {33H-04} [37.5/259] is challenging hip deep. After that it's easy road walk to Bahía Murta. Got a lift at -46.520007, -72.636049.<br /> <br /> Overall: I would recommend SoBo because the difficult sections are at the beginning and weather dependent. Go if you have a few stable non rainy days. Bring you packraft to have more options for fording. The entry via Option 03 &amp; 03B is in my opinion easy due to hitchhiking &amp; ou find a grop and book a lift The views are amazing at the passes. The BB is trivial. BB&amp;CC is annoying but done within 2 hours. The Option 4 is absolutely beautiful and if you are a bit luckier than me avoids a lot of road walking. Would definitely reccomend the section. The reason for me to go with Option 04 is to easy connect to 82P.<br /> <br /> Contact: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-22 / 3 days / RR / SOBO / Anh'''<br /> <br /> Just a quick info: The first part of RR is not marked but very easy to hike. After the pass (km 62) I had a hard time with the 2km CC. At first the snowfields were very steep (60 slope). The snow thickness was only 20-80cm, underneath are very big steep boulders and the melting snow makes the hollows big. Then there are the streams under the snowfields. I was a few times with a foot in it, fortunately not whole body. I had to go up and down in the forest, on the edge, on the rocks... My goal was to be safe, it took me 2 hours to cover the 2km.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''2023-Mar-30 to 2023-Mar-31 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 1 / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We started from Villa Cerro Castillo around 11 AM and took ferry from the port the next day at noon. The former RR trail follows path of Sendero de Chile, and starting with no expectations we were quite impressed with what it offers, especially all the amazing views of Cerro Castillo. It's definitely a good short alternative to the Torres del Avellano detour that we were forced to skip. Trail is easy to follow and you can find many camp spots along the way. There are many small shops in Puerto Ibáñez. Knowing the ferry schedule we went directly to the port where were just a few others in this time of the year.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''26/02/2023 - 02/03/2023 / RR SOBO with emergency exit on a boat on Lago General Carrera / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé :'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - From Lago Verde - 15.5km - +700m/-300m We first hitchiked from Villa Cerro Castillo to Lago Verde on the Carretera Austral. We hiked then the gravel road until the camp next to the free check in point, in the forest.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Laguna La Plazza - 16.5km - +800m/-500m We kept going on the minor road before the well maintained horse trail. We took option to the Laguna La Plazza and we camped there but the weather was quite bad with a lot of wind. Would recommend to camp in the pasture down there in these conditions.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Lagunas before the pass - 17km - +1000m/-900m The trail was still very easy to follow this day. A bit of cross country at the end but nothing difficult as there are kerns. There is a spot to pitch tents next to the second lake, between it and the waypoint &quot;camp&quot; (that we didn't find btw). Very nice there and without the clouds, the view should be incredible.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - CC until diversion @km69.8 - 14km - +500m/-1100m The troubles began for us this day. Noé injured his knee just after the pass. With Rémi, we alternated carrying his bag in addition to ours. That's why we hadn't moved a lot. The bush bashing is demanding and under the rain, fording is a real challenge. I would recommend you to be south of the Rio after the diversion/ford. We camped on the north side, a few hundred meters after the div.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Lago General Carrera - 30km - +700m/-1000m As we were a bit late, we decided to walk directly to the lake. We forded the Rio in order to be south of it and we found the horse trail, it was easier then ! We crossed the Rio a last time @km81.2, still manageable with the rain but a bit hard (water until the hips, we are 1m80 tall) with a strong current. Then, the minor road. We didn't leave it until the lake. A bit of ups and downs but the road is nice so it is fast. Here, at the lake. There is mobile coverage and so we contacted numeros given on the PDF on WhatsApp to find a boat to bring us back to civilisation. With the third bag to carry, it was too hard for us to keep hiking. I let you the contact of Jairo, that can bring you back to Puerto Tranquilo... for 400.000 CLP... we didn't had the choice as the settler living just in front of the lake wasn’t there. Jairo : +56 9 6633 9507 He transported us the next day.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-21-27 / NOBO / RR + Option 3B / Ondrej and Bara / Puerto Ibanez - Vila Cerro Castillo / 6.5 days'''<br /> <br /> Gorgerous section. Unfortunately, we were struck by bad weather mid-way which took out the joy and brought a few very difficult moments for us.<br /> <br /> We went NOBO and on the 3rd day camped in the valley close to Maria &amp; Julio (76.7 km). It started raining early morning and while the rain stopped around midday, it was enough to turn streams into rivers and cross country paths into swamps. We were unable to ford the river at km 69.8 at two different places. To continue, we decided to make a risky choice and bush-bash upstream on the other side of the river, hoping to ford it in an upper section and rejoin the trail. This eventually worked out. We forded the river at -46.43642, -72.45456 and rejoined the trail. This 1.2km diversion took us about 2 hours. Bush-bashing through forest was okay but in the middle of the diversion we struggled through 300m of thorny bushes which took forever to get across.<br /> <br /> From around 1000m of altitude, we had fresh snow on the slopes. This made the boulder field more challenging than we wanted (fortunately still manageable). We crossed the exposed pass at km62.0 and continued on the other side, firstly through snow and then again through muddy cross country parts until we joined the trailhead at km 57.0. Afterwards the trail was easy all the way until the end.<br /> <br /> We also met Anna and Christopher going the opposite direction - really great to meet fellow hikers!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-20-24 / NOBO / RR shortend on the road sections / Zohar / Road to Levicán - Carterra Austeral / 5 days'''<br /> <br /> I tried to shorten the section because of the upcoming bad weather, which hit on the last day, but I was lucky to catch a ride out with a family that came to collect wood from their land.<br /> <br /> I arrived on Monday to pureto Ibañez spoke with the van to levicán that left at 17.40 to Levicán got off on the way where the rout leave the main road and walked till the shore of Lago General Carrera. Day 2 I followed the horse trail along the lake, which was very visible and easy to follow. Then, I followed a miner till I found a stable campsite. Day 3 was the hardest. I was determined to sleep at the base of the torres, so I had a lot of trail to cover, and the route was hard to follow, but the direction was clear. Day 4 started with a beautiful sun rise on the clear torres de avellano. The bolder field wasn't as hard as I itentenly thought, but be careful. After the pass, I met 4 young hikers going to the torres and back. Day 5 was wet, but at least on a minor road and about 9 km before the road, I was picked up and taken to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> I don't advise doing the section in 5 days thay where long, big days, and it is better to enjoy the surroundings. if the weather was better, I would have taken 7 days. This section is beautiful and highly recommended<br /> <br /> * '''20.02. - 24.02.23 / Anna &amp; Christopher / SOBO, Villa Cerro Castillo - Puerto Ibáñez'''<br /> <br /> In the afternoon we started hitchhiking the Carretera Austral to where Option 3B starts. There were lots of people trying to hitchhike directly from Villa Cerro Castillo, so we figuered to have a better chance if we walk further up the Carretera Austral. We soon got lucky. That day we walked the dirtroad until km 4.4 and camped there next to a small stream.<br /> <br /> The next day was mostly easy walking on dirtroads until the crossing at km 45.5 (which is relatively easy to miss!). We camped at km 49 at the edge of the forest.<br /> <br /> The next day the weather turned bad once we reached the section with all the boulders on the ascent to the pass. We did some unnecessary climbing by not sticking to the main route. When descending we lost the main route again and briefly tried to descend without it, which we soon realised is a bad idea, so we climbed back up to where we lost it. We spent the night at the camp at km 63.4.<br /> <br /> The next morning we woke up with a clear blue sky and finally saw the Torres del Avellano. Really amazing rock formations. The following bushbashing part seemed ok to us, we had worse ones on the GPT so far ;). First we walked on to the right of the river following a good animal path. Once it ended we changed to the left side and stayed there. About 2/3 of the route is a realtively good path and the rest was some easy BB and climbing over fallen trees. Luckily the ford at km 69.8 was easy to cross. We took variant E from where on the trail was in a great condition and we could walk pretty fast. The river crossing at km 81.1 was more demanding and went almost up to Annas hips (1,63m). We camped soon after that at approx. km 81.5.<br /> <br /> We continued on variant H the easy trail on the dirtroad until the lake, where it gets more demanding (we underestimated the continous ups and downs). The views are amazing though. It gets pretty windy next to the lake. We camped at a tiny spot at km 109.3 next to a small stream.<br /> <br /> On the final day we walked to the bus station (6 pm) and took the ferry to Chile Chico the same day (8 pm). This section was great :)<br /> <br /> * '''11-18 February 2023 / Maks&amp;Gabi / SOBO / RR, 33H-E, 33H-H ( hichhiking from km136 to Puerto Ibanez)'''<br /> <br /> We started from Villa Cerro Castillo. If you can, try not to skip the first part of road walking. It's beautiful with the view over Lagunas and Cerro Castillo. The terrain is also different than in later parts of the section.<br /> <br /> There are some problems - lot of fences and gates on the first 5 km. Then many aggressive dogs and limited access to water (steep descents and fences around the lakes). The camping spots, marked on track files, can be hard to access (private properties with new fences). We camped by the bridge around 25km (the bridge is not marked).<br /> <br /> We than waited half a day for the rain to stop. The rest of the road is also well maintained with occasional river crossing (all easy).<br /> <br /> The next trail part (until km 57) is mostly visible. Some problem can occur by the CC part, especially during heavy rain - it was all floded. We weren't exactly expecting it, but it was snowing and the temperature during the night was about -4. Next day we waited until 11 am to dry our stuff, as the sun finally came out.<br /> <br /> As Veronica wrote, when going up to the pass try to follow the cairns (33H-D). The part between the lakes and the pass is quite easy.<br /> <br /> Going down from the pass we followed the GPS and we found it quite manageable (actually for us it seemed to be much easier going SOBO than NOBO at that point, even though it was slippery and with a lot of small streams going down the rock). We reached the camp at km 63.4 at 4 pm. First 400 m of BB is easy as the forest is not overgrown. It's getting worse in the valley. If possible try to be close to the river. We were fording it multiple times. Finally we stayed at the left side of the river, bushbashing for the next 3 km (that's where the trail starts). We slept next to the ford at km 69.8.<br /> <br /> We forded the river in the morning. It's possible, but the current was strong (for us it was the worst ford on this section with water above our knees - I'm 175 cm). After the next ford we followed 33H-E as we couldn't find the entrance to the RR. It's a very well maintained path with a big puesto nearby.<br /> <br /> After fords at km 81 we followed 33H-H as we didn't want to cross the river anymore. For those of you, who are planning to go there during the next few days, be carefull - somewhere around km 91 there is a fresh dead cow near to the water.<br /> <br /> The lake part's quite exhausting. We were blessed with sunny and windless weather so we found it astonishing and not so dangerous. We started our last day at camp km 113.8 . Ascent on the road (117.5) is ok and there was water on km 119.9 (small stream). The rest of the road walking is easy (with occasional fences) but there's no water on km 135.2 (water on 129.3 is hard to access).<br /> <br /> We hitchhiked from km 136 to Puerto Ibanez. During the weekend there is only one ferry a day (Saturday morning and Sunday evening).<br /> <br /> * '''8 to 13 of February 2023 / Will / SOBO from Laguna Verde / 6 data'''<br /> <br /> This one was an ordeal for me, I don't recommend starting with a week straight of rain in the forecast. At first I appreciated the ambiance after six completely dry weeks in the north, but after a few days it started to get me down. Thankfully to keep my morale up I encountered some kind settlers, a few pairs of GPT hikers, and some sun in the final stretch.<br /> <br /> The rains never got too heavy, generally off and on light rain. The temperatures were fairly cold from the nearly constant cloud cover.<br /> <br /> To start out I hitched out of Villa Cerro Castillo to Laguna Verde, teaming up with some of the many hitchhikers. The initial road walk was beautiful, some podcasts helped me power through the rest.<br /> <br /> The pass was tough in the rain, but manageable. Things were slippery but there's enough to grab onto in the boulder fields to keep you stable, as long as you're focused and moving slowly. The ascent was nice boulder field the whole way, on the decent things looked scarier. Instead of boulders there was a lot of large smooth slab with water flowing down. The gpx route there was good, following boulders and vegetation around the slab. Things only felt dangerous once, when I went slightly off the track and ended up trapped between a cliff and a water slide. After some scary experimentation I found that I could get good traction on the waterslide using a crab walk technique, on my back with hands and feet and butt all resting on the slab. This let me traverse the waterslide back to safety.<br /> <br /> The little bush bashing section after the pass was easy, I camped in there. Things got bad again once I got back out to the river and the cross country+bush bashing marker. My feet got worryingly numb after a bunch of river crossings and marshland traversal, I tried to stick to the woods after that.<br /> <br /> I then took two big questionable detours from the tracks, staying to the south of the rio avellano and avoiding crossing it all the way until I reached the lake. I'll quickly describe them here but they were both uncomfortable and not worth it unless the river is impassable. The cold and rain seem to damage my decision making quite a bit, I refused to backtrack or to take breaks to think things through.<br /> <br /> To skip the crossing at 69.8 I stayed in the woods south of the river starting at around km 67.5. Initially nice cow path, followed by a tricky wooded boulder field, followed by a horrific stretch crawling over thorny bushes. Eventually I made my way up to the base of some cliffs where things got a bit easier. Following the cliffs I reached a cow path, leading to some open woods through which I rejoined the trail around km 70.5. Never thought I'd be so happy to find cow poop.<br /> <br /> I dropped a blue and black stone bracelet somewhere before or during the 71.8 river crossing, let me know if you come across it!<br /> <br /> Some of the minor streams merging into the river were tough to cross. 71.8 was up to my thighs with a strong current.<br /> <br /> To skip the first major crossing of the Rio Avellano at 81.2 I followed some horse trail to the big white rock hill, and climbed to the top. The rock was super grippy even in the rain. I then traversed along the slope to the east, staying between an elevation of 700 and 750m. There was some cow path making it easier to walk, I wonder how they get up there. A few tough bushy sections descending and climbing out of crevasses/streams before I got to a gradual stream at -46.46385, -72.30601 which I scrambled down to the river.<br /> <br /> I ran into the settlers Luis and Jaqueline at their house by the river. They generously took me in for the night and gave me a chance to dry out some of my stuff.<br /> <br /> From there I followed option 4C down to the lake, hoping that the river crossing there would be less scary with the river fanned out wider. The option was decent trail over some low passes to the lake, though at times it was hard to follow. It's tough to choose where to cross the river because you can't see the bottom through the silt. I decided to cross near the gpx line where it was wide with lots of debris and sand bars to rest in between the channels. At the worst points it was crotch deep and powerful, the rocks under my feet sliding back from the force. Pretty scary.<br /> <br /> I camped in the willow grove by campo chico, and the next day (Monday) I raced to the bus stop at 130.4. It turns out that the bus is now at 6pm, I got there just in time. I took the bus to Puerto Ibáñez and got straight on the 8pm ferry to Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> A small cut on my ankle ended up getting infected, I'm now in town out of commission with a ton of swelling. Should have been more careful!<br /> <br /> * '''Feb 12 Direct Route SOBO 1 day Frank'''<br /> <br /> I walked straight from Villa Cerro Castillo to Puerto Ibanez in one long day. A few KM out on a dirt road there is a museum on your left &amp; a short trail on the right which goes to some rock paintings. You pass by a lake with good views of Cerro Castillo. Salto Rio Ibanez waterfall is impressive.<br /> <br /> *Helen and Craig + (Caro and Ali)<br /> 5th-10th February NoBo&lt;- only direction to do it! So pretty!<br /> <br /> almost got stung by the ferry from Chile chico. Make sure when you go to the office as the online booking doesn't seen to be working, that you specify your a foot passenger. And if they refuse ask to be put on the waiting list for the next ferry (which means you'll get on just fine) pretty sure you could probably just turn up and ask very nicely and they would let you across. Looked in to the boats from Carlos and Pascual to join 33 missing the coast section from levican but Carlos is not in the area at the moment and Pascuals boat is currently non functional, sad times but the coastal section I would have been sad to miss!<br /> <br /> -Decided to do Torres del avellano northbound. Highly recommend doing it this way and thankyou to the others who pointed out this point before us. Veiws were great and much easier to get over the bolder scramble going up.<br /> <br /> -We walked in a group of 4 so payed for a transfere to levican and a pick up from lago lapparent. 60,000 each time.<br /> -Phone signal from Puerto del avellano to levican<br /> -The river valleys of avellano and venti were incredibly beautiful to the south.<br /> -Route was better marked and easier to navigate than exsepted. Very Easy going apart from km 68.7-62. if you've done GPT 40 or 37, then you'll find 33 delightfully a breeze. (We did have good weather, in bad weather even just a little rain I imagine a very diffence and worse exsperience)<br /> -In the BB/CC river valley of Rio avellano walk on the north shore of the river rather than going to the south. The forest is mostly easily passable or can hop out to the river valley to walk more freely. The south side of the river is calf/ knee high swampy bush bashing which leads to very cold feet and frustration.<br /> -keep eyes peeled for humels! We spotted a male humel on the bushbash/cross country section and had the most amazing sighting!<br /> <br /> * '''22 to 26 of January 2023 / Véronica / GPT33H RR SOBO / via GPT33H-03B / 4.5 days'''<br /> <br /> Route: Villa Cerro Castillo - Laguna Verde (Río Alto valley) - Upper Río Avellano valley - Torres del Avellano viewpoint - Lower Río Avellano valley - Lago General Carrera - Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez<br /> <br /> Simply beautiful section. Lots of excellent info is written about it in the Hiker's Manuel too. I only met 4 other hikers, with two of them being northbounding GPT hikers! Great to meet you, Yannic and Mirjam :)<br /> <br /> From Villa Cerro Castillo I hitched easily on the Carretera Austral to Laguna Verde, where Option 3B begins. I wanted to cut some of the initial road walking because poor weather was incoming the next day and I wanted to try and beat it to have a chance at seeing the Torres. The road walk in the Río Alto valley was actually quite pleasant and scenic. There is a little self-registration booth across the road from the settler at km 30.8, where hikers are asked to &quot;check in&quot; before proceeding down the private road towards the Río Avellano valley. There is no charge.<br /> <br /> The camp at 52.7 km is very nice with a little stream running through, lots of dead wood around to make a fire, and relatively sheltered. There is an old puesto/refuge there too that is open and has a fireplace. Could be a good spot to hole up if the weather is bad.<br /> <br /> When you diverge from the Río Avellano valley to head up the pass, don't try and follow the GPS. Instead take the path of least resistance (or the path that looks the clearest) through the woods and across the rocks near the river. There are occasional cairns to mark the way too, although not always obvious to spot. Only the last cross-country section before the pass did I follow closely with the GPS, as it goes across a boulder field and the GPS line seemed to be the easiest way up to the pass.<br /> <br /> On the south side of the pass is where you finally see the Torres del Avellano proper. Absolutely incredible, and I managed to get the great views only a couple of hours before the rain started and clouds engulfed everything.<br /> <br /> I followed the GPS track closely going down through the granite boulder field, since it guided a safe way around the steeper cliffs. It was slow going down through the boulders, but it didn't feel unsafe as the rocks were grippy and solid.<br /> <br /> The initial &quot;bushbashing&quot; segment at km 63.9 was very easy through a mature forest. I didn't follow the GPS here, just followed an old animal trail alongside a creek until it joined with Río Ventisquero. Again, the CC&amp;BB section starting at km 64.4 was quite easy at first. I forded the river multiple times to walk along whichever side looked easier/less swampy. About midway through this section though it got tougher because Río Ventisquero got silty and the flow increased, so that I didn't want to ford it much anymore, so I stuck to the left (north) side of the river, mostly in the forest. There were some areas of unavoidable blowdowns and marshy terrain, and everything was wet from the rain coming down too.<br /> <br /> When I reached the waypoint X, Ford at 69.8 km, I camped there for the night because Río Ventisquero was a torrent and looked unsafe to ford. There are a few nice, flat places to pitch a tent in this area, under large mature trees. Early the next morning, it was very cold and still raining, and I couldn't tell if the river had gone down at all or not. There was fresh snow higher on the mountaintops. I ended up fording the river slightly downstream from where the trail crosses it, and the water came up just below my hips (I'm 165 cm). The water is silty so you can't see the bottom, but the rocks underneath had surprisingly good traction, which I was grateful for because the current was strong.<br /> <br /> It might be better to take Option 33H-E than the regular route. That trail looked well-maintained and clear, whereas the RR between 71.8 and 73.5 km was hard to follow and overgrown at times. There were no signs of life at the homestead of Maria and Julio when I passed through.<br /> <br /> I was strategic when I forded Río Avellano at km 81.2, crossing multiple branches at their shallowest points. The water went midway up my thighs at the deepest point. Afterwards though I didn't want to cross it two more times, so I took Option 33H-H which stayed north of the river.<br /> <br /> The refugio at km 98.5+0.2 on the shore of Lago General Carrera is nice and clean. There is a woodstove and some tables and chairs. It was crazy windy when I got there though, and I can't reccomend it as a good place to camp unless you sleep inside the refuge — the wind gusts were coming from all directions and there wasn't a spot that was sheltered outdoors. Further along the path at Campo Chico, there is a grove of mature willow trees that is probably a much better camp spot.<br /> <br /> Very beautiful hiking along Lago General Carrera, but it was wildly windy for me that day. At times it was hard to stay on the trail due to the strong gusts trying to blow me off the path. Lots of water sources.<br /> <br /> RH-MR&amp;CC-V {33H} [19.5/118.0+4.6] is all minor road, no cross-country involved at all. I met the settler at km 121.8, he kindly let me pass through his property (and many gates) no problem.<br /> <br /> I got to the minor road from Levican (waypoint at 130.4) at 7:40 a.m. on a Thursday. There is a little bus shelter there to protect from the wind. It was very cold and windy when I got there, and I waited until almost noon, hoping to hitch a ride. Not a single car passed by that whole time. So I resigned myself to the road walk, walked for about an hour in extremely windy conditions, and then a car finally came by and picked me up and drove me into Puerto Ibáñez :) Very grateful!!!<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Jan / Yannic &amp; Mirjam / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> From Puerto Ibanez we made the first kilometres to junction 130.4 by car stop. Then we hiked on to Camp 113.4. We didn't stay at the location, but a little further ahead where the river flows into the lake. Along the lake was nice with a lot of ups and downs and then we camped somewhere on the side of the Minor Road. Along the Rio Avellano we stayed on the northern side so that we only had to cross the river once (at 81.2). The water came up to my waist (I am 180 cm). Surprisingly, there was another Ford at 69.8. Again, very strong current and loose ground, so it was difficult to find a good footing. Right after this Ford we spent the night in the forest.<br /> <br /> On the climb at the start of the cross country section (at trailhead 68.5) be sure to get the right entry point as there are several small streams coming down the valley. We thought we saw a trail further into the forest that we could follow. Unfortunately, this was a mistake and led to us having to bush bash back onto the trail for a few hundred metres. In general, the trail was mostly better close to the river than deeper in the forest. The camping spot at the Torres was incredible and worth getting up for sunrise. The climb up the pass was very doable with the GPS tracks and not too difficult. On the other side of the pass, the trail got surprisingly good. We met a group of horses that were probably trekking to the lakes. Because the weather got worse, we took option 03 on the Carretera Austral and stopped at Ceroo Castillo.<br /> <br /> *GPT section 33 7 days, 84 miles, 14K ft ascent Dec. 21 to 27, 2022 David and Erika NOBO<br /> <br /> Ferry from Chili Chico runs just once a week (Mondays at 8:00 am) we missed it by hours and were stuck at the hotel California in Chili Chico for a day. “You can enter any time you like but you can never leave” got to be the feeling after residential bus after residential bus filled with residents and would not take us. Eventually got to Sierra Castillo and then hitched to Puerto Inginiero Ibanez. The tourist office there got her husband to give us a lift further 24 km to the end of the road. Well worth the 25,000 pesos. Road hike from there straightforward but new gates are being installed at the last road (NOBO) before you hit Lago General Carrera. Lots of wind. Last Refugio on the lake is legitimate. Good place to camp. Lower Rio Avellano was fordable. We thought we could avoid the 2nd and 3rd ford by taking the path over the hill. Don’t. It doesn’t go…Don’t worry, it gets worse. Ultimately, you’ll be hiking through the river all the way to Torres de Avellano. Note on that. The route takes you up to the lake. Beautiful, but then you go through a 2 km boulder field. We found the start of a trial before exiting the river that seems to lead right up to the pass. Might go, we don’t know. Instead, we took the boulder route, broke through a snow bridge, and put a deep gauge in Erika’s leg. Could have used stiches but had no sutures. Might be worth investigating.<br /> <br /> *'''2022 Nov, NoBo, Option 1, Alice and Florian'''<br /> <br /> We chose to do the option 1 taking the sendero de chile from Puerto Ibañez to Cerro castillo. Most of it is a trail road (first 25km, and the last 4) so it is quite tiring for the knees as some point. But it seems quite easy to do hitchhiking at least on the first 25 km if needed. Nevertheless it is quite a nice road. You first arrive to a very nice waterfall after 5km, them walk through a canyon with nice scenic views. The 10km pass through a forest trail near lakes, it is really nice as well.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2022 Nov / GPT33H Option 11 and Parts of Regular Route / Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> GPT33H/GPT34P: Northern coast of Lago General Carrera from Puerto Sanchez to Levican (packrafting and hiking)<br /> <br /> From 2022-Nov-20 to 2022-Nov-24 we (Meylin Ubilla, Jan Dudeck) packrafted and hiked in 5 days from Puerto Sanchez to Levican along the northern coast of Lago General Carrera.<br /> <br /> This lake is infamous for the frequent strong gusty wind, therefore packrafting requires a careful monitoring of the weather to depart only onto the lake when a period with calmer conditions is approaching. Luckily, there is reasonable good mobile phone coverage what facilities checking the weather and wind forecast frequently.<br /> <br /> Given the wind conditions any packrafting attempt on Lago General Carrera requires to my opinion:<br /> <br /> - decked packraft, a longer tandem is strongly preferable (faster, more stable) - a sail (to get quicker to an exit point) - packrafting experience in the region (to anticipate typical weather and wind patterns) - smartphone with entel SIM card or entel rooming - YR weather App, Windy weather App<br /> <br /> The predominant wind is eastbound therefore only eastbound packrafting is advisable.<br /> <br /> I’m left with the impression that wind gets generally stonger towards the east (towards Levican and Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez) and that calm periods are more frequent and longer towards the west (Puerto Tranquilo, Puerto Sanchez).<br /> <br /> Also, calmer conditions are more likely in the early morning just after sunrise but strong wind all night is also common.<br /> <br /> During a previous hike in February 2020 we experienced an entire summer day with barely any wind but such days are as frequent as unicorns and no travel plan should be build on exceptional favorable circumstances.<br /> <br /> There is a trail along the northern shore but due to the steep coast there are sections of up to 13 km on the lake without a connection from the shoreline to this trail.<br /> <br /> Emergency exits are more frequent along the coast but using such an exit means waiting for the wind to calm down what can take days. Therefore it is generally favorable to exit the water only in a location from where the trail can be reached easily.<br /> <br /> We packrafted most of the distance from Puerto Sanchez to the Avellano river delta on 3 mornings in about 9 hours on the water but from there we hiked in two days to Levican because we had no similar promising calm weather windows in following early mornings. In hindsight the wind remained manageable in the morning hours till about noon but there was no point in reversing our decision to hike (and we urgently needed some exercise to get used to hike with heavy backpacks again).<br /> <br /> Crossing from Puerto Tranquilo to Puerto Sanchez is reasonable feasible by packraft in calm weather (typically either very early in the morning or later in the evening). The crossing is 3 km wide and best started 1 km north of Puerto Tranquilo in a hidden bay with a nice protected spot to pitch a tent (46.6146°S / 72.6838°W · 210 m). If preparing the packraft at the beach of Puerto Tranquilo officials may stop packrafters as there are numerous restrictions and requirements applicable (in example accompanying motor boat with two licensed boat drivers).<br /> <br /> Packrafters should depart in north-eastern direction to compensate for a south-eastern wind drift in case wind increases.<br /> <br /> A very nice protected camp site is approximately 8 km from the recommended exit point near Puerto Tranquilo.<br /> <br /> GPT33H: Bus Levican - Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez<br /> <br /> The last 26 km from Levican to Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez are rather dull road walking. Therefore hikers that arrive at the right day and time can take the subsidized bus.<br /> <br /> Monday and Friday only: 08:00 Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez -&gt; Levican 09:00 Levican -&gt; Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez 18:00 Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez -&gt; Levican 19:00 Levican -&gt; Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez Price: 1000 CLP<br /> <br /> Transport at other times can be arranged for a substantially higher cost (estimated 40‘000 to 60‘000 CLP per vehicle).<br /> <br /> Paty: +56 9 9506 3176<br /> <br /> Luis: +56 9 8648 4075<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Feb: 10-14, SoBo, RR, Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> Even though the first few days out of town is a road walk, the first part of it is actually really scenic and worth walking, the lakes are just very beautiful one the way. The second part was mostly in the forest and our feet, knees and hips were already hurting from all the road walking but once we got on trail it got better right away. The trail was surprisingly well maintained I would even say better than in Cerro Castillo National Park. Another unexpected surprise was the amount of people that we met on the trail a total of about 25 people in different size groups were hiking to see Torres de Avellano. We really didn’t expect that, there also seemed to be some sort of backpack hauling and guiding service that the local arrieros were offering. We unfortunately didn’t manage to talk to them to find out, but it seems that the place is getting popular. Which is not a surprise because it’s very very beautiful there, probably is correct what the manual says, that it’s going to be the next Torres del Paine, time will tell.<br /> <br /> On day 3 about 2-3km before the pass the trail disappeared and the going got tougher and tougher, mostly just bolder hopping up and over the pass. The descent was pretty steep on large granite slabs which offered plenty of good grip but I am not sure how well would it work in wet conditions. I think the pass is doable in not good weather conditions but only if one feels very confident in own abilities on wet rocks. Also it’s a good idea to follow the gps on the way down because otherwise you end up on a cliff edge and have to track back up. The ground finally eases up once you enter the forest, but then starts the bushwhacky part all the way until ford/div at 69,7km.<br /> <br /> That was as far as we could make it that day because the river was pretty fast in the evening. So we decided to camp right there and cross it in the morning when the flow would be a bit more manageable and our decision payed off. In the morning the river was about 10cm lower than the evening before, so if you ar a shorter person it could save you. The flow was pretty strong and water was still about hips deep. Both of us crossed it together by standing in a line, me in front and Stiina supporting me from behind, it worked great. After that it was easy cruising for the next 32km, however we had to cross that river once again at 81,2km. It was still challenging but we managed to do it the traditional way one by one, facing upstream. But the current was still very strong and pushing our feet out from under us, challenging our balance. After that we didn’t want to cross it two more times as gps suggested so we just stayed on the left coast all the way to the lake. There were some cow trails to follow and also to bypass the cliffs it was no problem.<br /> <br /> The lake is really beautiful with all the islands and it wasn’t too windy when we arrived. We camped about a kilometer from Campo Chico on the rocky stream bed and managed to cook on the fire that night without causing fire hazard. And there were apple, pear and plum trees at the 98,3km, plums were very ripe but the apples and pears still need a week or two to get ready, but it was a very nice treat nevertheless.<br /> <br /> Next day was Monday which meant that we could avoid the 26km road walk at the end of the section which we were determined to do. We had 30km to goto get to the road junction were the bus is passing by and according to the manual the bus would pass there some time after 20:00 which is when it starts from Levican. So we pushed the whole day over the steep, sandy, bushy terrain and made it to the junction by 19:00, great, we thought. But after bus didn’t show up we called the phone nr that Janna &amp; Matthias had provided and it turned out that the bus actually leaves Levican at 18:00 and is long gone. But the bus driver was nice enough to offer us a ride to Puerto Ibañez, however for a hefty 45.000 pesos. We were out of food, out of water and pretty spent from getting ourselves there so we accepted the offer. The car ride showed that it would be a pretty dull road walk aswell if we would have had to do it so in the end it all worked out and we got to town just as we wanted.<br /> <br /> The town was a bit disappointing, people were somehow not very helpful and also all accommodations were full, but we managed to camp at Las Cabañitas about a km out of town. The next day we went to the port to catch the ferry to Chile Chico, but due to strong winds all ferries were canceled and nobody could even give us a guess of when the ferries would restart. We didn’t want to spend another day in Puerto Ibañez so we hitched back to Villa Cerro Castillo in hopes to get bus or a hitch around the lake. There are definitely daily buses to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> In the end our plans changed and we decided that we are content with our experience on GPT this season, so we left it at that. Thanks for kicking our butts GPT and showing us beauty we haven’t seen before! :)<br /> <br /> For more stories of the trail, pictures, videos and in case you want to ask us anything you can find us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''GPT 33H Option 4 (Puerto Cristal)/ Torres de Avellano/ Packrafting Route / 2022 Feb-4 / 7 days / Tobias Schorcht and Jonas Grünewald'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> I started Packrafting from Puerto Tranquilo to Puerto Sanches in the calm morning hours. Since Jonas doesn‘t have a Packraft, we booked a full Marvel Caves Tour by boat for him and asked the Captain, to leave him in Puerto Sanches, which was possible without any extra paying. We hiked northbounded along Lago Vidal Gormez and visited the left behind abandoned village Puerto Cristal. It was an impressive experience to see the old facilities of the Mining Company! The good visible trail is partly overgrown with spiky bushes and contains a lot of altitude. We have been rewarded with stunning views on the Lago General Carrera and recommend this option anyway. We went up to the Torres with good weather knowing, that some wind and rain have been predicted for the night. It took us many hours to cross the valley (-46,43300, -72,48867) because we mainly followed the “cow-trails” through the forest and wetland (as an alternative to walk up the river). We reached the camp (-46,42178, -72,50672) late and sheltered the spot with rocks against the wind. You are welcome to use our cozy spot free of charge 😉. Took the trail from the Torres down to Cerro Castillo without difficulties.<br /> <br /> We have to say, that this part of the GPT was challenging but absolutely worth the struggle.<br /> <br /> Disfrutas las cosas 🙏<br /> <br /> * '''NoBo, January 2022, 6.5 days, Participants: Janna &amp; Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: We took the ferry from Chile Chico to Puerto Ibañez (ferry schedule online).There still runs a government-subsidised bus (+56 9 89448847) between Puerto Ibañez and Levicàn on Mondays and Fridays at 8am &amp; 5pm (summer). We decided to spend the afternoon rain relaxing at the pizzeria in Puerto Ibañez and then catch the bus. We called and found out that the bus stop is now in front of the Supermercado Jelvez. The driver let us off at Div 130.4/311 at about 6pm ($1000 per person cash) and we hiked for another hour or so. At bridge 129.3/304 you cannot get water (a kind of gorge), maybe at the marked &quot;Water?&quot; about 15min downstream. We had enough with us and camped sheltered from the wind between the monoculture trees (S 46.377764 W 71.922459).<br /> <br /> Day 2: We continued through / over many gates and past empty houses down to the water. Attention if NoBo: at gate 122.6/628 there are two gates - the GPT splits behind the left one, so take that one. The first water before the lake and two good camps at the lake are marked. The path along Lago Carrera was easy to find, sandy and rough in places but we could follow old riders' tracks. We really enjoyed the fantastic view over the lake and had a tábano-free time thanks to the strong wind. About 2 km before Campo Chico (S 46.478295 W 72.086034) we found a west wind-protected and very nice camping spot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Further camping possibilities would be as already described on wikiexplora at Campo Chico and at Puerto Avellano. Along the lake there are streams/rivers for drinking water every 1-2h. There is a wild apple tree on the trail here: S 46.487073 W 72.102247 in case you come by at the right time of year. After Puerto Avellano there is about 15km of a former mine road that is easy to follow. We had a wonderful view of the mountains the whole day. The first two Fords are easy to pass with little water. Water sources again every 1-2h. Our camp 3 was here: S 46.457910 W 72.299412 - beautiful, next to the water, sheltered from the wind.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Ford-day - in total we forded rivers more than 20 times, all of them were easy to knee deep except Río Avellano at 81.2/490 which reached almost to our hips and required a lot of effort. We met and chatted with settler Maria who was on her way to have some work done. At Div/Ford 69.7/634 the mountain peaks remained hidden in the clouds and the weather forecast was not so sparkling why we opted for the bypass (option 2) which is also very nice to walk with imposing mountain massifs on both sides, enchanted fairytale forests, a waterfall and easy-to-find cow tracks. Only the large swamp around S 46.386387 W 72.422623 was very unpleasant and foul-smelling, about shin deep. It may be worth looking for a path along the water there. Camp 4: S 46.371434 W 72.432519, quiet and nice under curious observation of two horses on the other side of the river.<br /> <br /> Day5: At Div 54.5/841 we checked the weather again but as it still looked bad and everything in the valley further up was already in fog we finally decided against the Torres. At this Div there was an unmarked Ford when coming from option 2. If NoBo hiking directly after this Div take the path higher up the hill and not the marked route directly along the water, because the latter is slipped and to climb. At Puesto 53.0/946 (if NoBo) do not go through the gate but continue on the east side. A Horse Trail runs along the eastern edge of Mallin Grande. Our Camp 5 was here: S 46.281253 W 72.436128.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Continued on the gravel road, passing many settlers and pastures. The Estero Alto flows much lower than the road, there is water at Bridge 25.7/454 and otherwise only at the lakes. There is a fence almost everywhere to the left and right of the road. To get to Camp 16.9+0.3/598 you have to climb over a locked gate (S 46.178222 W 72.312583). The two buildings in the pasture are a ruin (S 46.182635 W 72.311414) and a stable (S 46.183119 W 72.310509).<br /> <br /> Day 7: Continued along the gravel road we almost missed Div 5.5/554 where a sandy path continues. The path is blocked by a wire fence at S 46.143124 W 72.184071 but a little further to the right you can slip through. No problems to get to Villa Cerro Castillo<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> * '''February 2021 from Bahía Murta to Torres del Avellano to Carretera Austral / Northbound, 5 days. Valle Resfalín/Resfalón (Option 8) + Mirador Torres del Avellano + Regular Hike + Escape to Carretera Austral (Option 3B) + Hitchhiking to Villa Cerro Castillo'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Bahia Murta to Camp #5 (Camp ? @33H-08-#005) / 11.5 km / 6 hours<br /> <br /> The hike started at Bahía Murta, on a steep hillside. We used the GPS tracks to find the path, and from there on it’s pretty easy to follow the path (when in doubt, we checked the GPS). It’s a very nice hike, and at the end of the day it’s necessary to cross the river. We both had trekking sandals, which came in handy every time we had to cross a river. Just after the river there is a camp option. We found a nice spot on the other side of the wooden fence, but there are many more options up the small hill. It was a perfect place for sleeping, with the soothing sound of the river.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Camp #5 (Camp ? @33H-08-#005) to Regular Route at Mallín Quemado (Camp ? @33H-08-#010) / 11.7 km / 8 hours<br /> <br /> This was one of the longest days for us, mainly because we underestimated how much time it takes to walk through a path that’s been reclaimed by nature. The day started with a steep uphill, where we lost the path for a while and then had to check the GPS to find it again. There are streams on the way where it’s possible to refill the water bottles. About a third way in, at (-46.38537, -72.55201), the path collapsed, probably washed out by the river. We took a look around and decided it was way safer to cross the river than to continue on the collapsed path (it was late February, so the river was not so full). We crossed to the other side, and 100m ahead crossed back. This is definitively the trickiest part of the day (although a bit farther ahead we found ourselves in the middle of a caterpillar forest...not really pleasant). Just after the crossing the are two camp sites (Camp ? @33H-08-#008 and Camp ? @33H-08-#009), but we would recommend keep going as the second part of the day is definitively easier than the first. Farther ahead we found two more camp site options: at (-46.36768, -72.53116) on this side of the river and at (-46.36722, -72.53088) on the other side of the river. We considered sleeping there, because we were exhausted, but in the end we decided to keep going as we still had some hours of daylight left. This was the right choice, because that way we could sleep at Mallín Quemado and then the next day do the day trip to Torres del Avellano. Mallín Quemado is the name the locals use for the big forest area that was “burned” by the ashes of Volcan Hudson. It’s near (Puesto @33H-53.0) and it’s a perfect place for sleeping. We decided to boil the water from the small stream, because there were some cattle grazing around.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Camp #10 (Camp ? @33H-08-#010) to Mirador Laguna y Torres del Avellano and back to Camp #10 / 7.1 km (each way) / 3 hours (each way)<br /> <br /> We started early and with a lot of motivation to go and see the Torres del Avellano. Sadly the day was a bit cloudy, but nonetheless it was totally worth it: the views from up there are breathtaking! A lot of glaciers and superstreams with the purest water you can ask for. When we arrived back at the camp, we met the first person in 3 days: Francisco, a teacher from Puerto Aysen. He came up the other way, from Villa Cerro Castillo, and was planning on going to Torres del Avellano on the next day, and then head back to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Camp #10 (Camp ? @33H-08-#010) to Camp at (-46.26244, -72.35118) / 21.6 km / 8 hours<br /> <br /> Another long day, but without any difficult parts. This section of the hike is way more popular than Valle Resfalín/Resfalón, so the path is way easier to follow. The first section, until the car road, is really beautiful. We even saw some (semi) wild horses! We knew that once the car road started there wouldn’t be so many camp site options, so we kept our eyes open. The car road goes through a narrow valley, and then comes a steep down hill. At the bottom of the hill, on the left side, there is a small meadow, where it’s possible to pitch a tent (-46.26244, 72.35118). Water is available 100m down a steep hill.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Camp at (-46.26244, -72.35118) to Carretera Austral / 14.8 km / 4 hours<br /> <br /> Following the main car road to Carretera Austral it’s impossible to get lost. We didn’t find any stream on the way, but in case of needing water there are many houses. Just be sure to ask nicely :) Once on the Carretera Austral we hitchhiked to Villa Cerro Castillo. We only had to wait for 30 minutes to get a ride, and considering that we did this during covid times...not too bad. We also had the backup plan of Francisco, who would be driving to Villa Cerro Castillo later that day. Funny enough, we ran into Francisco by chance in Villa Cerro Castillo and he invited us to an ice cream. It was a nice way of ending the trip.<br /> <br /> We are extremely grateful to Jan and all the people from wikiexplora for making this adventure possible!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> *'''Section 33: RR(New!) from Ibáñez. Exit via Option 8 to Bahía Murta.'''<br /> Westbound. 11 days. Party (3): Mum, Sis and I.<br /> <br /> Ibáñez y Península Levican: Continuing our extended stay in Chile we caught a government subsidised bus from Cerró Castillo to Ibáñez where we learnt after a somewhat lengthy process: talking to the ticket office, boat personnel and then the carabineros (an officer and then his jefe!), everyone passing the buck; that without a certificado de salud (not available in town, and only online) we couldn't board the vessel. The upside was that the Naviera Austral had fantastic baños (yes! they were open!) and the cleaning lady let us have a quick body wash and even do a little laundry before she had to close up. There was also limited WiFi connectivity (only WhatsApp would work) and powerpoints where we could charge our things. It also happens that we bumped into a Zulema Amoroz who was born in Fachinal, most likely a relative of Carloz Amoros who offers the boat service from Fachinal across the lake (we contacted him but no boats were allowed on the lake). If you hang around near where the ferry docks you might find her selling coffee and alfajores.<br /> <br /> We quickly decided to walk the new Section 33 Jan recently published, but end in Bahía Murta instead (i.e. explore option 8). Some effort was exhausted trying to organise a lift out to Península Levican. We did find someone for $30k, (it seemed a little steep but that's roughly what to expect), but it wouldn't be till the following day and we needed to get out of town to spend the night. We stocked up on food and started out on foot on the old RR (now Option 1) camping before we reached Río Ibáñez.<br /> <br /> I had a little concern about water on the way to Levican, but there are two or three good streams along the way: (-46.31022, -71.97272) (-46.32470, -71.96457) (-46.34091, -71.94069)<br /> <br /> In Puerto Ray a lady (also named Zulema!) warmed up to us and let us camp in her fruit orchard. In the morning we bought some eggs and 'bread' from them. Her husband was tanning a chivo hide; he had such a jolly step!<br /> <br /> Along Lago General Carrera: We went back to the junction (Div Levican @33H-131.4) where a good emergency shelter exists. The road is still very clear from here, but don't expect any traffic. I think it was a rare sight that we saw an old Mercedes truck full of wood lumbering (pun intended ;) out. The rd deviates a little from the track files maybe due to the pine plantations. There are many new rds., so take care you don't go the wrong way. Taking the RR you will pass through a locked gate (-46.38234, -71.96692), after this keep an eye out for a gate on the left. It's not in the track files and we didn't look for it, so maybe it's not there. The issue we had was that the road continues up the hill, deviating from the RR around (-46.38448, -71.97642). Here you should already be on the small road on the other side of the fence (someone traveling towards Levican/Ibáñez will find this easier to scope I imagine). Though it's not recommended to cross fences, we carefully crossed instead of heading back. A very minor Rd continues down to a dilapidated puesto and a couple of portóns. The road didn't seem to continue as indicated in the track files... but I wasn't following my gps. We CCed across a field until we encountered another road that led back to the RR.<br /> <br /> You will finally encounter your first reliable water source since Levican (-46.40196, -71.97831), especially if you are heading towards Ibáñez, make sure you fill up here!<br /> <br /> The two camps in the track files at km117 and km114 were the best we saw. The next obvious choice would be around Campo Chico I think, quite a bit further along. Plenty of water along the lake and we had plenty of apples seeing we were walking so late in the walking season. Amazing autumn colours! The track is also in good shape, someone had very recently 'cleaned' the way! The refugio at Los Álamos was a very welcome sight, a great place to spend a night (it's there because of the high winds possible on the lake). The nearby settler was resonably friendly and his dog Puestero even more so! He told us that it was him who 'cleaned' the track along Lago General. It made our walking so much easier! Thanks Armando!<br /> <br /> Valle Avellano y Ventisquiero: The old mining road through Valle Avellano was easy to follow. The road actually continues significantly further than indicated in the track files. Taking Variation F to avoid extra crossings of the river we found the road ended about here: (-46.45730, -72.30207). There is an unmarked ford here: (-46.46107, -72.24636)<br /> <br /> We took Variation D and just caught Maria and Julio before they headed out with their kids on a horse ride. We bought some bread from them. They called it a tortilla, but I think my Mexican friends would strongly argue the point ;)<br /> <br /> Easy walking up into Valle Ventisquiero. Read Jan's track notes. They are quite thorough. The trail to remeet Río Avellano is a little unused (also as mentioned in his write up), but easy to follow. Some good camping before the river. We met some gouchos using the puesto, they were not overly friendly; I think a little scared because of the virus. They pointed out a nearby shelter we could use made from a very old technique using U-shaped logs (I met a carpenter in Murta who told me a little about it).<br /> <br /> Option 8: Valle Resbalín/Resfalón(?): It was snowing in the morning. We decided to take Option 8 to Bahía Murta. This meant less road walking and involved a part marked as 'I' (investigation) which would be nice to document. It appears that this route down Valle Resbalín (or &quot;Resfalón&quot; as some locals in Murta told me it was named... anyone know?) is no longer used; quite overgrown, vague and in places difficult to detect at all. Sometimes all we could see was the occasional chainsawed log; and in some chutes: machete marks. Water was plentiful. There was a very old but partially functional puesto en route.<br /> <br /> There is a junction ('div') here: (-46.37495, -72.53695). The trail heading up the side valley actually looked quite distinct. I'm not sure what it's name is, or what's up there, but the water was a nice glacier blue and it had a higher flow than the 'main' named river.<br /> <br /> The only tricky spot to find the track was where it was washed away by the river, about here: (-46.38527, -72.55201). I cut steps in the bank, crossed, and dropped a rope down for the others. It would be much safer to walk in the river. We explored options to bypass via skirting around in the bosque, but they didn't seem practical. The nearby camp site marked in the track files (Camp ? @33H-08-#008) is not really good. Better to camp 200m upstream If camping around here. We camped at the confluence with Estero Sur, which is the best spot to camp we saw in the entire valley. From this point down the valley, the track is in use: plenty of fresh signs of cattle (maybe they graze in the side valleys?). Ford Estero Sur (-46.39815, -72.58224) and follow the track down the valley with ease. There is camping at (Camp ? @33H-08-#004) but better 300m down the valley near a corral. 50m down valley of (Camp ? @33H-08-#002) camping is possible next to the vague ruins of an old puesto. Further down the valley are several grassy areas good for camping, the most obvious is here (-46.43778, -72.65597) in the vicinity of the old puesto. The track (as opposed to Rd) continues much further than indicated in the track files. The road only starts about here (-46.44697, -72.66655) once you are nearly in Murta. We rested a full day in Murta and I happened to run into Felepé who we'd meet before the trip in Cerró Castillo. Loco!<br /> <br /> Thanks Jan for making this trip possible, Tobias Hellwig for recommending the reroute, and all the people on wikiexplora who explored and documented the tracks.<br /> <br /> If anyone has any information on the history of Valle Resbalín/Resfalón(?), the mining prospectors in Valle Avellano, or the settlers that abandoned the coast of Lago General Carrera, I'd love to read a bit.<br /> <br /> I hope this helps someone. Thanks!<br /> <br /> Oh! and we're back in Cochrane now and planning to be in Coyhaique in a week or so. Cheers.<br /> <br /> * '''BE AWARE THAT THE BELOW LOGS refer to Option 1 and not to the new Regular Route:'''<br /> Until 2019 the Regular Route followed the Sendero de Chile in the vicinity of Rio Ibañez what is now Option 1. Tobias Hellwig suggested to reroute the GPT via the Torres de Avellano to incorporate this hidden treasure. This proposed new route was investigated and documented in February 2020 by the founders of the GPT. By this time multiple segments of this new route were already published on Wikiexplora by other authors. Only the route from Kilometer 62.2 to 69.9 remained undocumented and had to be researched and ground-proved.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''10 Mar 2020 / RH SOBO / Ty / 1 day'''<br /> <br /> Super easy in general. I was able to get a hitch for like the last 10 kilometers. There’s a lot of different trail you can wander off on at the start of the sendero de Chile, so just be aware of your navigation at the start. The only good easily accessible water I found was between the two lakes before the intersection where you start walking the road. The ferry to Chile Chico leaves around 8 and takes a couple hours. Otherwise the next ferry leaves at 11 am....but make sure to confirm these times yourself. When arriving in Chile Chico, I climbed up to the viewpoint/mirador close to the ferry landing and found a place protected on the wind and slept on the ground. There is also an abandoned house marked in I-overlander that has an area in a room big enough for a 2 person tent. It’s on your right just before the climb up to the mirador.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan 2020 / RH Northbound / Matthieu / 2 days'''<br /> <br /> No technical difficulties on this part. However, I was stopped, when the GPT leave the road to go between the two lakes, by a sign : área protegida, ingreso no permitido. For me, it was cristal clear, so I just continued the road, disappointed. I spoke to one of the settler not far, who told me that it was only for cars and it s ok for walkers, and that it is part of the &quot;Sendero de Chile&quot;. So the way seems open finally. Anyway, there is another little path just before the lago Ardillas that goes north, and join the GPS tracks above the Valley Ibanez. Well maintained, in the hills, lots of cows, good experience.<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Jan/ Olrik / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> From Ibanez you walk on a dirt road to the entrance of a Reserva Natural. You are on the Sendero de Chile so it is well marked. In the reserva the trail is easy to follow and there was no one. You end up in Cerro Castillo. We did it in 2.5 days but could be done in 1 day if beginning early.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-28/ Lea Geibel/ 1 day / Northbound / Regular Hiking Route (Puerto Ibañez to Villa Cerro Castillo)'''<br /> <br /> After arriving with the ferry at 10.30 a.m., the section can be hiked in one day (around 8 hours of walking). Most of the section is on a dirt road with very little traffic. The part that is following a trail is marked with posts with red / white rings on them. Occasionally the trail is not very visible but numerous animals tracks are usually heading in the right direction before eventually meeting up with a trail marker again.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *2025 / Michael &amp; Kasia: <br /> If entering or exiting via Opt 8 or Opt 4, Bahía Murta (Puerto Murta) has several places that rent cabañas or camping space. There are at least 5 shops in town. The two largest both had tall skinny gas recharge canisters (Minimercado Gemaniar 3.000, Minimercado Estribo 4.000), but no screw type for backpacking stoves. Minimarket Gemaniar across from the tourist information office had generally the best prices and a good selection. The panadería across from the plaza had good pan amasado.<br /> <br /> *Section GPT33H starts in Villa Cerro Castillo and terminates in Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez (Resupply information see GPT34H). Hikers that continue southbound may also resupply in Chile Chico after the ferry crossing of Lago General Carrera (Resupply information see GPT35).<br /> <br /> *Several shops sell food and camping gas canisters.<br /> <br /> *Restaurants offer filling meals. <br /> <br /> *Accommodation is provided by hostels, cabañas and camp sites in these towns.<br /> <br /> *Hikers that walk GPT33H and its adjacent sections with continuous footsteps can resupply in Cerro Castillo, Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez and Chile Chico and do not need to leave the route to resupply.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *There is no plannable resupply along the entire Regular Route but some food may be obtained at the two homestead farms on the route.<br /> <br /> [Settler (Maria &amp; Julio) @33H-76.9]: Maria and Julio are one of the few settlers that still make cheese for sale in such a remote location. If you are short on foot you might also ask if they may sell some bread, milk or meat.<br /> <br /> [Settler (Luis Diaz) @33H-85.2]: Luis : When passing his home consider a visit. You may also ask if he has bread or meat to sell.<br /> <br /> [Puesto @33H-98.5]: The puesto 250 m north of Puerto Avellano is rarely occupied by their owners but the fruit trees might provide some well desired vitamins in summer and early autumn.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2025 / MiaimZelt<br /> Subsidized bus between Puerto Ibañez and Levican every Monday &amp; Friday: Ibañez/levican 8:15 &amp; 17:00, Levican/ibañez 9:00 &amp; 18:00. <br /> Transportes Freddy Morales (+56 9 9506 2906)<br /> <br /> *2023 / Maks&amp;Gabi <br /> We hitchhiked from km 136 near Levican to Puerto Ibanez. During the weekend there is only one ferry a day (Saturday morning and Sunday evening).<br /> <br /> *2023 / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé :<br /> Here, at the lake. There is mobile coverage and so we contacted numerus given on the PDF on WhatsApp to find a boat to bring us back to civilisation. I let you the contact of Jairo, that can bring you back to Puerto Tranquilo... for 400.000 CLP.. Jairo : +56 9 6633 9507 <br /> <br /> *Most buses to Villa Cerro Castillo leave Coyhaique in the morning around 08:00 and pass Villa Cerro Castillo approximately 1:30 hours later. In the opposite direction buses pass Cerro Castillo in the early afternoon. <br /> <br /> *Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez has regular public transportation to Coyhaique (1:45 hour by bus) and Chile Chico (2:15 hour by ferry). The ferry over Lago General Carrera that connects Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez with Chile Chico does two round trips each day, one in the morning and one the evening. Buses to and from Coyhaique operate synchronized to these ferries. <br /> Best Call Buses Alejandro: +56 9 7652 9546<br /> <br /> *Subsidized bus from Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez to Levicán: Monday and Friday, Approx. 1’000 CLP Morning round trip: Leaving Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez at 08:00, arriving in Levican around 09:00 and returning immediately to Ibañez around 09:00 and arriving at Ibanez around 10:00. Evening round trip: Leaving Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez at 17:00, arriving in Levican around 18:00 and returning to Ibañez at 18:00 arriving at Ibanez at 19:00.<br /> <br /> *Private transport from Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez to Levicán: Anytime, Approx. 35´000 CLP<br /> Try to call Luis: +56 9 8648 4075<br /> <br /> *Combining GPT35 with GPT33H<br /> <br /> Northbound hikers may consider connecting GPT35 directly with GPT33H by exiting Parque Patagonia towards Fachinal and crossing Lago General Carrera by motorboat from Fachinal to the Desembocadura Rio Avellano. Here Lago General Carrera is only 3.5 km wide and a motorboat crossing does not take more than 20 minutes. Unfortunately, in summer this requires some patience as the normally strong wind often impedes this. In the morning or the evening the wind occasionally calms down but rarely during the day.<br /> <br /> Carlos Amoroz, a settler in Fachinal owns a motorboat and offers this service on request. Pascual Diaz, a tour operator from Mallin Grande, can also provide this service but he must first haul his motorboat the 42 km on trailer from Mallin Grande to Fachinal what makes his service substantially more expensive.<br /> <br /> Settler with motorboat in Fachinal (Location: -46.5568°S / -72.2120°W) Name: Carlos Amoroz Mobile: +56-9-76267029 Price: Approx. 30’000 CLP for 2 persons<br /> <br /> Tour operator with motorboat in Mallin Grande Name: Pascual Diaz (Company: “Kalem Patagonia”) Mobile: +56-9-7391 7881 Price: Presumably more expensive and advance notice required<br /> <br /> This section combination of GPT35 with GPT33H seems more practical in northbound direction as hikers can first talk directly to the settler with the motorboat in Fachinal, resupply in Chile Chico (by taking a motorized transport from Fachinal to Chile Chico and back) and then cross Lago General Carrera with a refilled backpack. While waiting for the wind to calm down hikers can pitch their tent at a nice wind protected camp site on the shore of Lago General Carrera.<br /> <br /> Thanks to the reasonably good mobile phone coverage in Fachinal hikers can check the weather and wind forecast and call the settler with the motorboat when approaching Fachinal. This permits hikers to anticipate or discard a motorboat crossing on arrival.<br /> <br /> Hikers that attempt a more complicated southbound crossing of Lago General Carrera should make arrangements with the settler with the motorboat at least one or two weeks before arriving at Puerto Avellano, test communication devices (i.e. InReach to mobile phone), agree on the precise pick-up location (Puerto Avellano or Desembocadura Rio Avellano) and carry enough food to wait some time in Puerto Avellano. Hikers should be prepared that the wind may not calm down while waiting several days in Puerto Avellano. In this case the motorboat transfer should canceled, and the hiker should walk out to Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez before the food reserves deplete. There is mobile phone coverage at Puerto Avellano (entel if I recall correctly).<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *To my knowledge paddling on Lago General Carrera requires a permit from the Armada de Chile but complying with all requirements might not be possible even for a well equipped packrafter (i.e. distress signal rockets).<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT33H - Puerto Ibañez]]<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT33H - Torres del Avellano]]<br /> <br /> For additional information see the Wikiexplora Articles:<br /> <br /> [[Península de Levican - El Avellano]]<br /> <br /> [[Torres del Avellano]]<br /> <br /> [[Laguna La Plaza]]<br /> <br /> For more information see the Wikiexplora Article:<br /> <br /> [[Puerto Cristal]]<br /> <br /> For more information see the Wikiexplora Articles:<br /> <br /> [[Valle Miller]]<br /> <br /> [[Estero Jaramillo]]<br /> <br /> A part of this route is described in the Wikiexplora Article:<br /> <br /> [[Mirador Este de las Torres de Avellano]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT33H_(Torres_de_Avellano)&diff=120326 2025-02-19T19:31:53Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> The GPT manual has an extensive description of this route and all its options.<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-15 &gt; x / x jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 33-B &gt; RR &gt; 33-D &gt; RR &gt; 33-H &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT31&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT32+GPT33<br /> | Meteo : soleil nuages et vent<br /> | Eau : difficile au début<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : Rivière, éboulis<br /> <br /> J'ai fais quelques courses et j'ai mangé au restaurant à Villa Cerro Castillo. Ensuite j'ai repris la randonnée. Attention l'eau est difficilement accessible car les lacs sont clôturés et en contrebas de la route. Sur la gravel road j'ai réussi à faire 4km d'auto-stop. J'ai mal préparé ma randonnée et j'ai raté la 33-A. Mais je n'avais pas encore dépassé la 33-B alors je l'ai prise. Il y a un petit ruisseau devant le settler du km 0,7. Je n'ai pas pu faire de stop sur la gravel road car je n'ai vu aucun vehicule. Il y a un ford au km 36 quand le sentier traverse la rivière. Au km 52 un arbre permet de passer la rivière. Je suis passé par la 33-D pour aller voir les lacs. Je suis content d'avoir eu du soleil car la descente après le km 62 est vraiment raide sur des pierres lisse et des éboulis. Il n'y a pas de bush-bashing sur cette section du GPT. La descente apres le lac se fait bien puis on entre dans un bois ou il n'y a pas de végétation au sol. Ensuite il faut suivre la rivière en marchand dans l'eau jusqu'au km 68,5 où la rivière se transforme en rapide et on trouve un sentier dans le sous-bois. Il faudrait trouver une autre couleur pour les sections de randonnées où on marche dans l'eau. Les fords des km 71,8, 73,5, 78,3 et 89,5 se font sans mettre les pieds dans l'eau. Le chemin est innondé au km 75,5, difficile à éviter car il est entouré de marais. Le ford du km 81,2 était dangereux car le courant était très fort même avec 60cm d'eau. Au km 98,5 il faut aller directement sur la plage. Le chemin le long du lac est parfois envahi par la végétation surtout dans les zones humide. A partir du km 130 c'est la gravel road peu frequentée X-735. J'ai eu du mal à faire de l'auto-stop mais j'ai reussi à faire les 15 derniers km avec un camion. Je n'ai pas pu m'arrêter à la cataracte du km 148,4, c'est mon seul regret car le vent était si violent que j'avais du mal à avancer.<br /> FEV-20: Repos Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> <br /> ''' 2025-FEB-7 to 2025-FEB-15 / 8 hiking days / Hiking / SOBO / option 03B, RR, option 02 / Nimrod &amp; Tamar '''<br /> <br /> Good camps for bad weather (more info below): (-46.172528, -72.273827) Hut near km 52. puesto?[4.8/745] (-46.48726, -72.10065)<br /> <br /> We think that its worth mentioning that if the weather is bad and you choose option 02 you should expect hard fords and having hard time following the trail until connecting back to RR.<br /> <br /> Day 1:<br /> <br /> Hitchhiked from Coyhaique - 3 rides 5 hours. Started walking at 17:00, camped at (-46.116414, -72216049). It was a little wind protected.<br /> <br /> Day 02:<br /> <br /> Rain all night and all day. Got a lift for 5 km by 2 chilean hikers that went to the Torres and back. Camped at: (-46.172528, -72.273827). Rain and wind all night and the camp location was well protected.<br /> <br /> Day 03:<br /> <br /> Finally sun came out, so we dried our gear. Camped at km 62. Great view and wind protection. The weather became bad again.<br /> <br /> Day 04:<br /> <br /> Started hailing in the morning and it should have became worse along the day. We climbed to the pass early in the morning. Got a glimpse of the Torres and made our way to camp at km 52. Near the camp there is an abandoned small hut where we stayed until the next day. The hut is well protected from rain and wind, and you can even make a fire inside.<br /> <br /> Day 05:<br /> <br /> Our Inreach forecast lied us (again...) and the rain didn't stop until evening. Took option 2 - Rio Avalleno. The river was swollen because of the rain and the fords were quite difficult for us. The trail was gone under the water in a lot of parts, and in some parts it was just CC. Track files was irrelevant in many parts. Camped at puesto?[4.8/745]. Like described before - it's actually a wooden built wall which protects from the wind. The wind was crazy and it gave us great wind protection to pitch our tent and to enjoy a fire.<br /> <br /> Day 06:<br /> <br /> Finally a nice day. Untill we connected to the RR the trail was in bad condition, and again the track files not very helpful. You can skip 2 fords at km 9 if you stick to the nice and visible trail on the east side.<br /> <br /> Maria and Julio not at home. Camped at (-46.276123, -72.204873) There was some wind protection and no water.<br /> <br /> Day 07:<br /> <br /> At (-46.275422, -72.198820) we met Ricardo (we are not sure if he is a settler or a woreke), which kindly suggested to help us cross the Avellano on his horse back. The river was quite swollen from the rain but it's hard for us to say if it was crossable by foot. Camped at (-46.48726, -72.10065) by the small lake. The wind was strong and the campsite was well protected by the big rocks. We filtered water from the small lake/swamp. It might be flooded earlier in the season though.<br /> <br /> Day 08:<br /> <br /> Walked all the way to X[130.4/311] and camped near the junction. Not wind protected but the weather was good. There were a lot of water at variant N.<br /> <br /> Woke up late and took the bus at 9:00. About one hour ride, 1000 clp. Times like MiaimZelt has written.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Feb-02 to 2025-Jan-05 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 3B, RR, Opt 8 / Tom'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Rainy: I hitchhiked from Villa Castillo to the junction at the beginning of 3B. Great views, but if you can afford to pay for transportation to the end of the road, it's worth it. I camped at -46.2647991, -72.41223312025. Due to the rain, there were several streams, and some areas offered wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Rainy: A simple day, just following the route. Be mindful of the exit point from the road—I was focused on the rain and missed it. The Mallín (wetland) can be challenging at times, but nothing too difficult.<br /> <br /> I arrived at Camp 57.2, where four students had waited for a day, hoping for clear skies.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Sunny: I started early, around 6:45 AM. It took about 2.5 hours to reach the viewpoint. Around -46.3870597, -72.4916724, there's a more recent landslide. Nothing too difficult, just loose rocks and fallen trees. Another 2.5 hours to return. On the same day, I started Opt 8 at 1 PM. This section took me 6.5 hours. It's a cattle trail, poorly marked—you really need to follow the GPS carefully, as there are many paths that lead nowhere. I recommend checking the contour lines since there is significant elevation gain. I arrived at Camp ? 11.6, which is Puesto Aguero—it appears to be in use, with sleeping bags and food inside. The camping area isn't ideal, as the ground retains a lot of moisture.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - Rain/Sunny: I started at 2 PM when the rain stopped. The river was quite high, so unlike Michael and Kasia, I used the &quot;punte&quot; (a makeshift crossing). It's a fairly slender tree, but there's a rope to help with balance. I had no issues, but if the river were lower, I would have crossed directly through the water. At the beginning, the route is quite muddy but clear. The first half can be a bit more challenging at times, but the trail is well-marked towards the end. It took 4.5 hours to reach Bahía Muerta.<br /> <br /> General Notes: From Route 7 to the Torres viewpoint, it's quite straightforward and well-marked. The difficult section is between Camp 57.2 and Camp ? 11.6. I know there's a route from Camp ? 11.6 to another viewpoint of the Torres, which is not included in current GPS tracks. It seems to be a trail that guides from Avellano Bahía Muerta are currently working on.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-17 to 2024-Jan-21 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH03B RR + variant D + variant H / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus at 10 from Villa Cerro Castillo to the start of Option 03B. We'd hope to hitch the dirt road but we literally saw only one car.<br /> <br /> Bridge 25.7km - good place to get water<br /> <br /> Camped just before junction for option C (46.5km roughly) by the stream in the woods. Great wind protection.<br /> <br /> 49km to 50.8km - track files go CC but on OSM there's a trail we followed it and it worked well. CC route looked wet and boggy in places.<br /> <br /> Ford 52km - lots of downed trees so can cross with dry feet.<br /> <br /> Took variant D - easy and beautiful would recommend it.<br /> <br /> Pass 60km small patch of snow on South side no problem without spikes<br /> <br /> Camped at camp 63.4km - very beautiful but no wind protection, we were lucky the wind was pretty calm.<br /> <br /> CC &amp; BB 64.3 + 4.2 - we just stuck with the stream the whole way down worked out well.<br /> <br /> Ford 81.2km - about 550m before the waypoint the trail gets close to the river for us it looked easy at this point so we just crossed here. Just over knee deep at 4pm on a hot sunny day, no rain for the past few days.<br /> <br /> Took variant H to skip the other 2 fords.<br /> <br /> Camped at 93.3km (S 46° 28.690', W 072° 11.674') nice grassy area with a small stream.<br /> <br /> 98.5km - shortly after leaving the road RR take you through some bushwhacking but it's avoidable just go straight to the beach.<br /> <br /> Camped on the beach around 116km<br /> <br /> Road walked to 138.5km where we saw the first car of the day and got a hitch to Puerto Ibanez.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025 Jan 02 to Jan 11 / 10 hiking days / SOBO, NOBO, WEBO / Hiking / Opt 3B, RR, Opt 2, Opt 8 / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: <br /> <br /> A nice section with some great views and some good optionals. It is a fairly popular trail up to the Torres; we met 11 other hikers on the RR. Opt 2 is a really pretty and peaceful valley. Opt 8 is an adventurous alternative route, probably better to exit GPT33 than to enter it on full resupply weight.<br /> <br /> <br /> CAMPS:<br /> <br /> Night 01: -46.25532, -72.38365 (good water access, decent wind protection (look up before you set your tent, there were some widow makers), next to the road, no view)<br /> <br /> Night 02: -46.34592, -72.49822 (Camp 57.2) (decent view, excellent water access, minimal wind protection, surrounded by dead trees, not safe in windy conditions, a lot of spots to choose from) <br /> <br /> Night 03: -46.40655, -72.49601 (amazing view, decent water access, no wind protection)<br /> <br /> Night 04: same as night 3<br /> <br /> Night 05: -46.35732, -72.45379 (flat space for two tents, wind protected, just off the trail, water is a little ways away)<br /> <br /> Night 06: -46.36802, -72.43937 (flat space for 2 tents, excellent wind protection, no view, water is a little ways away, accompanied by the sturdy arrieros shelter)<br /> <br /> Night 07: same as night 6<br /> <br /> Night 08: same as night 2<br /> <br /> Night 09: -46.39734, -72.58201 (Camp ? 11.6) (not much truly flat space, but if you aren't picky there's lots of space, no wind protection, water is down a steep hill,next to the used puesto)<br /> <br /> <br /> WATER: <br /> <br /> On 3B and into RR on the road it was difficult to find at times. On all trail sections it was easy to find.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 01 - Jan 2nd<br /> <br /> We got the bus from the terminal in Coyhaique. It was a bit of an ordeal. The buses hadn't been running for two days on account of the holiday, and we had not purchased tickets in advance. There was quite a line and it seemed they had been sold out much earlier. We went and talked to the driver after he finished loading most of the luggage. He said to give him a minute to check. He luckily had two empty seats to Cerro Castillo, and we paid him cash at the break point in Cerro Castillo, 8.000 pp, the normal price. He dropped us at the beginning of Opt 3B. There was a bus stop there. Opt 3B is a gravel road. There is some nice scenery, but overall it's a road walk. There isn't much traffic, but hitchhiking is possible. RR from km 24 where Opt 3B meets it is also gravel road until km 45.5. There isn't a huge grade and the road is in good condition, so it's easy if somewhat underwhelming walking. Water is not so easily accessible. All the little side creeks had dried up or were just water trickling through mud. Much of the time we were too high above the water, or it was fenced off. At km 24.9 there is an unmarked bridge. There was good water access there. There was also a very nice campsite there at (-46.21595, -72.34452). It had flat space for at least one tent, maybe two, trees and good water access close by. The next good water spot we found was at Settler 29.4. There was easy water access next to the bridge down to the barn. We didn't find water again until km 35.5 when we camped for the night. Camp 32.0 should be marked “Camp with No Water”. We did not see any water nearby or anything that looked like there is water at another time of year. At km 31.9 there was a locked gate with a No Trespassing sign, but a set of stairs to walk over the fence on the left hand side. The stairs were solid and in good condition. At km 32.9 was an easy open gate with a No Trespassing sign facing the other direction. It looked like someone had been working there recently, lots of fresh wood cuts, but we didn't see anyone. We camped just off the road at km 35.5 in a little clearing, just after a gate. There was access to the estero there.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 02 - Jan 3rd<br /> <br /> We continued the road walk. The trail in the forest was very nice. The meadows were a little marshy but we moved through them fairly quickly. Ford 52.0 was easy, top of the calf and not much current. There was actually a fallen tree that could work as a bridge to do a dry foot crossing. We camped at Camp 52.7 next to a stream. This would not be a good site if it is windy. Fortunately we had a windless night. No issues finding water this day. We met three other hikers on their way out of Avellanos.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 03 - Jan 4th<br /> <br /> The trail to the Trailhead 57.0 is easy to follow and, except in a few places, in good shape. There were a few places where it disappeared for a bit. Where they diverged, sometimes GPT track files were better, sometimes OSM, we just chose what seemed the most traveled. After Trailhead 57.0 the track is a little more difficult to follow. The OSM track was a little more accurate for the CC sections. There was only one ford at the end of the valley a little before it goes up into the woods, around km 59.3, just below the knee, not a strong current. The way through the woods at the end was difficult to follow. It is fairly overgrown in parts and we ended up walking a bit above the GPT track pushing through trees until the boulder field. We were trying to make it to Camp 61.2 above the pass. After the Trailhead 57.0 we did not see another suitable place to camp until close to Camp 61.2; everything was wet or on a slope, either covered in rock or trees. We camped at (-46.40655, -72.49601), about 400 m before Camp 61.2 in a flat area. There was no wind protection, but the night was calm. The site has a great view of the mountains and one of the lakes. We met five other hikers heading out over the course of the day.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 04 - Jan 5th<br /> <br /> We did a packless day trip up to the pass to see the Torres. The weather was good, full sun and light wind. We spent about an hour on the pass. The Torres are nice; the one in the middle looked to us like it had the face of the rock eating monster from Neverending Story. As nice as the Torres were, we actually preferred the view on the mountains on the north side of the pass. On the way back down we looked at the area around Camp 61.2. We didn't really see any spaces suitable for a tent, certainly not for something the size of the X-Mid 2. There seemed to be a few options for bivys. There were strong gusts of wind in the night and part of our tent collapsed. We managed to get it back up and it stayed up for the rest of the night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 05 - Jan 6th<br /> <br /> We headed back NOBO on RR. We met Mia who was heading SOBO at the ford. It was nice to cross paths with another GPTer. At the X 54.5 we switched to Opt 2 Avellanos Bypass. We were interested to see the valley. The trail in places is in great shape, especially the higher areas, and in places non-existant, especially in low, wet areas, or where the river has washed it out. At one point we saw a huemul, our first one. It was walking up stream in the river very slowly and pausing often. We watched it for about 15 minutes before it finally got up on the hill on the opposite side and climbed into the trees. A little while later there was a huge waterfall coming down from one of the mountains. We camped in a sandy area under some trees a ways away from the river. All fords were more of a blessing in the scolding sun than a challenge. The riverbed moved in some places into the land where the GPS tracks were but it was very easy to navigate.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 06 - Jan 7th<br /> <br /> We walked further downriver to Puesto ? 4.9. It is not actually a puesto, but a stopover half-shelter with fire pit for people driving animals. It was a great wind barrier, and a place to hang out on our rest/”waiting rain over” day. Just a few meters away we found a nice flat area with space for two tents that was very well wind protected and we were expecting 90 km/h winds to come next day. We left our packs and went further down river. The valley is really beautiful and has some great views. For a while the trail is in excellent condition, then it starts to disappear. It was not possible to follow the GPT track for all of it, but we found other paths. The river fords got increasingly more challenging as we went down stream. More drainages joined the river and added water. We turned around at Ford 8.2 and we noticed the increase in river level just over those few hours. The most difficult ford was mid-thigh with a good amount of current (at 6pm, earlier around 3 pm it was good 20 cm lower).<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 07 - Jan 8th<br /> <br /> We took a zero day. Rain and high wind all day. The camp site worked very well for inclement weather. <br /> <br /> <br /> Day 08 - Jan 9th<br /> <br /> We backtracked the rest of Opt 2 and arrived midday back at Camp 57.2. We were planning to exit 33H on Opt 8 but didn't want to start it the same day. We enjoyed a half rest day with sun and no wind at the campsite. We passed three other tents during the day.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 09 - Jan 10th<br /> <br /> We started Opt 8 in the morning. For the first 7 km or so it is actually fairly easy to follow. The GPX tracks aren't always spot on, but we followed them as closely as we could and we managed to find the trail more often than not. The landslide seemed to be quite small and we just walked below it. The two fords at that point are just over a side stream, so probably dry foot crossable a little later in the season. Everything after that until Camp ? 11.6 where we stopped for the night was a bit of a challenge. In areas the trail is in excellent shape and then it just disappears into slopes of grass and blow downs. We would lose the track and CC for a while, finding it again a couple hundred meters on. I just walked with the Garmin in one hand for most of the way since I had to check it so frequently. The last few km to the campsite were very muddy. It ended up being a very long and very exhausting day. We did not see any serviceable campsites for our tent between the beginning and Camp ? 11.6. Camp ? 11.6 is a puesto with a sign saying it is called Puesto Agüero. There is also a sign saying “No Dejar Basura”, which we took to mean that the puesto is used, at least unofficially, for public camping, but just to pack your trash out. The site does not have good wind protection, but we had a windless night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Day 10 - Jan 11th<br /> <br /> Ford 11.5 had the same makeshift bridge that Maggie &amp; Julien reported last season. We decided to ford instead of use the bridge. We forded a little lower than the waypoint. It was above the knee and with a fair amount of current. The path after the ford was generally very easy to follow. In the pastures we kept an eye on the GPS as there are animal trails that go all over, but in the forested areas it was very clear. It was very muddy for the first half and mostly dry for the second half. There are some nice views of the river along the way, and of the valley toward the end of the section. The MR at the end has been extended further up the valley and now starts about 1.5 km sooner than indicated in the track files. We walked into Puerto Murta around 18:30. We had no particular difficulty with Opt 8, and it was not overgrown enough that we wished we had a machete at any point. Though it doesn't look like it from the elevation profile in Gaia, due to the constant ups and downs there is an enormous amount of cumulative elevation gain and loss. For this reason we think that this is a much better option for exiting the section, so the pack can be as light as possible.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025 Jan 4th to Jan 9th / 5.5 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 3B, RR, Opt D &amp; E &amp; H / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> This section indeed is a real gem, but also challenging. Weather was hot and sunny, too warm in my opinion. <br /> <br /> Day 1: Wanted to hitchhike from Villa Cerro Castillo to the start of Opt 3B, but then a bus came an took me. Mostly boring hiking along a minor road.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Continued along the minor road, soon it got smaller and wasn't passable for cars anymore. At -46.254893, -72.381462 is a new fence, theoretically it could be opened, but you need to be strong. I crawled under it... Here -46.260122, -72.397627 is a large rather open field with lot's of flat space to pitch a tent. Water nearby. -46.260547, -72.400255 small building, which was unoccupied. The horsetrail is in good condition. Camped here: -46.352094, -72.488826, but there is only space for small tents. <br /> <br /> Day 3: The ascend in the forest was also in good condition. Later you have to sharpen your eyes and look for the cairns. Met Kasia and Michael, was nice to meet other GPT hikers. Option D is marked with cairns, but there is no trail and i had to cross the river 2 more times. Especially the first lake is a real gem. <br /> Hike up to the pass was not difficult, just take your time. <br /> Way down is more challenging. I had to cross a large and steep patch of snow, which was ok without microspikes. Than you have to climb down a steep slope with lots of boulders, but they have good traction. The middle part was the hardest, because both smartphone and Garmin didn't show my correct position and wanted me to hike down a small waterfall. According to the smartphone there had to be a lake, but there was a forest instead, which wasn't shown neither on the Garmin nor on the Smartphone. Hiked down left of the waterfall, which looked much safer. The last part before you arrive at the glacier lagoon, is a large field of XXL-boulders which you have to cross. The views at the lake were awesome! <br /> The bushbashing was mostly easy or at least not difficult. The worst was the stretch along Rio Ventisquero to the Trailhead. In the beginning i tried to walk in the riverbed, which often means to walk in the river, not just crossing the river. But when a 2nd river was added, the water was up to middle thigh and had a stromg current - not a good idea to continue this way. Hiked at the left side in the forest instead. Sometimes there was a vague animal trail, but it disappeared very often. This was really annoying with a lot of bushbashing. Camped at Camp Without Water {33H} [68.7/766].<br /> <br /> Day 4: Crossing of Rio Ventisquero was just up to my knees and not diffucult. Enjoyed the horsetrail along Rio Avellano, but i took Option E, because the RR was i overgrown in this area. Option E is in better condition. Didn't met Maria &amp; Julio, later i saw to guys on horseback. Ford {33H} [81.4/492] was up to my crotch (i'm 1.74cm) and had a strong current, but i made it. My feet had traction, but couldn't place my trekkingpoles correctly due to the strong current. You have to cross 3 times here, but the other two were easy. <br /> The Minor road is not like a real road, it's more a 4x4 track used by horses with sandy ground and vegetation in the middle. It's hard to find a camp at this minor road, because of the thorny vegetation. Camped here: -46.478173, -72.19456. It's a patch of flat gras with enough space for several tents, has a small stream and good protection from the wind. <br /> <br /> Day 5: According to my Inreach the wind gusts should reach up to 101km/h. Was indeed very windy, but fortunately it came from the back and the wind was warm. The trail along Lago General Carrera is very scenic and mostly visible, but also strenuous. Some (fortunately very short parts) are badly overgrown - a machete would be useful. Almost every plant in this area has thorns. The ups and downs a very steep, which i didn't like in the heat. Lot's of water. Used Camp {33H} [116.3/239] which has a great protection from the wind. But be aware of the thorny plants while searching where to pitch you tent - there are only 2 places without them. <br /> <br /> Day 6: The last stretch until the minor road was much faster. The first part of the minor road has vegetation on it and isn't used by cars. Brought all the water from the lake, but it wasn't necessary. Small streams here: -46.403664, -71.975755 and next to the road at Settler {33H} [121.8/643]. The settler wasn't at home and the wooden gates were locked, had to climb over them. There are several minor roads, not just one. Bridge {33H} [129.3/304] is a deep canyon, didn't see a possibility to get water there. Walked two hours along the road between Levican and Puerto Ibañez, until i got a hitch. <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''Dec 6-11 / 03B + RR SOBO / wiiiim'''<br /> <br /> Great route, still early season, weather was sunny but still cold, rivers were low, the infamous crossing of the lower rio Avellano just above knee height.<br /> The crux of the route was the South side of the pass, sections of snow, I crossed later in the day when it was softer, avoided most of the snow on the East rock flank, but around 1200m the rock slabs were wet &amp; the gullies in between were filled with snow. A bit of a maze, it took some time and back tracking, I used micro spikes but its probably okay without, I think knowing how to self arrest on snow with hiking poles is always a good skill to have, lots of videos exist on that.<br /> Laguna la Plaza is a short/easy side trip well worth it, the North side of the pass is fast going &amp; pretty well indicated (ciarns), on the South side section of CC once on the valley floor it seems easier to wade through the (spectacular) river.<br /> I was pleasantly surprised with the walk along the lake, it’s really different and beautiful.<br /> I was lucky to get a ride out from the MR to Puerto Ibáñez quite quickly from around -46.36065, -71.90255 but it’s usually very quiet.<br /> <br /> At -46.26604, -72.41735 there is an established rock bivvy that could also fit a medium size tent.<br /> <br /> Overall I would probably recommend the regular route NOBO to cut out most of the start/end road sections: organise a ride from Puerto Ibanez to the trail head (it will be worth the money) and on the other end the finish of 03B on the carretera austral will have plenty of traffic to hitch a ride<br /> <br /> <br /> • '''2024-Dec-09 to 2024-Dec-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Opt.A + Opt.01A + Opt.01/ Julien'''<br /> <br /> Following the road to Puerto Ibáñez <br /> Just a little difficulty about finding water because most of lakes and rivers are private now.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Nov-28 to 30 / 3 day / Hiking / Circuit / GPT33H Option 5 and 5A Valle Miller from Puerto Alarcon to Valle Jaramillo and return to Puerto Sanchez / Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck'''<br /> <br /> The Cordillera de Avallano between Rio Ibanez and Lago General Carrera is one of the hidden treasures of Patagonia. And Valle Miller is one possible entrance into this mountain range.<br /> <br /> After packrafting to Puerto Alarcon we packed our packrafting gear and hiked up Valle Miller along the minor road to the bridge over Rio Miller to crossing “X {33H-05} [7.8/611]”. There are numerous possible camp sites and water sources along this minor road.<br /> <br /> A few hundred meters after crossing “X {33H-05} [7.8/611]” is the last pasture with suitable camp sites. <br /> <br /> Valle Jaramillo is a very scenic side valley of Valle Miller that can be explored in one day.<br /> <br /> This side valley has no distinct trail but the forest is reasonably open. Therefore ascending and descending through the forest is not really bush bashing but just a slalom around the numerous fallen trees.<br /> <br /> Once the open terrain is reached, hikers can see the very scenic valley with some remaining smaller glaciers.<br /> <br /> The cross country walk to the 1679 m high pass is very rewarding in good weather. From an altitude of 1400 m the terrain was in parts covered by snow fields as we visited this early in the season.<br /> <br /> We returned to Puerto Sanchez which is the alternative starting Point for hikers.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Mar 22 to 2024 Mar 28 / 7 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR / Maddi, Tom and Jordan'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Got the public bus from Puerto Ibanez to Levican for about 1000CLP each. We were the only ones on the bus and the driver dropped us at the trailhead. After walking along the road for a while we miraculously got a hitch in the back of a pick up for a couple of kms. Trail down to the lake was a little confusing but just head down and you'll hit the main trail eventually. Trail along the lake has plenty of up and down but nothing too strenuous. We had a perfect, windless day with not too much sun so it was pretty easy going, plenty of spots to get water once down near the lake. The notes said there was some scary exposure but we didn't really encounter any along this section, the path is pretty solid and clearly used by horses. Set up camp on the lake on the small rocky beach at (-46.47634,-72.08138). Just enough room for our Zpacks Triplex and Jordan's free standing tent. Jordan caught a fish that night but chucked it back.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Great sunrise over the lake but then it started to rain. Jordan caught another fish which the boys had for breakfast. Walked along the lake in light rain until the old road where we went up the steep hill and started inland. One apple tree along this section but the apples weren't great. Followed the disused road until the end and then started along the track. Hit our first ford at about (-46.46161,-72.24620) which was above the knee on me (174cm tall) and quite fast flowing/muddy from all the rain. Tom slipped climbing up the bank here and fell backwards into the water but somehow avoided getting swept away. Kept walking along until we hit the refugio, unfortunately it was locked. Set up camp next to it so we could use the porch for shelter then went to scout the next ford just past it. This one was way too high and fast to cross so we were hoping it would go down overnight. Rio Avellano also looked impossible but that was a problem for the next day.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Luckily the tributary into the Rio Avellano had gone down significantly overnight and we were able to cross without issues, although it was still fairly fast flowing at about knee height. Had a go at crossing the Rio Avellano just after this ford where it is marked on the GPX and others had mentioned it was doable but we had no luck, even employing the three astern. Decided to try the settler's place up on the hill to see if we could get help crossing but noone seemed to be around. Kept following the track along the river, hoping for a place to cross. Jordan somehow manage to cross using the eddies formed by a large tree that had fallen into the river. He had to come back across to help me get over with Tom but it was a near miss. Water level just below hip and quite fast flowing. Massive relief to make it across and get to enjoy the sun a bit. Had lunch near Maria and Julio's but still didn't run into anyone other than sheep. Enjoyed an awesome section walking along through ankle deep water in the autumn colours with snowy peaks in the background. Hit another fairly fast flowing ford, just above the knee, but manageable now we were getting good at crossing 3 astern. Thought we would make it to camp just below the towers but unfortunately hit another ford that even Jordan couldn't cross. Much higher consequence with huge rapids downstream and the water level above the hip. Tried to walk upstream a km or so to see if we could cross but ends up high above the river as it enters a canyon section. Scrambled back down and camped for the night on the track in the forest with the hope of lower water in the morning.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Water was much lower in the morning and we were able to cross with no issues. Still over the knee and fast flowing but the group of 3 works wonders. Headed into the forest and up past the old corral then into the swampy section. This was super rough going as the swamp was over the knee in parts. We constantly switched between climbing between the tangle of tree or wading through the swamp. It was raining lightly and getting quite cold by this point. We made it to a clearing along the river at about 11am but the towers were in complete fog and I was shivering hard. Decided to set up camp in the forest and try for the towers the next day in the hope of more visibility. Found a nice camp spot in the forest at (-46.42932,-72.49572) with easy access to the river for water. Snuggled down to try to warm up all afternoon, only emerging for meals.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Set off through the forest up towards the towers. Says bush bashing but was actually pretty easy walking up the hill. Towers still in a bit of cloud but made it up there mid morning and spent some time scrambling around the lake to take a look around. Camp site in the rocks was flooded from yesterday so glad we didn't try to get up there to camp. Scramble over the boulder field and up to the pass isn't too bad, although some snow patches made it a bit slippery. Cool granite slabs on the way up. Super windy once we got over the pass so hurried down the valley. No navigation issues but definitely got wet feet walking along the river. Camped at the refugio.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Hiked along clear trail until we got to the minor road. Hoped to get a rare hitch but didn't really see anyone. Decided to hike along the river just before the bridge toward Lago Lapparent to find somewhere to camp. Found a few awesome spots along the crystal clear water for our last night.<br /> <br /> Day 7: Headed back to the road and followed it back to the Carretera Austral. Got a hitch in about 15 minutes all the way to Coyhaique but there is a bus stop there if you can time it right.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-02-23 to 2024-02-27 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH03B + RR + OH08 / Maggie &amp; Julian '''<br /> <br /> Trail attractiveness: 4/5;<br /> Difficulty: 3/5<br /> (keep in mind that this is our first GPT hike)<br /> <br /> Day 1: ‘GPT33H-03B start’ to (-46.2570, -72.3711):<br /> <br /> We entered from Carretera Austral at Laguna Verde (Option 03B) after being dropped off by the morning bus from Coyhaique (heading to Cochrane). Arrived at the crossroads at 11:30am with Don Carlos bus.<br /> Whole day was walking on roads and relatively easy to make distance.<br /> At (-46.2671, -72.3561) there was a sign reading &quot;se prohibe la entrada al predio&quot; and a locked gate with a ladder to climb over the side. There is a campsite (Camp, X {33H} [32.0/700]) pinned shortly after, but we decided to keep going because of the sign. At (-46.2621, -72.3613) there is an end to the property (same sign facing opposite direction, no gate). We camped on an area used for chopping wood at (-46.2570, -72.3711). Short scramble down to the river.<br /> <br /> Day 2: (-46.2570, -72.3711) to Camp {33H} [52.7/953]:<br /> <br /> Large part of the day was also road walking, afterwards trails and some cross country.<br /> Camped by Camp {33H} [52.7/953]. Camping around Puesto {33H} [53.0/946] has better mountain views, Puesto itself was being used, possibly for guided horseback trekking.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Camp {33H} [52.7/953] to Pass {33H} [62.0/1314] and back:<br /> <br /> We left our tent set up and most things at Camp. The way up was sometimes hard to find. Trail markers made more sense on the return. Had an extended lunch a little after Pass {33H} [62.0/1314] and then returned the way we had come.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Camp {33H} [52.7/953] to Camp ? {33H-08} [11.6/548]:<br /> <br /> Probably hardest day in navigation, trail disappeared often, but manageable.<br /> The former landslide section at (-46.3853, -72.5520) did not pose any difficulties for us as the water level was not too high and the main river flow now goes near the northwestern side of the valley. We just had to step over the remaining side stream. With more water some fording might still be necessary, but I imagine you could get away with staying near the southeastern bank for this section.<br /> At Camp ? {33H-08} [11.6/548] there is a puesto that seems to be in use, but we saw no one and camped a little lower near the river. <br /> <br /> Day 5: Camp ? {33H-08} [11.6/548] to ‘GPT33H-08 start’:<br /> <br /> Right after camp there was a makeshift bridge to cross the stream (tree and rope, very rickety).<br /> Trail seemed to be used and maintained on this part of option 08.<br /> Shortly before Camp {33H-08} [6.9/435] there was a previously washed-out section with a new path already laid out. In heavy rainfall this could wash out again but should not pose a big hindrance.<br /> <br /> Notes:<br /> <br /> - RR + option 08 is a great short alternative without much backtracking.<br /> <br /> - Our hitch out of Puerto Murta happened to be local members of an association that wants to bring more tourism to their town and the Torres del Avellano. If their plans are fruitful, traffic and trail maintenance may increase on option 08.<br /> <br /> - We organized the transport of our non-trekking items from Coyhaique to Puerto Río Tranquilo by encomienda. Ines, the lady working at the Sao Paulo bus office in Coyhaique terminal was kind enough to hold our boxes until we arrived and called her from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Our things arrived the day after we called at around 1pm. We shipped a rather large quantity of items (enough items to fill 50L bag) for 12000 CLP. Sao Paulo bus Coyhaique telephone: +56 672 255 726<br /> <br /> * '''30/01/2024 - 01/02/2024 / 3 days, 78 km / Options 06 and 07 / Alex + Andrey'''<br /> South bound (east bound).<br /> “Mountain route”,<br /> <br /> a combination of Options 06 and 07 which are now passed and confirmed.<br /> <br /> Difficulty: Difficult/Very Difficult<br /> <br /> Most of the route is off-trail<br /> Thanks to Jan for the suggested routes and clues.<br /> Short resume:<br /> <br /> This mountain route is a more difficult and demanding alternative to the regular route but can be an interesting option for those looking for a challenge.<br /> The combination with a regular route allows to form a full-fledged “eight”, a trip of 6-10 days.<br /> <br /> Option 07 is a shorter, although more difficult, alternative to the regular route in case the Avellano River cannot be forded NOBO.<br /> Notes and recommendations.<br /> <br /> Option 07:<br /> <br /> All fords do not pose any significant difficulty.<br /> Due to the height and southern exposure the areas between Pass 1 and Pass 2 (Pass {33H-07} [17.0/1755]) and descents from Pass 2 in the early to mid-season have extensive areas of snow where microspikes or crampons may be required.<br /> The main difficulty on the descent is overcoming several side washouts, which are small but deep and steep canyons.<br /> <br /> Option 06:<br /> <br /> There is no water during the first 4-5 hours of ascent to the valley.<br /> The open area of ​​the upper valley at Camp 2 and beyond throughout the ridge is a resort for very strong winds. Setting up camp may be difficult or impossible. A strong hiker can combine and complete this section in one day.<br /> The predominant wind exposure makes passage from west to east highly recommended.<br /> The last reliable source of water is before reaching High Pass 3. Further east there is no water until the junction with the regular route, except for temporary streams from seasonal snow.<br /> <br /> The track and additional information are here:<br /> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/avellano-mountain-route-chilean-patagonia-160489118<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-04 to 2024-Mar-08 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 03B + RR + OH D + K / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: OH33H-03B + RR [24.2-41.2]<br /> <br /> I tried to hitch from Villa Cerro Castillo to the start of OH33H-03B. After 1 hour a Bus arrived and took me to the start for 2000 Pesos. The Bus runs from Cohayique to Chile Chico on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It starts in Coyhaique at 9 am and stopps in Villa Cerro Castillo at around 10:30 am. From the brigde at km 25.7 until km 35.8 there is no water on the RR. You walk close to some rivers but I didn't check if its possible to acces them. After km 35.8 there is plenty of water. At km 38.5 is a big flat field for camping with a creek next to it. I camped just before the crossing of the river at km 41.2.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [41.2-58.3] + OH33H-D + RR [61.0-63.4]<br /> <br /> There was plenty of water all along the trail. Camping possible at -46.291963, -72.470389 just before the Pass (km 44.4), at the start of OH33H-C and along the CC section from km 49.0 to 50.8. I can recommend OH33H-D. I especially liked the first Laguna. Camp 63.4 has awesome views, but is only slightly wind protected and the spots are only good for small tents.<br /> <br /> Day 3: RR [63.4-93.2]<br /> <br /> I stayed inside the riverbed for the last 2.5 km of the CC&amp;BB section. I had to cross the river about 20 times, but its the fastest and easiest way. The ford at km 83.6 was just below my crotch (I am 191 cm) and the current was pretty strong at around 5 pm. It would have been difficult for smaller persons. All the other fords today were at max. knee hight. There is plenty of water all along the route. I camped next to the RR on a flat, grassy field at km 93.2.<br /> <br /> Day 4: RR [93.2-116.3]<br /> <br /> Plenty of water along this part of the RR.<br /> <br /> Day 5: RR [116.3-119.6] + OH33H-K + RR [122.6-141.0] <br /> <br /> OH33H-K is easy to walk but does not offer any great views. If you choose OH33H-K, than there is no water between km 117.5 and 138.5 (at km 135.2 is a water marker, but I didn't see any as I walked by. Maybe I missed it, because I wasn't looking for it). There is water at km 140.3. I got a hitch from km 141.0 to Puerto Ibanez. But there are very few cars on the road, so don't count on getting a hitch.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-12 to 2024-Feb-16 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Option 03B, RR, Variant C, E, H, K / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> There was a queue of three hitchhiker groups who did not get picked up while we were doing our shopping, so we opted to hire a taxi for 15000 to the start of 03B (Pedro Zuleta: +56 993 5786 68). Somehow, during our arranging of the taxi, all three groups left. Roadwalking to option 07 was uneventful. Tomáš got a hitch (he eats lunch too slowly so Natalie got ahead) for about 5 km from a family which was exploring in a car. About 500 m before the diversion to option 07, there is a locked gate with a sign saying the property is private, but one can go over a ladder. At the gate, we met a local with a key who has a house on Option 07, if we got him right. He gave us a ride of 500 m. The start of option 7 is actually a road. <br /> <br /> The MR at 24.2 is in a bad shape due to erosion after ford at about 12 km in. Tomáš made a bridge out of a log but managed to jump into the water while doing it. Enjoy the bridge while it lasts as did a Frenchman we met there. He did the circuit NOBO based on Wikiloc. He said he keeps coming across GPT, but could not figure out how to get the GPS route. We told him to talk to Jan. Maybe he will come back the next season.<br /> <br /> On the way to the Torres, we met 3 pairs of Chilean hikers going back. Tomáš went to Laguna La Plaza (option C). Lake is grey but the valley is nice enough to justify the short detour. It is no BB, there is a trail in the forest and above the tree line a vague trail or easy CC. The Torres are indeed magnificent. One can easily walk on the sloped polished slab falling into the far side of the second lake before the pass - it is an exhilirating detour. Going down from the pass, when the GPX turns right, Tomáš actually managed to walk over one of the ledges above the GPX and liked it. Just be extremely careful with moss and water, they can make the stones extremely slippery, but he survived that without falling. About 100 m before the lake, there is a at-least-a-ton heavy swing in the form of a loose boulder. Enjoy if you can find it. Camp 63.4 is literally awesome. We had a very warm almost windless night there.<br /> <br /> After the boulder field under camp 63 we loss the rest of the elevation on the right side of the creek and then when the swamp appeared on the right we went to the left and stayed on that side (North) for the entire BB/CC. There is a vague trail most of the way, but is has many many logs over it. It took us 3 hours to walk to the trailhead. We kept our feet dry and were in the shade, but it would have been quicker and far less tiring just following the riverbed and constantly crossing the river.<br /> <br /> Ford at 69.8 around noon was slightly above the knees. Ford it diagonally as the trail wants you to - it is shallower that way (ie a little further down than where the trail spits you out). Greeted grandfather, Maria and Julio and their three kids and had a short talk with the grandfather, nice to see the whole family working together on projects. From their place, the trail sort of is wide enough for a car (there is one at their place) but we think it is never or virtually never used by cars. Ford at 81.4 at six in the afternoon was 5 cm under our crotches (we are about 1.70), we forded about 100 upstream of GPX. The river was strong but we did not feel it was dangerous for us. We forded the widest part of the river just before a dead end fence (if you are coming from the other direction, after the grey river and around the dead end ford you will see the widest part of the river).The day was hot and despite not covering even 20 km, we felt superexhausted. Strong sun and spikees got to us!<br /> <br /> We camped about 4 km along the road, shortly after the second (both jumpable) ford. It must be a good place to camp, as Tomáš, who went back to the big ford where he left his sandals the previous day, met a GPT hiker going NOBO who apparently slept in a hearing distance from us. The hiker first started to come to Patagonia decades ago, before it was overrun. Tomáš sadly never asked his name. Met the grandfather again, coming back from the port, horses are fast!<br /> <br /> The road is not used by cars but stiĺl quite ugly. Around middle, near option 6, there are two shortcuts (400 and 50 metres) to the zigzags, three of which were marked by cairns by Tomáš. Please add the fourth cairn. Puesto 98.3 is a settler. He offered Natalie to come inside and rest but she didn't feel right stopping at that moment and kind of got the &quot;heeby jeebies&quot; from him. Met another pair of GPT hikers, doing just 33. The stretch along the coast is beautiful and very Mediterranean. All day the lake was without waves, even that can happen. Slept at Lake 113.8: nicer, with water and less buggy than camp 200 m earlier (just beware if the wind picks, up the waves can be very loud). <br /> <br /> Variant K misses last water but is easy to follow, nicer than a road and involves only three very easy fence hops. Reached the bus stop for Puerto Ibanez around three. Got lucky and received a hitch from two British tourists to Puerto Ibanez. The shops there are larger than expected and stock overpriced pesto and gnocchi, Tomáš is almost as joyful as cherries make him!<br /> <br /> Nat's Notes:<br /> <br /> - For views I would prefer this NOBO. I suffered a new type of &quot;look back&quot; syndrom on most of the route. Plus, if you are walking the lake shore in the afternoon, the sun should be on your downhills and not your uphills (it was insanely hot when we did it and without a whisper of wind).<br /> <br /> - In the section notes for km24-45 I think what was meant was that from roughly km36-45, &quot;there are many small streams and camping spots&quot;, this is indeed true. However, between km 24-36 and option 3 there are NO longer many STREAMS to drink from, I remember only one slightly decent one and both sides of the road are fenced so if you want to camp or drink water from the main river, then you must jump the fences (cow panels or barb) or ask a settler. Also, strange to say, there is very little shade and can get uncomfortably hot...<br /> <br /> - Intersection 45 is not hard to miss anymore, it is marked with an orange ribbon around a tree and a large cairn on your left.<br /> <br /> - On Trail#9 (ascent before the first two alpine lakes) I took Veronicas advice about going into the woods where the RR is but rather than trying to follow the GPS, I followed what seemed to be a trail along the creek with some cairns here and there. Eventually it ends above the trees but you should be able to make your way back to the RR once the &quot;coast is clear&quot;, ie. no more trees. If you want to walk along the lake then you should do the CC up the boulder field on Variant D.<br /> <br /> - Going down from the pass was no problem, like everyone says, &quot;just follow the gps&quot;. However with that said, it is very tempting to make your own way bcs there are many good looking ledge systems but after reading Wills experience, I backed away from the temptation and followed the GPS. I also slipped on some wet moss on RR.<br /> <br /> - So much water everywhere except for the lake camping, if you are smart you will fill up on one of the many streams before getting to the lake...<br /> <br /> - When doing the BB/CC section, after the initial elevation loss from the lake, there isn't much drinking water apart from the river until near the end of the BB. I think you could make &quot;makeshift&quot; camps. I was tempted to cross the river early to avoid crossing it at km69 but once again I remembered what Will wrote last year about the thorns and cliffs so I don't think that's a good idea. <br /> <br /> - Not a fan of the lakeside gate locking technique (remember how it looks before you open it;)<br /> <br /> - I surprisingly really enjoyed the lake stretch, it seemed it is where Pantagonia meets the Mediterranean/Arizona. The trail is in good shape, just a few overgrown roses and thorny bushes here and there (regretted shorts only a little bit). If you are coming from the north and still have your sand gaiters, this will be a good time to reuse them :). No exposure, wish there was more wind the day we were there. I am usually the biggest hater of &quot;PUDs&quot; - thanks for the new word - but these were not annoying. These PUDs are just a few large hills rather than a bunch of steep micro hills like gpt22 or the valley bottoms in Argentina. Water is at pretty much every &quot;notch&quot; in the hillside.<br /> <br /> - Water is at the bottom of the MR~117.5 and there is still water at the top 119.9 RR (easier to grab it a little higher up).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-30 to 2024-Feb-4 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn &amp; Tess &amp; Lukas'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : gpx easy to follow / between km 63,7 and km 68,5 we mostly stayed on the left of the river<br /> - Water : easy to find plenty of rivers and lagunas<br /> - Camping spot : easy to find and the one at km 68.7 is nice // the refugio near the lake at km 98.5 is perfect - make fire, sleep inside, we even could ask for some bread<br /> - Weather : some rainy and cloudy days but overall the weather was ok<br /> - River crossing :at km 69.8 we crossed the river early in the morning and the current was strong and the water up to the middle of the thighs but manageable // at km 81,2 the river was strong and up to our hips, we crossed it in the rain, it was also manageable for us that already jave a little bit of experience<br /> - Resupply : in Villa Cerro Castillo and in Chile Chico ( a bulk shop just opened in front of the camping Nandu) // at km 76,7 we could buy some bread, cheese and eggs at Maria and Julio's house <br /> - Overall : we absolutely loved this section ! The views are spectacular and really diverse from one day to another // we got a hitchike at the end on the gravel road to go to Puerto Ibanez.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''01.27.2024 / 5 days / Hiking / SoBo / RR + Option 8 to Bahía Murta / Milton Cea + 4 more'''<br /> <br /> Considering that we would venture to make this route a journey from Villa Cerro Castillo to Bahía Murta, we have decided to pay Pedro Zuleta, who is dedicated to transportation in the surrounding areas (+56 9 9357 8668), to take us to the entrance of the route at the registration booth. There, we encountered a pair of muleteers who did not pay much attention to our passing, however, we spoke with them to ask for their permission and inquire about the condition of the path.<br /> <br /> We started with the regular route, a bit late, and for that reason, we camped the first night at Mallín Grande, which is a very good option, as watching the sunrise in this beautiful place is worthwhile.<br /> <br /> Starting early the next day, we reached the &quot;Los puestos&quot; sector and from there, leaving our camp set up, we headed towards the towers. We were only able to reach the first lagoon at the base of the massif, as we went a bit late and our conversation with some other hikers we met extended. I would recommend leaving early to take advantage of the views from the portezuelo lookout.<br /> <br /> The next day we began the crossing through the &quot;Río Resbalón&quot; Valley, as the locals call it, following an animal trail that sometimes tends to get lost among new vegetation or fallen trees, accompanied by other hikers who decided to join the journey.<br /> It is a part of the route that can be slightly complex if you do not have a good reading of the surroundings, finding the animal traffic trail, and considering that you navigate through a forest that can easily disorient. This changes when you already walk with the &quot;Resbalin/Resbalón&quot; river to your right, as it is quite useful to follow its course. Always on the left side of the river.<br /> On the way, there are some fallen trees and abandoned muleteer posts that can be used as camping space if necessary, although I would not recommend camping in this old forest.<br /> Upon reaching the point of the road collapse, the crossing of the scree can be done at the level of its arrival, but to continue the route, you must climb a few meters up the mountain until you find the entrance to the continuation of the route. This point took some time from us, and we decided to camp near the river, towards the rock beach in the middle of a young forest with a mossy floor, very comfortable and restorative. We also decided to place some pircas at this point, as there was no mark to help resume the path towards Murta, since the difference in height was noticeable and it can be easy to believe that the path continues by the river side, but no, from here the path separates from the river and goes up the mountain.<br /> <br /> Finally, after this last abandoned stretch, where the vegetation is abundant in some parts, we ended up arriving at the Puesto de Los Agüeros and decided to spend a night there, as we were very tired from constantly finding the route. It's worth mentioning that we couldn't find a GPS track before the trip.<br /> <br /> The next day, after a night of intense rain, we took the official route traced from &quot;Bahía Murta&quot; at opossite direction and arrived in the town at dusk.<br /> If you want the track and the Waypoints of the journey, feel free to write to me at '''milton.1902@gmail.com''' =)<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''From 2023-01-20 to 2023-01-21 // 1,5 day // Hiking // NOBO // option 1 Valle Ibanez // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> When I arrived in Puerto Ingeniero Ibàñez, I had to make a choice, as the weather window were pretty short. I had only 3 days and a half ahead of nice weather followed by one entire week of rain. <br /> <br /> So I made the hard choice to skip Torres del Avelano, and go straight to Cerro Castillo by the OPT1 to explore the NP of CERRO CASTILLO. <br /> <br /> This section was not so bad. Even if it was gravel road until the Lago tamango, I had nice views, and was not too bored from this stretch, but well yeah, it's gravel road for 30 km, so of course it was not all the time so funny aha ! <br /> <br /> Then I went to the small track along Lago tamango. Very quiet, pretty well marked thanks to these sticks with red and white colours on top, and with some scenic views. <br /> <br /> You'll end up at the parking of the touristic sendero sitio archeologico de manos pintadas (Paredón de las Manos (1000CLP for children's, 2000CLP for adults. From Tuesday to Sunday 10h00-17h00). Then it's gravel road, following by 1,3 km on the carretera austral to reach Villa cerro castillo. <br /> <br /> I was expecting worse for this section. Quite happy about it. That's a nice alternative if, for a reason, you want or have to skip Torres de Avelano<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan- 14 to 2024-Jan-16/ 3 days/hiking/SOBO/ 33h/ 33h-b/33h-a/ 33h-P/Paulina'''<br /> <br /> At first, I wanted to do RR, but as the recent reports about the river crossing where not very encouraging, I decided to play it safelty, so I just mixed some sections. <br /> I started in Villa Cerro Castillo, till X 33h [ 5.5/554] it was a very peaceful, nice trail, with beautiful views on Cerra Castillo. There were some fence crossing, but not very annoying. <br /> After the intersection, so once I joined the road X-725, it was less interesting, walk on a gravel road. I think this part of RR is better to hitch-hike ( it's possible and not very difficult to catch a car on this way). <br /> Once I reached the big lakes ( beautiful views!) and some wanderful camping spots [ S 46.17790 W 072.32049] between Lago Alto and Lago Lapparet, I took 33h-b. At the beginning the trail was l crossing a forest used by locals as wood supply, but later ( around the place where it joined 33h-a), the landscape was amazing! Especially the part with lakes and settlers.<br /> <br /> The last section was on 33h-01A. The cannion of Rio Claro and later the waterfall are beautiful, but for some hikers a long distance on gravel road on this section can be annoying so it's probably better to hitch-hike ( not a lot of cars but still possible).<br /> <br /> I bought my ticket for ferry from Puerto Ibanez to Chile Chico without any problem 1h30 before the ferry departure. <br /> <br /> The mix of these 4 sections + hitch-hiking it's a good option for bad weather or high river level on RR. Some parts are very beautiful, and the less interesting parts ( long distances on gravel roads) it's possible to cover by car. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-02 to 2024-01-07 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; Options: 03, 03B, 04C, 04 &amp; Variant E / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Route: Hitchhiked along Option 03 to X {33H-03} [18.6/315]. Hiked via Option 03B to X {33H} [24.2/462] and than continued RR to Ford, X {33H} [71.8/602]. Here used Variant E and back to RR all the way to Settler {33H} [85.0/462] (Luis Diaz). Continued on Option 04C to X {33H-04} [73.9/559]. From here used option 04 all to way to Bahía Murta.<br /> <br /> Decided to go SoBo to get the tricky parts done with a good weather forecast. Hitchhiked along Option 03 because it's easier to get a lift. Was at X {33H-03} [18.6/315] 12:35 PM. From there it's a super easy to hike street all the way to X {33H} [45.5/1088] via Option 03C and than 03. Sadly there where no cars going in the correct direction. Towards the end (last 5km) there are some rivers crossing the street, nothing bad, you can get over them dry feet if jumping on the rocks. Continued the RR, the trail is clearly visible and easy to hike all the way to Camp {33H} [52.7/953]. Arrived there at 09:30 PM. It's a awsome place to pitch a tent! It was absolutely woth it to go for such a long day. Met 2 locals who went with a truck all the way to this point: -46.26754, -72.419667. Met also Cy &amp; GG (see GPT 23). We continued the next day. Trail was in a good condition and CC was easy no snow up to the pass Pass {33H} [62.0/1314]. Absolutely beautiful view! There is some snow on the south side on the way down. It's mostly melted to you can decide if you want the first 150-200m of elevation go down in snow or trough the boulders. It was a sunny day therefore quite easy to get down to the lake. From there we went down a boulder field to the BB (Bush bashing) section (400m). This is trivial - no macheta required. It's just walking trough the forest. From there the CC&amp;BB is at the beginning easy. We found a animal trail on the southern side of the river. Than the swamp started which was annoying. We started, after finishing the swamp section, to walk in the river bed around here -46.438037, -72.469247 which was fast progress but wet feet. Jumped on the trail and camped at Camp Without Water {33H} [68.7/766]. There is a lot of water at the river and it's just a 10 minute walk so we filled the bottles. The Camp is good, stayed there with 3 tents. Continued the next day (it was moderate rain during the night and at the morning) to the X, Ford {33H} [69.8/634]. This was at the limit what is safely possible. Fast flowing river - hip deep (iam 180). From there on the trail was clearly visible and easy to hike fast. Continued the RR and did Variant E. Check you GPS, we didn’t intend to do it we just followed the most clearly visible trail and ended up at the Puesto {33H-E} [0.8/619] so we continued. The statement from above is still valid all the way to Settler {33H} [85.0/462] (Luis Diaz) for the RR ;). After that is a easy trail, at Settler {33H} [76.7/535] (Maria &amp; Julio) I met Julio and they had a car there to the trail from this point on is even easier. I split up here with Cy &amp; GG because of different plans and it was questionable if the Ford at Ford {33H} [81.2/490] (Rio Avellano) is even possible so I wanted to speed up. Reached the point around 05:00 PM. It was not possible to Ford - way to deep and to much current! So I used my packraft and crossed the river. Got in the water here: -46.456627, -72.320677 and followed than the RR. Ford {33H} [81.4/492] was also impossible by foot. Used the same tactic and crossed it by boat. Got in the water here: -46.453523, -72.316373 and crossed by boat. After that easy trail and continued the RR. Ford {33H} [83.6/467] (Rio Avellano) was also absolutely impossible so also did it by boat. After that I camped here: -46.463767, -72.26597.<br /> <br /> interim conclusion: if the weather is not stable (I knew it wasn't [would reccomend checking with meteoblue] go SoBo and be aware that the crossing can be impossible - I would reccomend bringing you packraft so you habe more options even though it's the H route. Otherwise you have to wait, potentially for days or you need the help of a local (this is how Cy &amp; GG managed it).<br /> <br /> Next day continued 04C. The trail to the pass is clearly visible and beautiful to hike. From there it's hard to find a few times because of a lot of animal tracks. Follow the GPS. The trail is again visible from this point on: -46.486009, -72.212428. Trail condition generally good with some bushes hanging in the trail. Reached X {33H-04} [73.9/559]. Same here a lot if animal trail - follow the GPS. The trail is clearly visible from this point on: -46.49591, -72.205307 up to Bahía Murta. Condition is good. The Pass {33H-04} [71.5/958] is definetly a highlight. Camped at Camp {33H-04} [66.2/209] - great place. Next day was long no changes on the trail condition - good and easy - hiked to Ford, Camp {33H-04} [37.5/259]. Camping there is a bit tricky to find a good place but manageable. Met a guy at the gosttown Puerto Cristal. The trail is according to him also used by tourists groups. I asked before the trial if there is a ferry connection - there is none only one company goes there by boat for tourist. Maybe you can arrange a transfer ( https://turismopuertocristal.cl/ very fast response time via WhatsApp 10 minutes). The Pass {33H-04} [43.3/840] is also a highlight. The Ford, Camp {33H-04} [37.5/259] is challenging hip deep. After that it's easy road walk to Bahía Murta. Got a lift at -46.520007, -72.636049.<br /> <br /> Overall: I would recommend SoBo because the difficult sections are at the beginning and weather dependent. Go if you have a few stable non rainy days. Bring you packraft to have more options for fording. The entry via Option 03 &amp; 03B is in my opinion easy due to hitchhiking &amp; ou find a grop and book a lift The views are amazing at the passes. The BB is trivial. BB&amp;CC is annoying but done within 2 hours. The Option 4 is absolutely beautiful and if you are a bit luckier than me avoids a lot of road walking. Would definitely reccomend the section. The reason for me to go with Option 04 is to easy connect to 82P.<br /> <br /> Contact: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-22 / 3 days / RR / SOBO / Anh'''<br /> <br /> Just a quick info: The first part of RR is not marked but very easy to hike. After the pass (km 62) I had a hard time with the 2km CC. At first the snowfields were very steep (60 slope). The snow thickness was only 20-80cm, underneath are very big steep boulders and the melting snow makes the hollows big. Then there are the streams under the snowfields. I was a few times with a foot in it, fortunately not whole body. I had to go up and down in the forest, on the edge, on the rocks... My goal was to be safe, it took me 2 hours to cover the 2km.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''2023-Mar-30 to 2023-Mar-31 / 1.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Option 1 / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We started from Villa Cerro Castillo around 11 AM and took ferry from the port the next day at noon. The former RR trail follows path of Sendero de Chile, and starting with no expectations we were quite impressed with what it offers, especially all the amazing views of Cerro Castillo. It's definitely a good short alternative to the Torres del Avellano detour that we were forced to skip. Trail is easy to follow and you can find many camp spots along the way. There are many small shops in Puerto Ibáñez. Knowing the ferry schedule we went directly to the port where were just a few others in this time of the year.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''26/02/2023 - 02/03/2023 / RR SOBO with emergency exit on a boat on Lago General Carrera / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé :'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 - From Lago Verde - 15.5km - +700m/-300m We first hitchiked from Villa Cerro Castillo to Lago Verde on the Carretera Austral. We hiked then the gravel road until the camp next to the free check in point, in the forest.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Laguna La Plazza - 16.5km - +800m/-500m We kept going on the minor road before the well maintained horse trail. We took option to the Laguna La Plazza and we camped there but the weather was quite bad with a lot of wind. Would recommend to camp in the pasture down there in these conditions.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Lagunas before the pass - 17km - +1000m/-900m The trail was still very easy to follow this day. A bit of cross country at the end but nothing difficult as there are kerns. There is a spot to pitch tents next to the second lake, between it and the waypoint &quot;camp&quot; (that we didn't find btw). Very nice there and without the clouds, the view should be incredible.<br /> <br /> Day 4 - CC until diversion @km69.8 - 14km - +500m/-1100m The troubles began for us this day. Noé injured his knee just after the pass. With Rémi, we alternated carrying his bag in addition to ours. That's why we hadn't moved a lot. The bush bashing is demanding and under the rain, fording is a real challenge. I would recommend you to be south of the Rio after the diversion/ford. We camped on the north side, a few hundred meters after the div.<br /> <br /> Day 5 - Lago General Carrera - 30km - +700m/-1000m As we were a bit late, we decided to walk directly to the lake. We forded the Rio in order to be south of it and we found the horse trail, it was easier then ! We crossed the Rio a last time @km81.2, still manageable with the rain but a bit hard (water until the hips, we are 1m80 tall) with a strong current. Then, the minor road. We didn't leave it until the lake. A bit of ups and downs but the road is nice so it is fast. Here, at the lake. There is mobile coverage and so we contacted numeros given on the PDF on WhatsApp to find a boat to bring us back to civilisation. With the third bag to carry, it was too hard for us to keep hiking. I let you the contact of Jairo, that can bring you back to Puerto Tranquilo... for 400.000 CLP... we didn't had the choice as the settler living just in front of the lake wasn’t there. Jairo : +56 9 6633 9507 He transported us the next day.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-21-27 / NOBO / RR + Option 3B / Ondrej and Bara / Puerto Ibanez - Vila Cerro Castillo / 6.5 days'''<br /> <br /> Gorgerous section. Unfortunately, we were struck by bad weather mid-way which took out the joy and brought a few very difficult moments for us.<br /> <br /> We went NOBO and on the 3rd day camped in the valley close to Maria &amp; Julio (76.7 km). It started raining early morning and while the rain stopped around midday, it was enough to turn streams into rivers and cross country paths into swamps. We were unable to ford the river at km 69.8 at two different places. To continue, we decided to make a risky choice and bush-bash upstream on the other side of the river, hoping to ford it in an upper section and rejoin the trail. This eventually worked out. We forded the river at -46.43642, -72.45456 and rejoined the trail. This 1.2km diversion took us about 2 hours. Bush-bashing through forest was okay but in the middle of the diversion we struggled through 300m of thorny bushes which took forever to get across.<br /> <br /> From around 1000m of altitude, we had fresh snow on the slopes. This made the boulder field more challenging than we wanted (fortunately still manageable). We crossed the exposed pass at km62.0 and continued on the other side, firstly through snow and then again through muddy cross country parts until we joined the trailhead at km 57.0. Afterwards the trail was easy all the way until the end.<br /> <br /> We also met Anna and Christopher going the opposite direction - really great to meet fellow hikers!<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-20-24 / NOBO / RR shortend on the road sections / Zohar / Road to Levicán - Carterra Austeral / 5 days'''<br /> <br /> I tried to shorten the section because of the upcoming bad weather, which hit on the last day, but I was lucky to catch a ride out with a family that came to collect wood from their land.<br /> <br /> I arrived on Monday to pureto Ibañez spoke with the van to levicán that left at 17.40 to Levicán got off on the way where the rout leave the main road and walked till the shore of Lago General Carrera. Day 2 I followed the horse trail along the lake, which was very visible and easy to follow. Then, I followed a miner till I found a stable campsite. Day 3 was the hardest. I was determined to sleep at the base of the torres, so I had a lot of trail to cover, and the route was hard to follow, but the direction was clear. Day 4 started with a beautiful sun rise on the clear torres de avellano. The bolder field wasn't as hard as I itentenly thought, but be careful. After the pass, I met 4 young hikers going to the torres and back. Day 5 was wet, but at least on a minor road and about 9 km before the road, I was picked up and taken to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> I don't advise doing the section in 5 days thay where long, big days, and it is better to enjoy the surroundings. if the weather was better, I would have taken 7 days. This section is beautiful and highly recommended<br /> <br /> * '''20.02. - 24.02.23 / Anna &amp; Christopher / SOBO, Villa Cerro Castillo - Puerto Ibáñez'''<br /> <br /> In the afternoon we started hitchhiking the Carretera Austral to where Option 3B starts. There were lots of people trying to hitchhike directly from Villa Cerro Castillo, so we figuered to have a better chance if we walk further up the Carretera Austral. We soon got lucky. That day we walked the dirtroad until km 4.4 and camped there next to a small stream.<br /> <br /> The next day was mostly easy walking on dirtroads until the crossing at km 45.5 (which is relatively easy to miss!). We camped at km 49 at the edge of the forest.<br /> <br /> The next day the weather turned bad once we reached the section with all the boulders on the ascent to the pass. We did some unnecessary climbing by not sticking to the main route. When descending we lost the main route again and briefly tried to descend without it, which we soon realised is a bad idea, so we climbed back up to where we lost it. We spent the night at the camp at km 63.4.<br /> <br /> The next morning we woke up with a clear blue sky and finally saw the Torres del Avellano. Really amazing rock formations. The following bushbashing part seemed ok to us, we had worse ones on the GPT so far ;). First we walked on to the right of the river following a good animal path. Once it ended we changed to the left side and stayed there. About 2/3 of the route is a realtively good path and the rest was some easy BB and climbing over fallen trees. Luckily the ford at km 69.8 was easy to cross. We took variant E from where on the trail was in a great condition and we could walk pretty fast. The river crossing at km 81.1 was more demanding and went almost up to Annas hips (1,63m). We camped soon after that at approx. km 81.5.<br /> <br /> We continued on variant H the easy trail on the dirtroad until the lake, where it gets more demanding (we underestimated the continous ups and downs). The views are amazing though. It gets pretty windy next to the lake. We camped at a tiny spot at km 109.3 next to a small stream.<br /> <br /> On the final day we walked to the bus station (6 pm) and took the ferry to Chile Chico the same day (8 pm). This section was great :)<br /> <br /> * '''11-18 February 2023 / Maks&amp;Gabi / SOBO / RR, 33H-E, 33H-H ( hichhiking from km136 to Puerto Ibanez)'''<br /> <br /> We started from Villa Cerro Castillo. If you can, try not to skip the first part of road walking. It's beautiful with the view over Lagunas and Cerro Castillo. The terrain is also different than in later parts of the section.<br /> <br /> There are some problems - lot of fences and gates on the first 5 km. Then many aggressive dogs and limited access to water (steep descents and fences around the lakes). The camping spots, marked on track files, can be hard to access (private properties with new fences). We camped by the bridge around 25km (the bridge is not marked).<br /> <br /> We than waited half a day for the rain to stop. The rest of the road is also well maintained with occasional river crossing (all easy).<br /> <br /> The next trail part (until km 57) is mostly visible. Some problem can occur by the CC part, especially during heavy rain - it was all floded. We weren't exactly expecting it, but it was snowing and the temperature during the night was about -4. Next day we waited until 11 am to dry our stuff, as the sun finally came out.<br /> <br /> As Veronica wrote, when going up to the pass try to follow the cairns (33H-D). The part between the lakes and the pass is quite easy.<br /> <br /> Going down from the pass we followed the GPS and we found it quite manageable (actually for us it seemed to be much easier going SOBO than NOBO at that point, even though it was slippery and with a lot of small streams going down the rock). We reached the camp at km 63.4 at 4 pm. First 400 m of BB is easy as the forest is not overgrown. It's getting worse in the valley. If possible try to be close to the river. We were fording it multiple times. Finally we stayed at the left side of the river, bushbashing for the next 3 km (that's where the trail starts). We slept next to the ford at km 69.8.<br /> <br /> We forded the river in the morning. It's possible, but the current was strong (for us it was the worst ford on this section with water above our knees - I'm 175 cm). After the next ford we followed 33H-E as we couldn't find the entrance to the RR. It's a very well maintained path with a big puesto nearby.<br /> <br /> After fords at km 81 we followed 33H-H as we didn't want to cross the river anymore. For those of you, who are planning to go there during the next few days, be carefull - somewhere around km 91 there is a fresh dead cow near to the water.<br /> <br /> The lake part's quite exhausting. We were blessed with sunny and windless weather so we found it astonishing and not so dangerous. We started our last day at camp km 113.8 . Ascent on the road (117.5) is ok and there was water on km 119.9 (small stream). The rest of the road walking is easy (with occasional fences) but there's no water on km 135.2 (water on 129.3 is hard to access).<br /> <br /> We hitchhiked from km 136 to Puerto Ibanez. During the weekend there is only one ferry a day (Saturday morning and Sunday evening).<br /> <br /> * '''8 to 13 of February 2023 / Will / SOBO from Laguna Verde / 6 data'''<br /> <br /> This one was an ordeal for me, I don't recommend starting with a week straight of rain in the forecast. At first I appreciated the ambiance after six completely dry weeks in the north, but after a few days it started to get me down. Thankfully to keep my morale up I encountered some kind settlers, a few pairs of GPT hikers, and some sun in the final stretch.<br /> <br /> The rains never got too heavy, generally off and on light rain. The temperatures were fairly cold from the nearly constant cloud cover.<br /> <br /> To start out I hitched out of Villa Cerro Castillo to Laguna Verde, teaming up with some of the many hitchhikers. The initial road walk was beautiful, some podcasts helped me power through the rest.<br /> <br /> The pass was tough in the rain, but manageable. Things were slippery but there's enough to grab onto in the boulder fields to keep you stable, as long as you're focused and moving slowly. The ascent was nice boulder field the whole way, on the decent things looked scarier. Instead of boulders there was a lot of large smooth slab with water flowing down. The gpx route there was good, following boulders and vegetation around the slab. Things only felt dangerous once, when I went slightly off the track and ended up trapped between a cliff and a water slide. After some scary experimentation I found that I could get good traction on the waterslide using a crab walk technique, on my back with hands and feet and butt all resting on the slab. This let me traverse the waterslide back to safety.<br /> <br /> The little bush bashing section after the pass was easy, I camped in there. Things got bad again once I got back out to the river and the cross country+bush bashing marker. My feet got worryingly numb after a bunch of river crossings and marshland traversal, I tried to stick to the woods after that.<br /> <br /> I then took two big questionable detours from the tracks, staying to the south of the rio avellano and avoiding crossing it all the way until I reached the lake. I'll quickly describe them here but they were both uncomfortable and not worth it unless the river is impassable. The cold and rain seem to damage my decision making quite a bit, I refused to backtrack or to take breaks to think things through.<br /> <br /> To skip the crossing at 69.8 I stayed in the woods south of the river starting at around km 67.5. Initially nice cow path, followed by a tricky wooded boulder field, followed by a horrific stretch crawling over thorny bushes. Eventually I made my way up to the base of some cliffs where things got a bit easier. Following the cliffs I reached a cow path, leading to some open woods through which I rejoined the trail around km 70.5. Never thought I'd be so happy to find cow poop.<br /> <br /> I dropped a blue and black stone bracelet somewhere before or during the 71.8 river crossing, let me know if you come across it!<br /> <br /> Some of the minor streams merging into the river were tough to cross. 71.8 was up to my thighs with a strong current.<br /> <br /> To skip the first major crossing of the Rio Avellano at 81.2 I followed some horse trail to the big white rock hill, and climbed to the top. The rock was super grippy even in the rain. I then traversed along the slope to the east, staying between an elevation of 700 and 750m. There was some cow path making it easier to walk, I wonder how they get up there. A few tough bushy sections descending and climbing out of crevasses/streams before I got to a gradual stream at -46.46385, -72.30601 which I scrambled down to the river.<br /> <br /> I ran into the settlers Luis and Jaqueline at their house by the river. They generously took me in for the night and gave me a chance to dry out some of my stuff.<br /> <br /> From there I followed option 4C down to the lake, hoping that the river crossing there would be less scary with the river fanned out wider. The option was decent trail over some low passes to the lake, though at times it was hard to follow. It's tough to choose where to cross the river because you can't see the bottom through the silt. I decided to cross near the gpx line where it was wide with lots of debris and sand bars to rest in between the channels. At the worst points it was crotch deep and powerful, the rocks under my feet sliding back from the force. Pretty scary.<br /> <br /> I camped in the willow grove by campo chico, and the next day (Monday) I raced to the bus stop at 130.4. It turns out that the bus is now at 6pm, I got there just in time. I took the bus to Puerto Ibáñez and got straight on the 8pm ferry to Chile Chico.<br /> <br /> A small cut on my ankle ended up getting infected, I'm now in town out of commission with a ton of swelling. Should have been more careful!<br /> <br /> * '''Feb 12 Direct Route SOBO 1 day Frank'''<br /> <br /> I walked straight from Villa Cerro Castillo to Puerto Ibanez in one long day. A few KM out on a dirt road there is a museum on your left &amp; a short trail on the right which goes to some rock paintings. You pass by a lake with good views of Cerro Castillo. Salto Rio Ibanez waterfall is impressive.<br /> <br /> *Helen and Craig + (Caro and Ali)<br /> 5th-10th February NoBo&lt;- only direction to do it! So pretty!<br /> <br /> almost got stung by the ferry from Chile chico. Make sure when you go to the office as the online booking doesn't seen to be working, that you specify your a foot passenger. And if they refuse ask to be put on the waiting list for the next ferry (which means you'll get on just fine) pretty sure you could probably just turn up and ask very nicely and they would let you across. Looked in to the boats from Carlos and Pascual to join 33 missing the coast section from levican but Carlos is not in the area at the moment and Pascuals boat is currently non functional, sad times but the coastal section I would have been sad to miss!<br /> <br /> -Decided to do Torres del avellano northbound. Highly recommend doing it this way and thankyou to the others who pointed out this point before us. Veiws were great and much easier to get over the bolder scramble going up.<br /> <br /> -We walked in a group of 4 so payed for a transfere to levican and a pick up from lago lapparent. 60,000 each time.<br /> -Phone signal from Puerto del avellano to levican<br /> -The river valleys of avellano and venti were incredibly beautiful to the south.<br /> -Route was better marked and easier to navigate than exsepted. Very Easy going apart from km 68.7-62. if you've done GPT 40 or 37, then you'll find 33 delightfully a breeze. (We did have good weather, in bad weather even just a little rain I imagine a very diffence and worse exsperience)<br /> -In the BB/CC river valley of Rio avellano walk on the north shore of the river rather than going to the south. The forest is mostly easily passable or can hop out to the river valley to walk more freely. The south side of the river is calf/ knee high swampy bush bashing which leads to very cold feet and frustration.<br /> -keep eyes peeled for humels! We spotted a male humel on the bushbash/cross country section and had the most amazing sighting!<br /> <br /> * '''22 to 26 of January 2023 / Véronica / GPT33H RR SOBO / via GPT33H-03B / 4.5 days'''<br /> <br /> Route: Villa Cerro Castillo - Laguna Verde (Río Alto valley) - Upper Río Avellano valley - Torres del Avellano viewpoint - Lower Río Avellano valley - Lago General Carrera - Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez<br /> <br /> Simply beautiful section. Lots of excellent info is written about it in the Hiker's Manuel too. I only met 4 other hikers, with two of them being northbounding GPT hikers! Great to meet you, Yannic and Mirjam :)<br /> <br /> From Villa Cerro Castillo I hitched easily on the Carretera Austral to Laguna Verde, where Option 3B begins. I wanted to cut some of the initial road walking because poor weather was incoming the next day and I wanted to try and beat it to have a chance at seeing the Torres. The road walk in the Río Alto valley was actually quite pleasant and scenic. There is a little self-registration booth across the road from the settler at km 30.8, where hikers are asked to &quot;check in&quot; before proceeding down the private road towards the Río Avellano valley. There is no charge.<br /> <br /> The camp at 52.7 km is very nice with a little stream running through, lots of dead wood around to make a fire, and relatively sheltered. There is an old puesto/refuge there too that is open and has a fireplace. Could be a good spot to hole up if the weather is bad.<br /> <br /> When you diverge from the Río Avellano valley to head up the pass, don't try and follow the GPS. Instead take the path of least resistance (or the path that looks the clearest) through the woods and across the rocks near the river. There are occasional cairns to mark the way too, although not always obvious to spot. Only the last cross-country section before the pass did I follow closely with the GPS, as it goes across a boulder field and the GPS line seemed to be the easiest way up to the pass.<br /> <br /> On the south side of the pass is where you finally see the Torres del Avellano proper. Absolutely incredible, and I managed to get the great views only a couple of hours before the rain started and clouds engulfed everything.<br /> <br /> I followed the GPS track closely going down through the granite boulder field, since it guided a safe way around the steeper cliffs. It was slow going down through the boulders, but it didn't feel unsafe as the rocks were grippy and solid.<br /> <br /> The initial &quot;bushbashing&quot; segment at km 63.9 was very easy through a mature forest. I didn't follow the GPS here, just followed an old animal trail alongside a creek until it joined with Río Ventisquero. Again, the CC&amp;BB section starting at km 64.4 was quite easy at first. I forded the river multiple times to walk along whichever side looked easier/less swampy. About midway through this section though it got tougher because Río Ventisquero got silty and the flow increased, so that I didn't want to ford it much anymore, so I stuck to the left (north) side of the river, mostly in the forest. There were some areas of unavoidable blowdowns and marshy terrain, and everything was wet from the rain coming down too.<br /> <br /> When I reached the waypoint X, Ford at 69.8 km, I camped there for the night because Río Ventisquero was a torrent and looked unsafe to ford. There are a few nice, flat places to pitch a tent in this area, under large mature trees. Early the next morning, it was very cold and still raining, and I couldn't tell if the river had gone down at all or not. There was fresh snow higher on the mountaintops. I ended up fording the river slightly downstream from where the trail crosses it, and the water came up just below my hips (I'm 165 cm). The water is silty so you can't see the bottom, but the rocks underneath had surprisingly good traction, which I was grateful for because the current was strong.<br /> <br /> It might be better to take Option 33H-E than the regular route. That trail looked well-maintained and clear, whereas the RR between 71.8 and 73.5 km was hard to follow and overgrown at times. There were no signs of life at the homestead of Maria and Julio when I passed through.<br /> <br /> I was strategic when I forded Río Avellano at km 81.2, crossing multiple branches at their shallowest points. The water went midway up my thighs at the deepest point. Afterwards though I didn't want to cross it two more times, so I took Option 33H-H which stayed north of the river.<br /> <br /> The refugio at km 98.5+0.2 on the shore of Lago General Carrera is nice and clean. There is a woodstove and some tables and chairs. It was crazy windy when I got there though, and I can't reccomend it as a good place to camp unless you sleep inside the refuge — the wind gusts were coming from all directions and there wasn't a spot that was sheltered outdoors. Further along the path at Campo Chico, there is a grove of mature willow trees that is probably a much better camp spot.<br /> <br /> Very beautiful hiking along Lago General Carrera, but it was wildly windy for me that day. At times it was hard to stay on the trail due to the strong gusts trying to blow me off the path. Lots of water sources.<br /> <br /> RH-MR&amp;CC-V {33H} [19.5/118.0+4.6] is all minor road, no cross-country involved at all. I met the settler at km 121.8, he kindly let me pass through his property (and many gates) no problem.<br /> <br /> I got to the minor road from Levican (waypoint at 130.4) at 7:40 a.m. on a Thursday. There is a little bus shelter there to protect from the wind. It was very cold and windy when I got there, and I waited until almost noon, hoping to hitch a ride. Not a single car passed by that whole time. So I resigned myself to the road walk, walked for about an hour in extremely windy conditions, and then a car finally came by and picked me up and drove me into Puerto Ibáñez :) Very grateful!!!<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Jan / Yannic &amp; Mirjam / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> From Puerto Ibanez we made the first kilometres to junction 130.4 by car stop. Then we hiked on to Camp 113.4. We didn't stay at the location, but a little further ahead where the river flows into the lake. Along the lake was nice with a lot of ups and downs and then we camped somewhere on the side of the Minor Road. Along the Rio Avellano we stayed on the northern side so that we only had to cross the river once (at 81.2). The water came up to my waist (I am 180 cm). Surprisingly, there was another Ford at 69.8. Again, very strong current and loose ground, so it was difficult to find a good footing. Right after this Ford we spent the night in the forest.<br /> <br /> On the climb at the start of the cross country section (at trailhead 68.5) be sure to get the right entry point as there are several small streams coming down the valley. We thought we saw a trail further into the forest that we could follow. Unfortunately, this was a mistake and led to us having to bush bash back onto the trail for a few hundred metres. In general, the trail was mostly better close to the river than deeper in the forest. The camping spot at the Torres was incredible and worth getting up for sunrise. The climb up the pass was very doable with the GPS tracks and not too difficult. On the other side of the pass, the trail got surprisingly good. We met a group of horses that were probably trekking to the lakes. Because the weather got worse, we took option 03 on the Carretera Austral and stopped at Ceroo Castillo.<br /> <br /> *GPT section 33 7 days, 84 miles, 14K ft ascent Dec. 21 to 27, 2022 David and Erika NOBO<br /> <br /> Ferry from Chili Chico runs just once a week (Mondays at 8:00 am) we missed it by hours and were stuck at the hotel California in Chili Chico for a day. “You can enter any time you like but you can never leave” got to be the feeling after residential bus after residential bus filled with residents and would not take us. Eventually got to Sierra Castillo and then hitched to Puerto Inginiero Ibanez. The tourist office there got her husband to give us a lift further 24 km to the end of the road. Well worth the 25,000 pesos. Road hike from there straightforward but new gates are being installed at the last road (NOBO) before you hit Lago General Carrera. Lots of wind. Last Refugio on the lake is legitimate. Good place to camp. Lower Rio Avellano was fordable. We thought we could avoid the 2nd and 3rd ford by taking the path over the hill. Don’t. It doesn’t go…Don’t worry, it gets worse. Ultimately, you’ll be hiking through the river all the way to Torres de Avellano. Note on that. The route takes you up to the lake. Beautiful, but then you go through a 2 km boulder field. We found the start of a trial before exiting the river that seems to lead right up to the pass. Might go, we don’t know. Instead, we took the boulder route, broke through a snow bridge, and put a deep gauge in Erika’s leg. Could have used stiches but had no sutures. Might be worth investigating.<br /> <br /> *'''2022 Nov, NoBo, Option 1, Alice and Florian'''<br /> <br /> We chose to do the option 1 taking the sendero de chile from Puerto Ibañez to Cerro castillo. Most of it is a trail road (first 25km, and the last 4) so it is quite tiring for the knees as some point. But it seems quite easy to do hitchhiking at least on the first 25 km if needed. Nevertheless it is quite a nice road. You first arrive to a very nice waterfall after 5km, them walk through a canyon with nice scenic views. The 10km pass through a forest trail near lakes, it is really nice as well.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2022 Nov / GPT33H Option 11 and Parts of Regular Route / Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> GPT33H/GPT34P: Northern coast of Lago General Carrera from Puerto Sanchez to Levican (packrafting and hiking)<br /> <br /> From 2022-Nov-20 to 2022-Nov-24 we (Meylin Ubilla, Jan Dudeck) packrafted and hiked in 5 days from Puerto Sanchez to Levican along the northern coast of Lago General Carrera.<br /> <br /> This lake is infamous for the frequent strong gusty wind, therefore packrafting requires a careful monitoring of the weather to depart only onto the lake when a period with calmer conditions is approaching. Luckily, there is reasonable good mobile phone coverage what facilities checking the weather and wind forecast frequently.<br /> <br /> Given the wind conditions any packrafting attempt on Lago General Carrera requires to my opinion:<br /> <br /> - decked packraft, a longer tandem is strongly preferable (faster, more stable) - a sail (to get quicker to an exit point) - packrafting experience in the region (to anticipate typical weather and wind patterns) - smartphone with entel SIM card or entel rooming - YR weather App, Windy weather App<br /> <br /> The predominant wind is eastbound therefore only eastbound packrafting is advisable.<br /> <br /> I’m left with the impression that wind gets generally stonger towards the east (towards Levican and Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez) and that calm periods are more frequent and longer towards the west (Puerto Tranquilo, Puerto Sanchez).<br /> <br /> Also, calmer conditions are more likely in the early morning just after sunrise but strong wind all night is also common.<br /> <br /> During a previous hike in February 2020 we experienced an entire summer day with barely any wind but such days are as frequent as unicorns and no travel plan should be build on exceptional favorable circumstances.<br /> <br /> There is a trail along the northern shore but due to the steep coast there are sections of up to 13 km on the lake without a connection from the shoreline to this trail.<br /> <br /> Emergency exits are more frequent along the coast but using such an exit means waiting for the wind to calm down what can take days. Therefore it is generally favorable to exit the water only in a location from where the trail can be reached easily.<br /> <br /> We packrafted most of the distance from Puerto Sanchez to the Avellano river delta on 3 mornings in about 9 hours on the water but from there we hiked in two days to Levican because we had no similar promising calm weather windows in following early mornings. In hindsight the wind remained manageable in the morning hours till about noon but there was no point in reversing our decision to hike (and we urgently needed some exercise to get used to hike with heavy backpacks again).<br /> <br /> Crossing from Puerto Tranquilo to Puerto Sanchez is reasonable feasible by packraft in calm weather (typically either very early in the morning or later in the evening). The crossing is 3 km wide and best started 1 km north of Puerto Tranquilo in a hidden bay with a nice protected spot to pitch a tent (46.6146°S / 72.6838°W · 210 m). If preparing the packraft at the beach of Puerto Tranquilo officials may stop packrafters as there are numerous restrictions and requirements applicable (in example accompanying motor boat with two licensed boat drivers).<br /> <br /> Packrafters should depart in north-eastern direction to compensate for a south-eastern wind drift in case wind increases.<br /> <br /> A very nice protected camp site is approximately 8 km from the recommended exit point near Puerto Tranquilo.<br /> <br /> GPT33H: Bus Levican - Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez<br /> <br /> The last 26 km from Levican to Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez are rather dull road walking. Therefore hikers that arrive at the right day and time can take the subsidized bus.<br /> <br /> Monday and Friday only: 08:00 Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez -&gt; Levican 09:00 Levican -&gt; Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez 18:00 Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez -&gt; Levican 19:00 Levican -&gt; Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez Price: 1000 CLP<br /> <br /> Transport at other times can be arranged for a substantially higher cost (estimated 40‘000 to 60‘000 CLP per vehicle).<br /> <br /> Paty: +56 9 9506 3176<br /> <br /> Luis: +56 9 8648 4075<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Feb: 10-14, SoBo, RR, Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> Even though the first few days out of town is a road walk, the first part of it is actually really scenic and worth walking, the lakes are just very beautiful one the way. The second part was mostly in the forest and our feet, knees and hips were already hurting from all the road walking but once we got on trail it got better right away. The trail was surprisingly well maintained I would even say better than in Cerro Castillo National Park. Another unexpected surprise was the amount of people that we met on the trail a total of about 25 people in different size groups were hiking to see Torres de Avellano. We really didn’t expect that, there also seemed to be some sort of backpack hauling and guiding service that the local arrieros were offering. We unfortunately didn’t manage to talk to them to find out, but it seems that the place is getting popular. Which is not a surprise because it’s very very beautiful there, probably is correct what the manual says, that it’s going to be the next Torres del Paine, time will tell.<br /> <br /> On day 3 about 2-3km before the pass the trail disappeared and the going got tougher and tougher, mostly just bolder hopping up and over the pass. The descent was pretty steep on large granite slabs which offered plenty of good grip but I am not sure how well would it work in wet conditions. I think the pass is doable in not good weather conditions but only if one feels very confident in own abilities on wet rocks. Also it’s a good idea to follow the gps on the way down because otherwise you end up on a cliff edge and have to track back up. The ground finally eases up once you enter the forest, but then starts the bushwhacky part all the way until ford/div at 69,7km.<br /> <br /> That was as far as we could make it that day because the river was pretty fast in the evening. So we decided to camp right there and cross it in the morning when the flow would be a bit more manageable and our decision payed off. In the morning the river was about 10cm lower than the evening before, so if you ar a shorter person it could save you. The flow was pretty strong and water was still about hips deep. Both of us crossed it together by standing in a line, me in front and Stiina supporting me from behind, it worked great. After that it was easy cruising for the next 32km, however we had to cross that river once again at 81,2km. It was still challenging but we managed to do it the traditional way one by one, facing upstream. But the current was still very strong and pushing our feet out from under us, challenging our balance. After that we didn’t want to cross it two more times as gps suggested so we just stayed on the left coast all the way to the lake. There were some cow trails to follow and also to bypass the cliffs it was no problem.<br /> <br /> The lake is really beautiful with all the islands and it wasn’t too windy when we arrived. We camped about a kilometer from Campo Chico on the rocky stream bed and managed to cook on the fire that night without causing fire hazard. And there were apple, pear and plum trees at the 98,3km, plums were very ripe but the apples and pears still need a week or two to get ready, but it was a very nice treat nevertheless.<br /> <br /> Next day was Monday which meant that we could avoid the 26km road walk at the end of the section which we were determined to do. We had 30km to goto get to the road junction were the bus is passing by and according to the manual the bus would pass there some time after 20:00 which is when it starts from Levican. So we pushed the whole day over the steep, sandy, bushy terrain and made it to the junction by 19:00, great, we thought. But after bus didn’t show up we called the phone nr that Janna &amp; Matthias had provided and it turned out that the bus actually leaves Levican at 18:00 and is long gone. But the bus driver was nice enough to offer us a ride to Puerto Ibañez, however for a hefty 45.000 pesos. We were out of food, out of water and pretty spent from getting ourselves there so we accepted the offer. The car ride showed that it would be a pretty dull road walk aswell if we would have had to do it so in the end it all worked out and we got to town just as we wanted.<br /> <br /> The town was a bit disappointing, people were somehow not very helpful and also all accommodations were full, but we managed to camp at Las Cabañitas about a km out of town. The next day we went to the port to catch the ferry to Chile Chico, but due to strong winds all ferries were canceled and nobody could even give us a guess of when the ferries would restart. We didn’t want to spend another day in Puerto Ibañez so we hitched back to Villa Cerro Castillo in hopes to get bus or a hitch around the lake. There are definitely daily buses to Cochrane.<br /> <br /> In the end our plans changed and we decided that we are content with our experience on GPT this season, so we left it at that. Thanks for kicking our butts GPT and showing us beauty we haven’t seen before! :)<br /> <br /> For more stories of the trail, pictures, videos and in case you want to ask us anything you can find us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''GPT 33H Option 4 (Puerto Cristal)/ Torres de Avellano/ Packrafting Route / 2022 Feb-4 / 7 days / Tobias Schorcht and Jonas Grünewald'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> I started Packrafting from Puerto Tranquilo to Puerto Sanches in the calm morning hours. Since Jonas doesn‘t have a Packraft, we booked a full Marvel Caves Tour by boat for him and asked the Captain, to leave him in Puerto Sanches, which was possible without any extra paying. We hiked northbounded along Lago Vidal Gormez and visited the left behind abandoned village Puerto Cristal. It was an impressive experience to see the old facilities of the Mining Company! The good visible trail is partly overgrown with spiky bushes and contains a lot of altitude. We have been rewarded with stunning views on the Lago General Carrera and recommend this option anyway. We went up to the Torres with good weather knowing, that some wind and rain have been predicted for the night. It took us many hours to cross the valley (-46,43300, -72,48867) because we mainly followed the “cow-trails” through the forest and wetland (as an alternative to walk up the river). We reached the camp (-46,42178, -72,50672) late and sheltered the spot with rocks against the wind. You are welcome to use our cozy spot free of charge 😉. Took the trail from the Torres down to Cerro Castillo without difficulties.<br /> <br /> We have to say, that this part of the GPT was challenging but absolutely worth the struggle.<br /> <br /> Disfrutas las cosas 🙏<br /> <br /> * '''NoBo, January 2022, 6.5 days, Participants: Janna &amp; Matthias'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: We took the ferry from Chile Chico to Puerto Ibañez (ferry schedule online).There still runs a government-subsidised bus (+56 9 89448847) between Puerto Ibañez and Levicàn on Mondays and Fridays at 8am &amp; 5pm (summer). We decided to spend the afternoon rain relaxing at the pizzeria in Puerto Ibañez and then catch the bus. We called and found out that the bus stop is now in front of the Supermercado Jelvez. The driver let us off at Div 130.4/311 at about 6pm ($1000 per person cash) and we hiked for another hour or so. At bridge 129.3/304 you cannot get water (a kind of gorge), maybe at the marked &quot;Water?&quot; about 15min downstream. We had enough with us and camped sheltered from the wind between the monoculture trees (S 46.377764 W 71.922459).<br /> <br /> Day 2: We continued through / over many gates and past empty houses down to the water. Attention if NoBo: at gate 122.6/628 there are two gates - the GPT splits behind the left one, so take that one. The first water before the lake and two good camps at the lake are marked. The path along Lago Carrera was easy to find, sandy and rough in places but we could follow old riders' tracks. We really enjoyed the fantastic view over the lake and had a tábano-free time thanks to the strong wind. About 2 km before Campo Chico (S 46.478295 W 72.086034) we found a west wind-protected and very nice camping spot.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Further camping possibilities would be as already described on wikiexplora at Campo Chico and at Puerto Avellano. Along the lake there are streams/rivers for drinking water every 1-2h. There is a wild apple tree on the trail here: S 46.487073 W 72.102247 in case you come by at the right time of year. After Puerto Avellano there is about 15km of a former mine road that is easy to follow. We had a wonderful view of the mountains the whole day. The first two Fords are easy to pass with little water. Water sources again every 1-2h. Our camp 3 was here: S 46.457910 W 72.299412 - beautiful, next to the water, sheltered from the wind.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Ford-day - in total we forded rivers more than 20 times, all of them were easy to knee deep except Río Avellano at 81.2/490 which reached almost to our hips and required a lot of effort. We met and chatted with settler Maria who was on her way to have some work done. At Div/Ford 69.7/634 the mountain peaks remained hidden in the clouds and the weather forecast was not so sparkling why we opted for the bypass (option 2) which is also very nice to walk with imposing mountain massifs on both sides, enchanted fairytale forests, a waterfall and easy-to-find cow tracks. Only the large swamp around S 46.386387 W 72.422623 was very unpleasant and foul-smelling, about shin deep. It may be worth looking for a path along the water there. Camp 4: S 46.371434 W 72.432519, quiet and nice under curious observation of two horses on the other side of the river.<br /> <br /> Day5: At Div 54.5/841 we checked the weather again but as it still looked bad and everything in the valley further up was already in fog we finally decided against the Torres. At this Div there was an unmarked Ford when coming from option 2. If NoBo hiking directly after this Div take the path higher up the hill and not the marked route directly along the water, because the latter is slipped and to climb. At Puesto 53.0/946 (if NoBo) do not go through the gate but continue on the east side. A Horse Trail runs along the eastern edge of Mallin Grande. Our Camp 5 was here: S 46.281253 W 72.436128.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Continued on the gravel road, passing many settlers and pastures. The Estero Alto flows much lower than the road, there is water at Bridge 25.7/454 and otherwise only at the lakes. There is a fence almost everywhere to the left and right of the road. To get to Camp 16.9+0.3/598 you have to climb over a locked gate (S 46.178222 W 72.312583). The two buildings in the pasture are a ruin (S 46.182635 W 72.311414) and a stable (S 46.183119 W 72.310509).<br /> <br /> Day 7: Continued along the gravel road we almost missed Div 5.5/554 where a sandy path continues. The path is blocked by a wire fence at S 46.143124 W 72.184071 but a little further to the right you can slip through. No problems to get to Villa Cerro Castillo<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> * '''February 2021 from Bahía Murta to Torres del Avellano to Carretera Austral / Northbound, 5 days. Valle Resfalín/Resfalón (Option 8) + Mirador Torres del Avellano + Regular Hike + Escape to Carretera Austral (Option 3B) + Hitchhiking to Villa Cerro Castillo'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: Bahia Murta to Camp #5 (Camp ? @33H-08-#005) / 11.5 km / 6 hours<br /> <br /> The hike started at Bahía Murta, on a steep hillside. We used the GPS tracks to find the path, and from there on it’s pretty easy to follow the path (when in doubt, we checked the GPS). It’s a very nice hike, and at the end of the day it’s necessary to cross the river. We both had trekking sandals, which came in handy every time we had to cross a river. Just after the river there is a camp option. We found a nice spot on the other side of the wooden fence, but there are many more options up the small hill. It was a perfect place for sleeping, with the soothing sound of the river.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Camp #5 (Camp ? @33H-08-#005) to Regular Route at Mallín Quemado (Camp ? @33H-08-#010) / 11.7 km / 8 hours<br /> <br /> This was one of the longest days for us, mainly because we underestimated how much time it takes to walk through a path that’s been reclaimed by nature. The day started with a steep uphill, where we lost the path for a while and then had to check the GPS to find it again. There are streams on the way where it’s possible to refill the water bottles. About a third way in, at (-46.38537, -72.55201), the path collapsed, probably washed out by the river. We took a look around and decided it was way safer to cross the river than to continue on the collapsed path (it was late February, so the river was not so full). We crossed to the other side, and 100m ahead crossed back. This is definitively the trickiest part of the day (although a bit farther ahead we found ourselves in the middle of a caterpillar forest...not really pleasant). Just after the crossing the are two camp sites (Camp ? @33H-08-#008 and Camp ? @33H-08-#009), but we would recommend keep going as the second part of the day is definitively easier than the first. Farther ahead we found two more camp site options: at (-46.36768, -72.53116) on this side of the river and at (-46.36722, -72.53088) on the other side of the river. We considered sleeping there, because we were exhausted, but in the end we decided to keep going as we still had some hours of daylight left. This was the right choice, because that way we could sleep at Mallín Quemado and then the next day do the day trip to Torres del Avellano. Mallín Quemado is the name the locals use for the big forest area that was “burned” by the ashes of Volcan Hudson. It’s near (Puesto @33H-53.0) and it’s a perfect place for sleeping. We decided to boil the water from the small stream, because there were some cattle grazing around.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Camp #10 (Camp ? @33H-08-#010) to Mirador Laguna y Torres del Avellano and back to Camp #10 / 7.1 km (each way) / 3 hours (each way)<br /> <br /> We started early and with a lot of motivation to go and see the Torres del Avellano. Sadly the day was a bit cloudy, but nonetheless it was totally worth it: the views from up there are breathtaking! A lot of glaciers and superstreams with the purest water you can ask for. When we arrived back at the camp, we met the first person in 3 days: Francisco, a teacher from Puerto Aysen. He came up the other way, from Villa Cerro Castillo, and was planning on going to Torres del Avellano on the next day, and then head back to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> Day 4: Camp #10 (Camp ? @33H-08-#010) to Camp at (-46.26244, -72.35118) / 21.6 km / 8 hours<br /> <br /> Another long day, but without any difficult parts. This section of the hike is way more popular than Valle Resfalín/Resfalón, so the path is way easier to follow. The first section, until the car road, is really beautiful. We even saw some (semi) wild horses! We knew that once the car road started there wouldn’t be so many camp site options, so we kept our eyes open. The car road goes through a narrow valley, and then comes a steep down hill. At the bottom of the hill, on the left side, there is a small meadow, where it’s possible to pitch a tent (-46.26244, 72.35118). Water is available 100m down a steep hill.<br /> <br /> Day 5: Camp at (-46.26244, -72.35118) to Carretera Austral / 14.8 km / 4 hours<br /> <br /> Following the main car road to Carretera Austral it’s impossible to get lost. We didn’t find any stream on the way, but in case of needing water there are many houses. Just be sure to ask nicely :) Once on the Carretera Austral we hitchhiked to Villa Cerro Castillo. We only had to wait for 30 minutes to get a ride, and considering that we did this during covid times...not too bad. We also had the backup plan of Francisco, who would be driving to Villa Cerro Castillo later that day. Funny enough, we ran into Francisco by chance in Villa Cerro Castillo and he invited us to an ice cream. It was a nice way of ending the trip.<br /> <br /> We are extremely grateful to Jan and all the people from wikiexplora for making this adventure possible!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> *'''Section 33: RR(New!) from Ibáñez. Exit via Option 8 to Bahía Murta.'''<br /> Westbound. 11 days. Party (3): Mum, Sis and I.<br /> <br /> Ibáñez y Península Levican: Continuing our extended stay in Chile we caught a government subsidised bus from Cerró Castillo to Ibáñez where we learnt after a somewhat lengthy process: talking to the ticket office, boat personnel and then the carabineros (an officer and then his jefe!), everyone passing the buck; that without a certificado de salud (not available in town, and only online) we couldn't board the vessel. The upside was that the Naviera Austral had fantastic baños (yes! they were open!) and the cleaning lady let us have a quick body wash and even do a little laundry before she had to close up. There was also limited WiFi connectivity (only WhatsApp would work) and powerpoints where we could charge our things. It also happens that we bumped into a Zulema Amoroz who was born in Fachinal, most likely a relative of Carloz Amoros who offers the boat service from Fachinal across the lake (we contacted him but no boats were allowed on the lake). If you hang around near where the ferry docks you might find her selling coffee and alfajores.<br /> <br /> We quickly decided to walk the new Section 33 Jan recently published, but end in Bahía Murta instead (i.e. explore option 8). Some effort was exhausted trying to organise a lift out to Península Levican. We did find someone for $30k, (it seemed a little steep but that's roughly what to expect), but it wouldn't be till the following day and we needed to get out of town to spend the night. We stocked up on food and started out on foot on the old RR (now Option 1) camping before we reached Río Ibáñez.<br /> <br /> I had a little concern about water on the way to Levican, but there are two or three good streams along the way: (-46.31022, -71.97272) (-46.32470, -71.96457) (-46.34091, -71.94069)<br /> <br /> In Puerto Ray a lady (also named Zulema!) warmed up to us and let us camp in her fruit orchard. In the morning we bought some eggs and 'bread' from them. Her husband was tanning a chivo hide; he had such a jolly step!<br /> <br /> Along Lago General Carrera: We went back to the junction (Div Levican @33H-131.4) where a good emergency shelter exists. The road is still very clear from here, but don't expect any traffic. I think it was a rare sight that we saw an old Mercedes truck full of wood lumbering (pun intended ;) out. The rd deviates a little from the track files maybe due to the pine plantations. There are many new rds., so take care you don't go the wrong way. Taking the RR you will pass through a locked gate (-46.38234, -71.96692), after this keep an eye out for a gate on the left. It's not in the track files and we didn't look for it, so maybe it's not there. The issue we had was that the road continues up the hill, deviating from the RR around (-46.38448, -71.97642). Here you should already be on the small road on the other side of the fence (someone traveling towards Levican/Ibáñez will find this easier to scope I imagine). Though it's not recommended to cross fences, we carefully crossed instead of heading back. A very minor Rd continues down to a dilapidated puesto and a couple of portóns. The road didn't seem to continue as indicated in the track files... but I wasn't following my gps. We CCed across a field until we encountered another road that led back to the RR.<br /> <br /> You will finally encounter your first reliable water source since Levican (-46.40196, -71.97831), especially if you are heading towards Ibáñez, make sure you fill up here!<br /> <br /> The two camps in the track files at km117 and km114 were the best we saw. The next obvious choice would be around Campo Chico I think, quite a bit further along. Plenty of water along the lake and we had plenty of apples seeing we were walking so late in the walking season. Amazing autumn colours! The track is also in good shape, someone had very recently 'cleaned' the way! The refugio at Los Álamos was a very welcome sight, a great place to spend a night (it's there because of the high winds possible on the lake). The nearby settler was resonably friendly and his dog Puestero even more so! He told us that it was him who 'cleaned' the track along Lago General. It made our walking so much easier! Thanks Armando!<br /> <br /> Valle Avellano y Ventisquiero: The old mining road through Valle Avellano was easy to follow. The road actually continues significantly further than indicated in the track files. Taking Variation F to avoid extra crossings of the river we found the road ended about here: (-46.45730, -72.30207). There is an unmarked ford here: (-46.46107, -72.24636)<br /> <br /> We took Variation D and just caught Maria and Julio before they headed out with their kids on a horse ride. We bought some bread from them. They called it a tortilla, but I think my Mexican friends would strongly argue the point ;)<br /> <br /> Easy walking up into Valle Ventisquiero. Read Jan's track notes. They are quite thorough. The trail to remeet Río Avellano is a little unused (also as mentioned in his write up), but easy to follow. Some good camping before the river. We met some gouchos using the puesto, they were not overly friendly; I think a little scared because of the virus. They pointed out a nearby shelter we could use made from a very old technique using U-shaped logs (I met a carpenter in Murta who told me a little about it).<br /> <br /> Option 8: Valle Resbalín/Resfalón(?): It was snowing in the morning. We decided to take Option 8 to Bahía Murta. This meant less road walking and involved a part marked as 'I' (investigation) which would be nice to document. It appears that this route down Valle Resbalín (or &quot;Resfalón&quot; as some locals in Murta told me it was named... anyone know?) is no longer used; quite overgrown, vague and in places difficult to detect at all. Sometimes all we could see was the occasional chainsawed log; and in some chutes: machete marks. Water was plentiful. There was a very old but partially functional puesto en route.<br /> <br /> There is a junction ('div') here: (-46.37495, -72.53695). The trail heading up the side valley actually looked quite distinct. I'm not sure what it's name is, or what's up there, but the water was a nice glacier blue and it had a higher flow than the 'main' named river.<br /> <br /> The only tricky spot to find the track was where it was washed away by the river, about here: (-46.38527, -72.55201). I cut steps in the bank, crossed, and dropped a rope down for the others. It would be much safer to walk in the river. We explored options to bypass via skirting around in the bosque, but they didn't seem practical. The nearby camp site marked in the track files (Camp ? @33H-08-#008) is not really good. Better to camp 200m upstream If camping around here. We camped at the confluence with Estero Sur, which is the best spot to camp we saw in the entire valley. From this point down the valley, the track is in use: plenty of fresh signs of cattle (maybe they graze in the side valleys?). Ford Estero Sur (-46.39815, -72.58224) and follow the track down the valley with ease. There is camping at (Camp ? @33H-08-#004) but better 300m down the valley near a corral. 50m down valley of (Camp ? @33H-08-#002) camping is possible next to the vague ruins of an old puesto. Further down the valley are several grassy areas good for camping, the most obvious is here (-46.43778, -72.65597) in the vicinity of the old puesto. The track (as opposed to Rd) continues much further than indicated in the track files. The road only starts about here (-46.44697, -72.66655) once you are nearly in Murta. We rested a full day in Murta and I happened to run into Felepé who we'd meet before the trip in Cerró Castillo. Loco!<br /> <br /> Thanks Jan for making this trip possible, Tobias Hellwig for recommending the reroute, and all the people on wikiexplora who explored and documented the tracks.<br /> <br /> If anyone has any information on the history of Valle Resbalín/Resfalón(?), the mining prospectors in Valle Avellano, or the settlers that abandoned the coast of Lago General Carrera, I'd love to read a bit.<br /> <br /> I hope this helps someone. Thanks!<br /> <br /> Oh! and we're back in Cochrane now and planning to be in Coyhaique in a week or so. Cheers.<br /> <br /> * '''BE AWARE THAT THE BELOW LOGS refer to Option 1 and not to the new Regular Route:'''<br /> Until 2019 the Regular Route followed the Sendero de Chile in the vicinity of Rio Ibañez what is now Option 1. Tobias Hellwig suggested to reroute the GPT via the Torres de Avellano to incorporate this hidden treasure. This proposed new route was investigated and documented in February 2020 by the founders of the GPT. By this time multiple segments of this new route were already published on Wikiexplora by other authors. Only the route from Kilometer 62.2 to 69.9 remained undocumented and had to be researched and ground-proved.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''10 Mar 2020 / RH SOBO / Ty / 1 day'''<br /> <br /> Super easy in general. I was able to get a hitch for like the last 10 kilometers. There’s a lot of different trail you can wander off on at the start of the sendero de Chile, so just be aware of your navigation at the start. The only good easily accessible water I found was between the two lakes before the intersection where you start walking the road. The ferry to Chile Chico leaves around 8 and takes a couple hours. Otherwise the next ferry leaves at 11 am....but make sure to confirm these times yourself. When arriving in Chile Chico, I climbed up to the viewpoint/mirador close to the ferry landing and found a place protected on the wind and slept on the ground. There is also an abandoned house marked in I-overlander that has an area in a room big enough for a 2 person tent. It’s on your right just before the climb up to the mirador.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan 2020 / RH Northbound / Matthieu / 2 days'''<br /> <br /> No technical difficulties on this part. However, I was stopped, when the GPT leave the road to go between the two lakes, by a sign : área protegida, ingreso no permitido. For me, it was cristal clear, so I just continued the road, disappointed. I spoke to one of the settler not far, who told me that it was only for cars and it s ok for walkers, and that it is part of the &quot;Sendero de Chile&quot;. So the way seems open finally. Anyway, there is another little path just before the lago Ardillas that goes north, and join the GPS tracks above the Valley Ibanez. Well maintained, in the hills, lots of cows, good experience.<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Jan/ Olrik / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> From Ibanez you walk on a dirt road to the entrance of a Reserva Natural. You are on the Sendero de Chile so it is well marked. In the reserva the trail is easy to follow and there was no one. You end up in Cerro Castillo. We did it in 2.5 days but could be done in 1 day if beginning early.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-28/ Lea Geibel/ 1 day / Northbound / Regular Hiking Route (Puerto Ibañez to Villa Cerro Castillo)'''<br /> <br /> After arriving with the ferry at 10.30 a.m., the section can be hiked in one day (around 8 hours of walking). Most of the section is on a dirt road with very little traffic. The part that is following a trail is marked with posts with red / white rings on them. Occasionally the trail is not very visible but numerous animals tracks are usually heading in the right direction before eventually meeting up with a trail marker again.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *2025 / Michael &amp; Kasia: <br /> If entering or exiting via Opt 8 or Opt 4, Bahía Murta (Puerto Murta) has several places that rent cabañas or camping space. There are at least 5 shops in town. The two largest both had tall skinny gas recharge canisters (Minimercado Gemaniar 3.000, Minimercado Estribo 4.000), but no screw type for backpacking stoves. Minimarket Gemaniar across from the tourist information office had generally the best prices and a good selection. The panadería across from the plaza had good pan amasado.<br /> <br /> *Section GPT33H starts in Villa Cerro Castillo and terminates in Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez (Resupply information see GPT34H). Hikers that continue southbound may also resupply in Chile Chico after the ferry crossing of Lago General Carrera (Resupply information see GPT35).<br /> <br /> *Several shops sell food and camping gas canisters.<br /> <br /> *Restaurants offer filling meals. <br /> <br /> *Accommodation is provided by hostels, cabañas and camp sites in these towns.<br /> <br /> *Hikers that walk GPT33H and its adjacent sections with continuous footsteps can resupply in Cerro Castillo, Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez and Chile Chico and do not need to leave the route to resupply.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *There is no plannable resupply along the entire Regular Route but some food may be obtained at the two homestead farms on the route.<br /> <br /> [Settler (Maria &amp; Julio) @33H-76.9]: Maria and Julio are one of the few settlers that still make cheese for sale in such a remote location. If you are short on foot you might also ask if they may sell some bread, milk or meat.<br /> <br /> [Settler (Luis Diaz) @33H-85.2]: Luis : When passing his home consider a visit. You may also ask if he has bread or meat to sell.<br /> <br /> [Puesto @33H-98.5]: The puesto 250 m north of Puerto Avellano is rarely occupied by their owners but the fruit trees might provide some well desired vitamins in summer and early autumn.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2025 / MiaimZelt<br /> Subsidized bus between Puerto Ibañez and Levican every Monday &amp; Friday: Ibañez/levican 8:15 &amp; 17:00, Levican/ibañez 9:00 &amp; 18:00. <br /> Transportes Freddy Morales (+56 9 9506 2906)<br /> <br /> *2023 / Maks&amp;Gabi <br /> We hitchhiked from km 136 near Levican to Puerto Ibanez. During the weekend there is only one ferry a day (Saturday morning and Sunday evening).<br /> <br /> *2023 / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé :<br /> Here, at the lake. There is mobile coverage and so we contacted numerus given on the PDF on WhatsApp to find a boat to bring us back to civilisation. I let you the contact of Jairo, that can bring you back to Puerto Tranquilo... for 400.000 CLP.. Jairo : +56 9 6633 9507 <br /> <br /> *Most buses to Villa Cerro Castillo leave Coyhaique in the morning around 08:00 and pass Villa Cerro Castillo approximately 1:30 hours later. In the opposite direction buses pass Cerro Castillo in the early afternoon. <br /> <br /> *Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez has regular public transportation to Coyhaique (1:45 hour by bus) and Chile Chico (2:15 hour by ferry). The ferry over Lago General Carrera that connects Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez with Chile Chico does two round trips each day, one in the morning and one the evening. Buses to and from Coyhaique operate synchronized to these ferries. <br /> Best Call Buses Alejandro: +56 9 7652 9546<br /> <br /> *Subsidized bus from Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez to Levicán: Monday and Friday, Approx. 1’000 CLP Morning round trip: Leaving Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez at 08:00, arriving in Levican around 09:00 and returning immediately to Ibañez around 09:00 and arriving at Ibanez around 10:00. Evening round trip: Leaving Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez at 17:00, arriving in Levican around 18:00 and returning to Ibañez at 18:00 arriving at Ibanez at 19:00.<br /> <br /> *Private transport from Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez to Levicán: Anytime, Approx. 35´000 CLP<br /> Try to call Luis: +56 9 8648 4075<br /> <br /> *Combining GPT35 with GPT33H<br /> <br /> Northbound hikers may consider connecting GPT35 directly with GPT33H by exiting Parque Patagonia towards Fachinal and crossing Lago General Carrera by motorboat from Fachinal to the Desembocadura Rio Avellano. Here Lago General Carrera is only 3.5 km wide and a motorboat crossing does not take more than 20 minutes. Unfortunately, in summer this requires some patience as the normally strong wind often impedes this. In the morning or the evening the wind occasionally calms down but rarely during the day.<br /> <br /> Carlos Amoroz, a settler in Fachinal owns a motorboat and offers this service on request. Pascual Diaz, a tour operator from Mallin Grande, can also provide this service but he must first haul his motorboat the 42 km on trailer from Mallin Grande to Fachinal what makes his service substantially more expensive.<br /> <br /> Settler with motorboat in Fachinal (Location: -46.5568°S / -72.2120°W) Name: Carlos Amoroz Mobile: +56-9-76267029 Price: Approx. 30’000 CLP for 2 persons<br /> <br /> Tour operator with motorboat in Mallin Grande Name: Pascual Diaz (Company: “Kalem Patagonia”) Mobile: +56-9-7391 7881 Price: Presumably more expensive and advance notice required<br /> <br /> This section combination of GPT35 with GPT33H seems more practical in northbound direction as hikers can first talk directly to the settler with the motorboat in Fachinal, resupply in Chile Chico (by taking a motorized transport from Fachinal to Chile Chico and back) and then cross Lago General Carrera with a refilled backpack. While waiting for the wind to calm down hikers can pitch their tent at a nice wind protected camp site on the shore of Lago General Carrera.<br /> <br /> Thanks to the reasonably good mobile phone coverage in Fachinal hikers can check the weather and wind forecast and call the settler with the motorboat when approaching Fachinal. This permits hikers to anticipate or discard a motorboat crossing on arrival.<br /> <br /> Hikers that attempt a more complicated southbound crossing of Lago General Carrera should make arrangements with the settler with the motorboat at least one or two weeks before arriving at Puerto Avellano, test communication devices (i.e. InReach to mobile phone), agree on the precise pick-up location (Puerto Avellano or Desembocadura Rio Avellano) and carry enough food to wait some time in Puerto Avellano. Hikers should be prepared that the wind may not calm down while waiting several days in Puerto Avellano. In this case the motorboat transfer should canceled, and the hiker should walk out to Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez before the food reserves deplete. There is mobile phone coverage at Puerto Avellano (entel if I recall correctly).<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *To my knowledge paddling on Lago General Carrera requires a permit from the Armada de Chile but complying with all requirements might not be possible even for a well equipped packrafter (i.e. distress signal rockets).<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT33H - Puerto Ibañez]]<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT33H - Torres del Avellano]]<br /> <br /> For additional information see the Wikiexplora Articles:<br /> <br /> [[Península de Levican - El Avellano]]<br /> <br /> [[Torres del Avellano]]<br /> <br /> [[Laguna La Plaza]]<br /> <br /> For more information see the Wikiexplora Article:<br /> <br /> [[Puerto Cristal]]<br /> <br /> For more information see the Wikiexplora Articles:<br /> <br /> [[Valle Miller]]<br /> <br /> [[Estero Jaramillo]]<br /> <br /> A part of this route is described in the Wikiexplora Article:<br /> <br /> [[Mirador Este de las Torres de Avellano]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT32_(Cerro_Castillo)&diff=120324 2025-02-19T19:28:33Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-13 &gt; 15 / 2 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT31&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT32+GPT33<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : pierriers, bush-bashing<br /> <br /> Les 15 premiers km sont à l'image du GPT31. La vue est sympa mais la gravel road est ennuyeuse. J'ai marché 6 km puis on m'a emmené au lac La Paloma. Vraiment magnifique et populaire. Ensuite j'ai repris ma rando en revenant au km 15,5. Il y a un ford dès la sortie de la gravel road. La montée se fait bien, quelques clôtures à franchir mais la plupart ont été cassées par des randonneurs pour faciliter le passage. Il y a un ford au km 23,2, puis j'ai campé au km 23,6. Je suis allé au point de vue de la 32-C, ça vaut le détours. Il y a pas mal de cairns sur le sentier et on voit qu'il était très fréquenté par le passé. Mais ce n'est plus le cas et certains passages sont difficile. D'ailleurs le point le plus difficile est mal placé sur la trace GPS, la partie escalade se trouve au point 45.938328° S 72.086493° W. Au km 34, après le petit torrent, le sentier est envahi et j'ai beaucoup utilisé ma machette. J'ai perdu une guêtre dans la bataille. Après le km 35 le sentier est plutot dégagé. Au km 39 on rejoins les sentiers du parc et ils sont plutôt bien entretenus et très utilisés. Attention les camps aux km 48 et 50,5 sont fermés temporairement et deplacés au km 49. En passant devant le péage à la sortie du parc, j'ai dit que je venais de Lago La Paloma et ils m'ont laissé passer. J'ai essayé le stop sur les 6 km de gravel road mais sans succès.<br /> <br /> &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-02-16 to 2025-02-19 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / optie 2, RR, option E, 3, nameless laguna / Thijmen Scholten'''&lt;/span<br /> <br /> * Hitchhiking to las Horquitsas took longer than expected (4 hours) <br /> * I arrived at 15.30 and I was still allowed to enter. But you have to register otherwise the guard will run behind you (happened to me). <br /> * At least 3 fjords on option 2 so sandals or something would be nice. I decided to get my trail runners wet but regretted it next cold morning putting on wet cold shoes and socks. <br /> * The side trip to the lagunas are very beautiful go there! (leave your backpack down,) <br /> * If you walk long days it's not busy in the park all the people gather at the camping sites and stop hiking at 15.00. <br /> * Water: Easy everywhere except from Laguna Castillo to camp las porteadores has no water (3 hours walk).<br /> * Camping: at official sites or if you like a camp with more scenery you can camp at Laguna Peñon and Laguna Castillo. <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-31 to 2025-Feb-02 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / option 2p, Var f., RR / Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> <br /> We took the bus from Coyhaique at 9:00. It took about 1.5 hours, cost 10,000 clp each.<br /> The trail from Los Horquetas was well maintained. There were a few small fords along the way.<br /> Camped at Rio Tirbio with 10 more people.<br /> We left our bags and went to Laguna peñon and back, about 2 hours detour. The trail to the lake is marked well. The Laguna was quiet small and had milky color from the melting glacier. <br /> <br /> 2nd day:<br /> The accent to the pass and the descent were pleasant. A little after the pass a lot of little waterfalls from melting glacier- very beautiful!<br /> We took a detour to the unnamed Laguna using Lilian's directions.<br /> The CC to the lake is not marked but it wasn't hard to get there. Took us about half an hour to the lake. The laguna Had a tourquize color with brown on the outside to it. <br /> <br /> We camped at El Bosque with tons of other tourists but there was room for everybody, and it was quite.<br /> We left our bags and climbed to the unnamed lake. The trail was marked well. It took us about one hour up. The lake was larger then the last two. We heard cracking and falling sound on the way ( maybe falling glacier?)The weather was bad and we were wet and cold, so we hurried back down.<br /> <br /> 3rd day:<br /> After a rainy night we started a rainy day.<br /> There were glimpses of sun and we had a chance to see the fresh snow covered mountains around.<br /> We decided not to climb to the pass because of the weather and took var f.<br /> We didn't regret it because it started snowing and the wind was crazy.<br /> On the way down we met a worried ranger who was going up to stop people from climbing the pass.<br /> At ( -46.08730, -72.17282) we split from the gpx and walked down on a well maintained CONAF trail.<br /> At (-46.067656,-072.119996) there's a CONAF cabin and we had to pay 28,000 clp each.<br /> We hitchhiked the MR to the main road. There were a lot of tourists on this trail and it went pretty fast.<br /> <br /> Took a bus back to coyhaique at 16:30.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-13 to 2024-Jan-16 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH02, var D, RR, variant E. RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus from Coyhaique to Las Horquetas in the morning to hike in on option 2, very easy.<br /> <br /> Camped at Rio Turbio camp, saw a mouse here so hung our food.<br /> <br /> Took variant E to Laguna Peñon route is marked with cairns. very quick and easy so worth the trip.<br /> <br /> Pass 43.9km still has snow but is easily manageable.<br /> <br /> Camped at El Bosque and took a side trip up to the unnamed Laguna above it. Really nice would definitely recommend it. The route isn't on the track files but is on OSM and is marked with cairns.<br /> <br /> Pass 53.5km - no snow. Crazy windy for us.<br /> <br /> Camp 56.6km - Camping Los Porteadores - busiest so far seems to get overnight hikers from Villa Cerro Castillo. Saw a mouse here too.<br /> <br /> Took option 3 to Laguna Duff which is very beautiful. Met a ranger at the laguna who asked where we were camping.<br /> <br /> Followed RR out, didn't see anyway to pay. Got a hitch to Villa Cerro Castillo. Camped at Nordic Patagonia for 9k <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025 Jan 2nd to Jan 4th / 2.5 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 2 &amp; 3, RR, Var E / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> A very scenic route with good maintained trails and lots of watersources. All Campings are really nice: lots of flat spaces, sheltered from the wind, toilet, benches and access to water.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus at 8 from Coyhaique to Las Horquetas. The trail from Las Horquetas is open again. Everybody has to register at the ranger kiosk. Really easy trail until Camp before the pass. Var E is beautiful and mostly hiking on a big field of rocks, marked with cairns. At pass Peñon there was still snow, but doable without microspikes. The way down is very steep. Slept at Camp El Bosque. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Can really recommend to hike up to the nameless Laguna above El Bosque. Extremely scenic lake! Also Laguna Castillo is a real gem. Stretch of big boulders above the lake, up to the pass it gets easier. Was very warm up there and had no wind. Bring water from the lake, there is none until you reach the next Camp. Way down from the Pass is very steep with lots of scree. Hiked to Camp Neozelandes, pitched my tent and did a detour to the scenic Laguna Duff. On the way up i met a lady from the Conaf, asking where i want to sleep. Inside the NP you have to use the campgrounds.<br /> <br /> Day 3: All the way down is very easy. Had to pay 28000 pesos for 3 days, price for chileans is only a little bit cheaper. Payment possible with card or cash. At -46.115013, -72.200497 there is an open gate with a sign &quot;Bienvenido a Sendero Laguna Castillo&quot;. It's in OSM, but not part of the GPT-Tracks.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024 Dec 13th to Dec 17th / 5 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 2, RR, Var E, Var F, Var G / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: A really beautiful section with amazing views. The park is open but Las Horquetas remains closed, though many people are hiking it anyway. If not going over the final pass, Var F can be used to exit without paying though it possibly involves trespassing.<br /> <br /> CAMPS:<br /> <br /> Night 1: -46.00817, -72.10413 Camping Río Turbio (official campground, easy water access, good wind protection, nice views, can have a lot of people there) <br /> <br /> Night 2: same as Night 1<br /> <br /> Night 3: -46.06419, -72.16915 Camping El Bosque (official campground, easy water access, good wind protection, fewer spots than first camp site, very few are really flat)<br /> <br /> Night 4: -46.07194, -72.18416 Camping La Tetera (technically closed campground, water access is a little way away, no really flat spots, poor wind protection, excellent views)<br /> <br /> WATER: <br /> Water was generally easy to find.<br /> <br /> Day 01 - Dec 13th<br /> <br /> We left Coyhaique around 10:30. There are buses that go that route, but we decided to hitch instead. We entered through the Opt 2 Las Horquetas route. It took us three hitches to get to the trailhead. The trailhead has a big sign that says the route is closed. I don't know if they plan to open it this season or not. At the very beginning there is an estero. There is a bridge to cross it, a little old but stable. Shortly after there is a park ranger kiosk, but it was unoccupied. Overall the trail is in good condition, easy to follow, but sometimes muddy. Beautiful views along the way. We were fortunate and had excellent weather. There are several unmarked fords in the first 16 km along Opt 2, all were easy, knee high at most. Water was generally easy to find. At the Rio Turbio campground there were around 25 other people there.<br /> <br /> Day 02 - Dec 14th<br /> <br /> We took Var E up to Laguna Glacier Peñón. It was a great side trip. The laguna is turquoise and the mountains surrounding it are very impressive. There were still snow fields on the way to the end of the track, so we didn't go all the way, but we got past the lake and to the other side. We saw two small avalanches while we were there. We also found a bird feather, we think from a condor, that was as long as my entire arm. We really enjoyed this side trip and recommend it. Water shoes could be helpful. We didn't have ours and it was possible without, but would have been easier and faster if we had had them. Important note, the whole route is essentially a field of small boulders. It does not require any scrambling, but it is slow going compared to the trail. We did this as an out-and-back and then returned to the Rio Turbio campground for a second night. One couple came around 22:00, but otherwise no one was there.<br /> <br /> Day 03 - Dec 15th<br /> <br /> We left camp around 10:00. We were ready for the Pass 43.9 and thought with only 10 km to go until Camping El Bosque we would be in camp early, but we were surprised at how challenging the day was. The first few kilometers up to the pass went fairly quickly. There was still snow on the pass, but it was at that stage where it is getting thin and you can't tell where you might fall through, so it was slow going checking our footing. The weather was great, full sun and warm, very little wind. Getting to the pass was slow but not too difficult. We stopped at the mirador for lunch and to watch the dozens of waterfalls cascade down the mountain. The descent was more challenging. It is very steep, and there was lots of scree on the way down. In one section CONAF installed a series of ropes bolted into the rocks to hold on to. Once at the bottom there was a boulder field and then a very nice forest. Amazing views of the mountains and glaciers. Camp 48.0 is a decommissioned camping area under recuperation. Camping El Bosque is at km 49.0. At Camping El Bosque there were two other couples there that night.<br /> <br /> Day 04 - Dec 16th<br /> <br /> From Camping El Bosque we took a side route up to see a lake. On Google Maps it is called Laguna Raimundo Vargas. It is not an optional on GPT, but it is visible on OSM. The lake is not visible on OSM, but it is on satellite, which is surprising because based on measurements using Gaia, it appears to be almost twice as big as Laguna Duff. The route up is marked by carens, but it is essentially CC across talus, about 1.3 km one way. The lake and the mountains are stunning. There were lots of ice floes on the lake. We sat for about 2 hours listening to the ice crack and watching avalanches fall. We highly recommend this detour if you have the time. Going in the evening might give a nicer light. We had lunch at Camping El Bosque and then hiked as far as Camping La Tetera, which is technically closed, and camped there for the night. Three other groups passed through and two other groups camped near us at La Tetera. It rained a bit in the evening.<br /> <br /> Day 05 - Dec 17th<br /> <br /> We got up very early with the plan to cross the last pass before the wind picked up. We headed up to the lookout over Laguna Castillo. About 300m of the ascent are a rock scramble which is challenging with a heavy backpack. At points we needed both hands to navigate the rocks. We were feeling exhausted from the previous days and decided not to attempt the final pass. There was no snow remaining on the final pass that we could see. We spent a few hours at the top. Lots and lots of other hikers were coming up or going through. The main trail down is very steep and had lots of loose rock on it. With heavy backpacks it was a challenge and really hard on the knees. It also took much longer than we anticipated. About two km down from the top CONAF had a tent stationed. Three guardaparques are camped there to check tickets on the way up and to radio down when people are leaving. They asked for our names. When we said we came from Las Horquetas they just said okay.<br /> We took Var F and Var G to exit the park. Var F is clearly visible from above as you descend the main trail. The route is actually in excellent condition and is very easy to follow, however in the rain we suspect it would be very muddy. We opted to take Var G which breaks off of Var F and then rejoins it later. It goes through forest and woodland, very pretty and potentially campable in places. There were also a few places where we found water. About 2.8 km into Var F there is a sign facing downhill that says No Accesso CONAF. About 1.3 km before the road there was a gate we had to jump. 300m before the final gate we descended a hill and there were a couple buildings there. One was a baño for what looked like paid camp sites (there were picnic tables around) and one was probably a rental cabaña. We passed through two more gates that were open. At the road, the final gate was secured with a chain, but it was easy to open. On the fence outside the gate and on a second gate that was padlocked shut were two signs saying in English and Spanish “No Trespassing, Private Property”. There was also a small kiosk that looked like it could have been a ticket booth just outside the gate, but no one was in it. It is unclear if the no trespassing signs referred to the property we passed through or to a neighboring property. We didn't see anyone so we didn't have any issues, but it's something to be aware of if you leave along this route. Due to the clear no trespassing signs, the no access sign as you enter the park and the park guards near the top, I would only recommend using Var F to exit the park, not to enter it.<br /> <br /> <br /> • * '''2024-Dec-05 to 2024-Dec-06 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / MR + Opt.N + Opt.M + Opt.01/ Julien'''<br /> <br /> Start on main road very well for entry exit private fields.<br /> Same for option N and M.<br /> I had to take option 01 because I had bad weather... Option 01 is announced in TL but I think it would be better to validate it in TL+BB because I had BB on 6km with no path and many trees still on the path that I had to go around.<br /> Also watch out for the Rio Blanco, where the final crossing is still mandatory, the current was quite strong despite being in December.<br /> For the climb to Cerro Castillo from Villa Cerro Castillo I asked locals people, the passage by option F would no longer be possible because the owner of the field through which we could pass would have closed his ground to visitors. So I went through the main entrance (18000 pesos) with checkpoint entrance and when you go out, you will have my layout on the next edition of the GPT I think.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-30 to 2024-Apr-02 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Var M + RR + Var C + Var E/ Maddi and Tom'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: We got the public bus at 8am from Coyhaique to Villa Frei (600CLP) then started walking along the road towards Lago Monreal. Got a short hitch for about 5km, then walking again in light rain. Got a second hitch with a lovely couple who own a property right on Lago Monreal - they even had a key for the locked gate with cameras and drove us right up to the trailhead. As we started hiking up into the mountains the snow started to come down fairly heavily. Sheltered under a rock where some people must camp for lunch and was able to get water from a few sources along here. Stopped snowing so we took Var C, definitely recommend, amazing views over the lakes and would be an awesome spot to camp. Started on the sketchy traverse, problem for us was it was all under about half a metre of fresh snow, on top of a layer of very slippery ice. Luckily we wear hiking boots with deep tread so had fairly good grip even without microspikes. Hiking poles were lifesavers. Issues started with the descriptions of getting around the various gullies - they described using grass to climb up but for us everything was just white!!. Tom had a terrifying slip and slide 5m towards the cliff edge before arresting with his elbow and chin - his hiking poles had chosen this exact section to break so he was doing it without even poles. After this we backed down off the climb over the gully but in the end just had to go for it. I ended up carving steps out of the snow with my hands and packing the snow down so Tom could follow me up, and giving him one of my poles. If the snow hadn’t have been so fresh I think we would have had to turn around. I wish I could say it got better but as we started to head down into the valley we began to hit waist deep snow drifts. We were planning to camp here like others had but the snow was just too deep and we were worried about the cold so we decided to try to get over the pass and down into the forest for cover. Absolute battle wading through the snow, took turns breaking trail. Couldn’t see the river and unfortunately fell all the way through the snow and got my feet wet. Pass itself fairly easy to get over and then lots of shoe skiing down the other side. Dark fell as we got to the forest edge. Got confused by the GPX as it takes you right to the edge of a massive cliff - not great in the dark. Used other peoples notes and managed to find the trail on the other side of the river then just kept powering on until we found a clear spot on the old disused road at about (-45.98519,-72.10097). Collapsed into bed after a quick dinner at about 10pm - definitely the hardest day we’ve done on the whole GPT. Really wouldn’t recommend doing this section after heavy snow unless you have microspikes and probably an ice axe. Excellent navigation skills also a must due to lack of landmarks in the snow.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Woke up to frozen solid pants and shoes - it had dropped to -8 degrees overnight and was still -4 in the morning. After much smashing of our shoes and socks on rocks so we could put them on, we packed up the tent and headed off towards the tourist track. Passed Segundo camp, no one in sight. Finally thawing out when the sun came out. Took Var E up to the glacier - super long trip on rocky scree, worth going up to the lake but don’t go beyond like we did. Kept going along regular route after detour. Fair bit of snow on the pass, had to be very careful coming down as it was icy and windswept. Saw first glimpses of Cerro Castillo from behind. Camped at the old campsite just before El Bosque - still hadn’t seen anyone on the entire trail.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Did the side trip up to the Laguna behind the El Bosque campsite. Headed up to the main Laguna Castillo and was nearly blown off our feet as we came over the ridge. Hid behind a boulder for lunch while we assessed whether to bail down the mountain or attempt the high pass in the winds. As we ate they seemed to die off slightly so we legged it up the mountain. Awesome views over Villa Cerro Castillo and we could see back to the Torres del Avellano. As we hit the top of the pass the wind started to pick up again. We had to hide behind boulders between gusts and then sprint to the next one to avoid being blown off the mountain. Tricky coming down the pass in the high winds as the scree was pretty loose and very exposed to the wind. Eventually made it down and to Porteadores. Decided to head up to Neozelandés so we could go up to Laguna Duff in the morning. A few people were camped here - first people we had seen on the trail!<br /> <br /> Day 4: Plans to visit Laguna Duff were foiled as we woke up to heavy snow fall. Forecast was for even more snow so cut our losses and headed down. Visibility was terrible but passed several tour groups heading up the trail. Tried to avoid the park rangers but when we thought we were home free a guy in a Ute pulled us up as we were walking along the road towards Villa Cerro Castillo and asked where we were coming from. Took us back to the office and made us pay. Awesome section, snow and wind made it challenging but was great to have it all to ourselves until the last day.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2024-Feb-16 to 2024-Feb-21 / 5.5 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Lauren &amp; Seb'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Day 1: After taking an Uber from Coyhaique to Villa Frei, we combined a couple of hitchhikes to wp X, Settler {31P-01} [0.0+0.3/310] and hiked to wp Lake {32} [33.6/338] to the put-in. We crossed Lago Desierto with good tail wind and camped at wp Lake {32} [38.3/337] which can get gusty on a rainy night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: We started paddling Lago Azul the next morning and very much enjoyed the pristine blue waters. The waves built up increasingly towards the shore so keep an eye out for a calmer landing spot. We then walked through a manicured garden, passing by an impressive private hacienda. The mountain bike tracks in the valley behind the hacienda are easy to walk with great views of Lago Azul and Lago La Paloma. We made camp at wp Camp {32} [52.4/713].<br /> <br /> Day 3: The next day, we were mentally gearing up for the BB section indicated in the files. *Note: We later found out there is no BB, in our opinion, as the actual 4wd track continues all the way until the END of RP-BB-A {32} [55.9+1.2]. After that, there is also no BB- only a 1.5 km walk along the river bank and through swamp land (CC would be a more accurate labelling for this part). We were very grateful for Tom’s advice to keep our fording footwear on after the fording just before the landslide. The swamp was much easier to navigate with our crocs. The rest of the way until the official Cerro Castillo trail is easy 4wd track, sometimes a bit overgrown. We decided to follow towards the southwest at wp GPT32-D, into the short BB and CC. The BB is not really BB, as shrubs are only hip high and easy to navigate. After that we joined the main trail and camped at Segundo Camping. We saw mice running around so it’s definitely advisable to hang your food on a tree if you don’t want these critters chewing through your tent.<br /> <br /> Days 4-6: After 3 days of not seeing anyone, it was a jarring contrast to meet numerous hikers on this popular stretch. Followed the scenic and easy RR until Villa Cerro Castillo, with an overnight stay at Camping Neozelandés to visit Laguna Duff. We exited the NP over a fence by following the RR and caught a hitchhike to town by noon.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-11 to 2024-Feb-14 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Var M + RR + Var C + Opt03 / Matthias'''<br /> Day 1: (El Blanco -) Lago Monreal - valley after the traverse (km 31, 1200m). <br /> Stayed in the camping Las Confluencias (very nice people and place) in El Blanco (on ruta 7). The owner drove me to the Lago Monreal in the morning. He dropped me off right in front of the gate with camera on Var M and said: “This is the (only) way. Climb over the fence”. I did not encounter any problems, and the MR does not pass in sight of any housing. <br /> The traverse (km28-km30): You cross some steep slopes of scree and later of grass and shrubs, with some stretches where you´d better not fall. I´d recommend using microspikes if you carry for ease and safety. You do not really have to climb though. Going SOBO the route was not clear to me at the last rock (50m) before the track descends to the valley floor. Don´t try to climb over it (though there are traces of attempts), you can pass below, there is only 2m of bush-bashing through some trees, then you are on a path again.<br /> The camp in the valley was cold and very windy. <br /> <br /> Day 2: RR to Camp El Bosque<br /> Once you reach the official trail in NP, the path is relatively easy and always clear. From the camp El Bosque there is a path to a Laguna (20-30min) marked by cairns, it starts passing the toilet of the camp. There are nice views up there.<br /> Camping La Tetera (km 50.5) is officially closed for recuperation, so I did not camp there.<br /> <br /> Day 3+4: RR + Opt03<br /> At the very eastern end of Laguna Duff, there is a sheltered camp for 1 tent. With good weather a nice option.<br /> On the way down I explored the trail which is on OSM (leaves RR ca. at km 59). You pass through some gates and past the settler and the trail reaches RR just where the guardaparques are.<br /> Bought some gas from the friendly guardaparques. Hiked all the way to Cerro Castillo around noon.<br /> Stayed there in Hostal Cerro Castillo, which was the (good) recommendation of the park rangers.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-01 to 2024-Mar-03 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 02 + D + RR + OH E + 03 / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: OH32-02 + OH32-D [1.0-2.6] + RR [38.8-39.6]<br /> <br /> I hitched from Puerto Chacabuco to Las Horquetas and startet there around noon. After 700 m on OH32-02 you pass by a ranger hut. You have to sign in and you will get a short explanation about the trail. You don't have to pay here, but they tell you that you will pay when leaving the park. There is plenty of water on OH32-02. I camped at Camping Rio Turbio (Segundo) at km 39.6 of RR.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [39.6-41.3] + OH32-E [0.0-1.6] to Laguna Glaciar Penon and back + RR [41.3-56.6] + OH32-03 [0.0-3.6]<br /> <br /> Laguna Glaciar Penon is worth the short detour on OH32-E. I crossed a bunch of small streams around the pass at km 43.9. There is some ice on top of the pass but its not very steep and therefore relatively easy to walk over it. There is no water between Laguna Cerro Castillo (km 50.9) and Camping Porteadores (at beginning of OH32-03). I camped at Camping Neozelandes.<br /> <br /> Day 3: OH32-03 to Laguna Duff and back to RR + RR [56.6-66.9]<br /> <br /> Laguna Duff is nice. I hiked there early in the morning and therefore had the whole place for myself. About 400 m before the RR joins the minor road (km 60.6) the RR branches off the official hiking trail and avoids the park entrance. You have to hop a fence to get on the minor road but therefore you don't pay the 15000 Pesos for hiking in the park.<br /> <br /> The nacional park has 4 official campgrounds (at km 39.6 and 48.9 of RR and the two marked camps on OH32-03). You are only allowed to camp at those sites. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-23 to 2024-Feb-25 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / {32-M} - RR - {32-C} -RR / Lilian &amp; Rainbow'''<br /> <br /> Bus from Coyhaique to Villa Frei :<br /> <br /> Monday to Friday(8.15am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm) , Saturday(8am, 2pm), i forget the fee, it is less than 1000 CLP. It takes about 35-40 minutes and it turns back to Coyhaique with no waiting. The sign on the bus doesn't write Villa Frei, it said Valle Simpson, (and final stop is Villa Frei.)<br /> <br /> Bus terminal in Coyhaique : (-45.58226, -72.07800)<br /> <br /> Bus stop in Villa Frei : (-45.75139, -72.11226)<br /> <br /> Resupply in Coyhaique:<br /> <br /> I sent a resupply box(shoes and socks) to Patagon Backpacker(hostel) in Coyhaique from Santiago some months before, they are super friendly and willing to hold my box until i arrive. You can contact them by email, they are good at speaking English, also know lot around Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> If you want to buy some warm clothes, some shops in Coyhaique. North Face and Patagonia is there, but expensive. Some clothes in Patagonia are on sale but not for hiking or not much use, lot clothes but full price, ya. North Face's staff is much friendly, and lot items on sale too, but rainproof is full price. They have tents for sale too.<br /> <br /> Good clothes is cheaper with discount, 230g gas canisters and sleeping pad at Suray Montana, friendly and not crowded. I bught a fleece jacket at here.<br /> <br /> Doite have the cheapest price sporty clothes, just beside North Face. I bught a good base layer here.<br /> <br /> Lot of supermarkets in Coyhaique. I resupply at Unimarc.<br /> <br /> They are all close to the plaza, all the shops i listed can search by Google Map.<br /> <br /> Because i just have 3 days good weather, so I don't want to do any road walking, i talk the bus to Villa Frei, then hitch to (-45.86204, -72.04816) start hiking.<br /> <br /> Locked gate and camera at {32-m} km2.33, I didn't want to take long time go with big around so i climbed it directly, didn't see any people on the whole way, so doesn't matter.<br /> <br /> RR km23.3 : cross a stream, log crossing at downstream 20m, you can go through the tiny forest to there.<br /> <br /> Km23.63 : flat spot(-45.90969, -72.05767) with some protection after a stream crossing can fit 2 tents before go into the no covers grassland.<br /> <br /> Highly recommend go for {32-C}, both ways just 10min, amazing views and a camping spot can fit 1 tent with excellent view at (-45.90744, -72.07668), but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km 26.63 : flat spot (-45.92066, -72.07543) can fit 2 tents with good wind protection from west by bushes.<br /> <br /> Km27.75 : old camping sandy spot(-45.92915, -72.07549) can fit 4 tents with some wind protection from west, just before the dangerous CC. I think the previous one is better.<br /> <br /> Km27.9 - km29.95 : dangerous CC traversing on side hill. A slide may cause a fall with heavy injure or death. It is doable but not recommended to everyone. Doing this part only in good weather.<br /> <br /> Km28.3 - km28.35 : for me, it is the most dangerous part in this CC, some landslide(-45.93359, -72.07668) and very loose, i can't hold a good pose and slipped down some meters, luckily i can use my hiking poles to stop the slide immediately.<br /> <br /> Km29.3 : tricky spot(-45.93822, -72.08632), huge thank you for Véronica, her comments made this much easier. Just like she said, &quot;You reach the end of the bad scree and end up in a deep gully with a vertical wall face on the other side.&quot; <br /> <br /> &quot;Get to the lowest grassy patch to the left of the vertical rock wall. The easiest way to reach that grassy patch was to go upstream a bit, then traverse on the hard slippery sand northward, instead of trying to climb vertically straight up to it. Once you reach the grass, you can use the traction and stability of vegetation to clamber up and out of the gully.&quot;<br /> <br /> Km29.55 : 1st rock wall, go around it with a clear trail at downhill side(-45.93818, -72.08940), GPX track is correct at here.<br /> <br /> Km29.7 : 2nd rock wall, NO CLIMBING, NO SCRAMBLING here, there is a trail JUST WALKING at (-45.93864, -72.09126), overgrown but just 20m easy BB, the trail is between rock wall and treeline, Sobo not easy to notice, but when you are going around the rock wall, then you'll find it. Nobo is easy to reach the trail at the other side. GPX track leads you to climb, it is not a good idea, a slide in climbing at here will mostly cause death.<br /> <br /> After 2nd rock wall, finally CC down to the valley and easy walking start.<br /> <br /> Lot of camping possibilities at the valley, but zero wind protection. Better camping before pass[32.5/1385], because after the pass is super rocky, pass is a large flat area, but too soft to camp.<br /> <br /> I camped at (-45.94901, -72.09962), some flat spots, beside the waterfall from Cerro Aislado. Nice views but cold. It is the first night with negative degree so far. Some water froze to ice at early morning around here.<br /> <br /> After pass[32.5/1385], you walking down at another valley, but with some cairns to follow. <br /> <br /> Km33.5 : trail starts, with some big cairns along it. It leads you all the way to treeline at km34.2. Sometimes it is not clear to follow and lost, but you will always find it if you pay tons of attention, cairns leads you the way.<br /> <br /> The trailhead at km34.2 is a little tricky. You need to climb up a little on a rocky slope after you cross the stream to (-45.97307, -72.10268), then go into the forest to south a little, you'll find a steep loose rocky slope going down again, go for it and you can hold some trees there. Then you join the old trail shown on GPX going south. Don't think about go to the trailhead(-45.97343, -72.10281) directly, it is on a waterfall, you can't arrive there.<br /> <br /> The old trail is in good condition for a while, then become overgrown and some blowdowns. For emergency, you can camp at (-45.97898, -72.10345), it is the first flat spot for Sobo in treeline with cover (the last one for Nobo). It can fit 2 single person tent.<br /> <br /> Lot of tiny stream flowing with clear water.<br /> <br /> When you met the rock river(-45.98185, -72.10091) at km35.33, you can CC down the river and join MR at (-45.98357, -72.10284), it is a super easy CC, not steep, no blowdowns, no wet feet, rocks are stable and not slippery.<br /> <br /> When you arrive MR, easy walking again. A gate locked by wire at km37.1, climbing over it is the fastest way.<br /> <br /> Km38.1 : start BB to riverside, but i think it is a CC, the grass just up to ankle only.<br /> <br /> I find a clear trail(-46.00113, -72.09460) without any blowdowns going south, and lead you to riverside at (-46.00216, -72.09530), then you can walk beside the river and join national park trail.<br /> <br /> National park trail is in a nice condition, nothing to mention. Some snow before and after pass[43.9/1470], but still an easy walking on snow.<br /> <br /> Km46.1 : camping spot at (-46.05228, -72.14549), it is cleared out all the stone by someone here, can fit 1 tent with excellent 360° views, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> I camped beside the lake(-46.05780, -72.15969) for the second night, excellent spots with glacier views(you are just below it!) and views of Cerro Castillo! Peaceful and not crowded, I'm the only human there with some ducks, and they love to talking in the midnight. You can reach the lake starts at (-46.06176, -72.15672), easy walking beside a stream, all the way stay on east side and dry feet, BB less than 20 meters for total and mostly just easy CC.<br /> <br /> Km48.85 : Campsite El Bosque. Side trail to a lake under glacier at north. It is a long walk, but i highly recommend you at least take the trail go out the forest, amazing views there, both ways just 300m.<br /> <br /> Km49.95 : viewpoint of waterfall from Cerro Castillo. And i find that you can climb up to the top of waterfall! See the details at next waypoint.<br /> <br /> Km50.2 : you can climbing up this ridge to the UPPER LAKE of Cerro Castillo. From (-46.06989, -72.18148) to (-46.06905, -72.18500), then to (-46.06627, -72.18497). No trail, just CC on some rocks, stable and not steep until close to the top, the top part is steep and loose, at there you can go to right side a little bit, climbing up on grassy slope for final ascend. Amazing views there, and no camping, because the ground is too soft, but cow boy camping on huge rocks is wonderful at this place.<br /> <br /> I recorded this CC, will upload it later.<br /> <br /> Camp[50.5/1243] : Campsite La Tetera, not a good camping spot, some spots much better when you climbing up and before Laguna Castillo.<br /> <br /> After you enjoy the moment at Laguna Castillo, remember follow RR, check GPX track, dont follow the trail going beside the lake, it is a dead end trail, and if you dont want to all the way back, you can CC climbing up to join RR.<br /> <br /> Pass[53.5/1679] : excellent views here! If you are super thirsty, clear water is flowing good at (-46.07749, -72.20888), easy to collect, 10sec/L.<br /> <br /> Then all the way down to Campsite Los Porteadores, a long long way going down.<br /> <br /> Because of weather changing, so i didn't go up to Laguna Duff.<br /> <br /> Walking on a nice trail to main road, then all the way road walking to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> Lot of restaurants, shops and accomodation in Villa Cerro Castillo. The shop(-46.12072, -72.16115) beside the main road is the biggest one in town. Lot of biker riding, hikers and backpackers hitching on the road. Tall gas canisters and 230g gas canisters are sold in Copec gas station at (-46.12208, -72.16279) in high stock. We stayed at Nordic Patagonia(-46.12142, -72.15889), 15k CLP for a bed, 45k CLP for a double room, 8k CLP for camping with views of Cerro Castillo, including hot shower and kitchen basecamp.<br /> <br /> Maybe because of late season, never saw any flies at this section.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-10 to 2024-Feb-13 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Las Horquetas and Lagunitas / Andrew'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 (slept at Rio Turbio)<br /> <br /> I started in Villa Cerro Castillo and hitched a ride to Las Horquetas. I left a bag at the Nordic Patagonia campground in town, it's free if you stay a night after, or CLP 1.000/day if not.<br /> <br /> Signed in at the CONAF station where the park ranger explained the official camps that are currently open, and advised not to drink unfiltered/untreated water between Rio Turbio camp to just before El Bosque camp. But others I talked to later in the hike didn't get the same message and seemed fine so not sure what was up there.<br /> <br /> Easy hike to Rio Turbio camp with some horseflies.<br /> <br /> Day 2 (slept at El Bosque)<br /> <br /> This day was my punishment for deciding to leave behind my fleece at the last moment. Cold and rainy as I went over Penon pass, but at least I got to test out my new rain jacket and rain pants. At least it wasn't very windy. Great views of waterfalls after the pass, and the rest of the day was sunny.<br /> <br /> Camped at El Bosque. Difficult but short day. Worth taking the side trail to Laguna Temprana after setting up camp.<br /> <br /> Day 3 (slept at Neozelandes)<br /> <br /> Lots of scrambling over rocks. Great panoramic views as we went over Morro Negro. As developed campsites go I think Porteadores was actually a bit nicer than Neozelandes, but Neozelandes is much crowded and puts you closer to Laguna Duff.<br /> <br /> Day 4 (back to Villa Cerro Castillo)<br /> <br /> In the morning I hiked to Laguna Duff, best scenary on the Las Horquatas section of the hike IMO, do not miss this. Afterwards I hiked back to Neozelandes, packed my stuff, and hiked back to the Villa. All downhill. Paid the CLP 16.000 fee at the Estero Parada CONAF station, then hitched a ride back (around 3pm). Had some good pizza and beers with some folks I met on the hike at Pizzeria y Hamburgueseria D-Lizia in VCC.<br /> <br /> * '''10-Feb-2024 / Hiking / SOBO / 4 days / RR + Option B (attempted) / Ella &amp; Cristopher'''<br /> Day 1, we walked through the sections of private property without running into anyone, but met other local hikers a bit afterwards who said they have previously had problems with one of the landowners on the route we took, and that he has now installed cameras. Got to the section with the traverse and attempted to take Option B - definitely do not recommend this option. It took us about 2 hours to walk less than a mile on the super steep and loose dirt/skree. Multiple dangerous moments. Part of this option also seems to pass through dense forest which looked difficult to bushwhack, but we didn't make it that far before turning back as it was getting late with no end in sight. We camped right at the beginning of Option B, where there is a flatter patch and stream that you can walk down to. It was a good view, but we realized later that a better and equally beautiful place to camp would have been where the land plateaus a bit and there are multiple small streams, on the RR about a km after you pass the start of Option B. Day 2, we woke up to super windy and rainy conditions, and waited for it to clear until about 3 pm before starting the traverse. The RR turned out to be a relatively safer route than Option B, though we were still glad we waited for the bad weather to pass before attempting. Followed advice from Veronica at the difficult parts, which worked well for us. Definitely budget extra time for this stretch. Camped right after the traverse when it drops down to the river, which you follow to cross the first pass. The area doesn't get a lot of sun so it was really cold at night, but still a nice place to camp with flat spots and a river. Day 3, trail before uniting with the CONAF area was difficult to follow at points and slow because you are walking a lot on loose rocks. We were very confused when reaching a waterfall with no visible trail, but a few cairns about. Following advice from Will, we crossed the river just before the waterfall to go up the left side of the valley. Climb through the trees and then cross a few meters of steep loose dirt/skree, and you should be able to see where the trail then continues in the forest. Some bushwhacking after this but relatively easy to follow GPS track until linking with the CONAF Las Horquetas trail. Camped in El Bosque Camping which had a toilet but no water tap (though there is a river close by). Day 4, relatively easy and super beautiful walking all day. We took the RR all the way to the road, which does in fact avoid the CONAF checkpoint so we never had to pay. Ran into other hikers who said CONAF is only charging when you leave the park. Got very lucky with a hitch to Villa Cerro Castillo, but I would not count on it and the road gets a lot of sun and I didn't see a water source. Bus from Villa Cerro Castillo leaves at 6 pm and goes to Coyhaique for 9.000.<br /> <br /> Feb 2023 Frank<br /> There is no need for any rock climbing on this route. After the gully where you climb out on grass (described by Veronica) there are two rock bands running perpendicular to the route. You can go below both of them &amp; bypass them at treeline.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-8 to 2024-Feb-11 / 3.25 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR from El Blanco and Lago Monreal + Variant M + Option 3 / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> We started around 1500 at Coyhaique and easily hitched to El Blanco. We hitched with three cars (last went to Lago Paloma) and walked about four km in between them along Lago Monreal to Variant M. The sign against hikers scared us and it was late (1930), so we camped nearby (100 m along the fence westward). We reread other reports and decided to go for it in the morning. We first tried to go along a fence lining a small cliff about 100 metres west of the road, but it is pointless and we found ourselves on the road after a few hundred metres. We did not meet anyone. It is easy to miss RR and start on option 1, keep an eye on the GPS. We met black cows at the same place as Stiina, but they just looked omniously at us.<br /> <br /> As for the dangerous part, Tomáš ended up doing it three times as he dropped our tent poles from his backpack just before the start of the CC section. Unlike Nat (see below), he thinks the section is quite ok and he also found it quite scenic, especially the first part over the plateau. The annoying clambering is in fact only about two km long and can be done in about an hour if you know the way. It never felt dangerous to him, but he understands others see it differently. It is certainly more demanding than the average section of GPT. The description of Véronica is the best. The last obstacle (the boulder) is not entirely vertical (it feels like scrambling, not climbing), but you do need to use your hands and it is indeed exposed, down climbing NOBO is more awkward. On the other hand, it is only about seven metres distance (not elevation). We had sunny skies, in worse weather it would be a lot more annoying. The horseflies came back from the dead and died by the dozen under our merciless hands (Nat killed three accidentally just as she tied her hair back).<br /> <br /> At the end of CC after the pass, the trailhead is invisible (45.9731564S, 72.1026797W). It starts in the trees immediately from the river, about 10 m above the start of the waterfall in between two landslide/avalanche bands. Will comments that the GPX trail is exact, but since we are used to the GPX being slightly off, we could not see it, I guess we should have just trusted the GPX. There is a cairn in the creek marking the entrance but it is unclear how long it will stay there. Once you reach the overgrown MR, after a hundred metres of easy BB, one can cut the first zigzag straight down through easily passable mature forest. Once down on the road, you can camp on it, it is not used by cars ever. Once you reach the CC at 60.9, do not ford but stay on that side of the river!<br /> <br /> In the popular part of the hike, people concentrate at campings, but otherwise it does not feel too crowded (less than two dozen people met on the trails themselves per day). Until nine and from about five, you will meet almost nobody on the trails. The park is very attractive. There is good internet (Entel 4g) just before the pass at 53.5. From the other side, there is a sign saying the pass closes down in strong winds. Probably better to go there in the morning (weaker wind) or late (after six) in the afternoon (rangers have probably gone home) unless the weather is good. The sign where they turn people is probably at about 1250 altitude at roughly the treeline.<br /> <br /> To avoid paying, Nat followed the RR and was succesfull (OSM is wrong, the official trail is to the east of the GPT in the last few hundred metres). Tomáš followed the easternmost OSM trail that leaves the RR at roughly 480 altitude. The trail is rather imaginary, but it is easy walking across meadows or rarely through open forest and across several fences. His efforts were probably pointless. Tomáš also wanted to cut the walk to Villa Cerro Castillo and forded Estero El Bosque, but it was equally pointless and involved several fences.<br /> <br /> We found screwable gas cartridges in Villa Castillo at the supermarket &quot;Villarica&quot;, the last supermarket on the corner of - Bernardo Higgins and Bernardo a Alessandro, I think. They said they have them sometimes. There was a blackout for five hours during our stay but locals said that is not so common.<br /> <br /> Notes from Nat:<br /> <br /> - When in Coyhaique be sure to enjoy the bread and pizza shop called; La Tranquera Pan y Pizza (just North of the main plaza). It has a great selection of sourdough breads/Rye/whole-wheat loafs, cookies, real coffee and tasty pizza slices. ALSO don't miss the dry good store; Envasadora Aysen (45.57016° S, 72.06883° W), the good veg shop here (45.57730° S, 72.07038° W) and then the Unimarc is actually pretty good. <br /> <br /> - My views are prejudiced against the beginning of this route bcs I was sick and not in a good mood but my thoughts at the time were; &quot;If you want to &quot;enjoy&quot; section 32 then take the Las Horquetas option&quot;. I really didn't like all the sidehilling and felt you wouldn't miss out on much if you started at Horquetas. Also don't do what I did and pack twice as much as you need bcs Coyhaique &quot;might&quot; be the last place with good food (however it was 3-5x better than villa Castillo).<br /> <br /> - The first tricky part was annoying bcs it was hard to get an edge (not that there is any edge left in my shoes). It was easier to walk up it and gradually cross, all in all it didn't feel dangerous. The second tricky part did feel dangerous to me bcs I went too far climbers left of the grass staircase and ended up having to traverse the short, steep and featureless slope to get back on track, a fall seemed easy and with bad consequences. The rock scramble at the boulder did not worry me but I would not have climbed it if it was wet bcs there is a lot of algae-like material on it and some of the handholds were sloppy. <br /> <br /> - I would be very curious if one could make a new route that went up to this lake here; -45.94848, -72.07320, and then down either here; -45.95505, -72.08753 or along the ridge to here; -45.96914, -72.08724. It would be more vertical and longer but with possibly less sidehilling...<br /> <br /> - The glacier on Variant E (6km return, half of it moraine walking) is nice but not really worth it, the lake on the other hand is 100% worth the short walk (3km return, flat river rock waking).<br /> <br /> - The lake just North of Camping Bosque is also worth it if you can avoid the crowds. Both this lake and Variant E lake are technically CC but &quot;well traveled&quot; and cairned.<br /> <br /> - The trail to Laguna Duff is popular but &quot;splendid&quot;, it took less than two hours to the lake from Porteadores. Most of the trail is in the forest and then the last 1.5km (250m vert) is on a pretty obvious rock path. The camping at Neozelandés is far less crowded than other official campsites, I recommend it. I got into an argument with a CONAF officer at the lake bcs she told me it was too late to be there and I had to leave (4pm). If you want to avoid this person, then go right of the RR when it gets close to the lake headwall, she seemed to be &quot;staged&quot; at where the water leaves the lake. I originally wanted to make a traverse to the other lake but bcs of CONAF I went down to the camp to meet Tomáš and then we both went back up after she left (6ish). Once back up we made a traverse to the other lake by following a grassy slope that starts west of where the water exits the lake, you should be able to see the grassy slope on your left when you are walking to Duff. Follow it down and work yourself across, going down to where there is some grass should be quicker than traversing the rubble, it is CC, obviously. On the way down from the second lake we followed the main waterway and then cut back into the forest to reach the main trail (open forest, no BB). Rather than follow the west bank of the waterway like the GPS says we found it far easier to be in the east bank, less rubble.<br /> <br /> - We both had to walk back to Villa Castillo, no cars going in our direction but many going in opposite direction (~9am)<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-28 to 2024-Jan-31 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / Villa Cerro Castillo - Villa Frei / RR + Option 3 + Variant C + Variant M/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was another fantastic section but we don't have much to add to what has already been written. But we would still like to point out a few points:<br /> <br /> 1) At the Segundo campsite (also called Rio Turbio), mice gnawed our tent and our dry bag containing the food. It would be best to hang your food from the trees if you are sleeping at this campsite.<br /> <br /> 2) The large rock at -45.938145, -72.086171 can be avoided by doing 10 m of bush bashing just below the rock. This passage is much more visible going NOBO but it is also possible to take it going SOBO.<br /> <br /> 3) The little detour to Variant C is definitely worth it. The view of Lago Paloma and Lago Azul is truly incredible.<br /> <br /> 4) We took option M despite the right of way conflict. We passed a pick-up truck at the last gate going NOBO (the one with a padlock and a private property sign). They greeted us and gave us no problem.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-27 to 2024-Jan-29 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / option 2 + option 3 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : well maintained, good campsites sheltered from the wind <br /> - Water : easy to find plenty of rivers and lagunas<br /> - Camping spot : there are some designated campsites<br /> - Weather : Sunny<br /> - River crossing : easy<br /> - Resupply : in cohayque and in Villa cerro castillo, all you need<br /> - Entrance fee : 16 000 pesos per person, normally the park closes after 1pm so you can't start after that but we were a bit late and they let us through <br /> - Overall : beautiful stretch of section 32, for us it was really an amazing entrance in the Patagonian landscape as we imagined it with the Torres<br /> <br /> * '''From 2023-01-22 to 2023-01-24 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OP3 + OP3A + VARIANT M // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Villa cerro castillo - entrance Estero Parada - Laguna Duff - Sendero las Horquetas - North part of NP (CC) - Lago Paloma - Villa Frei. <br /> <br /> One of my favourite section so far ! I had amazing weather and I enjoyed so much this stretch, even with few people on the sendero las Horquetas in the NP (not crowded, but obviously more than the usual sections of the GPT). <br /> <br /> Entrance fees for 3 days was 16,000 CLP for me. I had no control and have seen no guardaparque during my hike. <br /> <br /> I walked all the way up to see Laguna Duff (OPT3) definitely worth it in my opinion. Wonderful view, with still some pieces of ices floating on the Laguna, the back of Cerro Castillo and the reflects on the water were amazing. Easy to go there, as there is a trail. <br /> <br /> The second one (OPT3A) is more tricky, no trail, and a lot of rolling stones. Beautiful too and of course, no people at all (I slept there, without tent, just on a big rock, that was incredible). <br /> <br /> Then go up to the pass, it was a crazy hot day, for the first time since I'm in Patagonia, I regretted that it wouldn't be a little bit windy aha. <br /> <br /> Laguna cerro castillo Is amazing. Second pass were very nice too. Bi. I passed it early on the morning, had some snow part, doable, but as it was morning, it was icy on some parts, so I putted my crampons and that was perfect. (But doable without). <br /> <br /> Then easy trail until the end of the public part of NP (just after Segundo camping). After that the cross country part begun. Follow an old trail of the NP, some bush bashing during the forest part, and have to check often the GPS. Then you have to deal with all the rocks until the first pass. <br /> <br /> Go down on a nice valley, and go up to the second pass. Tricky part, as described previously, is the big rock. It's maybe easier to do it NOBO because you descent it, and don't face it, which can be scary. But going on the grass part is the best way. Then follow the tree level, deal with rolling stones, and everything is gonna be alright. The récompense will be the amazing view on Lago Paloma (don't miss the Mirador). <br /> <br /> I took the variant M to avoid the right of way conflict. No trouble at all on this way. You have to pass threw some gates. The last one, near a kind of central hydroelectric is the biggest, with camera and sign do not enter. Few people seen after this gate, and they were all very gentle and nice ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, I really loved this stretch ! As it's summertime at this time, I met a lot of chilenos in the NP, so happy to see even very young chilenos explore their outstanding country ! <br /> <br /> You have to be prepared to face a looooot of rolling stones on this section, sometimes it's like dancing on rocks. Can I say that the rolling stones make this stretch rock'n'roll ? Probably not. <br /> <br /> Better to wait for good conditions. I can't imagine this section on a rainy and windy day ! <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan- 11 to 2024-Jan-13/ 3 days/hiking/SOBO/ Start in Las Horquetas and later RR/ Paulina'''<br /> <br /> I started in las Horquetas, it was open even if on Conaf website this section is still closed, apparently they don't really update). When I was there ( 10 AM) nobody at the gate, so no charges. Later in the park nobody never asked me to show the entrance ticket. The same at the exit gate, they just asked me to check out ( even if I did not check in).<br /> At the beginning of Las Horquetas trail, some very easy river crossing. Almost no people, only a few hikers on the campsite.<br /> On Pass 32 [43.9/1470] still some soft snow, but I could cross it safetly.<br /> <br /> Be careful on the ridge around pass 32 [ 53.5/1679] on very windy days. <br /> I did not see any water around camping Los Porteadores, except this last section, water was available everywhere. <br /> <br /> Beautiful and very scenic section! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-29 to 2024-01-01 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; Variant D &amp; M / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Took a Uber from Coyhaique to Villa Frei for 17.000$. Got another lift by someone who life's there to this point: -45.8737, -72.04342. Joined via Variant M to the RR. Camped at Camp {32} [23.6/1010]. Good place you have to Ford 2 times before the Camp and 1 times directly after it. Here the -45.93357, -72.07606 Clambering in steep terrain starts and is very challenging also in combination with snow. Very steep literally climbing up there here: -45.938145, -72.086171 especially with a backpack. I needed to go very slow and cautious with 3 point technique. After that you can follow the GPS and the Kerns to this point -45.973087, -72.102771. From there a old abandoned road goes all the way to the point where the Trail( Variant D) merges with the Sendero de Chile Las Horquetas at: X {32-D} [1.0/920]. On the trial are some parts which are not perfectly visible but with GPS no problem. There are some fallen trees and quite a few small trees on the trail. I wouldn't consider it Bush Bashing (BB) because you can just raise your arms in front of your face and walk trough it. So IMHO no BB on the route. As soon as you are at X {32-D} [1.0/920] it's a &quot;touristy trail&quot; compared with the other GPT parts. Therefor the condition is excellent. Camped at Segundo Camping -46.008184, -72.104121. Next day camped at Camping Los Porteadores -46.089085, -72.235431. Snow was neither on Pass {32} [43.9/1470] or Pass {32} [53.5/1679] a problem. Next day hiked to Villa Cerro Castillo. Not a single car on the street towards it so needed to hike. The RR avoids the Entrance Cerro Castillo Park (Estero Parada) there is one gate before accessing the street where you can just hop over.<br /> <br /> Overall: really nice section and quite relaxing to have such a easy trail (the beginning is challenging due to the rock scramble). It's the most touristy part (2 groups a 7 people) but absolutely woth it. Really enjoyed it.<br /> <br /> Contact: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2023-Dec-12 / 6 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RR + Variant D + Variant F / Tom Pieper'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> An Uber from Cohayique to Villa Simpson is about 9.000 Peso. From there I easily found rides to Lago Elizalde. A older man told me that there was also a camino from Lago Elizalde to Lago Azul passing cerro sombrero a couple of years ago. I really liked the walking through the valley to lago desierto. It passes a beautiful farmland landscape sprinkled with little lush patches of forest and creeks. Camping is easy there. But if you want to speed up there are also cars from time to time and hitchhiking is possible. At S 45° 52.495 W 072° 16.913 is a little shelter surrounded by some old tractors and a big mate cup installation. A farmer passing by told me I am welcome to stay there. To reach lago desierto you have to climb a locked gate (well described by Kara Davis). I crossed lago desierto and camped at the isthmus between it and lago azul. There is a nice camp spot at waypoint Lake {32} [38.3/337] surrounded by old gooseberry bushes and an abandoned van. The central lodging building is collapsed so its seems to be an abandoned place now except the cattle. Next day I crossed lago azul. The wind increased dramatically forming up to 1 m waves. There are some emergency exits on the left even after the shore gets steeper after the settlers on the lefthand side. At the end of lago azul you reach a huge private hacienda on the isthmus, with a big park like forest and buildings within. I tried to sneak between the buildings but to reach the path to the mountains you finally have to pass a big meadow. There was a greenkeeper around and it was no problem for him to let me pass. The family was not around. The track to the mountains is steep and part of a big network of mountainbike trails. This network spans nearly the entire valley! I met six young chilenos who told me that they are working the summer to maintain the trails only for that family – I have never seen such a giant mountainbike network! Incredible how much effort and money must spend here only to satisfy a family’s hobby. The Chilenos were very friendly and even turned back to offer me a ride to the end of the valley as rain increased but I kept walking. This track is in really good conditions up to the bush bashing section. And here comes the problem: 1.) the bush bashing is wrong annotated. In reality it starts for 1.2 km at the end of the annotated section 2.) the track is mostly gone were it reaches the river bed. Landslides have washed away a big part. Don’t cross the landslide! It seems super instable! When you have forded the riverbed at the landslide don’t put on your shoes, yet. The following part has turned into swamp land. I suggest to make the entire 1.2 km in your fording footwear. After that the track to the las horquetas trail is mostly overgrown or blocked by trees but still visible. It was pretty hard for me as temperatures dropped to 4 °C and at this point it had not stopped raining for 48 hr. In bad weather that’s definitely no fun. The ranger hut was my salvation as it was abandoned but open and had a stove and even some firewood. The next day the weather was perfect and I continued towards cerro Castillo. There had been recent work around Camping Rio Turbio and the track is still in good condition. Paso Penón has heaps of snow and I found myself sinking to the hips from time to time. But in good weather it is ok. The views from the pass and the following valley even outcompeted the view from laguna castillo. After the paso penón the rest is fine. I used Variant F to descend. As mentioned before it now follows a different way in the end due to right of way conflict and you reach the street at approximately half way between villa cerro Castillo and the national park entrance.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''05-Apr-2023 / Hiking / SOBO / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We really enjoyed this one. It's definitely worth waiting for good weather, not only for safe traverse of the steep part in the northern part of the park and following obstacles that are quite demanding but also for the views that were just incredible.<br /> <br /> Starting from Villa Frei in the late afternoon, we made it on that day to the turn before Lago La Paloma, where we camped right behind a fence, before a little river, that you need to cross to follow the RR. There are 2 settlements, but still far enough, so no problem. You have to cross one fence and a gate on the way up. To avoid right-of-way conflict, we followed Cristopher &amp; Anna's advice (thanks guys!) and turned right after the first gate behind the beginning of the optional trail. From there you just need to follow MR, cross a few gates and you will end up on a fenced field with bee hives on one side. Crossing them will take you directly to RR, so no bush-bashing is necessary. From there, the trail is pretty straightforward. We liked the view from Option B viewpoint and in good conditions it must be a perfect spot for camping, definitely doable in one day. The steep traverse didn't feel that dangerous for us, but we had really good conditions. The next obstacle, already described by others, is at the end of the traverse. We followed there a small ridge that will take you to the beginning of the grass parts. It's a little steep, but doable. From there we followed the grass parts, which create almost 'stairs' allowing you to climb up. It's again steep, but you can use your hands to pull yourself up, holding the grass patches. After that is the last challenging part, a rock that you need to climb over. We got there already after sunset and without an option to explore the best and safest way over, we decided to follow the old overgrown trail, that descends down without the need to climb over the rock. It seemed to be hard in the beginning, but after we got through the first few trees (without any leaves, just branches), we found a little strip without them, that takes you all the way down to the river, where we camped. It took us around 15 min to get down, so it might be a good alternative. From there you just need to walk through a little part of the forest and then continue by the river, so you are actually avoiding also the descent down, which some described as challenging as well.<br /> <br /> After the first marked pass and descent in rocky terrain, the CC part connects to an old trail, that later becomes a MR. The connection was easy to find by following the GPS. We had no problems passing around the rangers house, again by following the track files, at first through the forest and later around the river. From there the trail connects to the official way which makes navigation easy. We spent the night in the official campsite around 2 km before Laguna Carro Castillo, which is the only one open. There were 5-6 other tents, no ranger. The next day the weather got way way worse, which made us skip the last pass and go down from the laguna via one of the official routes. We met a ranger on the way up, pointing us to the official trail around yellow cairns, to sign off from the park. With no intention to pay on our way from the park, we actually followed some old trail (according to the old signs we met) that took us to the main road, right in front of the bridge. We had to cross one fence, but no other problem. It's a faster and safe way from the park.<br /> <br /> * '''5 to 7 of February 2023 / Will / SOBO / 3 days'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section! I was worried about the tricky part, but sticking to the gpx track it didn't feel dangerous to me. Though I did have to leave the track to find easier ways around the cliffs.<br /> <br /> There weren't any buses south out of Coyhaique on Sunday (except maybe early morning?). I ended up taking an Uber to villa frei, for a bearable 14000 pesos. The road walk was beautiful except for the wind trying to blow me into the cars. I caught a ride to Lago Monreal, from where I walked back up to variant L and then to the 23.6 campsite.<br /> <br /> I didn't have any right of way trouble, I just had to pass through a few unlocked gates with no people or buildings in sight. There were even a few groups of day hikers who passed by my camp on the way to the Lago Paloma mirador (variant B - must see!).<br /> <br /> I also took variant D up to the glacier lake, worth it if it fits your schedule. I didn't have time to keep going up to the glacier itself, it looked like steeper rocky cross country.<br /> <br /> Even in the touristy parts the trail was surprisingly slow and rocky. I ran into a few rangers, who look like normal hikers except with red and white baseball hats. They were ok with me not having a ticket once I explained my weird route.<br /> <br /> * '''15.02.23 -18.02.23 / Anna &amp; Christopher / SOBO'''<br /> Coyhaique - Villa Cerro Castillo<br /> <br /> We hitchhiked from Coyhaique to Lago Paloma and started walking around 13:30 pm following the main path.<br /> <br /> The trail at the beginning is pretty good. At the junction with the option at km 17,5 you can walk further uphill along the fence for a couple of meters to enter the fence through a gate. This option is not in the gpx files. We decided to follow that to avoid the settlers after all.Then you can follow the dirtroad through two more gates until you reach a fence that you have to jump to the right to get to a meadow with beehives. There is another gate there and then you reach the main route again. In total we only had to jump two fences.<br /> <br /> Then we followed the main route. Soon after we went through the gate of the National park Cerro Castillo and we (unfortunately) met two guardians of the park. After some back and forth they made us turn around, telling us that this path is closed and we have to enter the park via the main entrance and pay the 30.000 clp. So we had to take the option to las Horquetas.<br /> <br /> After a few good km on a dirtroad, the path of option 1 gets bad. It seems like it hasn't been used for a long time. It was often hard to find and involved some bushbashing. It took us quite some time to get through there. Once you are at the river it gets much better. We forded the river next to the entrance to avoid the detour until Horquetas. The option was not very nice. Mostly just walking in the forest with BB so we would definetly recommend to try the main route.<br /> <br /> The entrance closes at 2 pm but the guards there were much nicer than the first two, and it was also no problem to get in at 3 pm. We had to register us and pay the 30.000 clp p.p. though. The rest of the trek we were not asked to show the tickets. The park guardians tell you that there is no water crossing both passes and you have to carry it from the official camps, which is simply not true. There is only no water after Laguna Castillo.<br /> <br /> At the exit (following the RR) we had to register us again. From there we planned to hitchhike to Villa Cerro Castillo, but there were no cars passing by. In the afternoon/evening it's probably easier to get a ride, because lots of cars parked at the exit. We would recommend Option E to avoid the dull roadwalk to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> We stayed at Camping El Rincon, which was only 4.000 clp p.p., with no electricity, but the owner washed our clothes after we asked and we received it dry the next morning :)<br /> <br /> * '''18 to 21 of January 2023 / Véronica / GPT32 RR SOBO / 3.5 days'''<br /> <br /> Route: Villa Freí - Lago La Paloma - north part of Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo - Las Horquetas trail (south part of Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo) - Villa Cerro Castillo<br /> First off I want to say that I think this section deserves a 5 on the Attractiveness Scale. It is simply mind-blowingly beautiful and definitely on par with other sections further north that have a 5 on this scale. I also think the Difficulty Rating should be upped to a 5 as well, due to the technical, and arguably dangerous at times, section in the northern part of the park on the Regular Route. Wish I had someone with me during this stretch, but oh well, such is life.<br /> <br /> I was lucky and caught a hitch most of the way to Lago La Paloma on the first day. It was hot and I don't think the road walk has any water sources until you get to the end. I then followed the new RR which bypasses the problematic right-of-way settler in the Lago Monreal area. However, this new detour is not fun. It involves climbing over (or crawling through/under) multiple barbed wire fences. I lost count after the 5th or 6th one. Also, the path and cross-country area are full of thorny plants, they got everywhere on my pack and clothing. I think it would just be better to take Option 32-L and chat with the settler instead to try and get through. Once you reach RH-MR-V {32} [18.9+4.7], it's all good, easy walking until the camp at 23.6 km.<br /> <br /> I reccomend taking Option 32-A after the campsite instead of the CC straight through the cow pasture. It is wet and muddy, whereas 32-A remains dry and easy to follow in the forest at the edge of the meadow. I also strongly recommend taking the short detour to the mirador at the end of Option 32-B. The views there of the cliffs and mountains surrounding Lago La Paloma are incredible. You could even camp there if you brought sufficient water and the weather is calm.<br /> <br /> Now for the difficult part in the 8-km cross-country section. This section was physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. The first pass is at S 45° 55.740', W 072° 04.501'. It is easy walking up past the treeline into the alpine up to this point. The first challenge is a steep and unstable scree traverse, which begins at S 45° 56.019', W 072° 04.567'. Follow the GPS tracks here. At first I tried to go lower, right along the treeline, which was a big mistake that got me stuck in a terrible gully of slippery hard-packed sand. Very treacherous and scary trying to traverse it on all fours. After that ordeal, I scrambled back up to the altitude of the GPS tracks. This first scree traverse lasts about a km, the rocks are loose and it is very steep. I was tense and went very slowly. Got harassed by tábanos the whole way, but at least the weather was good.<br /> <br /> Then at S 45° 56.288', W 072° 05.184', you reach the end of the bad scree and end up in a deep gully with a vertical wall face on the other side. Figuring out how to get up that cliff was hard for me. I left my pack at the bottom and tried climbing up various different ways with no success, only tiring myself out and getting myself in precarious situations where I could barely climb back down. I finally figured out the best way was to try and get to the lowest grassy patch to the left of the vertical rock wall. The easiest way to reach that grassy patch was to go upstream a bit, then traverse on the hard slippery sand northward, instead of trying to climb vertically straight up to it. Once you reach the grass, you can use the traction and stability of vegetation to clamber up and out of the gully.<br /> <br /> The next big obstacle is at S 45° 56.320', W 072° 05.446'. Like others have written, this is the vertical rock wall that spans up and down the mountain and that you have to climb over. I scouted ways up without my pack at first, trying to find the easiest way. At least with this rock wall, the handholds and footholds are solid — no slippery gravel/sand/scree. But it does require actual rock climbing moves. If you fall you would likely tumble down the mountain, so please be very careful. A light backpack makes it relatively safer and easier.<br /> <br /> On the other side of this wall, you can finally see where the trees end, and the lovely river you are supposed to climb down to reach. But there is still more scree to traverse here, and it is slow and unstable again. I tried taking a shortcut down a shallow gully filled with grass. I figured it would be safer than the rocks, but it was very steep and got unexpectedly muddy at one point, and I ended up slipping and sliding down the mountainside about 10 meters before being able to stop myself. Didn't get seriously hurt, just bruised up, but it really shook me and just added to the stress and fear of this whole section. So I guess my advice here is to again follow the GPS tracks across the scree and go down gradually to the river instead of trying to go straight down.<br /> <br /> Once you reach the riverbed, it is easy walking to the top of the pass, with occasional cairns (and some good swimming holes). Down the south side of the pass, there are still a couple scree sections, but not nearly as bad as before. Lots of boulders, so slow going, but at least they felt more solid.<br /> <br /> As Martin Lizondo has written, finding the start of RH-MR-V {32} [34.1+1.7] is tricky. It is not a minor road, it is an old footpath. The cross-country section ends at a creek as it turns into a high and steep waterfall. You have to cross the creek and look up to find a faint, overgrown trail that goes up into the forest. Once you find it though, it is simple enough to follow. There is a stretch though of several hundred meters where it is more of a bushwhack than anything else, nature has taken over.<br /> <br /> I followed the regular route that cuts through the forest to Río Turbío, I assume this is to avoid the ranger station nearby. The &quot;bushbashing&quot; section is easy through a mature forest, and then you just follow the bouldery riverbank.<br /> <br /> Once you get to the popular Las Horquetas trail, everything is easy until the end of the section. Some snow at the top of the first pass (Paso Peñón), but very manageable. The views of the saw-toothed mountains, lakes, and glaciers are spectacular. Despite reports of the park being &quot;overrun,&quot; I only met a handful of other hikers in this trail, and most of them after Laguna Castillo. No rangers at all.<br /> <br /> I think the Regular Route in its current configuration avoids the blue payment tent at the end of the park trail, but I didn't know that when I passed through, and ended up just following the riverbank down to the minor road to be safe (and avoid paying the ridiculous 30,000 clp access fee). The road walk to Cerro Castillo was Easy and uneventful.<br /> <br /> * '''23/02/2023 - 25/02/2023 / RR SOBO / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé :'''<br /> <br /> We started at Lago La Paloma, taking the bus from Coyhaique to Villa Frei (leaves at 8:15,15:30,17:30&amp;19:30 from monday to friday and at 8:00 and 14:00 on saturday (no bus on sunday)). Then we hitchiked to the lake without problem and we camped there. Ready to start in the morning the next day.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Campamento Rio Turbio - 26.5km - +1800m/-1200m A big day but we hadnt the choice : heavy rain was announced for the next day... Cross country is demanding, better follow the tracks all the way long. A great camp site if you want to split this day is at the end of Option B. No water, windy but incredible view. The waypoint camp before is nice too.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Campamento El Bosque - 10km - +800m/-800m The 2 camps sites on the GPT at47.8 and at 50.3 are now forbidden. The new campsite is approx at km 49, in the middle. There is guardaparques, but no need to show the permit for us.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Cerro Castillo - 11km - +800m/-1500m The pass after Cerro Castillo was closed due to the wind. If you want to go to the other side, you have to get down at the park entrance and to go up again at the other entrance. We just went to the town. The regular route going down from there, from the Cerro Castillo, is not the one on the GPT. Actually, it goes more on the west side. At the end, there is a guardaparque, we checked out (even though we didn’t checked in) but no need to pay. Fortunately. Luck was with us.<br /> <br /> * '''23/02/2023 - 25/02/2023 / RR NOBO / Jakub+Veronika:'''<br /> <br /> 1) Lago La Paloma, right of way conflict on RH (32, km 17.5): Owner of the land (and nearby houses) is called Cesar, according to him, the right way is by the mud road (OH 32-L) and not on the trail, which passes some 20m next to his house. The reason why there was a conflict might have been caused by Cesar's relative who didn't like tourists walking on their land.<br /> 2) Trail has been changed 3 years ago because of right of way conflict between CONAF and private owners on the OH (32-E). The new official trail (with official park entrance) leads on OH (32-E) for the first 2km, then turns right and goes down towards Rio Ibáñez to RR (32, km 85), well marked by metal yellow triangles.<br /> <br /> We've walked all section 32 from Villa Frei to Villa Cerro Castillo. The part from Lago Paloma to Rio Turbio is very difficult and might be even dangerous (especially in bad weather). The CC travers on the stones (in our case with strong wind and snow) was the hardest part. The MR leading down to the valley is partially overgrown. The second part is well marked with good camping possibilities. After heavy rains on Sunday 25th, the park has been closed for more than a week. There are 2 alerts on the road (see above).<br /> <br /> * '''Feb 17 RR 3 days SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> Walked from Villa Frei. After about 12KM there is a food truck next to the road. Owners live there so should open for you. The owner of the private land wasn't there so had no access issues. You can camp in a big meadow @ 1250 metres or in good weather at a pass @ about 1325 metres (not marked on track file) just before the difficult CC section begins. Followed Veronica's advice to get up the gully on grass which worked well, thanks Veronica. There is no need for any rock climbing on this route. After the gully there are two rock bands running perpendicular to the route. You can go below both of them &amp; bypass them at treeline. The second bypass is not very obvious but stay at the treeline &amp; you will get through easily. After the pass, descending scree you come to a waterfall. Go left into the forest immediately before the waterfall - you may see a small cairn marking the spot. Just footprints at first but pick up a small trail as you go in. Leaving the park the RR to the left goes through private land. The optional route straight down is now the main trail, it goes down to a checkpoint just before the road. Checkpoint is at a stile over a fence so can't be avoided. It is run as a private 'concession' from CONAF. The workers were friendly &amp; didn't charge me anything. However next year the concession will be run by a different company so depends who is there.<br /> <br /> * ''' Note on Options 4, 7 and 8:'''<br /> GPT32 Option 4: is the gravel road to Lago Elizalde and Lago el Desierto. A subsidized bus travels this route 2 or 3 times per week.<br /> GPT32 Option 7 and 8: Are routes published on Wikiloc and/or www.suda.Io. This means someone took these routes in the last years but not much more information are available.<br /> (Source Jan Dudeck: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1498106867361861/ )<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Feb: 05-07, SoBo, RR, Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We continued into this section straight from the previous one - 31H and the start of it, about first 16km, is like the whole previous section - dirt road. We hiked about 5 of those 16km and hitched the rest which I think was possible quite easy because it was weekend and a lot of cars with families were going to the Lago La Paloma.<br /> <br /> The interesting part started once we were at the gate after crossing the outflow of Lago Monreal. The big sign was posted there stating that this is not some Sendero de Chile and that passing through here is strictly forbidden. We saw a guy at the gate when we were approaching, but as it was lunch time for us we stayed at the stream. Afterwards the guy was gone and there was no phone signal to call the nr. that Martin Lizondo has provided. After considering options of different routes we decided to keep it cool and climbed over the gate with fingers crossed. There were houses a few hundred meters up the road, but nobody seemed to be at home at that point, perhaps working in the field somewhere in the back, so we walked through the forbidden land without anyone intercepting, luck was with us. A few more gates later we climbed up into the forest and finally the Cerro Castillo National park with a big old welcoming sign. We stayed at the first marked campsite at 22,7km, there is a stream.<br /> <br /> Next morning as we were having our breakfast about 30 cows showed up and were completely dazzled by our presence. They stared at us for about 15min until they finally relaxed a bit, but not fully. As we were packing our camp some sudden movement must have scared them and they all went running for their lives as if a Kraken himself was after them, silly cows, we thought. Once we were all packed and ready to go we crossed the stream into the next meadow, and saw all the cows about 200m to our left. I am not exactly sure how cows work, but as soon as they saw us they organized a gang and all of them started running right at us. We of course were standing our ground so the cows would stop just 5m from us and look all tough. I would try to scare them away by counter attack in the form of a shouting, hiking pole waving lunatic. It worked to some extent, as we could slowly walk out of it, but the cows kept persistently be really close and walk/run at us. I guess they were trying to protect their pasture, maybe someone can enlighten me about cow-dynamics.<br /> <br /> After the great battle of 2022, we disappeared in the forest and enjoyed the nice forest path while it lasted. Once out of the three line the path disappeared so we more or less followed the GPS marking. Neither of our maps showed the mentioned old path descending down into the valley, it was actually matching with the GPS, more or less. Up to the first pass, which is not marked, but is at about 26,8km the cross country was easy and then as mentioned before it got pretty difficult. If it would just be steep scree slope it would be alright, but this one had hard packed sand under the scree or sometimes no scree on it so it was very slippery (in dry conditions). Lots of prayers went to the Gods of Friction which helped us with traversing the treacherous slopes, with plenty of chances to become a statistic. I don’t think that that traverse is possible in wet conditions, not without crampons. And as for every good cake there is always a cherry on top, which was a little rock climbing session, which I personally didn’t mind, but I am not sure other hikers would appreciate. After that we still had to descend a steep scree down to the river. If there is a potential trail or option to go down the valley after the pass and then follow the river bank up, I think it is definitely a better, faster and safer option, especially if weather is not favorable. And looking from above down the valley it seemed like a feasible option to follow the river as the river itself was easily crossable and we didn’t spot any cliffs there, maybe next time.<br /> <br /> After reaching the river at the valley bottom the way up to the second pass was easy and straight forward, even though still “sin sendero”. The way down from the pass is steep and bouldery but not dangerous and after a short bit some first signs of an old trail can be noticed, some cairs appear. Then once the trail gets down to the tree line there are a few bushy places, but nothing too bad and the closer to the actual trail you get the better it becomes. We also somewhat followed the GPS track but stayed more in the forest rather than beach to avoid the ranger hut.<br /> <br /> Once we made it to the Las Horquetas trail all our worries were behind us and we could enjoy the nice trail and magnificent views. I don’t think I have ever seen tree line ending almost at the edge of the glacier in Europe it was happening a century ago, pretty cool stuff. We camped at the “segundo camping” with many other hikers, none doing the GPT though. And an interesting thing we observed was that people would just drink straight from the silty glacier stream without filtering or treating their water at all. Observation was made of different groups of people at different campsites. Is that a Chilean thing? Very impressive gut, if they can do it, unless ignorance is a bliss or they knew something that we didn’t.<br /> <br /> Nevertheless, two more mountain passes and we were heading down to Villa Cerro Castillo, with crowds of day-hikers that had come up to the Mirador Cerro Castillo. From there we actually didn’t follow the GPS track but headed down straight to the town. The ticket office with the park official is actually around this area: (46º 6.7520' S, 72º 12.0032' W). And the trail leading there is the official trail. The one that seemed on the map like the official, was actually not in use, not sure why. The satellite view on Gaia and info on the maps is somehow outdated. We tried to sneak past the office to avoid all explaining we had to do, but it’s kind of strategically placed so it wasn’t possible and we ended up just talking to the girl that was making sure everyone is checking out of the park. We had to pay 18.000 pesos per person which is the ticket for foreigners that want to go up to the mirador. We didn’t spill the beans about camping in the park and our small backpacks kept the suspicion low, so in the end it all worked out pretty good. From there it is still almost 5km to the town on a very dusty road, but with all the day hikers leaving a hitch was not a problem.<br /> <br /> The town is really nice with plenty of shops and accommodations options. The only thing we didn’t manage to find was the threaded gas canister, but we found a few half-empty ones left in the Nordic Patagonia mess tent.<br /> <br /> For more stories of the trail, pictures, videos and in case you want to ask us anything you can find us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-18 to 2021-Dec-22 / Option 6 (Valle Balboa), Regular Route &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;(Packrafting Lago Desierto and Lago Azul)&lt;/span&gt; and &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Option 9 (Packrafting Lago Paloma)&lt;/span&gt; / Northbound and Westbound / Meylin and Jan'''<br /> <br /> General Remark:<br /> This route provides an attractive alternative to the overrun Cerro Castillo trail. The popular Cerro Castillo trail is also highly regulated (obligatory camp sites, closed in suboptimal weather) and costly (27’000 CLP entrence fee) therefore this alternative should be considered by hikers and packrafters.<br /> At the upper terminus of the Valle Balboa is a 5 km long and 400 m wide pasture at an altitude of 1100 m. To utilize this pasture for cattle summer grazing, settlers build a 18 km long trail through the forrest along the Rio Balboa.<br /> This very scenic Valle Balboa trail was hiked and published on Wikiexplora by Tobias Hellwig and Daniel Mahn. But the southbound descent down to Rio Ibañez was made by climbing down with a rope in very steep terrain because the location of the descending trail was not yet documented. <br /> Therefore we investigate this route in the opposite direction to search the southern trailhead to incorporate a feasible hiking traverse from Rio Balboa to Rio Ibanez in the GPT network.<br /> <br /> Summary of Northbound Investigation:<br /> Tobias Hellwig suggested where the southern trailhead may be located. A detailed analysis of satellite images and elevation profiles supported this and a local resident confirmed this assumption. After an hour of searching we found the southern trailhead. This trail terminates at a 400 m by 60 m pasture at abandoned camp (“Camp A”) from where no trail appears to continue. <br /> To continue through the last section of forrest we bush-bashed through very steep terrain and continued trail-less through a rather open forrest until reaching open terrain (“Entry Forrest Valle Ibanez”). From this point we traversed the open terrain on a slightly higher route than recorded by Tobias Hellwig and Daniel Mahn and meet the previously recorded route at the descent into the Valle Balboa (“Exit Forrest Valle Balboa”).<br /> From this point we followed closely the previously recorded route in the Valle Balboa from where we packrafted westbound over Lago Desierto, Lago Azul and Lago Paloma.<br /> <br /> Recommendation for Southbound Hikers and Packrafters:<br /> Hikers that wish to bypass the Cerro Castillo trail may either road-walk 25.5 km from Villa Frei via Lago Elizalde to Lago Desierto (GPT32 Option 4) or take the bus from Coyhaique to Lago Caro and leave the bus just after the bridge over Rio Paloma.<br /> Alternatively hikers may walk along the lakes Lago Paloma, Lago Azul and Lago Desierto (GPT32 Option 5) but bypass the buildings at the trail start to avoid a right-of-way dispute (see yellow arrow on the image that first follows the beach of Lago Paloma and than sneakers in between some trees to the trail).<br /> Packrafters best paddle the three lakes to get to Rio Balboa. Note that the predominant wind direction is westbound.<br /> After reaching the western end of Lago Desierto hikers and packrafters closely follow the route of GPT32 Option 6. Note that the multiple river crossings of Rio Balboa may become impassable after heavy rain and are generally easier in the morning (due to snow and glacier melting water that reaches it maximum in the evening).<br /> After reaching open terrain at Kilometer 24 (“Exit Forrest Valle Balboa”) hikers and packrafters traverse 5 km open terrain to the waypoint “Entry Forrest Valle Ibanez” while enjoying the wide open view into Valle Ibanez. Starting from Kilometer 24 do not follow any more track “EXP-OP-TL-V {32-06} [0.0+30.6]”.<br /> After entering the rather open forrest best follow the 8 waypoints of “Proposed Improvement for Investigation”. This bush-bashing route probably avoids the very steep descent that we struggled to get up with our heavy packrafting gear. When reaching the trail (either “Record 1” or “Record 2”) follow the generally well-visible and well-maintained trail to “Exit Forrest Valle Ibanez”.<br /> Note that that “Record 1” and “Record 2” includes all our searching, so don’t take these tracks as an instruction but use your common sense to follow only the relevant parts.<br /> When reaching Rio Ibanez packrafters can float on the river towards Cerro Castillo while hikers must walk along the northern side of Rio Ibanez to Cerro Castillo.<br /> As an add-on hikers and packrafters may take GPT32 Option 3 to visit a less frequented trail of Parque Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> (Note: taken from here https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1256244101548140/ - now the options are part of the GPT Track files, the Facebook post includes pictures.)<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> * '''Section 32, Option 7: Valle Balboa. Southbound. 11 days (including waiting out a snow storm). Party (3): Mum, Sis and I.'''<br /> <br /> After walking Section 35 we emerged in Cochrane to a world changed by the virus. We retreated to the now unfriendly Chili Chico and caught the ferry across to Ibáñez in the morning. For my mum and sister, getting back to Santiago to catch a flight home had been the priority, but on the way they shifted more to the stance I was taking: what was the point? Get stuck in Australia, or here? Patagonia didn't seem all that bad, and apart from facemasks and hand sanitiser, there were no shortages like back home. By the time we reached Coyhaique we'd all decided to stay a week or so to hatch a plan. We met up with Aldo and camped in his backyard for almost a week. I helped build his house a bit, but time was mostly filled with playing chess, dice, cards and guitar. The atmosphere seemed to encourage a lethargic state, blurring the days together and bending time. Finally however, we packed and walked into the town centre to make a start on the interesting option #007 of Section 32 through Valle Balboa, (traversing roughly from Lago Desierto to Río Ibáñez). With the virus and public transport on hold, it seemed unlikely the bus to Villa Freí (that we took last time for the RR of Section 32) would be running. We asked a taxi driver for a quote to drive us out. We grabbed some more supplies, and then caught a taxi with a much friendlier driver to Lago Elizalde ($15k). The driver showed us a great public camping spot on the shore of the lake. There were many established camp sites back from [close to] the beach. It was such a nice spot that we decided to lay back and spend the afternoon and night there.<br /> <br /> In the morning, we walked the road to Río Paloma, scoring a lift for 5ks or so. We camped by the river not far before the end of the road.<br /> <br /> In the morning we walked the last bit of the public road to where it ends at the very rickety bridge over Río Mogote. There is a nice little camping spot here (-45.91100, -72.31823). Climbing over the locked gate, we walked the private road to the ford. We tossed up visiting Lago Desierto and the people living next to it, but with the virus decided against it. This meant we didn't actually have to cross the river, instead locating the old road to the south. (The track files follow the road, but it is no longer used by vehicles and it is actually easier to head back down the main road a couple of hundred metres to where a cattle trail exists (-45.91601, -72.30806)).<br /> <br /> Following this distinct road for some time, it seemed to be used for horse riding tours as there were coloured signs like &quot;Spanglish&quot; and &quot;Toobooku&quot; on the side. You will soon reach the gate included in the track files. Here there is also access to a bridge across Estero Balboa. It looks like you can then access trails most of the way up to Cerró Negro. This might be interesting if someone wants to explore.<br /> <br /> A couple hundred metres after the gate the old road ends and an obvious trail continues to a miskept farmhouse. Continue along the well defined trail that gets a bit scrubby/overgrown before entering the forest. The trail is then very well maintained although quite muddy in spots (I could see it being quite bad after rain). You will need to ford a tributary not marked in the track files (-45.95592, -72.35114). Shortly afterwards is a junction (-45.95654, -72.35216). The route up the side valley could be explored if someone wants - we went only a short way to a corral. The track will dip back down to the river where there is an established camp (-45.97039, -72.35461). Continuing up the valley, there are many more established camps - the best are generally in close proximity to the fords.<br /> <br /> The first time you cross the estero is about here: (-45.98105, -72.36205). There is only one ford, not two as the track files indicate. At the next couple of fords, the actual track deviates slightly from the track files. If you follow the current track files, you will avoid crossing the river at all, but will end up bush bashing briefly. We crossed the next two fords, but by staying on the west side of the river they should also be easily avoidable.<br /> <br /> The trail exits the forest (-46.02116, -72.42538)(the camp marked in the track files here is a swamp - go further up the valley!) from where it is cross country walking, not actually a trail as indicated. We camped next to the puesto which incorporates some pieces of a crashed plane (we found another piece whist exploring, but not the actual crash site). The route up to the Laguna Campana is also open and straight forward.<br /> <br /> We waited out a rainy day only to wake to a snow storm the next!... and the next!. We ended up waiting 4 nights experimenting with some different bread recipes whilst we waited out the inclement weather.<br /> <br /> Finally a sunny day! Continue up the valley, CC walking past an old corral. At the Nacimiento del Estero Balboa you again briefly enter the trees. Like the previous marked camp, again this whole area was very swampy and I didn't see a suitable place to camp. The camp included in the track files is in the middle of a swamp! We picked up fragments of a track heading up through the trees, but I think it is very vague or overgrown. That said, we had nearly a foot of snow in places so we could have easily missed things! There is a very obvious section of track here : (-46.05648, -72.47298). You'll quickly exit the trees (-46.05923, -72.47005) and start a long CC section in the alpine. We found some sections of trail, but for us it was mostly cross country walking. Plenty of water options the whole way.<br /> <br /> When you enter the forest after completing the alpine section (-46.08687, -72.43537), you will be bush bashing for a long time! There was no discernible track even when we criss-crossed over the track files searching for it (no snow here anymore). Approaching the deep gorge, I decided to lead us a different, less steep way. This worked well and we camped at a very nice spot by the stream at the bottom (-46.09414, -72.42582).<br /> <br /> The next day we were debating simply following the river down (I wish we had!). Instead, we headed straight up the other side of the gorge. We located part of an old track here (-46.09685, -72.42463) but quickly lost it as we passed through the saddle (I think maybe it continues north?). Rejoining the suggested investigation route (EXP-OP-TL-I@32-07-#003), there is a good stream (-46.10202, -72.42403) and some camping on its banks.<br /> <br /> After some horrible bush bashing, we finally made it to a ravine gashing steeply down the mountain (-46.10598, -72.41534). There were many drops and it was impossible to go directly down. We later found out that the only other party to do this part had a rope! I can't really recommend going down here [and my sister can't recommend it at all! - &quot;This is shit!&quot;] Again, I'd recommend taking the main valley. The climbs we did were much more difficult than those on the northern part of Section 32 RR that people complain about. Also, if doing this option, it would be much easier travelling north! You could also consult the settlers on a better route. We finally reached the bottom where it opens up after about ~6hrs!<br /> <br /> Continuing, if you do follow EXP-OP-TL-V@32-07A-#003, the track files indicate there is a trail, but it is not quite so. There are CC sections and a labyrinth of cattle trails. You will need to use them to your advantage where they exist, and leave them when they go the wrong way. We went this way for a little while, but then tried following a primary cattle track that seemed to be heading directly down to the river... but we got stopped by a swamp (-46.11623, -72.41080). Continuing along EXP-OP-TL-V@32-07A-#003, you will get CC walking from the woods (after a cliff) about here: (-46.11546, -72.42372) If we were there again we would follow EXP-OP-CC-A@32-07-#004 down past the settler to the river. It then looked easy to walk along the river north to the cable car.<br /> <br /> The cable car: Don't use this by yourself! Don't use it if you are only two! Use it with three people minimum! I can't stress this enough. There is a lot of fiction and the locals we talked to here don't even consider it safe. They used the boat which has its own steel cable allowing you to tack across with relative ease. You will get wet feet if using the boat.<br /> <br /> Taking the cable car, we only just made it across with one in the car and two hauling on the rope, and at one point it looked like my sister might get stranded on the far side (she had a nightmare that night!).<br /> <br /> Carretera Austral: We waited the entire day by the Carretera Austral. Finally catching a colectivo late in the afternoon. With the virus, it was hard/imposible to hitchhike. We paid an inflated price ($3kpp) for transport to Cerró Castillo.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2020-March-6 / Ty &amp; America / 4.5 Days SOBO RR. Start @ El Blanco'''<br /> <br /> We started in El Blanco, opting to hike by Lago Montreal, which was pretty nice. No traffic though, so if you’re wanting a hitch the regular start in Villa freí may be a better option. Settlers in Lago Montreal are super friendly. There’s a bit of water there as you pass by the lake. We camped there. I recommend going further to the marked camp though because the next day is a big challenge. RH-CC-A@32-25.2+7.9 Is the Cruz of the section. After this all good. I do not recommend doing this unless you’re very comfortable on your feet and have a lightweight pack.<br /> <br /> -stick to the treeline/marked path on this. The traversing is tough, but completely doable. 2-3 km in is the gully with the very difficult climb. Keep the the grassy patch, getting to the base of it was the most dangerous part for us. Very slippery rock. I had America drop her pack. High risk, but I was MUCH more comfortable.<br /> <br /> -about a k after is the second dangerous area. This is a straight rock wall that spans all the way up&amp; down the mountain. The only way through is to climb around. I checked below it and didn’t find a way through the trees. I took both Sanita &amp; America’s packs through this section; as again, it’s very high risk..with an actual climbing move involved. Again, it’s important you’re very comfortable with your pack to get through these parts.<br /> <br /> After these dangerous sections we were wiped out and camped in the valley before the pass. Lots of places to camp with good water. Be aware of slight rockfall risk. There’s an amazing place to camp with ideal conditions at the top of the pass.<br /> <br /> Going on, all smooth, both marked camps on the way up the second pass are actually closed...there’s an open camp right between the two.<br /> <br /> Amazing places to camp up by Laguna Castillo.<br /> <br /> We snuck around the riverbed once we saw the blue tent at the bottom (where you might have to pay) and got by with no problems.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan 2020 GPT32 South 7days / Felix'''<br /> <br /> Coyhaique to Villa Freí: There is a bus from the bus terminal in Coyhaique to Villa Freí. From there it was a hot dusty road.<br /> <br /> Accessing the park : You have to pass through 4 private properties to enter the first sector of the park. We met some people. Had short friendly chats, but no problems with access. Just before you enter the park (where there are two trail options) there is easy access to the river via a cow trail. However water in general was no issue and I didn't carry water for the entire 7 days through the park.<br /> <br /> The camp site used to be an official campsite before the sector was closed due to access problems. The dunny is in great shape.<br /> <br /> Through the first sector : The trail is in great shape until after the mirador. You then cut upwards into the alpine which is also easy walking. After passing through a saddle, you contour around above the treeline. This is the most difficult part of the section. Quite a bit of step scree traversing. Not for everyone. Once you drop into the valley waking is again easier. There are some occasional cairns that become more and more frequent as you drop into the other valley. As you contour left an intermittent trail is evident. When you enter the lenga forest (-45.97321, -72.10278) there is a great trail down that turns into a road here : (-45.97886, -72.10358) (Jan: maybe you want to update the track files to reflect this?) Then is road walking to join the popular walk.<br /> <br /> Popular sector of Cerró Castillo : There are some side trips not included in the track files. They're on the map you get. Note that the old Bosque site (-46.06197, -72.16016) and La Tetera (-46.07200, -72.18390) are now closed. You can not camp there. For most people this means camping at the new el Bosque : (-46.06418, -72.16964)(Jan : maybe you want to update the track files?) Get to Laguna Cerró Castillo before 12 to beat the walkers heading up for the day. But this shouldn't be an issue as you need to cross the pass early : an important thing we would have liked to know is that the pass (-46.08030, -72.21103) can be closed in the afternoon due to strong winds. There is literally a ranger there that can turn people around. Not much water over the pass either. And the poza cerca mirador doesn't look welcoming. Carry water here. In the next valley there were more rangers and we saw some people get checked for permits. It's a shame this park is now being comercialalised :(<br /> <br /> Getting back to Coyhaique : Not much traffic. The last bus heads back at 6pm<br /> <br /> I'll try upload some map photos and a breakdown of the entrance fees when I get the photos off my camera.<br /> <br /> Cheers, Felix.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-18 and 19 / Regular Hiking Southbound / Martin Lizondo'''<br /> <br /> The starting minor road gets into the private propiety of Pedro Sangüesa (+56 9 9099 9083) at 45º 52' 15,55&quot; S, 72º 2' 46,28&quot; O. He didn’t like people to pass through and denied that there was a trail, but it turned out to be a Conaf’s well signed area. He said in the future he will ask for money, but finally left me pass for no charge. I met other day hikers going to « El Mirador ». Snow was easy at the passes. The trail was in good conditions until the cross country. There are two spots which I consider dangerous, so I don’t recomend doing this section alone: 1) the gps tracks passes through a very vertical rocky (nearly climbing). I was scared and I can’t recommend doing it, except you asume this risk. I could see later in a map that the original route went all way down in the valley through lenga forest, but if there was a trail it’s invisible now. 2) When the cross country leaves the tree line and becomes a small trail into the lenga forest at 45º 58' 23,54&quot; S, 72º 6' 10,02&quot; O (“minor road” starts later, despite the gps track info); it’s very stepy and unmaintained. I made a mistake and started to follow the stream all way down, but you have to look up and search the beginning of the hidden path. It’s very vertical and easy to fell down, because of recent land slides. Be extremely carefull. The rest of Cerro Castillo from Las Horquetas is well maintained, beautifull and enjoyable. Cons: Lots of people. When leaving at the Nezoelandes entrance, you’ll have to pass near to the payment cabin. I didn’ t have to pay, but it was because I spent only a short time in the park. The cost for foreigners is normaly CLP 29,000.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan 2020 / RH Northbound / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> No technical difficulties in the park, just following the trail and enjoying the views.<br /> <br /> To follow the GPT northbound, leave the parc trail to go north. It is an &quot;old sendero&quot; in the forest, but well maintained and easy to follow during the beginning (it is marked on maps of the parc). In this direction, no problem to leave the forest in a safe spot, but southbound, looking behind, seemed hard to find the entrance of the forest and of the safe trail ! No technical difficulties until the first pass, rocky terrain like the rest of the park. <br /> <br /> The dangerous part is indeed between the 2 passes. You dont go in the valley in front of you but follow the altitude line until the pass that you see at the right side of the valley. Very steepy rolling stones path. I was a little bit afraid. I tried to be smarter than the tracks, trying more uphill... this was a dangerous mistake that took me long to repair and go back to the tracks. There are indeed two river crossing (no dangerous waterstream) but they are circled by cliffs, so not easily crossable. <br /> The track follow mostly the tree line (I.e the separations between the little trees and the stones) So my recommendations : <br /> - follow the gps tracks : they follow the tree line who is safer with a solid ground and grass. Sometimes you have to cross the stones, no choice, so go slowly, choose your paces wisely and it's doable. Try to aim for the grounds of grass in the middle, which are solid, or the stones with foam on them, which mostly didn't move for a while. For the rivercrossing, it aims a good spot with no need to climb down or up.<br /> - choose a good weather day : for me it was sunny and no wind, so perfect day, and it was already mentally hard (not speaking of the horseflies getting you crazy during the hard moments !). I wouldn't try it with rain or big wind in this river of rolling stones. <br /> - if you don't feel it, easy escape by the normal trail of the parc<br /> <br /> However, I can assure that the prize for the effort, going northbound, is amazing !! But I won't spoil ! <br /> After the second pass, no technical difficulties, you find a Conaf trail easily, and I even cross some tourists with a guide.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-29/ Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe/ 3days / Northbound / Regular Hiking Route with OH-MR-V (Villa Cerro Castillo to Las Horquetas)'''<br /> <br /> The section follows the rather popular tourist Hiking route Las Horquetas for the first two days, meaning there will be less solitude but also rather well maintained trails. The national park and the region around Cerro Castillo was very impressive, we especially enjoyed to take all the side trails and visit the numerous beautiful glacier lagoons. The only unpleasant part of the hike was the organization of the national park. The exorbitant high entrance fees are in no relation to the other parks, which is due to a high ratio of private land in the area but makes the park rather unattractive for tourists. some rangers seemed poorly informed and couldn't give much information (e.g. insisted that passes were &quot;closed&quot; and only after asking numerous times agreed to check with his colleagues that told that they are &quot;open&quot;). They also said it is not possible to hike the regular route of the GPT, because we have to check out of the NP at the checkpoint Las Horquetas. There is an optional hiking route continuing North from there. Due to bad weather coming up we ended up not finishing the northern stretch of the trail and just followed the entire Las Horquetas Route at the Carretera Austral.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-29 / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe'''<br /> <br /> Snow line is at around 1200 Meters but all passes are safely traversable.<br /> The National Park Entrance Fee got raised to 29000 CLP per person for overnight hikes in season 19/20. The park generally seemed very poorly organized, we were told the passes are &quot;closed&quot; at first, whereas they were easy and safe to traverse. The ranger insisted that we could not hike the normal route northbound but have to sign out of the park at the Las Horquetas checkpoint. In high season, the ranger station in the park is manned, so maybe it is possible so sign out there and head northbound.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-12 / Eva Havlová'''<br /> <br /> There is still lots of snow in the National Park. I arrived to Villa Cerro Castillo 3 days ago (Novembre 12, 2019) and planed to hike nortbound but rangers didn't let me go. I saw the pass they were talking about (avalanche risk) and I don't think any avalanche could occur, but the thought is that there is lots of water running down and the trail is like a stream. They said it might be possible to do it next week.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Jan/ Oilrik / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> We ended up doing the normal Cerro Castillo hike as the weather was forecasting heavy rain and snow so we did not want to be on the pass. The regular trail is just gorgeous and the park is beautiful. The trail in the north is not on the new CONAF maps but is marked on the old ones.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * '''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18:'''<br /> <br /> A sandy beach with a visible structure in the grass is the take-out for Lago Elizalde. After exiting, make your way through the farmland until encountering a gravel road that leads past the house at the top of the hill up to Ruta X-686.<br /> <br /> Ruta X-686 is a lightly trafficked but well-formed gravel road that is fenced on either side. After crossing the Río Paloma, Ruta X-686 makes a sharp left and begins to climb. 4 km after the sharp left turn, cross a bridge to the left and climb to a wooden gate. If you descend the steep slope to the left of the gate, there is camping under some trees.<br /> <br /> The wooden gate marks the beginning of a very long driveway to a house located near the lake. The route takes you along this driveway until a river crossing. After crossing the river, walk northeast along its shore towards the Río Paloma. After reaching the end of the fenceline near the Río Paloma, turn east and walk along the fenceline until reaching Lago Desierto. At the river outlet, there is a nice beach to put in to Lago Desierto.<br /> <br /> There is no camping along the shores of Lago Desierto. The take-out is a rocky beach at the base of a bluff. Walk up the bluff and cross country through the farmland to Lago Azul. At the east end of the farm, descend down a road to a rocky beach at the Lago Azul shoreline with a metal structure.<br /> <br /> There are a couple of potential camping options along the shoreline of Lago Azul. There are also several residences on the north shore. The take-out is a long rocky beach set before a well manicured forest. On the east end of the land near Lago La Paloma is an expensive looking house surrounded by several other buildings.<br /> <br /> There is a 4WD track to the west of the smaller red house located south of the big residence. Ascend the steep climb on a well-formed road that is criss-crossed with several smaller tracks labeled in english with wooden signs. Due to the steep slopes on either side of the cut out road, there is no camping here.<br /> <br /> Eventually, the route turns off of the road onto an overgrown 4WD track. Camping off the track is still difficult because of prickly vegetation and steep terrain. This track ends 2.5 km from where the Regular Packrafting Route joins the Regular Hiking Route. From here, the route involves some bushwhacking and following a small trail as it winds in and out of existence. Just before joining with the Regular Hiking Route, the route widens into an old 4WD track that passes some destroyed structures.<br /> <br /> The routes join up at a large rock cairn and continues to follow a 4WD track until reaching a large wooden sign with a map of the Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo. Here there is also a campsite and ranger station. There is a 5.000 CLP fee to enter the reserve.<br /> <br /> The route from here is a popular track for backpackers with designated campsites. The trail is well-formed and winds through the forest. When the trail becomes less obvious, the way is shown with yellow markers. In this area there is a designated campsite with a latrine.<br /> <br /> At treeline, follow the cairns and rocks painted with white and red stripes through the scree up and over the first pass (approximate elevation 1.450 m). After the steep descent, reenter the trees. There is a campsite, Camping El Bosque, soon after reaching treeline (approximately elevation 940 m) with water and a latrine.<br /> <br /> The trail begins to wind up through the forest toward Laguna Castillo. The sights from Laguna Castillo, which is at the base of the pass, are stunning. There are two tracks that climb up to the pass. Make sure to take the path that climbs to the south instead of continuing southeast over the obvious saddle.<br /> <br /> The track down to Ruta X-720 is well formed, marked, and popular, but occasionally braided. Follow it until reaching the wooden stile with a rangers hut. From there join Ruta X-720, a dirt road which leads to Highway 7 and Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Town: Villa Cerro Castillo. Villa Cerro Castillo has several restaurants, small markets, and plenty of lodging options, including a popular backpacker camping destination on the east side of town.<br /> *2024-Dec / Michael and Kasia <br /> We stayed at Hospedaje Gemita on Ramón Freire next door to Camping Castillo, 20.000 pp for room in a shared cabaña. The cabaña had 4 rooms (2 doubles, 2 singles), a well equipped kitchen, hot shower. Not allowed to do laundry in the Hospedaje, but there is a lavaderia in town. The hosts, Gemita and Pedro, are very nice. They have also spent a lot of time in Los Avellanos on horseback. Maria, one of the settlers in the valley in Avellanos is a cousin of Pedro.<br /> <br /> We found gas in four shops, two had the threaded canisters for stoves, one was 6.000 for a 300 ml tank, the other was the COPEC across the highway from town, 4.000 a tank. The others just had refills, cheapest was the supermercado on the highway, 2.700 for a refill canister.<br /> <br /> There is a Banco de Santander ATM in the COPEC on the west side of the highway.<br /> <br /> Just on the other side of the highway on the road to the park there is a fruit and vegetable shop that also sells frutos secos and nuts in bulk. He had the best prices.<br /> <br /> *2024-Mar /Joscha<br /> <br /> Shop in Villa Cerro Castillo at -46.12201, -72.161708 has pasta, ramen, oats, chips, cookies, olive oil, peanuts, peanut butter, bread and some more stuff.<br /> <br /> *Lovely yum restaurant in Coyhaique: Restaurant DaGus, Lautaro 82, 5950000 Coyhaique. Little hidden gem. -45.86411, -72.04916<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> *2024-Dec Buses Sao Paolo passes through Villa Cerro Castillo for Coyhaique every day around noon, 8.000 pp; Buses ECA passes through Villa Cerro Castillo for Coyhaique Thursdays and Mondays songs 11:30, 8.000 pp.<br /> *Buses to Villa Frei from Coyhaique bus terminal: Monday 7:30, 8:15, 15:30, 17:00, 19:30 Tuesday to Friday 8:15, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30 Saturday 08:00 and 14:00. No bus on Sunday. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Villa Frei &amp; the bus generally turns around immediately &amp; goes back to Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2023/ Martin &amp; Helena<br /> To avoid right-of-way conflict, we followed Cristopher &amp; Anna's advice (thanks guys!) and turned right after the first gate behind the beginning of the optional trail. From there you just need to follow MR, cross a few gates and you will end up on a fenced field with bee hives on one side. <br /> <br /> *2023/ Jakub+Veronika:<br /> 1) Lago La Paloma, right of way conflict on RH (32, km 17.5): Owner of the land (and nearby houses) is called Cesar, according to him, the right way is by the mud road (OH 32-L) and not on the trail, which passes some 20m next to his house. The reason why there was a conflict might have been caused by Cesar's relative who didn't like tourists walking on their land.<br /> 2) Trail has been changed 3 years ago because of right of way conflict between CONAF and private owners on the OH (32-E). The new official trail (with official park entrance) leads on OH (32-E) for the first 2km, then turns right and goes down towards Rio Ibáñez to RR (32, km 85), well marked by metal yellow triangles.<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anna &amp; Christopher <br /> The entrance closes at 2 pm but the guards there were much nicer than the first two, and it was also no problem to get in at 3 pm. We had to register us and pay the 30.000 clp p.p. though. The rest of the trek we were not asked to show the tickets. <br /> <br /> *2020 / Martin Lizondo<br /> The starting minor road gets into the private propiety of Pedro Sangüesa (+56 9 9099 9083) at 45º 52' 15,55&quot; S, 72º 2' 46,28&quot; O. He didn’t like people to pass through and denied that there was a trail, but it turned out to be a Conaf’s well signed area. He said in the future he will ask for money, but finally left me pass for no charge.<br /> (...)<br /> When leaving at the Nezoelandes entrance, you’ll have to pass near to the payment cabin. I didn’ t have to pay, but it was because I spent only a short time in the park. The cost for foreigners is normaly CLP 29,000.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT32 - Cerro Castillo]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT32_(Cerro_Castillo)&diff=120323 2025-02-19T19:27:17Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-13 &gt; 15 / 2 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT31&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT32+GPT33<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : pierriers, bush-bashing<br /> <br /> Les 15 premiers km sont à l'image du GPT31. La vue est sympa mais la gravel road est ennuyeuse. J'ai marché 6 km puis on m'a emmené au lac La Paloma. Vraiment magnifique et populaire. Ensuite j'ai repris ma rando en revenant au km 15,5. Il y a un ford dès la sortie de la gravel road. La montée se fait bien, quelques clôtures à franchir mais la plupart ont été cassées par des randonneurs pour faciliter le passage. Il y a un ford au km 23,2, puis j'ai campé au km 23,6. Je suis allé au point de vue de la 32-C, ça vaut le détours. Il y a pas mal de cairns sur le sentier et on voit qu'il était très fréquenté par le passé. Mais ce n'est plus le cas et certains passages sont difficile. D'ailleurs le point le plus difficile est mal placé sur la trace GPS, la partie escalade se trouve au point 45.938328° S 72.086493° W. Au km 34, après le petit torrent, le sentier est envahi et j'ai beaucoup utilisé ma machette. J'ai perdu une guêtre dans la bataille. Après le km 35 le sentier est plutot dégagé. Au km 39 on rejoins les sentiers du parc et ils sont plutôt bien entretenus et très utilisés. Attention les camps aux km 48 et 50,5 sont fermés temporairement et deplacés au km 49. En passant devant le péage à la sortie du parc, j'ai dit que je venais de Lago La Paloma et ils m'ont laissé passer. J'ai essayé le stop sur les 6km de gravel road mais sans succès.<br /> <br /> &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-02-16 to 2025-02-19 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / optie 2, RR, option E, 3, nameless laguna / Thijmen Scholten'''&lt;/span<br /> <br /> * Hitchhiking to las Horquitsas took longer than expected (4 hours) <br /> * I arrived at 15.30 and I was still allowed to enter. But you have to register otherwise the guard will run behind you (happened to me). <br /> * At least 3 fjords on option 2 so sandals or something would be nice. I decided to get my trail runners wet but regretted it next cold morning putting on wet cold shoes and socks. <br /> * The side trip to the lagunas are very beautiful go there! (leave your backpack down,) <br /> * If you walk long days it's not busy in the park all the people gather at the camping sites and stop hiking at 15.00. <br /> * Water: Easy everywhere except from Laguna Castillo to camp las porteadores has no water (3 hours walk).<br /> * Camping: at official sites or if you like a camp with more scenery you can camp at Laguna Peñon and Laguna Castillo. <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-31 to 2025-Feb-02 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / option 2p, Var f., RR / Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> <br /> We took the bus from Coyhaique at 9:00. It took about 1.5 hours, cost 10,000 clp each.<br /> The trail from Los Horquetas was well maintained. There were a few small fords along the way.<br /> Camped at Rio Tirbio with 10 more people.<br /> We left our bags and went to Laguna peñon and back, about 2 hours detour. The trail to the lake is marked well. The Laguna was quiet small and had milky color from the melting glacier. <br /> <br /> 2nd day:<br /> The accent to the pass and the descent were pleasant. A little after the pass a lot of little waterfalls from melting glacier- very beautiful!<br /> We took a detour to the unnamed Laguna using Lilian's directions.<br /> The CC to the lake is not marked but it wasn't hard to get there. Took us about half an hour to the lake. The laguna Had a tourquize color with brown on the outside to it. <br /> <br /> We camped at El Bosque with tons of other tourists but there was room for everybody, and it was quite.<br /> We left our bags and climbed to the unnamed lake. The trail was marked well. It took us about one hour up. The lake was larger then the last two. We heard cracking and falling sound on the way ( maybe falling glacier?)The weather was bad and we were wet and cold, so we hurried back down.<br /> <br /> 3rd day:<br /> After a rainy night we started a rainy day.<br /> There were glimpses of sun and we had a chance to see the fresh snow covered mountains around.<br /> We decided not to climb to the pass because of the weather and took var f.<br /> We didn't regret it because it started snowing and the wind was crazy.<br /> On the way down we met a worried ranger who was going up to stop people from climbing the pass.<br /> At ( -46.08730, -72.17282) we split from the gpx and walked down on a well maintained CONAF trail.<br /> At (-46.067656,-072.119996) there's a CONAF cabin and we had to pay 28,000 clp each.<br /> We hitchhiked the MR to the main road. There were a lot of tourists on this trail and it went pretty fast.<br /> <br /> Took a bus back to coyhaique at 16:30.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-13 to 2024-Jan-16 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH02, var D, RR, variant E. RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus from Coyhaique to Las Horquetas in the morning to hike in on option 2, very easy.<br /> <br /> Camped at Rio Turbio camp, saw a mouse here so hung our food.<br /> <br /> Took variant E to Laguna Peñon route is marked with cairns. very quick and easy so worth the trip.<br /> <br /> Pass 43.9km still has snow but is easily manageable.<br /> <br /> Camped at El Bosque and took a side trip up to the unnamed Laguna above it. Really nice would definitely recommend it. The route isn't on the track files but is on OSM and is marked with cairns.<br /> <br /> Pass 53.5km - no snow. Crazy windy for us.<br /> <br /> Camp 56.6km - Camping Los Porteadores - busiest so far seems to get overnight hikers from Villa Cerro Castillo. Saw a mouse here too.<br /> <br /> Took option 3 to Laguna Duff which is very beautiful. Met a ranger at the laguna who asked where we were camping.<br /> <br /> Followed RR out, didn't see anyway to pay. Got a hitch to Villa Cerro Castillo. Camped at Nordic Patagonia for 9k <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025 Jan 2nd to Jan 4th / 2.5 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 2 &amp; 3, RR, Var E / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> A very scenic route with good maintained trails and lots of watersources. All Campings are really nice: lots of flat spaces, sheltered from the wind, toilet, benches and access to water.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus at 8 from Coyhaique to Las Horquetas. The trail from Las Horquetas is open again. Everybody has to register at the ranger kiosk. Really easy trail until Camp before the pass. Var E is beautiful and mostly hiking on a big field of rocks, marked with cairns. At pass Peñon there was still snow, but doable without microspikes. The way down is very steep. Slept at Camp El Bosque. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Can really recommend to hike up to the nameless Laguna above El Bosque. Extremely scenic lake! Also Laguna Castillo is a real gem. Stretch of big boulders above the lake, up to the pass it gets easier. Was very warm up there and had no wind. Bring water from the lake, there is none until you reach the next Camp. Way down from the Pass is very steep with lots of scree. Hiked to Camp Neozelandes, pitched my tent and did a detour to the scenic Laguna Duff. On the way up i met a lady from the Conaf, asking where i want to sleep. Inside the NP you have to use the campgrounds.<br /> <br /> Day 3: All the way down is very easy. Had to pay 28000 pesos for 3 days, price for chileans is only a little bit cheaper. Payment possible with card or cash. At -46.115013, -72.200497 there is an open gate with a sign &quot;Bienvenido a Sendero Laguna Castillo&quot;. It's in OSM, but not part of the GPT-Tracks.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024 Dec 13th to Dec 17th / 5 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 2, RR, Var E, Var F, Var G / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: A really beautiful section with amazing views. The park is open but Las Horquetas remains closed, though many people are hiking it anyway. If not going over the final pass, Var F can be used to exit without paying though it possibly involves trespassing.<br /> <br /> CAMPS:<br /> <br /> Night 1: -46.00817, -72.10413 Camping Río Turbio (official campground, easy water access, good wind protection, nice views, can have a lot of people there) <br /> <br /> Night 2: same as Night 1<br /> <br /> Night 3: -46.06419, -72.16915 Camping El Bosque (official campground, easy water access, good wind protection, fewer spots than first camp site, very few are really flat)<br /> <br /> Night 4: -46.07194, -72.18416 Camping La Tetera (technically closed campground, water access is a little way away, no really flat spots, poor wind protection, excellent views)<br /> <br /> WATER: <br /> Water was generally easy to find.<br /> <br /> Day 01 - Dec 13th<br /> <br /> We left Coyhaique around 10:30. There are buses that go that route, but we decided to hitch instead. We entered through the Opt 2 Las Horquetas route. It took us three hitches to get to the trailhead. The trailhead has a big sign that says the route is closed. I don't know if they plan to open it this season or not. At the very beginning there is an estero. There is a bridge to cross it, a little old but stable. Shortly after there is a park ranger kiosk, but it was unoccupied. Overall the trail is in good condition, easy to follow, but sometimes muddy. Beautiful views along the way. We were fortunate and had excellent weather. There are several unmarked fords in the first 16 km along Opt 2, all were easy, knee high at most. Water was generally easy to find. At the Rio Turbio campground there were around 25 other people there.<br /> <br /> Day 02 - Dec 14th<br /> <br /> We took Var E up to Laguna Glacier Peñón. It was a great side trip. The laguna is turquoise and the mountains surrounding it are very impressive. There were still snow fields on the way to the end of the track, so we didn't go all the way, but we got past the lake and to the other side. We saw two small avalanches while we were there. We also found a bird feather, we think from a condor, that was as long as my entire arm. We really enjoyed this side trip and recommend it. Water shoes could be helpful. We didn't have ours and it was possible without, but would have been easier and faster if we had had them. Important note, the whole route is essentially a field of small boulders. It does not require any scrambling, but it is slow going compared to the trail. We did this as an out-and-back and then returned to the Rio Turbio campground for a second night. One couple came around 22:00, but otherwise no one was there.<br /> <br /> Day 03 - Dec 15th<br /> <br /> We left camp around 10:00. We were ready for the Pass 43.9 and thought with only 10 km to go until Camping El Bosque we would be in camp early, but we were surprised at how challenging the day was. The first few kilometers up to the pass went fairly quickly. There was still snow on the pass, but it was at that stage where it is getting thin and you can't tell where you might fall through, so it was slow going checking our footing. The weather was great, full sun and warm, very little wind. Getting to the pass was slow but not too difficult. We stopped at the mirador for lunch and to watch the dozens of waterfalls cascade down the mountain. The descent was more challenging. It is very steep, and there was lots of scree on the way down. In one section CONAF installed a series of ropes bolted into the rocks to hold on to. Once at the bottom there was a boulder field and then a very nice forest. Amazing views of the mountains and glaciers. Camp 48.0 is a decommissioned camping area under recuperation. Camping El Bosque is at km 49.0. At Camping El Bosque there were two other couples there that night.<br /> <br /> Day 04 - Dec 16th<br /> <br /> From Camping El Bosque we took a side route up to see a lake. On Google Maps it is called Laguna Raimundo Vargas. It is not an optional on GPT, but it is visible on OSM. The lake is not visible on OSM, but it is on satellite, which is surprising because based on measurements using Gaia, it appears to be almost twice as big as Laguna Duff. The route up is marked by carens, but it is essentially CC across talus, about 1.3 km one way. The lake and the mountains are stunning. There were lots of ice floes on the lake. We sat for about 2 hours listening to the ice crack and watching avalanches fall. We highly recommend this detour if you have the time. Going in the evening might give a nicer light. We had lunch at Camping El Bosque and then hiked as far as Camping La Tetera, which is technically closed, and camped there for the night. Three other groups passed through and two other groups camped near us at La Tetera. It rained a bit in the evening.<br /> <br /> Day 05 - Dec 17th<br /> <br /> We got up very early with the plan to cross the last pass before the wind picked up. We headed up to the lookout over Laguna Castillo. About 300m of the ascent are a rock scramble which is challenging with a heavy backpack. At points we needed both hands to navigate the rocks. We were feeling exhausted from the previous days and decided not to attempt the final pass. There was no snow remaining on the final pass that we could see. We spent a few hours at the top. Lots and lots of other hikers were coming up or going through. The main trail down is very steep and had lots of loose rock on it. With heavy backpacks it was a challenge and really hard on the knees. It also took much longer than we anticipated. About two km down from the top CONAF had a tent stationed. Three guardaparques are camped there to check tickets on the way up and to radio down when people are leaving. They asked for our names. When we said we came from Las Horquetas they just said okay.<br /> We took Var F and Var G to exit the park. Var F is clearly visible from above as you descend the main trail. The route is actually in excellent condition and is very easy to follow, however in the rain we suspect it would be very muddy. We opted to take Var G which breaks off of Var F and then rejoins it later. It goes through forest and woodland, very pretty and potentially campable in places. There were also a few places where we found water. About 2.8 km into Var F there is a sign facing downhill that says No Accesso CONAF. About 1.3 km before the road there was a gate we had to jump. 300m before the final gate we descended a hill and there were a couple buildings there. One was a baño for what looked like paid camp sites (there were picnic tables around) and one was probably a rental cabaña. We passed through two more gates that were open. At the road, the final gate was secured with a chain, but it was easy to open. On the fence outside the gate and on a second gate that was padlocked shut were two signs saying in English and Spanish “No Trespassing, Private Property”. There was also a small kiosk that looked like it could have been a ticket booth just outside the gate, but no one was in it. It is unclear if the no trespassing signs referred to the property we passed through or to a neighboring property. We didn't see anyone so we didn't have any issues, but it's something to be aware of if you leave along this route. Due to the clear no trespassing signs, the no access sign as you enter the park and the park guards near the top, I would only recommend using Var F to exit the park, not to enter it.<br /> <br /> <br /> • * '''2024-Dec-05 to 2024-Dec-06 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / MR + Opt.N + Opt.M + Opt.01/ Julien'''<br /> <br /> Start on main road very well for entry exit private fields.<br /> Same for option N and M.<br /> I had to take option 01 because I had bad weather... Option 01 is announced in TL but I think it would be better to validate it in TL+BB because I had BB on 6km with no path and many trees still on the path that I had to go around.<br /> Also watch out for the Rio Blanco, where the final crossing is still mandatory, the current was quite strong despite being in December.<br /> For the climb to Cerro Castillo from Villa Cerro Castillo I asked locals people, the passage by option F would no longer be possible because the owner of the field through which we could pass would have closed his ground to visitors. So I went through the main entrance (18000 pesos) with checkpoint entrance and when you go out, you will have my layout on the next edition of the GPT I think.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-30 to 2024-Apr-02 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Var M + RR + Var C + Var E/ Maddi and Tom'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: We got the public bus at 8am from Coyhaique to Villa Frei (600CLP) then started walking along the road towards Lago Monreal. Got a short hitch for about 5km, then walking again in light rain. Got a second hitch with a lovely couple who own a property right on Lago Monreal - they even had a key for the locked gate with cameras and drove us right up to the trailhead. As we started hiking up into the mountains the snow started to come down fairly heavily. Sheltered under a rock where some people must camp for lunch and was able to get water from a few sources along here. Stopped snowing so we took Var C, definitely recommend, amazing views over the lakes and would be an awesome spot to camp. Started on the sketchy traverse, problem for us was it was all under about half a metre of fresh snow, on top of a layer of very slippery ice. Luckily we wear hiking boots with deep tread so had fairly good grip even without microspikes. Hiking poles were lifesavers. Issues started with the descriptions of getting around the various gullies - they described using grass to climb up but for us everything was just white!!. Tom had a terrifying slip and slide 5m towards the cliff edge before arresting with his elbow and chin - his hiking poles had chosen this exact section to break so he was doing it without even poles. After this we backed down off the climb over the gully but in the end just had to go for it. I ended up carving steps out of the snow with my hands and packing the snow down so Tom could follow me up, and giving him one of my poles. If the snow hadn’t have been so fresh I think we would have had to turn around. I wish I could say it got better but as we started to head down into the valley we began to hit waist deep snow drifts. We were planning to camp here like others had but the snow was just too deep and we were worried about the cold so we decided to try to get over the pass and down into the forest for cover. Absolute battle wading through the snow, took turns breaking trail. Couldn’t see the river and unfortunately fell all the way through the snow and got my feet wet. Pass itself fairly easy to get over and then lots of shoe skiing down the other side. Dark fell as we got to the forest edge. Got confused by the GPX as it takes you right to the edge of a massive cliff - not great in the dark. Used other peoples notes and managed to find the trail on the other side of the river then just kept powering on until we found a clear spot on the old disused road at about (-45.98519,-72.10097). Collapsed into bed after a quick dinner at about 10pm - definitely the hardest day we’ve done on the whole GPT. Really wouldn’t recommend doing this section after heavy snow unless you have microspikes and probably an ice axe. Excellent navigation skills also a must due to lack of landmarks in the snow.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Woke up to frozen solid pants and shoes - it had dropped to -8 degrees overnight and was still -4 in the morning. After much smashing of our shoes and socks on rocks so we could put them on, we packed up the tent and headed off towards the tourist track. Passed Segundo camp, no one in sight. Finally thawing out when the sun came out. Took Var E up to the glacier - super long trip on rocky scree, worth going up to the lake but don’t go beyond like we did. Kept going along regular route after detour. Fair bit of snow on the pass, had to be very careful coming down as it was icy and windswept. Saw first glimpses of Cerro Castillo from behind. Camped at the old campsite just before El Bosque - still hadn’t seen anyone on the entire trail.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Did the side trip up to the Laguna behind the El Bosque campsite. Headed up to the main Laguna Castillo and was nearly blown off our feet as we came over the ridge. Hid behind a boulder for lunch while we assessed whether to bail down the mountain or attempt the high pass in the winds. As we ate they seemed to die off slightly so we legged it up the mountain. Awesome views over Villa Cerro Castillo and we could see back to the Torres del Avellano. As we hit the top of the pass the wind started to pick up again. We had to hide behind boulders between gusts and then sprint to the next one to avoid being blown off the mountain. Tricky coming down the pass in the high winds as the scree was pretty loose and very exposed to the wind. Eventually made it down and to Porteadores. Decided to head up to Neozelandés so we could go up to Laguna Duff in the morning. A few people were camped here - first people we had seen on the trail!<br /> <br /> Day 4: Plans to visit Laguna Duff were foiled as we woke up to heavy snow fall. Forecast was for even more snow so cut our losses and headed down. Visibility was terrible but passed several tour groups heading up the trail. Tried to avoid the park rangers but when we thought we were home free a guy in a Ute pulled us up as we were walking along the road towards Villa Cerro Castillo and asked where we were coming from. Took us back to the office and made us pay. Awesome section, snow and wind made it challenging but was great to have it all to ourselves until the last day.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2024-Feb-16 to 2024-Feb-21 / 5.5 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Lauren &amp; Seb'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Day 1: After taking an Uber from Coyhaique to Villa Frei, we combined a couple of hitchhikes to wp X, Settler {31P-01} [0.0+0.3/310] and hiked to wp Lake {32} [33.6/338] to the put-in. We crossed Lago Desierto with good tail wind and camped at wp Lake {32} [38.3/337] which can get gusty on a rainy night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: We started paddling Lago Azul the next morning and very much enjoyed the pristine blue waters. The waves built up increasingly towards the shore so keep an eye out for a calmer landing spot. We then walked through a manicured garden, passing by an impressive private hacienda. The mountain bike tracks in the valley behind the hacienda are easy to walk with great views of Lago Azul and Lago La Paloma. We made camp at wp Camp {32} [52.4/713].<br /> <br /> Day 3: The next day, we were mentally gearing up for the BB section indicated in the files. *Note: We later found out there is no BB, in our opinion, as the actual 4wd track continues all the way until the END of RP-BB-A {32} [55.9+1.2]. After that, there is also no BB- only a 1.5 km walk along the river bank and through swamp land (CC would be a more accurate labelling for this part). We were very grateful for Tom’s advice to keep our fording footwear on after the fording just before the landslide. The swamp was much easier to navigate with our crocs. The rest of the way until the official Cerro Castillo trail is easy 4wd track, sometimes a bit overgrown. We decided to follow towards the southwest at wp GPT32-D, into the short BB and CC. The BB is not really BB, as shrubs are only hip high and easy to navigate. After that we joined the main trail and camped at Segundo Camping. We saw mice running around so it’s definitely advisable to hang your food on a tree if you don’t want these critters chewing through your tent.<br /> <br /> Days 4-6: After 3 days of not seeing anyone, it was a jarring contrast to meet numerous hikers on this popular stretch. Followed the scenic and easy RR until Villa Cerro Castillo, with an overnight stay at Camping Neozelandés to visit Laguna Duff. We exited the NP over a fence by following the RR and caught a hitchhike to town by noon.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-11 to 2024-Feb-14 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Var M + RR + Var C + Opt03 / Matthias'''<br /> Day 1: (El Blanco -) Lago Monreal - valley after the traverse (km 31, 1200m). <br /> Stayed in the camping Las Confluencias (very nice people and place) in El Blanco (on ruta 7). The owner drove me to the Lago Monreal in the morning. He dropped me off right in front of the gate with camera on Var M and said: “This is the (only) way. Climb over the fence”. I did not encounter any problems, and the MR does not pass in sight of any housing. <br /> The traverse (km28-km30): You cross some steep slopes of scree and later of grass and shrubs, with some stretches where you´d better not fall. I´d recommend using microspikes if you carry for ease and safety. You do not really have to climb though. Going SOBO the route was not clear to me at the last rock (50m) before the track descends to the valley floor. Don´t try to climb over it (though there are traces of attempts), you can pass below, there is only 2m of bush-bashing through some trees, then you are on a path again.<br /> The camp in the valley was cold and very windy. <br /> <br /> Day 2: RR to Camp El Bosque<br /> Once you reach the official trail in NP, the path is relatively easy and always clear. From the camp El Bosque there is a path to a Laguna (20-30min) marked by cairns, it starts passing the toilet of the camp. There are nice views up there.<br /> Camping La Tetera (km 50.5) is officially closed for recuperation, so I did not camp there.<br /> <br /> Day 3+4: RR + Opt03<br /> At the very eastern end of Laguna Duff, there is a sheltered camp for 1 tent. With good weather a nice option.<br /> On the way down I explored the trail which is on OSM (leaves RR ca. at km 59). You pass through some gates and past the settler and the trail reaches RR just where the guardaparques are.<br /> Bought some gas from the friendly guardaparques. Hiked all the way to Cerro Castillo around noon.<br /> Stayed there in Hostal Cerro Castillo, which was the (good) recommendation of the park rangers.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-01 to 2024-Mar-03 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 02 + D + RR + OH E + 03 / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: OH32-02 + OH32-D [1.0-2.6] + RR [38.8-39.6]<br /> <br /> I hitched from Puerto Chacabuco to Las Horquetas and startet there around noon. After 700 m on OH32-02 you pass by a ranger hut. You have to sign in and you will get a short explanation about the trail. You don't have to pay here, but they tell you that you will pay when leaving the park. There is plenty of water on OH32-02. I camped at Camping Rio Turbio (Segundo) at km 39.6 of RR.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [39.6-41.3] + OH32-E [0.0-1.6] to Laguna Glaciar Penon and back + RR [41.3-56.6] + OH32-03 [0.0-3.6]<br /> <br /> Laguna Glaciar Penon is worth the short detour on OH32-E. I crossed a bunch of small streams around the pass at km 43.9. There is some ice on top of the pass but its not very steep and therefore relatively easy to walk over it. There is no water between Laguna Cerro Castillo (km 50.9) and Camping Porteadores (at beginning of OH32-03). I camped at Camping Neozelandes.<br /> <br /> Day 3: OH32-03 to Laguna Duff and back to RR + RR [56.6-66.9]<br /> <br /> Laguna Duff is nice. I hiked there early in the morning and therefore had the whole place for myself. About 400 m before the RR joins the minor road (km 60.6) the RR branches off the official hiking trail and avoids the park entrance. You have to hop a fence to get on the minor road but therefore you don't pay the 15000 Pesos for hiking in the park.<br /> <br /> The nacional park has 4 official campgrounds (at km 39.6 and 48.9 of RR and the two marked camps on OH32-03). You are only allowed to camp at those sites. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-23 to 2024-Feb-25 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / {32-M} - RR - {32-C} -RR / Lilian &amp; Rainbow'''<br /> <br /> Bus from Coyhaique to Villa Frei :<br /> <br /> Monday to Friday(8.15am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm) , Saturday(8am, 2pm), i forget the fee, it is less than 1000 CLP. It takes about 35-40 minutes and it turns back to Coyhaique with no waiting. The sign on the bus doesn't write Villa Frei, it said Valle Simpson, (and final stop is Villa Frei.)<br /> <br /> Bus terminal in Coyhaique : (-45.58226, -72.07800)<br /> <br /> Bus stop in Villa Frei : (-45.75139, -72.11226)<br /> <br /> Resupply in Coyhaique:<br /> <br /> I sent a resupply box(shoes and socks) to Patagon Backpacker(hostel) in Coyhaique from Santiago some months before, they are super friendly and willing to hold my box until i arrive. You can contact them by email, they are good at speaking English, also know lot around Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> If you want to buy some warm clothes, some shops in Coyhaique. North Face and Patagonia is there, but expensive. Some clothes in Patagonia are on sale but not for hiking or not much use, lot clothes but full price, ya. North Face's staff is much friendly, and lot items on sale too, but rainproof is full price. They have tents for sale too.<br /> <br /> Good clothes is cheaper with discount, 230g gas canisters and sleeping pad at Suray Montana, friendly and not crowded. I bught a fleece jacket at here.<br /> <br /> Doite have the cheapest price sporty clothes, just beside North Face. I bught a good base layer here.<br /> <br /> Lot of supermarkets in Coyhaique. I resupply at Unimarc.<br /> <br /> They are all close to the plaza, all the shops i listed can search by Google Map.<br /> <br /> Because i just have 3 days good weather, so I don't want to do any road walking, i talk the bus to Villa Frei, then hitch to (-45.86204, -72.04816) start hiking.<br /> <br /> Locked gate and camera at {32-m} km2.33, I didn't want to take long time go with big around so i climbed it directly, didn't see any people on the whole way, so doesn't matter.<br /> <br /> RR km23.3 : cross a stream, log crossing at downstream 20m, you can go through the tiny forest to there.<br /> <br /> Km23.63 : flat spot(-45.90969, -72.05767) with some protection after a stream crossing can fit 2 tents before go into the no covers grassland.<br /> <br /> Highly recommend go for {32-C}, both ways just 10min, amazing views and a camping spot can fit 1 tent with excellent view at (-45.90744, -72.07668), but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km 26.63 : flat spot (-45.92066, -72.07543) can fit 2 tents with good wind protection from west by bushes.<br /> <br /> Km27.75 : old camping sandy spot(-45.92915, -72.07549) can fit 4 tents with some wind protection from west, just before the dangerous CC. I think the previous one is better.<br /> <br /> Km27.9 - km29.95 : dangerous CC traversing on side hill. A slide may cause a fall with heavy injure or death. It is doable but not recommended to everyone. Doing this part only in good weather.<br /> <br /> Km28.3 - km28.35 : for me, it is the most dangerous part in this CC, some landslide(-45.93359, -72.07668) and very loose, i can't hold a good pose and slipped down some meters, luckily i can use my hiking poles to stop the slide immediately.<br /> <br /> Km29.3 : tricky spot(-45.93822, -72.08632), huge thank you for Véronica, her comments made this much easier. Just like she said, &quot;You reach the end of the bad scree and end up in a deep gully with a vertical wall face on the other side.&quot; <br /> <br /> &quot;Get to the lowest grassy patch to the left of the vertical rock wall. The easiest way to reach that grassy patch was to go upstream a bit, then traverse on the hard slippery sand northward, instead of trying to climb vertically straight up to it. Once you reach the grass, you can use the traction and stability of vegetation to clamber up and out of the gully.&quot;<br /> <br /> Km29.55 : 1st rock wall, go around it with a clear trail at downhill side(-45.93818, -72.08940), GPX track is correct at here.<br /> <br /> Km29.7 : 2nd rock wall, NO CLIMBING, NO SCRAMBLING here, there is a trail JUST WALKING at (-45.93864, -72.09126), overgrown but just 20m easy BB, the trail is between rock wall and treeline, Sobo not easy to notice, but when you are going around the rock wall, then you'll find it. Nobo is easy to reach the trail at the other side. GPX track leads you to climb, it is not a good idea, a slide in climbing at here will mostly cause death.<br /> <br /> After 2nd rock wall, finally CC down to the valley and easy walking start.<br /> <br /> Lot of camping possibilities at the valley, but zero wind protection. Better camping before pass[32.5/1385], because after the pass is super rocky, pass is a large flat area, but too soft to camp.<br /> <br /> I camped at (-45.94901, -72.09962), some flat spots, beside the waterfall from Cerro Aislado. Nice views but cold. It is the first night with negative degree so far. Some water froze to ice at early morning around here.<br /> <br /> After pass[32.5/1385], you walking down at another valley, but with some cairns to follow. <br /> <br /> Km33.5 : trail starts, with some big cairns along it. It leads you all the way to treeline at km34.2. Sometimes it is not clear to follow and lost, but you will always find it if you pay tons of attention, cairns leads you the way.<br /> <br /> The trailhead at km34.2 is a little tricky. You need to climb up a little on a rocky slope after you cross the stream to (-45.97307, -72.10268), then go into the forest to south a little, you'll find a steep loose rocky slope going down again, go for it and you can hold some trees there. Then you join the old trail shown on GPX going south. Don't think about go to the trailhead(-45.97343, -72.10281) directly, it is on a waterfall, you can't arrive there.<br /> <br /> The old trail is in good condition for a while, then become overgrown and some blowdowns. For emergency, you can camp at (-45.97898, -72.10345), it is the first flat spot for Sobo in treeline with cover (the last one for Nobo). It can fit 2 single person tent.<br /> <br /> Lot of tiny stream flowing with clear water.<br /> <br /> When you met the rock river(-45.98185, -72.10091) at km35.33, you can CC down the river and join MR at (-45.98357, -72.10284), it is a super easy CC, not steep, no blowdowns, no wet feet, rocks are stable and not slippery.<br /> <br /> When you arrive MR, easy walking again. A gate locked by wire at km37.1, climbing over it is the fastest way.<br /> <br /> Km38.1 : start BB to riverside, but i think it is a CC, the grass just up to ankle only.<br /> <br /> I find a clear trail(-46.00113, -72.09460) without any blowdowns going south, and lead you to riverside at (-46.00216, -72.09530), then you can walk beside the river and join national park trail.<br /> <br /> National park trail is in a nice condition, nothing to mention. Some snow before and after pass[43.9/1470], but still an easy walking on snow.<br /> <br /> Km46.1 : camping spot at (-46.05228, -72.14549), it is cleared out all the stone by someone here, can fit 1 tent with excellent 360° views, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> I camped beside the lake(-46.05780, -72.15969) for the second night, excellent spots with glacier views(you are just below it!) and views of Cerro Castillo! Peaceful and not crowded, I'm the only human there with some ducks, and they love to talking in the midnight. You can reach the lake starts at (-46.06176, -72.15672), easy walking beside a stream, all the way stay on east side and dry feet, BB less than 20 meters for total and mostly just easy CC.<br /> <br /> Km48.85 : Campsite El Bosque. Side trail to a lake under glacier at north. It is a long walk, but i highly recommend you at least take the trail go out the forest, amazing views there, both ways just 300m.<br /> <br /> Km49.95 : viewpoint of waterfall from Cerro Castillo. And i find that you can climb up to the top of waterfall! See the details at next waypoint.<br /> <br /> Km50.2 : you can climbing up this ridge to the UPPER LAKE of Cerro Castillo. From (-46.06989, -72.18148) to (-46.06905, -72.18500), then to (-46.06627, -72.18497). No trail, just CC on some rocks, stable and not steep until close to the top, the top part is steep and loose, at there you can go to right side a little bit, climbing up on grassy slope for final ascend. Amazing views there, and no camping, because the ground is too soft, but cow boy camping on huge rocks is wonderful at this place.<br /> <br /> I recorded this CC, will upload it later.<br /> <br /> Camp[50.5/1243] : Campsite La Tetera, not a good camping spot, some spots much better when you climbing up and before Laguna Castillo.<br /> <br /> After you enjoy the moment at Laguna Castillo, remember follow RR, check GPX track, dont follow the trail going beside the lake, it is a dead end trail, and if you dont want to all the way back, you can CC climbing up to join RR.<br /> <br /> Pass[53.5/1679] : excellent views here! If you are super thirsty, clear water is flowing good at (-46.07749, -72.20888), easy to collect, 10sec/L.<br /> <br /> Then all the way down to Campsite Los Porteadores, a long long way going down.<br /> <br /> Because of weather changing, so i didn't go up to Laguna Duff.<br /> <br /> Walking on a nice trail to main road, then all the way road walking to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> Lot of restaurants, shops and accomodation in Villa Cerro Castillo. The shop(-46.12072, -72.16115) beside the main road is the biggest one in town. Lot of biker riding, hikers and backpackers hitching on the road. Tall gas canisters and 230g gas canisters are sold in Copec gas station at (-46.12208, -72.16279) in high stock. We stayed at Nordic Patagonia(-46.12142, -72.15889), 15k CLP for a bed, 45k CLP for a double room, 8k CLP for camping with views of Cerro Castillo, including hot shower and kitchen basecamp.<br /> <br /> Maybe because of late season, never saw any flies at this section.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-10 to 2024-Feb-13 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Las Horquetas and Lagunitas / Andrew'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 (slept at Rio Turbio)<br /> <br /> I started in Villa Cerro Castillo and hitched a ride to Las Horquetas. I left a bag at the Nordic Patagonia campground in town, it's free if you stay a night after, or CLP 1.000/day if not.<br /> <br /> Signed in at the CONAF station where the park ranger explained the official camps that are currently open, and advised not to drink unfiltered/untreated water between Rio Turbio camp to just before El Bosque camp. But others I talked to later in the hike didn't get the same message and seemed fine so not sure what was up there.<br /> <br /> Easy hike to Rio Turbio camp with some horseflies.<br /> <br /> Day 2 (slept at El Bosque)<br /> <br /> This day was my punishment for deciding to leave behind my fleece at the last moment. Cold and rainy as I went over Penon pass, but at least I got to test out my new rain jacket and rain pants. At least it wasn't very windy. Great views of waterfalls after the pass, and the rest of the day was sunny.<br /> <br /> Camped at El Bosque. Difficult but short day. Worth taking the side trail to Laguna Temprana after setting up camp.<br /> <br /> Day 3 (slept at Neozelandes)<br /> <br /> Lots of scrambling over rocks. Great panoramic views as we went over Morro Negro. As developed campsites go I think Porteadores was actually a bit nicer than Neozelandes, but Neozelandes is much crowded and puts you closer to Laguna Duff.<br /> <br /> Day 4 (back to Villa Cerro Castillo)<br /> <br /> In the morning I hiked to Laguna Duff, best scenary on the Las Horquatas section of the hike IMO, do not miss this. Afterwards I hiked back to Neozelandes, packed my stuff, and hiked back to the Villa. All downhill. Paid the CLP 16.000 fee at the Estero Parada CONAF station, then hitched a ride back (around 3pm). Had some good pizza and beers with some folks I met on the hike at Pizzeria y Hamburgueseria D-Lizia in VCC.<br /> <br /> * '''10-Feb-2024 / Hiking / SOBO / 4 days / RR + Option B (attempted) / Ella &amp; Cristopher'''<br /> Day 1, we walked through the sections of private property without running into anyone, but met other local hikers a bit afterwards who said they have previously had problems with one of the landowners on the route we took, and that he has now installed cameras. Got to the section with the traverse and attempted to take Option B - definitely do not recommend this option. It took us about 2 hours to walk less than a mile on the super steep and loose dirt/skree. Multiple dangerous moments. Part of this option also seems to pass through dense forest which looked difficult to bushwhack, but we didn't make it that far before turning back as it was getting late with no end in sight. We camped right at the beginning of Option B, where there is a flatter patch and stream that you can walk down to. It was a good view, but we realized later that a better and equally beautiful place to camp would have been where the land plateaus a bit and there are multiple small streams, on the RR about a km after you pass the start of Option B. Day 2, we woke up to super windy and rainy conditions, and waited for it to clear until about 3 pm before starting the traverse. The RR turned out to be a relatively safer route than Option B, though we were still glad we waited for the bad weather to pass before attempting. Followed advice from Veronica at the difficult parts, which worked well for us. Definitely budget extra time for this stretch. Camped right after the traverse when it drops down to the river, which you follow to cross the first pass. The area doesn't get a lot of sun so it was really cold at night, but still a nice place to camp with flat spots and a river. Day 3, trail before uniting with the CONAF area was difficult to follow at points and slow because you are walking a lot on loose rocks. We were very confused when reaching a waterfall with no visible trail, but a few cairns about. Following advice from Will, we crossed the river just before the waterfall to go up the left side of the valley. Climb through the trees and then cross a few meters of steep loose dirt/skree, and you should be able to see where the trail then continues in the forest. Some bushwhacking after this but relatively easy to follow GPS track until linking with the CONAF Las Horquetas trail. Camped in El Bosque Camping which had a toilet but no water tap (though there is a river close by). Day 4, relatively easy and super beautiful walking all day. We took the RR all the way to the road, which does in fact avoid the CONAF checkpoint so we never had to pay. Ran into other hikers who said CONAF is only charging when you leave the park. Got very lucky with a hitch to Villa Cerro Castillo, but I would not count on it and the road gets a lot of sun and I didn't see a water source. Bus from Villa Cerro Castillo leaves at 6 pm and goes to Coyhaique for 9.000.<br /> <br /> Feb 2023 Frank<br /> There is no need for any rock climbing on this route. After the gully where you climb out on grass (described by Veronica) there are two rock bands running perpendicular to the route. You can go below both of them &amp; bypass them at treeline.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-8 to 2024-Feb-11 / 3.25 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR from El Blanco and Lago Monreal + Variant M + Option 3 / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> We started around 1500 at Coyhaique and easily hitched to El Blanco. We hitched with three cars (last went to Lago Paloma) and walked about four km in between them along Lago Monreal to Variant M. The sign against hikers scared us and it was late (1930), so we camped nearby (100 m along the fence westward). We reread other reports and decided to go for it in the morning. We first tried to go along a fence lining a small cliff about 100 metres west of the road, but it is pointless and we found ourselves on the road after a few hundred metres. We did not meet anyone. It is easy to miss RR and start on option 1, keep an eye on the GPS. We met black cows at the same place as Stiina, but they just looked omniously at us.<br /> <br /> As for the dangerous part, Tomáš ended up doing it three times as he dropped our tent poles from his backpack just before the start of the CC section. Unlike Nat (see below), he thinks the section is quite ok and he also found it quite scenic, especially the first part over the plateau. The annoying clambering is in fact only about two km long and can be done in about an hour if you know the way. It never felt dangerous to him, but he understands others see it differently. It is certainly more demanding than the average section of GPT. The description of Véronica is the best. The last obstacle (the boulder) is not entirely vertical (it feels like scrambling, not climbing), but you do need to use your hands and it is indeed exposed, down climbing NOBO is more awkward. On the other hand, it is only about seven metres distance (not elevation). We had sunny skies, in worse weather it would be a lot more annoying. The horseflies came back from the dead and died by the dozen under our merciless hands (Nat killed three accidentally just as she tied her hair back).<br /> <br /> At the end of CC after the pass, the trailhead is invisible (45.9731564S, 72.1026797W). It starts in the trees immediately from the river, about 10 m above the start of the waterfall in between two landslide/avalanche bands. Will comments that the GPX trail is exact, but since we are used to the GPX being slightly off, we could not see it, I guess we should have just trusted the GPX. There is a cairn in the creek marking the entrance but it is unclear how long it will stay there. Once you reach the overgrown MR, after a hundred metres of easy BB, one can cut the first zigzag straight down through easily passable mature forest. Once down on the road, you can camp on it, it is not used by cars ever. Once you reach the CC at 60.9, do not ford but stay on that side of the river!<br /> <br /> In the popular part of the hike, people concentrate at campings, but otherwise it does not feel too crowded (less than two dozen people met on the trails themselves per day). Until nine and from about five, you will meet almost nobody on the trails. The park is very attractive. There is good internet (Entel 4g) just before the pass at 53.5. From the other side, there is a sign saying the pass closes down in strong winds. Probably better to go there in the morning (weaker wind) or late (after six) in the afternoon (rangers have probably gone home) unless the weather is good. The sign where they turn people is probably at about 1250 altitude at roughly the treeline.<br /> <br /> To avoid paying, Nat followed the RR and was succesfull (OSM is wrong, the official trail is to the east of the GPT in the last few hundred metres). Tomáš followed the easternmost OSM trail that leaves the RR at roughly 480 altitude. The trail is rather imaginary, but it is easy walking across meadows or rarely through open forest and across several fences. His efforts were probably pointless. Tomáš also wanted to cut the walk to Villa Cerro Castillo and forded Estero El Bosque, but it was equally pointless and involved several fences.<br /> <br /> We found screwable gas cartridges in Villa Castillo at the supermarket &quot;Villarica&quot;, the last supermarket on the corner of - Bernardo Higgins and Bernardo a Alessandro, I think. They said they have them sometimes. There was a blackout for five hours during our stay but locals said that is not so common.<br /> <br /> Notes from Nat:<br /> <br /> - When in Coyhaique be sure to enjoy the bread and pizza shop called; La Tranquera Pan y Pizza (just North of the main plaza). It has a great selection of sourdough breads/Rye/whole-wheat loafs, cookies, real coffee and tasty pizza slices. ALSO don't miss the dry good store; Envasadora Aysen (45.57016° S, 72.06883° W), the good veg shop here (45.57730° S, 72.07038° W) and then the Unimarc is actually pretty good. <br /> <br /> - My views are prejudiced against the beginning of this route bcs I was sick and not in a good mood but my thoughts at the time were; &quot;If you want to &quot;enjoy&quot; section 32 then take the Las Horquetas option&quot;. I really didn't like all the sidehilling and felt you wouldn't miss out on much if you started at Horquetas. Also don't do what I did and pack twice as much as you need bcs Coyhaique &quot;might&quot; be the last place with good food (however it was 3-5x better than villa Castillo).<br /> <br /> - The first tricky part was annoying bcs it was hard to get an edge (not that there is any edge left in my shoes). It was easier to walk up it and gradually cross, all in all it didn't feel dangerous. The second tricky part did feel dangerous to me bcs I went too far climbers left of the grass staircase and ended up having to traverse the short, steep and featureless slope to get back on track, a fall seemed easy and with bad consequences. The rock scramble at the boulder did not worry me but I would not have climbed it if it was wet bcs there is a lot of algae-like material on it and some of the handholds were sloppy. <br /> <br /> - I would be very curious if one could make a new route that went up to this lake here; -45.94848, -72.07320, and then down either here; -45.95505, -72.08753 or along the ridge to here; -45.96914, -72.08724. It would be more vertical and longer but with possibly less sidehilling...<br /> <br /> - The glacier on Variant E (6km return, half of it moraine walking) is nice but not really worth it, the lake on the other hand is 100% worth the short walk (3km return, flat river rock waking).<br /> <br /> - The lake just North of Camping Bosque is also worth it if you can avoid the crowds. Both this lake and Variant E lake are technically CC but &quot;well traveled&quot; and cairned.<br /> <br /> - The trail to Laguna Duff is popular but &quot;splendid&quot;, it took less than two hours to the lake from Porteadores. Most of the trail is in the forest and then the last 1.5km (250m vert) is on a pretty obvious rock path. The camping at Neozelandés is far less crowded than other official campsites, I recommend it. I got into an argument with a CONAF officer at the lake bcs she told me it was too late to be there and I had to leave (4pm). If you want to avoid this person, then go right of the RR when it gets close to the lake headwall, she seemed to be &quot;staged&quot; at where the water leaves the lake. I originally wanted to make a traverse to the other lake but bcs of CONAF I went down to the camp to meet Tomáš and then we both went back up after she left (6ish). Once back up we made a traverse to the other lake by following a grassy slope that starts west of where the water exits the lake, you should be able to see the grassy slope on your left when you are walking to Duff. Follow it down and work yourself across, going down to where there is some grass should be quicker than traversing the rubble, it is CC, obviously. On the way down from the second lake we followed the main waterway and then cut back into the forest to reach the main trail (open forest, no BB). Rather than follow the west bank of the waterway like the GPS says we found it far easier to be in the east bank, less rubble.<br /> <br /> - We both had to walk back to Villa Castillo, no cars going in our direction but many going in opposite direction (~9am)<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-28 to 2024-Jan-31 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / Villa Cerro Castillo - Villa Frei / RR + Option 3 + Variant C + Variant M/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was another fantastic section but we don't have much to add to what has already been written. But we would still like to point out a few points:<br /> <br /> 1) At the Segundo campsite (also called Rio Turbio), mice gnawed our tent and our dry bag containing the food. It would be best to hang your food from the trees if you are sleeping at this campsite.<br /> <br /> 2) The large rock at -45.938145, -72.086171 can be avoided by doing 10 m of bush bashing just below the rock. This passage is much more visible going NOBO but it is also possible to take it going SOBO.<br /> <br /> 3) The little detour to Variant C is definitely worth it. The view of Lago Paloma and Lago Azul is truly incredible.<br /> <br /> 4) We took option M despite the right of way conflict. We passed a pick-up truck at the last gate going NOBO (the one with a padlock and a private property sign). They greeted us and gave us no problem.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-27 to 2024-Jan-29 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / option 2 + option 3 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : well maintained, good campsites sheltered from the wind <br /> - Water : easy to find plenty of rivers and lagunas<br /> - Camping spot : there are some designated campsites<br /> - Weather : Sunny<br /> - River crossing : easy<br /> - Resupply : in cohayque and in Villa cerro castillo, all you need<br /> - Entrance fee : 16 000 pesos per person, normally the park closes after 1pm so you can't start after that but we were a bit late and they let us through <br /> - Overall : beautiful stretch of section 32, for us it was really an amazing entrance in the Patagonian landscape as we imagined it with the Torres<br /> <br /> * '''From 2023-01-22 to 2023-01-24 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OP3 + OP3A + VARIANT M // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Villa cerro castillo - entrance Estero Parada - Laguna Duff - Sendero las Horquetas - North part of NP (CC) - Lago Paloma - Villa Frei. <br /> <br /> One of my favourite section so far ! I had amazing weather and I enjoyed so much this stretch, even with few people on the sendero las Horquetas in the NP (not crowded, but obviously more than the usual sections of the GPT). <br /> <br /> Entrance fees for 3 days was 16,000 CLP for me. I had no control and have seen no guardaparque during my hike. <br /> <br /> I walked all the way up to see Laguna Duff (OPT3) definitely worth it in my opinion. Wonderful view, with still some pieces of ices floating on the Laguna, the back of Cerro Castillo and the reflects on the water were amazing. Easy to go there, as there is a trail. <br /> <br /> The second one (OPT3A) is more tricky, no trail, and a lot of rolling stones. Beautiful too and of course, no people at all (I slept there, without tent, just on a big rock, that was incredible). <br /> <br /> Then go up to the pass, it was a crazy hot day, for the first time since I'm in Patagonia, I regretted that it wouldn't be a little bit windy aha. <br /> <br /> Laguna cerro castillo Is amazing. Second pass were very nice too. Bi. I passed it early on the morning, had some snow part, doable, but as it was morning, it was icy on some parts, so I putted my crampons and that was perfect. (But doable without). <br /> <br /> Then easy trail until the end of the public part of NP (just after Segundo camping). After that the cross country part begun. Follow an old trail of the NP, some bush bashing during the forest part, and have to check often the GPS. Then you have to deal with all the rocks until the first pass. <br /> <br /> Go down on a nice valley, and go up to the second pass. Tricky part, as described previously, is the big rock. It's maybe easier to do it NOBO because you descent it, and don't face it, which can be scary. But going on the grass part is the best way. Then follow the tree level, deal with rolling stones, and everything is gonna be alright. The récompense will be the amazing view on Lago Paloma (don't miss the Mirador). <br /> <br /> I took the variant M to avoid the right of way conflict. No trouble at all on this way. You have to pass threw some gates. The last one, near a kind of central hydroelectric is the biggest, with camera and sign do not enter. Few people seen after this gate, and they were all very gentle and nice ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, I really loved this stretch ! As it's summertime at this time, I met a lot of chilenos in the NP, so happy to see even very young chilenos explore their outstanding country ! <br /> <br /> You have to be prepared to face a looooot of rolling stones on this section, sometimes it's like dancing on rocks. Can I say that the rolling stones make this stretch rock'n'roll ? Probably not. <br /> <br /> Better to wait for good conditions. I can't imagine this section on a rainy and windy day ! <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan- 11 to 2024-Jan-13/ 3 days/hiking/SOBO/ Start in Las Horquetas and later RR/ Paulina'''<br /> <br /> I started in las Horquetas, it was open even if on Conaf website this section is still closed, apparently they don't really update). When I was there ( 10 AM) nobody at the gate, so no charges. Later in the park nobody never asked me to show the entrance ticket. The same at the exit gate, they just asked me to check out ( even if I did not check in).<br /> At the beginning of Las Horquetas trail, some very easy river crossing. Almost no people, only a few hikers on the campsite.<br /> On Pass 32 [43.9/1470] still some soft snow, but I could cross it safetly.<br /> <br /> Be careful on the ridge around pass 32 [ 53.5/1679] on very windy days. <br /> I did not see any water around camping Los Porteadores, except this last section, water was available everywhere. <br /> <br /> Beautiful and very scenic section! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-29 to 2024-01-01 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; Variant D &amp; M / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Took a Uber from Coyhaique to Villa Frei for 17.000$. Got another lift by someone who life's there to this point: -45.8737, -72.04342. Joined via Variant M to the RR. Camped at Camp {32} [23.6/1010]. Good place you have to Ford 2 times before the Camp and 1 times directly after it. Here the -45.93357, -72.07606 Clambering in steep terrain starts and is very challenging also in combination with snow. Very steep literally climbing up there here: -45.938145, -72.086171 especially with a backpack. I needed to go very slow and cautious with 3 point technique. After that you can follow the GPS and the Kerns to this point -45.973087, -72.102771. From there a old abandoned road goes all the way to the point where the Trail( Variant D) merges with the Sendero de Chile Las Horquetas at: X {32-D} [1.0/920]. On the trial are some parts which are not perfectly visible but with GPS no problem. There are some fallen trees and quite a few small trees on the trail. I wouldn't consider it Bush Bashing (BB) because you can just raise your arms in front of your face and walk trough it. So IMHO no BB on the route. As soon as you are at X {32-D} [1.0/920] it's a &quot;touristy trail&quot; compared with the other GPT parts. Therefor the condition is excellent. Camped at Segundo Camping -46.008184, -72.104121. Next day camped at Camping Los Porteadores -46.089085, -72.235431. Snow was neither on Pass {32} [43.9/1470] or Pass {32} [53.5/1679] a problem. Next day hiked to Villa Cerro Castillo. Not a single car on the street towards it so needed to hike. The RR avoids the Entrance Cerro Castillo Park (Estero Parada) there is one gate before accessing the street where you can just hop over.<br /> <br /> Overall: really nice section and quite relaxing to have such a easy trail (the beginning is challenging due to the rock scramble). It's the most touristy part (2 groups a 7 people) but absolutely woth it. Really enjoyed it.<br /> <br /> Contact: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2023-Dec-12 / 6 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RR + Variant D + Variant F / Tom Pieper'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> An Uber from Cohayique to Villa Simpson is about 9.000 Peso. From there I easily found rides to Lago Elizalde. A older man told me that there was also a camino from Lago Elizalde to Lago Azul passing cerro sombrero a couple of years ago. I really liked the walking through the valley to lago desierto. It passes a beautiful farmland landscape sprinkled with little lush patches of forest and creeks. Camping is easy there. But if you want to speed up there are also cars from time to time and hitchhiking is possible. At S 45° 52.495 W 072° 16.913 is a little shelter surrounded by some old tractors and a big mate cup installation. A farmer passing by told me I am welcome to stay there. To reach lago desierto you have to climb a locked gate (well described by Kara Davis). I crossed lago desierto and camped at the isthmus between it and lago azul. There is a nice camp spot at waypoint Lake {32} [38.3/337] surrounded by old gooseberry bushes and an abandoned van. The central lodging building is collapsed so its seems to be an abandoned place now except the cattle. Next day I crossed lago azul. The wind increased dramatically forming up to 1 m waves. There are some emergency exits on the left even after the shore gets steeper after the settlers on the lefthand side. At the end of lago azul you reach a huge private hacienda on the isthmus, with a big park like forest and buildings within. I tried to sneak between the buildings but to reach the path to the mountains you finally have to pass a big meadow. There was a greenkeeper around and it was no problem for him to let me pass. The family was not around. The track to the mountains is steep and part of a big network of mountainbike trails. This network spans nearly the entire valley! I met six young chilenos who told me that they are working the summer to maintain the trails only for that family – I have never seen such a giant mountainbike network! Incredible how much effort and money must spend here only to satisfy a family’s hobby. The Chilenos were very friendly and even turned back to offer me a ride to the end of the valley as rain increased but I kept walking. This track is in really good conditions up to the bush bashing section. And here comes the problem: 1.) the bush bashing is wrong annotated. In reality it starts for 1.2 km at the end of the annotated section 2.) the track is mostly gone were it reaches the river bed. Landslides have washed away a big part. Don’t cross the landslide! It seems super instable! When you have forded the riverbed at the landslide don’t put on your shoes, yet. The following part has turned into swamp land. I suggest to make the entire 1.2 km in your fording footwear. After that the track to the las horquetas trail is mostly overgrown or blocked by trees but still visible. It was pretty hard for me as temperatures dropped to 4 °C and at this point it had not stopped raining for 48 hr. In bad weather that’s definitely no fun. The ranger hut was my salvation as it was abandoned but open and had a stove and even some firewood. The next day the weather was perfect and I continued towards cerro Castillo. There had been recent work around Camping Rio Turbio and the track is still in good condition. Paso Penón has heaps of snow and I found myself sinking to the hips from time to time. But in good weather it is ok. The views from the pass and the following valley even outcompeted the view from laguna castillo. After the paso penón the rest is fine. I used Variant F to descend. As mentioned before it now follows a different way in the end due to right of way conflict and you reach the street at approximately half way between villa cerro Castillo and the national park entrance.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''05-Apr-2023 / Hiking / SOBO / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We really enjoyed this one. It's definitely worth waiting for good weather, not only for safe traverse of the steep part in the northern part of the park and following obstacles that are quite demanding but also for the views that were just incredible.<br /> <br /> Starting from Villa Frei in the late afternoon, we made it on that day to the turn before Lago La Paloma, where we camped right behind a fence, before a little river, that you need to cross to follow the RR. There are 2 settlements, but still far enough, so no problem. You have to cross one fence and a gate on the way up. To avoid right-of-way conflict, we followed Cristopher &amp; Anna's advice (thanks guys!) and turned right after the first gate behind the beginning of the optional trail. From there you just need to follow MR, cross a few gates and you will end up on a fenced field with bee hives on one side. Crossing them will take you directly to RR, so no bush-bashing is necessary. From there, the trail is pretty straightforward. We liked the view from Option B viewpoint and in good conditions it must be a perfect spot for camping, definitely doable in one day. The steep traverse didn't feel that dangerous for us, but we had really good conditions. The next obstacle, already described by others, is at the end of the traverse. We followed there a small ridge that will take you to the beginning of the grass parts. It's a little steep, but doable. From there we followed the grass parts, which create almost 'stairs' allowing you to climb up. It's again steep, but you can use your hands to pull yourself up, holding the grass patches. After that is the last challenging part, a rock that you need to climb over. We got there already after sunset and without an option to explore the best and safest way over, we decided to follow the old overgrown trail, that descends down without the need to climb over the rock. It seemed to be hard in the beginning, but after we got through the first few trees (without any leaves, just branches), we found a little strip without them, that takes you all the way down to the river, where we camped. It took us around 15 min to get down, so it might be a good alternative. From there you just need to walk through a little part of the forest and then continue by the river, so you are actually avoiding also the descent down, which some described as challenging as well.<br /> <br /> After the first marked pass and descent in rocky terrain, the CC part connects to an old trail, that later becomes a MR. The connection was easy to find by following the GPS. We had no problems passing around the rangers house, again by following the track files, at first through the forest and later around the river. From there the trail connects to the official way which makes navigation easy. We spent the night in the official campsite around 2 km before Laguna Carro Castillo, which is the only one open. There were 5-6 other tents, no ranger. The next day the weather got way way worse, which made us skip the last pass and go down from the laguna via one of the official routes. We met a ranger on the way up, pointing us to the official trail around yellow cairns, to sign off from the park. With no intention to pay on our way from the park, we actually followed some old trail (according to the old signs we met) that took us to the main road, right in front of the bridge. We had to cross one fence, but no other problem. It's a faster and safe way from the park.<br /> <br /> * '''5 to 7 of February 2023 / Will / SOBO / 3 days'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section! I was worried about the tricky part, but sticking to the gpx track it didn't feel dangerous to me. Though I did have to leave the track to find easier ways around the cliffs.<br /> <br /> There weren't any buses south out of Coyhaique on Sunday (except maybe early morning?). I ended up taking an Uber to villa frei, for a bearable 14000 pesos. The road walk was beautiful except for the wind trying to blow me into the cars. I caught a ride to Lago Monreal, from where I walked back up to variant L and then to the 23.6 campsite.<br /> <br /> I didn't have any right of way trouble, I just had to pass through a few unlocked gates with no people or buildings in sight. There were even a few groups of day hikers who passed by my camp on the way to the Lago Paloma mirador (variant B - must see!).<br /> <br /> I also took variant D up to the glacier lake, worth it if it fits your schedule. I didn't have time to keep going up to the glacier itself, it looked like steeper rocky cross country.<br /> <br /> Even in the touristy parts the trail was surprisingly slow and rocky. I ran into a few rangers, who look like normal hikers except with red and white baseball hats. They were ok with me not having a ticket once I explained my weird route.<br /> <br /> * '''15.02.23 -18.02.23 / Anna &amp; Christopher / SOBO'''<br /> Coyhaique - Villa Cerro Castillo<br /> <br /> We hitchhiked from Coyhaique to Lago Paloma and started walking around 13:30 pm following the main path.<br /> <br /> The trail at the beginning is pretty good. At the junction with the option at km 17,5 you can walk further uphill along the fence for a couple of meters to enter the fence through a gate. This option is not in the gpx files. We decided to follow that to avoid the settlers after all.Then you can follow the dirtroad through two more gates until you reach a fence that you have to jump to the right to get to a meadow with beehives. There is another gate there and then you reach the main route again. In total we only had to jump two fences.<br /> <br /> Then we followed the main route. Soon after we went through the gate of the National park Cerro Castillo and we (unfortunately) met two guardians of the park. After some back and forth they made us turn around, telling us that this path is closed and we have to enter the park via the main entrance and pay the 30.000 clp. So we had to take the option to las Horquetas.<br /> <br /> After a few good km on a dirtroad, the path of option 1 gets bad. It seems like it hasn't been used for a long time. It was often hard to find and involved some bushbashing. It took us quite some time to get through there. Once you are at the river it gets much better. We forded the river next to the entrance to avoid the detour until Horquetas. The option was not very nice. Mostly just walking in the forest with BB so we would definetly recommend to try the main route.<br /> <br /> The entrance closes at 2 pm but the guards there were much nicer than the first two, and it was also no problem to get in at 3 pm. We had to register us and pay the 30.000 clp p.p. though. The rest of the trek we were not asked to show the tickets. The park guardians tell you that there is no water crossing both passes and you have to carry it from the official camps, which is simply not true. There is only no water after Laguna Castillo.<br /> <br /> At the exit (following the RR) we had to register us again. From there we planned to hitchhike to Villa Cerro Castillo, but there were no cars passing by. In the afternoon/evening it's probably easier to get a ride, because lots of cars parked at the exit. We would recommend Option E to avoid the dull roadwalk to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> We stayed at Camping El Rincon, which was only 4.000 clp p.p., with no electricity, but the owner washed our clothes after we asked and we received it dry the next morning :)<br /> <br /> * '''18 to 21 of January 2023 / Véronica / GPT32 RR SOBO / 3.5 days'''<br /> <br /> Route: Villa Freí - Lago La Paloma - north part of Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo - Las Horquetas trail (south part of Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo) - Villa Cerro Castillo<br /> First off I want to say that I think this section deserves a 5 on the Attractiveness Scale. It is simply mind-blowingly beautiful and definitely on par with other sections further north that have a 5 on this scale. I also think the Difficulty Rating should be upped to a 5 as well, due to the technical, and arguably dangerous at times, section in the northern part of the park on the Regular Route. Wish I had someone with me during this stretch, but oh well, such is life.<br /> <br /> I was lucky and caught a hitch most of the way to Lago La Paloma on the first day. It was hot and I don't think the road walk has any water sources until you get to the end. I then followed the new RR which bypasses the problematic right-of-way settler in the Lago Monreal area. However, this new detour is not fun. It involves climbing over (or crawling through/under) multiple barbed wire fences. I lost count after the 5th or 6th one. Also, the path and cross-country area are full of thorny plants, they got everywhere on my pack and clothing. I think it would just be better to take Option 32-L and chat with the settler instead to try and get through. Once you reach RH-MR-V {32} [18.9+4.7], it's all good, easy walking until the camp at 23.6 km.<br /> <br /> I reccomend taking Option 32-A after the campsite instead of the CC straight through the cow pasture. It is wet and muddy, whereas 32-A remains dry and easy to follow in the forest at the edge of the meadow. I also strongly recommend taking the short detour to the mirador at the end of Option 32-B. The views there of the cliffs and mountains surrounding Lago La Paloma are incredible. You could even camp there if you brought sufficient water and the weather is calm.<br /> <br /> Now for the difficult part in the 8-km cross-country section. This section was physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. The first pass is at S 45° 55.740', W 072° 04.501'. It is easy walking up past the treeline into the alpine up to this point. The first challenge is a steep and unstable scree traverse, which begins at S 45° 56.019', W 072° 04.567'. Follow the GPS tracks here. At first I tried to go lower, right along the treeline, which was a big mistake that got me stuck in a terrible gully of slippery hard-packed sand. Very treacherous and scary trying to traverse it on all fours. After that ordeal, I scrambled back up to the altitude of the GPS tracks. This first scree traverse lasts about a km, the rocks are loose and it is very steep. I was tense and went very slowly. Got harassed by tábanos the whole way, but at least the weather was good.<br /> <br /> Then at S 45° 56.288', W 072° 05.184', you reach the end of the bad scree and end up in a deep gully with a vertical wall face on the other side. Figuring out how to get up that cliff was hard for me. I left my pack at the bottom and tried climbing up various different ways with no success, only tiring myself out and getting myself in precarious situations where I could barely climb back down. I finally figured out the best way was to try and get to the lowest grassy patch to the left of the vertical rock wall. The easiest way to reach that grassy patch was to go upstream a bit, then traverse on the hard slippery sand northward, instead of trying to climb vertically straight up to it. Once you reach the grass, you can use the traction and stability of vegetation to clamber up and out of the gully.<br /> <br /> The next big obstacle is at S 45° 56.320', W 072° 05.446'. Like others have written, this is the vertical rock wall that spans up and down the mountain and that you have to climb over. I scouted ways up without my pack at first, trying to find the easiest way. At least with this rock wall, the handholds and footholds are solid — no slippery gravel/sand/scree. But it does require actual rock climbing moves. If you fall you would likely tumble down the mountain, so please be very careful. A light backpack makes it relatively safer and easier.<br /> <br /> On the other side of this wall, you can finally see where the trees end, and the lovely river you are supposed to climb down to reach. But there is still more scree to traverse here, and it is slow and unstable again. I tried taking a shortcut down a shallow gully filled with grass. I figured it would be safer than the rocks, but it was very steep and got unexpectedly muddy at one point, and I ended up slipping and sliding down the mountainside about 10 meters before being able to stop myself. Didn't get seriously hurt, just bruised up, but it really shook me and just added to the stress and fear of this whole section. So I guess my advice here is to again follow the GPS tracks across the scree and go down gradually to the river instead of trying to go straight down.<br /> <br /> Once you reach the riverbed, it is easy walking to the top of the pass, with occasional cairns (and some good swimming holes). Down the south side of the pass, there are still a couple scree sections, but not nearly as bad as before. Lots of boulders, so slow going, but at least they felt more solid.<br /> <br /> As Martin Lizondo has written, finding the start of RH-MR-V {32} [34.1+1.7] is tricky. It is not a minor road, it is an old footpath. The cross-country section ends at a creek as it turns into a high and steep waterfall. You have to cross the creek and look up to find a faint, overgrown trail that goes up into the forest. Once you find it though, it is simple enough to follow. There is a stretch though of several hundred meters where it is more of a bushwhack than anything else, nature has taken over.<br /> <br /> I followed the regular route that cuts through the forest to Río Turbío, I assume this is to avoid the ranger station nearby. The &quot;bushbashing&quot; section is easy through a mature forest, and then you just follow the bouldery riverbank.<br /> <br /> Once you get to the popular Las Horquetas trail, everything is easy until the end of the section. Some snow at the top of the first pass (Paso Peñón), but very manageable. The views of the saw-toothed mountains, lakes, and glaciers are spectacular. Despite reports of the park being &quot;overrun,&quot; I only met a handful of other hikers in this trail, and most of them after Laguna Castillo. No rangers at all.<br /> <br /> I think the Regular Route in its current configuration avoids the blue payment tent at the end of the park trail, but I didn't know that when I passed through, and ended up just following the riverbank down to the minor road to be safe (and avoid paying the ridiculous 30,000 clp access fee). The road walk to Cerro Castillo was Easy and uneventful.<br /> <br /> * '''23/02/2023 - 25/02/2023 / RR SOBO / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé :'''<br /> <br /> We started at Lago La Paloma, taking the bus from Coyhaique to Villa Frei (leaves at 8:15,15:30,17:30&amp;19:30 from monday to friday and at 8:00 and 14:00 on saturday (no bus on sunday)). Then we hitchiked to the lake without problem and we camped there. Ready to start in the morning the next day.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Campamento Rio Turbio - 26.5km - +1800m/-1200m A big day but we hadnt the choice : heavy rain was announced for the next day... Cross country is demanding, better follow the tracks all the way long. A great camp site if you want to split this day is at the end of Option B. No water, windy but incredible view. The waypoint camp before is nice too.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Campamento El Bosque - 10km - +800m/-800m The 2 camps sites on the GPT at47.8 and at 50.3 are now forbidden. The new campsite is approx at km 49, in the middle. There is guardaparques, but no need to show the permit for us.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Cerro Castillo - 11km - +800m/-1500m The pass after Cerro Castillo was closed due to the wind. If you want to go to the other side, you have to get down at the park entrance and to go up again at the other entrance. We just went to the town. The regular route going down from there, from the Cerro Castillo, is not the one on the GPT. Actually, it goes more on the west side. At the end, there is a guardaparque, we checked out (even though we didn’t checked in) but no need to pay. Fortunately. Luck was with us.<br /> <br /> * '''23/02/2023 - 25/02/2023 / RR NOBO / Jakub+Veronika:'''<br /> <br /> 1) Lago La Paloma, right of way conflict on RH (32, km 17.5): Owner of the land (and nearby houses) is called Cesar, according to him, the right way is by the mud road (OH 32-L) and not on the trail, which passes some 20m next to his house. The reason why there was a conflict might have been caused by Cesar's relative who didn't like tourists walking on their land.<br /> 2) Trail has been changed 3 years ago because of right of way conflict between CONAF and private owners on the OH (32-E). The new official trail (with official park entrance) leads on OH (32-E) for the first 2km, then turns right and goes down towards Rio Ibáñez to RR (32, km 85), well marked by metal yellow triangles.<br /> <br /> We've walked all section 32 from Villa Frei to Villa Cerro Castillo. The part from Lago Paloma to Rio Turbio is very difficult and might be even dangerous (especially in bad weather). The CC travers on the stones (in our case with strong wind and snow) was the hardest part. The MR leading down to the valley is partially overgrown. The second part is well marked with good camping possibilities. After heavy rains on Sunday 25th, the park has been closed for more than a week. There are 2 alerts on the road (see above).<br /> <br /> * '''Feb 17 RR 3 days SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> Walked from Villa Frei. After about 12KM there is a food truck next to the road. Owners live there so should open for you. The owner of the private land wasn't there so had no access issues. You can camp in a big meadow @ 1250 metres or in good weather at a pass @ about 1325 metres (not marked on track file) just before the difficult CC section begins. Followed Veronica's advice to get up the gully on grass which worked well, thanks Veronica. There is no need for any rock climbing on this route. After the gully there are two rock bands running perpendicular to the route. You can go below both of them &amp; bypass them at treeline. The second bypass is not very obvious but stay at the treeline &amp; you will get through easily. After the pass, descending scree you come to a waterfall. Go left into the forest immediately before the waterfall - you may see a small cairn marking the spot. Just footprints at first but pick up a small trail as you go in. Leaving the park the RR to the left goes through private land. The optional route straight down is now the main trail, it goes down to a checkpoint just before the road. Checkpoint is at a stile over a fence so can't be avoided. It is run as a private 'concession' from CONAF. The workers were friendly &amp; didn't charge me anything. However next year the concession will be run by a different company so depends who is there.<br /> <br /> * ''' Note on Options 4, 7 and 8:'''<br /> GPT32 Option 4: is the gravel road to Lago Elizalde and Lago el Desierto. A subsidized bus travels this route 2 or 3 times per week.<br /> GPT32 Option 7 and 8: Are routes published on Wikiloc and/or www.suda.Io. This means someone took these routes in the last years but not much more information are available.<br /> (Source Jan Dudeck: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1498106867361861/ )<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Feb: 05-07, SoBo, RR, Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We continued into this section straight from the previous one - 31H and the start of it, about first 16km, is like the whole previous section - dirt road. We hiked about 5 of those 16km and hitched the rest which I think was possible quite easy because it was weekend and a lot of cars with families were going to the Lago La Paloma.<br /> <br /> The interesting part started once we were at the gate after crossing the outflow of Lago Monreal. The big sign was posted there stating that this is not some Sendero de Chile and that passing through here is strictly forbidden. We saw a guy at the gate when we were approaching, but as it was lunch time for us we stayed at the stream. Afterwards the guy was gone and there was no phone signal to call the nr. that Martin Lizondo has provided. After considering options of different routes we decided to keep it cool and climbed over the gate with fingers crossed. There were houses a few hundred meters up the road, but nobody seemed to be at home at that point, perhaps working in the field somewhere in the back, so we walked through the forbidden land without anyone intercepting, luck was with us. A few more gates later we climbed up into the forest and finally the Cerro Castillo National park with a big old welcoming sign. We stayed at the first marked campsite at 22,7km, there is a stream.<br /> <br /> Next morning as we were having our breakfast about 30 cows showed up and were completely dazzled by our presence. They stared at us for about 15min until they finally relaxed a bit, but not fully. As we were packing our camp some sudden movement must have scared them and they all went running for their lives as if a Kraken himself was after them, silly cows, we thought. Once we were all packed and ready to go we crossed the stream into the next meadow, and saw all the cows about 200m to our left. I am not exactly sure how cows work, but as soon as they saw us they organized a gang and all of them started running right at us. We of course were standing our ground so the cows would stop just 5m from us and look all tough. I would try to scare them away by counter attack in the form of a shouting, hiking pole waving lunatic. It worked to some extent, as we could slowly walk out of it, but the cows kept persistently be really close and walk/run at us. I guess they were trying to protect their pasture, maybe someone can enlighten me about cow-dynamics.<br /> <br /> After the great battle of 2022, we disappeared in the forest and enjoyed the nice forest path while it lasted. Once out of the three line the path disappeared so we more or less followed the GPS marking. Neither of our maps showed the mentioned old path descending down into the valley, it was actually matching with the GPS, more or less. Up to the first pass, which is not marked, but is at about 26,8km the cross country was easy and then as mentioned before it got pretty difficult. If it would just be steep scree slope it would be alright, but this one had hard packed sand under the scree or sometimes no scree on it so it was very slippery (in dry conditions). Lots of prayers went to the Gods of Friction which helped us with traversing the treacherous slopes, with plenty of chances to become a statistic. I don’t think that that traverse is possible in wet conditions, not without crampons. And as for every good cake there is always a cherry on top, which was a little rock climbing session, which I personally didn’t mind, but I am not sure other hikers would appreciate. After that we still had to descend a steep scree down to the river. If there is a potential trail or option to go down the valley after the pass and then follow the river bank up, I think it is definitely a better, faster and safer option, especially if weather is not favorable. And looking from above down the valley it seemed like a feasible option to follow the river as the river itself was easily crossable and we didn’t spot any cliffs there, maybe next time.<br /> <br /> After reaching the river at the valley bottom the way up to the second pass was easy and straight forward, even though still “sin sendero”. The way down from the pass is steep and bouldery but not dangerous and after a short bit some first signs of an old trail can be noticed, some cairs appear. Then once the trail gets down to the tree line there are a few bushy places, but nothing too bad and the closer to the actual trail you get the better it becomes. We also somewhat followed the GPS track but stayed more in the forest rather than beach to avoid the ranger hut.<br /> <br /> Once we made it to the Las Horquetas trail all our worries were behind us and we could enjoy the nice trail and magnificent views. I don’t think I have ever seen tree line ending almost at the edge of the glacier in Europe it was happening a century ago, pretty cool stuff. We camped at the “segundo camping” with many other hikers, none doing the GPT though. And an interesting thing we observed was that people would just drink straight from the silty glacier stream without filtering or treating their water at all. Observation was made of different groups of people at different campsites. Is that a Chilean thing? Very impressive gut, if they can do it, unless ignorance is a bliss or they knew something that we didn’t.<br /> <br /> Nevertheless, two more mountain passes and we were heading down to Villa Cerro Castillo, with crowds of day-hikers that had come up to the Mirador Cerro Castillo. From there we actually didn’t follow the GPS track but headed down straight to the town. The ticket office with the park official is actually around this area: (46º 6.7520' S, 72º 12.0032' W). And the trail leading there is the official trail. The one that seemed on the map like the official, was actually not in use, not sure why. The satellite view on Gaia and info on the maps is somehow outdated. We tried to sneak past the office to avoid all explaining we had to do, but it’s kind of strategically placed so it wasn’t possible and we ended up just talking to the girl that was making sure everyone is checking out of the park. We had to pay 18.000 pesos per person which is the ticket for foreigners that want to go up to the mirador. We didn’t spill the beans about camping in the park and our small backpacks kept the suspicion low, so in the end it all worked out pretty good. From there it is still almost 5km to the town on a very dusty road, but with all the day hikers leaving a hitch was not a problem.<br /> <br /> The town is really nice with plenty of shops and accommodations options. The only thing we didn’t manage to find was the threaded gas canister, but we found a few half-empty ones left in the Nordic Patagonia mess tent.<br /> <br /> For more stories of the trail, pictures, videos and in case you want to ask us anything you can find us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-18 to 2021-Dec-22 / Option 6 (Valle Balboa), Regular Route &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;(Packrafting Lago Desierto and Lago Azul)&lt;/span&gt; and &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Option 9 (Packrafting Lago Paloma)&lt;/span&gt; / Northbound and Westbound / Meylin and Jan'''<br /> <br /> General Remark:<br /> This route provides an attractive alternative to the overrun Cerro Castillo trail. The popular Cerro Castillo trail is also highly regulated (obligatory camp sites, closed in suboptimal weather) and costly (27’000 CLP entrence fee) therefore this alternative should be considered by hikers and packrafters.<br /> At the upper terminus of the Valle Balboa is a 5 km long and 400 m wide pasture at an altitude of 1100 m. To utilize this pasture for cattle summer grazing, settlers build a 18 km long trail through the forrest along the Rio Balboa.<br /> This very scenic Valle Balboa trail was hiked and published on Wikiexplora by Tobias Hellwig and Daniel Mahn. But the southbound descent down to Rio Ibañez was made by climbing down with a rope in very steep terrain because the location of the descending trail was not yet documented. <br /> Therefore we investigate this route in the opposite direction to search the southern trailhead to incorporate a feasible hiking traverse from Rio Balboa to Rio Ibanez in the GPT network.<br /> <br /> Summary of Northbound Investigation:<br /> Tobias Hellwig suggested where the southern trailhead may be located. A detailed analysis of satellite images and elevation profiles supported this and a local resident confirmed this assumption. After an hour of searching we found the southern trailhead. This trail terminates at a 400 m by 60 m pasture at abandoned camp (“Camp A”) from where no trail appears to continue. <br /> To continue through the last section of forrest we bush-bashed through very steep terrain and continued trail-less through a rather open forrest until reaching open terrain (“Entry Forrest Valle Ibanez”). From this point we traversed the open terrain on a slightly higher route than recorded by Tobias Hellwig and Daniel Mahn and meet the previously recorded route at the descent into the Valle Balboa (“Exit Forrest Valle Balboa”).<br /> From this point we followed closely the previously recorded route in the Valle Balboa from where we packrafted westbound over Lago Desierto, Lago Azul and Lago Paloma.<br /> <br /> Recommendation for Southbound Hikers and Packrafters:<br /> Hikers that wish to bypass the Cerro Castillo trail may either road-walk 25.5 km from Villa Frei via Lago Elizalde to Lago Desierto (GPT32 Option 4) or take the bus from Coyhaique to Lago Caro and leave the bus just after the bridge over Rio Paloma.<br /> Alternatively hikers may walk along the lakes Lago Paloma, Lago Azul and Lago Desierto (GPT32 Option 5) but bypass the buildings at the trail start to avoid a right-of-way dispute (see yellow arrow on the image that first follows the beach of Lago Paloma and than sneakers in between some trees to the trail).<br /> Packrafters best paddle the three lakes to get to Rio Balboa. Note that the predominant wind direction is westbound.<br /> After reaching the western end of Lago Desierto hikers and packrafters closely follow the route of GPT32 Option 6. Note that the multiple river crossings of Rio Balboa may become impassable after heavy rain and are generally easier in the morning (due to snow and glacier melting water that reaches it maximum in the evening).<br /> After reaching open terrain at Kilometer 24 (“Exit Forrest Valle Balboa”) hikers and packrafters traverse 5 km open terrain to the waypoint “Entry Forrest Valle Ibanez” while enjoying the wide open view into Valle Ibanez. Starting from Kilometer 24 do not follow any more track “EXP-OP-TL-V {32-06} [0.0+30.6]”.<br /> After entering the rather open forrest best follow the 8 waypoints of “Proposed Improvement for Investigation”. This bush-bashing route probably avoids the very steep descent that we struggled to get up with our heavy packrafting gear. When reaching the trail (either “Record 1” or “Record 2”) follow the generally well-visible and well-maintained trail to “Exit Forrest Valle Ibanez”.<br /> Note that that “Record 1” and “Record 2” includes all our searching, so don’t take these tracks as an instruction but use your common sense to follow only the relevant parts.<br /> When reaching Rio Ibanez packrafters can float on the river towards Cerro Castillo while hikers must walk along the northern side of Rio Ibanez to Cerro Castillo.<br /> As an add-on hikers and packrafters may take GPT32 Option 3 to visit a less frequented trail of Parque Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> (Note: taken from here https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1256244101548140/ - now the options are part of the GPT Track files, the Facebook post includes pictures.)<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> * '''Section 32, Option 7: Valle Balboa. Southbound. 11 days (including waiting out a snow storm). Party (3): Mum, Sis and I.'''<br /> <br /> After walking Section 35 we emerged in Cochrane to a world changed by the virus. We retreated to the now unfriendly Chili Chico and caught the ferry across to Ibáñez in the morning. For my mum and sister, getting back to Santiago to catch a flight home had been the priority, but on the way they shifted more to the stance I was taking: what was the point? Get stuck in Australia, or here? Patagonia didn't seem all that bad, and apart from facemasks and hand sanitiser, there were no shortages like back home. By the time we reached Coyhaique we'd all decided to stay a week or so to hatch a plan. We met up with Aldo and camped in his backyard for almost a week. I helped build his house a bit, but time was mostly filled with playing chess, dice, cards and guitar. The atmosphere seemed to encourage a lethargic state, blurring the days together and bending time. Finally however, we packed and walked into the town centre to make a start on the interesting option #007 of Section 32 through Valle Balboa, (traversing roughly from Lago Desierto to Río Ibáñez). With the virus and public transport on hold, it seemed unlikely the bus to Villa Freí (that we took last time for the RR of Section 32) would be running. We asked a taxi driver for a quote to drive us out. We grabbed some more supplies, and then caught a taxi with a much friendlier driver to Lago Elizalde ($15k). The driver showed us a great public camping spot on the shore of the lake. There were many established camp sites back from [close to] the beach. It was such a nice spot that we decided to lay back and spend the afternoon and night there.<br /> <br /> In the morning, we walked the road to Río Paloma, scoring a lift for 5ks or so. We camped by the river not far before the end of the road.<br /> <br /> In the morning we walked the last bit of the public road to where it ends at the very rickety bridge over Río Mogote. There is a nice little camping spot here (-45.91100, -72.31823). Climbing over the locked gate, we walked the private road to the ford. We tossed up visiting Lago Desierto and the people living next to it, but with the virus decided against it. This meant we didn't actually have to cross the river, instead locating the old road to the south. (The track files follow the road, but it is no longer used by vehicles and it is actually easier to head back down the main road a couple of hundred metres to where a cattle trail exists (-45.91601, -72.30806)).<br /> <br /> Following this distinct road for some time, it seemed to be used for horse riding tours as there were coloured signs like &quot;Spanglish&quot; and &quot;Toobooku&quot; on the side. You will soon reach the gate included in the track files. Here there is also access to a bridge across Estero Balboa. It looks like you can then access trails most of the way up to Cerró Negro. This might be interesting if someone wants to explore.<br /> <br /> A couple hundred metres after the gate the old road ends and an obvious trail continues to a miskept farmhouse. Continue along the well defined trail that gets a bit scrubby/overgrown before entering the forest. The trail is then very well maintained although quite muddy in spots (I could see it being quite bad after rain). You will need to ford a tributary not marked in the track files (-45.95592, -72.35114). Shortly afterwards is a junction (-45.95654, -72.35216). The route up the side valley could be explored if someone wants - we went only a short way to a corral. The track will dip back down to the river where there is an established camp (-45.97039, -72.35461). Continuing up the valley, there are many more established camps - the best are generally in close proximity to the fords.<br /> <br /> The first time you cross the estero is about here: (-45.98105, -72.36205). There is only one ford, not two as the track files indicate. At the next couple of fords, the actual track deviates slightly from the track files. If you follow the current track files, you will avoid crossing the river at all, but will end up bush bashing briefly. We crossed the next two fords, but by staying on the west side of the river they should also be easily avoidable.<br /> <br /> The trail exits the forest (-46.02116, -72.42538)(the camp marked in the track files here is a swamp - go further up the valley!) from where it is cross country walking, not actually a trail as indicated. We camped next to the puesto which incorporates some pieces of a crashed plane (we found another piece whist exploring, but not the actual crash site). The route up to the Laguna Campana is also open and straight forward.<br /> <br /> We waited out a rainy day only to wake to a snow storm the next!... and the next!. We ended up waiting 4 nights experimenting with some different bread recipes whilst we waited out the inclement weather.<br /> <br /> Finally a sunny day! Continue up the valley, CC walking past an old corral. At the Nacimiento del Estero Balboa you again briefly enter the trees. Like the previous marked camp, again this whole area was very swampy and I didn't see a suitable place to camp. The camp included in the track files is in the middle of a swamp! We picked up fragments of a track heading up through the trees, but I think it is very vague or overgrown. That said, we had nearly a foot of snow in places so we could have easily missed things! There is a very obvious section of track here : (-46.05648, -72.47298). You'll quickly exit the trees (-46.05923, -72.47005) and start a long CC section in the alpine. We found some sections of trail, but for us it was mostly cross country walking. Plenty of water options the whole way.<br /> <br /> When you enter the forest after completing the alpine section (-46.08687, -72.43537), you will be bush bashing for a long time! There was no discernible track even when we criss-crossed over the track files searching for it (no snow here anymore). Approaching the deep gorge, I decided to lead us a different, less steep way. This worked well and we camped at a very nice spot by the stream at the bottom (-46.09414, -72.42582).<br /> <br /> The next day we were debating simply following the river down (I wish we had!). Instead, we headed straight up the other side of the gorge. We located part of an old track here (-46.09685, -72.42463) but quickly lost it as we passed through the saddle (I think maybe it continues north?). Rejoining the suggested investigation route (EXP-OP-TL-I@32-07-#003), there is a good stream (-46.10202, -72.42403) and some camping on its banks.<br /> <br /> After some horrible bush bashing, we finally made it to a ravine gashing steeply down the mountain (-46.10598, -72.41534). There were many drops and it was impossible to go directly down. We later found out that the only other party to do this part had a rope! I can't really recommend going down here [and my sister can't recommend it at all! - &quot;This is shit!&quot;] Again, I'd recommend taking the main valley. The climbs we did were much more difficult than those on the northern part of Section 32 RR that people complain about. Also, if doing this option, it would be much easier travelling north! You could also consult the settlers on a better route. We finally reached the bottom where it opens up after about ~6hrs!<br /> <br /> Continuing, if you do follow EXP-OP-TL-V@32-07A-#003, the track files indicate there is a trail, but it is not quite so. There are CC sections and a labyrinth of cattle trails. You will need to use them to your advantage where they exist, and leave them when they go the wrong way. We went this way for a little while, but then tried following a primary cattle track that seemed to be heading directly down to the river... but we got stopped by a swamp (-46.11623, -72.41080). Continuing along EXP-OP-TL-V@32-07A-#003, you will get CC walking from the woods (after a cliff) about here: (-46.11546, -72.42372) If we were there again we would follow EXP-OP-CC-A@32-07-#004 down past the settler to the river. It then looked easy to walk along the river north to the cable car.<br /> <br /> The cable car: Don't use this by yourself! Don't use it if you are only two! Use it with three people minimum! I can't stress this enough. There is a lot of fiction and the locals we talked to here don't even consider it safe. They used the boat which has its own steel cable allowing you to tack across with relative ease. You will get wet feet if using the boat.<br /> <br /> Taking the cable car, we only just made it across with one in the car and two hauling on the rope, and at one point it looked like my sister might get stranded on the far side (she had a nightmare that night!).<br /> <br /> Carretera Austral: We waited the entire day by the Carretera Austral. Finally catching a colectivo late in the afternoon. With the virus, it was hard/imposible to hitchhike. We paid an inflated price ($3kpp) for transport to Cerró Castillo.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2020-March-6 / Ty &amp; America / 4.5 Days SOBO RR. Start @ El Blanco'''<br /> <br /> We started in El Blanco, opting to hike by Lago Montreal, which was pretty nice. No traffic though, so if you’re wanting a hitch the regular start in Villa freí may be a better option. Settlers in Lago Montreal are super friendly. There’s a bit of water there as you pass by the lake. We camped there. I recommend going further to the marked camp though because the next day is a big challenge. RH-CC-A@32-25.2+7.9 Is the Cruz of the section. After this all good. I do not recommend doing this unless you’re very comfortable on your feet and have a lightweight pack.<br /> <br /> -stick to the treeline/marked path on this. The traversing is tough, but completely doable. 2-3 km in is the gully with the very difficult climb. Keep the the grassy patch, getting to the base of it was the most dangerous part for us. Very slippery rock. I had America drop her pack. High risk, but I was MUCH more comfortable.<br /> <br /> -about a k after is the second dangerous area. This is a straight rock wall that spans all the way up&amp; down the mountain. The only way through is to climb around. I checked below it and didn’t find a way through the trees. I took both Sanita &amp; America’s packs through this section; as again, it’s very high risk..with an actual climbing move involved. Again, it’s important you’re very comfortable with your pack to get through these parts.<br /> <br /> After these dangerous sections we were wiped out and camped in the valley before the pass. Lots of places to camp with good water. Be aware of slight rockfall risk. There’s an amazing place to camp with ideal conditions at the top of the pass.<br /> <br /> Going on, all smooth, both marked camps on the way up the second pass are actually closed...there’s an open camp right between the two.<br /> <br /> Amazing places to camp up by Laguna Castillo.<br /> <br /> We snuck around the riverbed once we saw the blue tent at the bottom (where you might have to pay) and got by with no problems.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan 2020 GPT32 South 7days / Felix'''<br /> <br /> Coyhaique to Villa Freí: There is a bus from the bus terminal in Coyhaique to Villa Freí. From there it was a hot dusty road.<br /> <br /> Accessing the park : You have to pass through 4 private properties to enter the first sector of the park. We met some people. Had short friendly chats, but no problems with access. Just before you enter the park (where there are two trail options) there is easy access to the river via a cow trail. However water in general was no issue and I didn't carry water for the entire 7 days through the park.<br /> <br /> The camp site used to be an official campsite before the sector was closed due to access problems. The dunny is in great shape.<br /> <br /> Through the first sector : The trail is in great shape until after the mirador. You then cut upwards into the alpine which is also easy walking. After passing through a saddle, you contour around above the treeline. This is the most difficult part of the section. Quite a bit of step scree traversing. Not for everyone. Once you drop into the valley waking is again easier. There are some occasional cairns that become more and more frequent as you drop into the other valley. As you contour left an intermittent trail is evident. When you enter the lenga forest (-45.97321, -72.10278) there is a great trail down that turns into a road here : (-45.97886, -72.10358) (Jan: maybe you want to update the track files to reflect this?) Then is road walking to join the popular walk.<br /> <br /> Popular sector of Cerró Castillo : There are some side trips not included in the track files. They're on the map you get. Note that the old Bosque site (-46.06197, -72.16016) and La Tetera (-46.07200, -72.18390) are now closed. You can not camp there. For most people this means camping at the new el Bosque : (-46.06418, -72.16964)(Jan : maybe you want to update the track files?) Get to Laguna Cerró Castillo before 12 to beat the walkers heading up for the day. But this shouldn't be an issue as you need to cross the pass early : an important thing we would have liked to know is that the pass (-46.08030, -72.21103) can be closed in the afternoon due to strong winds. There is literally a ranger there that can turn people around. Not much water over the pass either. And the poza cerca mirador doesn't look welcoming. Carry water here. In the next valley there were more rangers and we saw some people get checked for permits. It's a shame this park is now being comercialalised :(<br /> <br /> Getting back to Coyhaique : Not much traffic. The last bus heads back at 6pm<br /> <br /> I'll try upload some map photos and a breakdown of the entrance fees when I get the photos off my camera.<br /> <br /> Cheers, Felix.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-18 and 19 / Regular Hiking Southbound / Martin Lizondo'''<br /> <br /> The starting minor road gets into the private propiety of Pedro Sangüesa (+56 9 9099 9083) at 45º 52' 15,55&quot; S, 72º 2' 46,28&quot; O. He didn’t like people to pass through and denied that there was a trail, but it turned out to be a Conaf’s well signed area. He said in the future he will ask for money, but finally left me pass for no charge. I met other day hikers going to « El Mirador ». Snow was easy at the passes. The trail was in good conditions until the cross country. There are two spots which I consider dangerous, so I don’t recomend doing this section alone: 1) the gps tracks passes through a very vertical rocky (nearly climbing). I was scared and I can’t recommend doing it, except you asume this risk. I could see later in a map that the original route went all way down in the valley through lenga forest, but if there was a trail it’s invisible now. 2) When the cross country leaves the tree line and becomes a small trail into the lenga forest at 45º 58' 23,54&quot; S, 72º 6' 10,02&quot; O (“minor road” starts later, despite the gps track info); it’s very stepy and unmaintained. I made a mistake and started to follow the stream all way down, but you have to look up and search the beginning of the hidden path. It’s very vertical and easy to fell down, because of recent land slides. Be extremely carefull. The rest of Cerro Castillo from Las Horquetas is well maintained, beautifull and enjoyable. Cons: Lots of people. When leaving at the Nezoelandes entrance, you’ll have to pass near to the payment cabin. I didn’ t have to pay, but it was because I spent only a short time in the park. The cost for foreigners is normaly CLP 29,000.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan 2020 / RH Northbound / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> No technical difficulties in the park, just following the trail and enjoying the views.<br /> <br /> To follow the GPT northbound, leave the parc trail to go north. It is an &quot;old sendero&quot; in the forest, but well maintained and easy to follow during the beginning (it is marked on maps of the parc). In this direction, no problem to leave the forest in a safe spot, but southbound, looking behind, seemed hard to find the entrance of the forest and of the safe trail ! No technical difficulties until the first pass, rocky terrain like the rest of the park. <br /> <br /> The dangerous part is indeed between the 2 passes. You dont go in the valley in front of you but follow the altitude line until the pass that you see at the right side of the valley. Very steepy rolling stones path. I was a little bit afraid. I tried to be smarter than the tracks, trying more uphill... this was a dangerous mistake that took me long to repair and go back to the tracks. There are indeed two river crossing (no dangerous waterstream) but they are circled by cliffs, so not easily crossable. <br /> The track follow mostly the tree line (I.e the separations between the little trees and the stones) So my recommendations : <br /> - follow the gps tracks : they follow the tree line who is safer with a solid ground and grass. Sometimes you have to cross the stones, no choice, so go slowly, choose your paces wisely and it's doable. Try to aim for the grounds of grass in the middle, which are solid, or the stones with foam on them, which mostly didn't move for a while. For the rivercrossing, it aims a good spot with no need to climb down or up.<br /> - choose a good weather day : for me it was sunny and no wind, so perfect day, and it was already mentally hard (not speaking of the horseflies getting you crazy during the hard moments !). I wouldn't try it with rain or big wind in this river of rolling stones. <br /> - if you don't feel it, easy escape by the normal trail of the parc<br /> <br /> However, I can assure that the prize for the effort, going northbound, is amazing !! But I won't spoil ! <br /> After the second pass, no technical difficulties, you find a Conaf trail easily, and I even cross some tourists with a guide.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-29/ Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe/ 3days / Northbound / Regular Hiking Route with OH-MR-V (Villa Cerro Castillo to Las Horquetas)'''<br /> <br /> The section follows the rather popular tourist Hiking route Las Horquetas for the first two days, meaning there will be less solitude but also rather well maintained trails. The national park and the region around Cerro Castillo was very impressive, we especially enjoyed to take all the side trails and visit the numerous beautiful glacier lagoons. The only unpleasant part of the hike was the organization of the national park. The exorbitant high entrance fees are in no relation to the other parks, which is due to a high ratio of private land in the area but makes the park rather unattractive for tourists. some rangers seemed poorly informed and couldn't give much information (e.g. insisted that passes were &quot;closed&quot; and only after asking numerous times agreed to check with his colleagues that told that they are &quot;open&quot;). They also said it is not possible to hike the regular route of the GPT, because we have to check out of the NP at the checkpoint Las Horquetas. There is an optional hiking route continuing North from there. Due to bad weather coming up we ended up not finishing the northern stretch of the trail and just followed the entire Las Horquetas Route at the Carretera Austral.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-29 / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe'''<br /> <br /> Snow line is at around 1200 Meters but all passes are safely traversable.<br /> The National Park Entrance Fee got raised to 29000 CLP per person for overnight hikes in season 19/20. The park generally seemed very poorly organized, we were told the passes are &quot;closed&quot; at first, whereas they were easy and safe to traverse. The ranger insisted that we could not hike the normal route northbound but have to sign out of the park at the Las Horquetas checkpoint. In high season, the ranger station in the park is manned, so maybe it is possible so sign out there and head northbound.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-12 / Eva Havlová'''<br /> <br /> There is still lots of snow in the National Park. I arrived to Villa Cerro Castillo 3 days ago (Novembre 12, 2019) and planed to hike nortbound but rangers didn't let me go. I saw the pass they were talking about (avalanche risk) and I don't think any avalanche could occur, but the thought is that there is lots of water running down and the trail is like a stream. They said it might be possible to do it next week.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Jan/ Oilrik / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> We ended up doing the normal Cerro Castillo hike as the weather was forecasting heavy rain and snow so we did not want to be on the pass. The regular trail is just gorgeous and the park is beautiful. The trail in the north is not on the new CONAF maps but is marked on the old ones.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * '''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18:'''<br /> <br /> A sandy beach with a visible structure in the grass is the take-out for Lago Elizalde. After exiting, make your way through the farmland until encountering a gravel road that leads past the house at the top of the hill up to Ruta X-686.<br /> <br /> Ruta X-686 is a lightly trafficked but well-formed gravel road that is fenced on either side. After crossing the Río Paloma, Ruta X-686 makes a sharp left and begins to climb. 4 km after the sharp left turn, cross a bridge to the left and climb to a wooden gate. If you descend the steep slope to the left of the gate, there is camping under some trees.<br /> <br /> The wooden gate marks the beginning of a very long driveway to a house located near the lake. The route takes you along this driveway until a river crossing. After crossing the river, walk northeast along its shore towards the Río Paloma. After reaching the end of the fenceline near the Río Paloma, turn east and walk along the fenceline until reaching Lago Desierto. At the river outlet, there is a nice beach to put in to Lago Desierto.<br /> <br /> There is no camping along the shores of Lago Desierto. The take-out is a rocky beach at the base of a bluff. Walk up the bluff and cross country through the farmland to Lago Azul. At the east end of the farm, descend down a road to a rocky beach at the Lago Azul shoreline with a metal structure.<br /> <br /> There are a couple of potential camping options along the shoreline of Lago Azul. There are also several residences on the north shore. The take-out is a long rocky beach set before a well manicured forest. On the east end of the land near Lago La Paloma is an expensive looking house surrounded by several other buildings.<br /> <br /> There is a 4WD track to the west of the smaller red house located south of the big residence. Ascend the steep climb on a well-formed road that is criss-crossed with several smaller tracks labeled in english with wooden signs. Due to the steep slopes on either side of the cut out road, there is no camping here.<br /> <br /> Eventually, the route turns off of the road onto an overgrown 4WD track. Camping off the track is still difficult because of prickly vegetation and steep terrain. This track ends 2.5 km from where the Regular Packrafting Route joins the Regular Hiking Route. From here, the route involves some bushwhacking and following a small trail as it winds in and out of existence. Just before joining with the Regular Hiking Route, the route widens into an old 4WD track that passes some destroyed structures.<br /> <br /> The routes join up at a large rock cairn and continues to follow a 4WD track until reaching a large wooden sign with a map of the Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo. Here there is also a campsite and ranger station. There is a 5.000 CLP fee to enter the reserve.<br /> <br /> The route from here is a popular track for backpackers with designated campsites. The trail is well-formed and winds through the forest. When the trail becomes less obvious, the way is shown with yellow markers. In this area there is a designated campsite with a latrine.<br /> <br /> At treeline, follow the cairns and rocks painted with white and red stripes through the scree up and over the first pass (approximate elevation 1.450 m). After the steep descent, reenter the trees. There is a campsite, Camping El Bosque, soon after reaching treeline (approximately elevation 940 m) with water and a latrine.<br /> <br /> The trail begins to wind up through the forest toward Laguna Castillo. The sights from Laguna Castillo, which is at the base of the pass, are stunning. There are two tracks that climb up to the pass. Make sure to take the path that climbs to the south instead of continuing southeast over the obvious saddle.<br /> <br /> The track down to Ruta X-720 is well formed, marked, and popular, but occasionally braided. Follow it until reaching the wooden stile with a rangers hut. From there join Ruta X-720, a dirt road which leads to Highway 7 and Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Town: Villa Cerro Castillo. Villa Cerro Castillo has several restaurants, small markets, and plenty of lodging options, including a popular backpacker camping destination on the east side of town.<br /> *2024-Dec / Michael and Kasia <br /> We stayed at Hospedaje Gemita on Ramón Freire next door to Camping Castillo, 20.000 pp for room in a shared cabaña. The cabaña had 4 rooms (2 doubles, 2 singles), a well equipped kitchen, hot shower. Not allowed to do laundry in the Hospedaje, but there is a lavaderia in town. The hosts, Gemita and Pedro, are very nice. They have also spent a lot of time in Los Avellanos on horseback. Maria, one of the settlers in the valley in Avellanos is a cousin of Pedro.<br /> <br /> We found gas in four shops, two had the threaded canisters for stoves, one was 6.000 for a 300 ml tank, the other was the COPEC across the highway from town, 4.000 a tank. The others just had refills, cheapest was the supermercado on the highway, 2.700 for a refill canister.<br /> <br /> There is a Banco de Santander ATM in the COPEC on the west side of the highway.<br /> <br /> Just on the other side of the highway on the road to the park there is a fruit and vegetable shop that also sells frutos secos and nuts in bulk. He had the best prices.<br /> <br /> *2024-Mar /Joscha<br /> <br /> Shop in Villa Cerro Castillo at -46.12201, -72.161708 has pasta, ramen, oats, chips, cookies, olive oil, peanuts, peanut butter, bread and some more stuff.<br /> <br /> *Lovely yum restaurant in Coyhaique: Restaurant DaGus, Lautaro 82, 5950000 Coyhaique. Little hidden gem. -45.86411, -72.04916<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> *2024-Dec Buses Sao Paolo passes through Villa Cerro Castillo for Coyhaique every day around noon, 8.000 pp; Buses ECA passes through Villa Cerro Castillo for Coyhaique Thursdays and Mondays songs 11:30, 8.000 pp.<br /> *Buses to Villa Frei from Coyhaique bus terminal: Monday 7:30, 8:15, 15:30, 17:00, 19:30 Tuesday to Friday 8:15, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30 Saturday 08:00 and 14:00. No bus on Sunday. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Villa Frei &amp; the bus generally turns around immediately &amp; goes back to Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2023/ Martin &amp; Helena<br /> To avoid right-of-way conflict, we followed Cristopher &amp; Anna's advice (thanks guys!) and turned right after the first gate behind the beginning of the optional trail. From there you just need to follow MR, cross a few gates and you will end up on a fenced field with bee hives on one side. <br /> <br /> *2023/ Jakub+Veronika:<br /> 1) Lago La Paloma, right of way conflict on RH (32, km 17.5): Owner of the land (and nearby houses) is called Cesar, according to him, the right way is by the mud road (OH 32-L) and not on the trail, which passes some 20m next to his house. The reason why there was a conflict might have been caused by Cesar's relative who didn't like tourists walking on their land.<br /> 2) Trail has been changed 3 years ago because of right of way conflict between CONAF and private owners on the OH (32-E). The new official trail (with official park entrance) leads on OH (32-E) for the first 2km, then turns right and goes down towards Rio Ibáñez to RR (32, km 85), well marked by metal yellow triangles.<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anna &amp; Christopher <br /> The entrance closes at 2 pm but the guards there were much nicer than the first two, and it was also no problem to get in at 3 pm. We had to register us and pay the 30.000 clp p.p. though. The rest of the trek we were not asked to show the tickets. <br /> <br /> *2020 / Martin Lizondo<br /> The starting minor road gets into the private propiety of Pedro Sangüesa (+56 9 9099 9083) at 45º 52' 15,55&quot; S, 72º 2' 46,28&quot; O. He didn’t like people to pass through and denied that there was a trail, but it turned out to be a Conaf’s well signed area. He said in the future he will ask for money, but finally left me pass for no charge.<br /> (...)<br /> When leaving at the Nezoelandes entrance, you’ll have to pass near to the payment cabin. I didn’ t have to pay, but it was because I spent only a short time in the park. The cost for foreigners is normaly CLP 29,000.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT32 - Cerro Castillo]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT32_(Cerro_Castillo)&diff=120321 2025-02-19T19:25:08Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-13 &gt; 15 / 2 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT31&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT32+GPT33<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 5/5<br /> | Difficulté : 4/5<br /> | Danger : pierriers, bush-bashing<br /> <br /> Les 15 premiers km sont à l'image du GPT31. La vue est sympa mais la gravel road est ennuyeuse. J'ai marché 6km puis on m'a emmené au lac La Paloma. Vraiment magnifique et populaire. Ensuite j'ai repris ma rando en revenant au km 15,5. Il y a un ford dès la sortie de la gravel road. La montée se fait bien, quelques clôtures à franchir mais la plupart ont été cassées par des randonneurs pour faciliter le passage. Il y a un ford au km 23,2, puis j'ai campé au km 23,6. Je suis allé au point de vue de la 32-C, ça vaut le détours. Il y a pas mal de cairns sur le sentier et on voit qu'il était très fréquenté par le passé. Mais ce n'est plus le cas et certains passages sont difficile. D'ailleurs le point le plus difficile est mal placé sur la trace GPS, la partie escalade se trouve au point 45.938328° S 72.086493° W. Au km 34, après le petit torrent, le sentier est envahi et j'ai beaucoup utilisé ma machette. J'ai perdu une guêtre dans la bataille. Après le km 35 le sentier est plutot dégagé. Au km 39 on rejoins les sentiers du parcs et ils sont plutôt bien entretenus et très utilisés. Attention les camps aux km 48 et 50,5 sont fermés temporairement et deplacés au km 49. En passant devant le péage à la sortie du parc, j'ai dit que je venais de Lago La Paloma et ils m'ont laissé passer. J'ai essayé le stop sur les 6km de gravel road mais sans succès.<br /> <br /> <br /> &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-02-16 to 2025-02-19 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / optie 2, RR, option E, 3, nameless laguna / Thijmen Scholten'''&lt;/span<br /> <br /> * Hitchhiking to las Horquitsas took longer than expected (4 hours) <br /> * I arrived at 15.30 and I was still allowed to enter. But you have to register otherwise the guard will run behind you (happened to me). <br /> * At least 3 fjords on option 2 so sandals or something would be nice. I decided to get my trail runners wet but regretted it next cold morning putting on wet cold shoes and socks. <br /> * The side trip to the lagunas are very beautiful go there! (leave your backpack down,) <br /> * If you walk long days it's not busy in the park all the people gather at the camping sites and stop hiking at 15.00. <br /> * Water: Easy everywhere except from Laguna Castillo to camp las porteadores has no water (3 hours walk).<br /> * Camping: at official sites or if you like a camp with more scenery you can camp at Laguna Peñon and Laguna Castillo. <br /> <br /> <br /> '''2025-Jan-31 to 2025-Feb-02 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / option 2p, Var f., RR / Nimrod &amp; Tamar<br /> '''<br /> <br /> We took the bus from Coyhaique at 9:00. It took about 1.5 hours, cost 10,000 clp each.<br /> The trail from Los Horquetas was well maintained. There were a few small fords along the way.<br /> Camped at Rio Tirbio with 10 more people.<br /> We left our bags and went to Laguna peñon and back, about 2 hours detour. The trail to the lake is marked well. The Laguna was quiet small and had milky color from the melting glacier. <br /> <br /> 2nd day:<br /> The accent to the pass and the descent were pleasant. A little after the pass a lot of little waterfalls from melting glacier- very beautiful!<br /> We took a detour to the unnamed Laguna using Lilian's directions.<br /> The CC to the lake is not marked but it wasn't hard to get there. Took us about half an hour to the lake. The laguna Had a tourquize color with brown on the outside to it. <br /> <br /> We camped at El Bosque with tons of other tourists but there was room for everybody, and it was quite.<br /> We left our bags and climbed to the unnamed lake. The trail was marked well. It took us about one hour up. The lake was larger then the last two. We heard cracking and falling sound on the way ( maybe falling glacier?)The weather was bad and we were wet and cold, so we hurried back down.<br /> <br /> 3rd day:<br /> After a rainy night we started a rainy day.<br /> There were glimpses of sun and we had a chance to see the fresh snow covered mountains around.<br /> We decided not to climb to the pass because of the weather and took var f.<br /> We didn't regret it because it started snowing and the wind was crazy.<br /> On the way down we met a worried ranger who was going up to stop people from climbing the pass.<br /> At ( -46.08730, -72.17282) we split from the gpx and walked down on a well maintained CONAF trail.<br /> At (-46.067656,-072.119996) there's a CONAF cabin and we had to pay 28,000 clp each.<br /> We hitchhiked the MR to the main road. There were a lot of tourists on this trail and it went pretty fast.<br /> <br /> Took a bus back to coyhaique at 16:30.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''2024-Jan-13 to 2024-Jan-16 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH02, var D, RR, variant E. RR / Sean &amp; Neele'''<br /> <br /> Took the bus from Coyhaique to Las Horquetas in the morning to hike in on option 2, very easy.<br /> <br /> Camped at Rio Turbio camp, saw a mouse here so hung our food.<br /> <br /> Took variant E to Laguna Peñon route is marked with cairns. very quick and easy so worth the trip.<br /> <br /> Pass 43.9km still has snow but is easily manageable.<br /> <br /> Camped at El Bosque and took a side trip up to the unnamed Laguna above it. Really nice would definitely recommend it. The route isn't on the track files but is on OSM and is marked with cairns.<br /> <br /> Pass 53.5km - no snow. Crazy windy for us.<br /> <br /> Camp 56.6km - Camping Los Porteadores - busiest so far seems to get overnight hikers from Villa Cerro Castillo. Saw a mouse here too.<br /> <br /> Took option 3 to Laguna Duff which is very beautiful. Met a ranger at the laguna who asked where we were camping.<br /> <br /> Followed RR out, didn't see anyway to pay. Got a hitch to Villa Cerro Castillo. Camped at Nordic Patagonia for 9k <br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2025 Jan 2nd to Jan 4th / 2.5 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 2 &amp; 3, RR, Var E / MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> A very scenic route with good maintained trails and lots of watersources. All Campings are really nice: lots of flat spaces, sheltered from the wind, toilet, benches and access to water.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Took the bus at 8 from Coyhaique to Las Horquetas. The trail from Las Horquetas is open again. Everybody has to register at the ranger kiosk. Really easy trail until Camp before the pass. Var E is beautiful and mostly hiking on a big field of rocks, marked with cairns. At pass Peñon there was still snow, but doable without microspikes. The way down is very steep. Slept at Camp El Bosque. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Can really recommend to hike up to the nameless Laguna above El Bosque. Extremely scenic lake! Also Laguna Castillo is a real gem. Stretch of big boulders above the lake, up to the pass it gets easier. Was very warm up there and had no wind. Bring water from the lake, there is none until you reach the next Camp. Way down from the Pass is very steep with lots of scree. Hiked to Camp Neozelandes, pitched my tent and did a detour to the scenic Laguna Duff. On the way up i met a lady from the Conaf, asking where i want to sleep. Inside the NP you have to use the campgrounds.<br /> <br /> Day 3: All the way down is very easy. Had to pay 28000 pesos for 3 days, price for chileans is only a little bit cheaper. Payment possible with card or cash. At -46.115013, -72.200497 there is an open gate with a sign &quot;Bienvenido a Sendero Laguna Castillo&quot;. It's in OSM, but not part of the GPT-Tracks.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024 Dec 13th to Dec 17th / 5 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / Opt 2, RR, Var E, Var F, Var G / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: A really beautiful section with amazing views. The park is open but Las Horquetas remains closed, though many people are hiking it anyway. If not going over the final pass, Var F can be used to exit without paying though it possibly involves trespassing.<br /> <br /> CAMPS:<br /> <br /> Night 1: -46.00817, -72.10413 Camping Río Turbio (official campground, easy water access, good wind protection, nice views, can have a lot of people there) <br /> <br /> Night 2: same as Night 1<br /> <br /> Night 3: -46.06419, -72.16915 Camping El Bosque (official campground, easy water access, good wind protection, fewer spots than first camp site, very few are really flat)<br /> <br /> Night 4: -46.07194, -72.18416 Camping La Tetera (technically closed campground, water access is a little way away, no really flat spots, poor wind protection, excellent views)<br /> <br /> WATER: <br /> Water was generally easy to find.<br /> <br /> Day 01 - Dec 13th<br /> <br /> We left Coyhaique around 10:30. There are buses that go that route, but we decided to hitch instead. We entered through the Opt 2 Las Horquetas route. It took us three hitches to get to the trailhead. The trailhead has a big sign that says the route is closed. I don't know if they plan to open it this season or not. At the very beginning there is an estero. There is a bridge to cross it, a little old but stable. Shortly after there is a park ranger kiosk, but it was unoccupied. Overall the trail is in good condition, easy to follow, but sometimes muddy. Beautiful views along the way. We were fortunate and had excellent weather. There are several unmarked fords in the first 16 km along Opt 2, all were easy, knee high at most. Water was generally easy to find. At the Rio Turbio campground there were around 25 other people there.<br /> <br /> Day 02 - Dec 14th<br /> <br /> We took Var E up to Laguna Glacier Peñón. It was a great side trip. The laguna is turquoise and the mountains surrounding it are very impressive. There were still snow fields on the way to the end of the track, so we didn't go all the way, but we got past the lake and to the other side. We saw two small avalanches while we were there. We also found a bird feather, we think from a condor, that was as long as my entire arm. We really enjoyed this side trip and recommend it. Water shoes could be helpful. We didn't have ours and it was possible without, but would have been easier and faster if we had had them. Important note, the whole route is essentially a field of small boulders. It does not require any scrambling, but it is slow going compared to the trail. We did this as an out-and-back and then returned to the Rio Turbio campground for a second night. One couple came around 22:00, but otherwise no one was there.<br /> <br /> Day 03 - Dec 15th<br /> <br /> We left camp around 10:00. We were ready for the Pass 43.9 and thought with only 10 km to go until Camping El Bosque we would be in camp early, but we were surprised at how challenging the day was. The first few kilometers up to the pass went fairly quickly. There was still snow on the pass, but it was at that stage where it is getting thin and you can't tell where you might fall through, so it was slow going checking our footing. The weather was great, full sun and warm, very little wind. Getting to the pass was slow but not too difficult. We stopped at the mirador for lunch and to watch the dozens of waterfalls cascade down the mountain. The descent was more challenging. It is very steep, and there was lots of scree on the way down. In one section CONAF installed a series of ropes bolted into the rocks to hold on to. Once at the bottom there was a boulder field and then a very nice forest. Amazing views of the mountains and glaciers. Camp 48.0 is a decommissioned camping area under recuperation. Camping El Bosque is at km 49.0. At Camping El Bosque there were two other couples there that night.<br /> <br /> Day 04 - Dec 16th<br /> <br /> From Camping El Bosque we took a side route up to see a lake. On Google Maps it is called Laguna Raimundo Vargas. It is not an optional on GPT, but it is visible on OSM. The lake is not visible on OSM, but it is on satellite, which is surprising because based on measurements using Gaia, it appears to be almost twice as big as Laguna Duff. The route up is marked by carens, but it is essentially CC across talus, about 1.3 km one way. The lake and the mountains are stunning. There were lots of ice floes on the lake. We sat for about 2 hours listening to the ice crack and watching avalanches fall. We highly recommend this detour if you have the time. Going in the evening might give a nicer light. We had lunch at Camping El Bosque and then hiked as far as Camping La Tetera, which is technically closed, and camped there for the night. Three other groups passed through and two other groups camped near us at La Tetera. It rained a bit in the evening.<br /> <br /> Day 05 - Dec 17th<br /> <br /> We got up very early with the plan to cross the last pass before the wind picked up. We headed up to the lookout over Laguna Castillo. About 300m of the ascent are a rock scramble which is challenging with a heavy backpack. At points we needed both hands to navigate the rocks. We were feeling exhausted from the previous days and decided not to attempt the final pass. There was no snow remaining on the final pass that we could see. We spent a few hours at the top. Lots and lots of other hikers were coming up or going through. The main trail down is very steep and had lots of loose rock on it. With heavy backpacks it was a challenge and really hard on the knees. It also took much longer than we anticipated. About two km down from the top CONAF had a tent stationed. Three guardaparques are camped there to check tickets on the way up and to radio down when people are leaving. They asked for our names. When we said we came from Las Horquetas they just said okay.<br /> We took Var F and Var G to exit the park. Var F is clearly visible from above as you descend the main trail. The route is actually in excellent condition and is very easy to follow, however in the rain we suspect it would be very muddy. We opted to take Var G which breaks off of Var F and then rejoins it later. It goes through forest and woodland, very pretty and potentially campable in places. There were also a few places where we found water. About 2.8 km into Var F there is a sign facing downhill that says No Accesso CONAF. About 1.3 km before the road there was a gate we had to jump. 300m before the final gate we descended a hill and there were a couple buildings there. One was a baño for what looked like paid camp sites (there were picnic tables around) and one was probably a rental cabaña. We passed through two more gates that were open. At the road, the final gate was secured with a chain, but it was easy to open. On the fence outside the gate and on a second gate that was padlocked shut were two signs saying in English and Spanish “No Trespassing, Private Property”. There was also a small kiosk that looked like it could have been a ticket booth just outside the gate, but no one was in it. It is unclear if the no trespassing signs referred to the property we passed through or to a neighboring property. We didn't see anyone so we didn't have any issues, but it's something to be aware of if you leave along this route. Due to the clear no trespassing signs, the no access sign as you enter the park and the park guards near the top, I would only recommend using Var F to exit the park, not to enter it.<br /> <br /> <br /> • * '''2024-Dec-05 to 2024-Dec-06 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / MR + Opt.N + Opt.M + Opt.01/ Julien'''<br /> <br /> Start on main road very well for entry exit private fields.<br /> Same for option N and M.<br /> I had to take option 01 because I had bad weather... Option 01 is announced in TL but I think it would be better to validate it in TL+BB because I had BB on 6km with no path and many trees still on the path that I had to go around.<br /> Also watch out for the Rio Blanco, where the final crossing is still mandatory, the current was quite strong despite being in December.<br /> For the climb to Cerro Castillo from Villa Cerro Castillo I asked locals people, the passage by option F would no longer be possible because the owner of the field through which we could pass would have closed his ground to visitors. So I went through the main entrance (18000 pesos) with checkpoint entrance and when you go out, you will have my layout on the next edition of the GPT I think.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-30 to 2024-Apr-02 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Var M + RR + Var C + Var E/ Maddi and Tom'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: We got the public bus at 8am from Coyhaique to Villa Frei (600CLP) then started walking along the road towards Lago Monreal. Got a short hitch for about 5km, then walking again in light rain. Got a second hitch with a lovely couple who own a property right on Lago Monreal - they even had a key for the locked gate with cameras and drove us right up to the trailhead. As we started hiking up into the mountains the snow started to come down fairly heavily. Sheltered under a rock where some people must camp for lunch and was able to get water from a few sources along here. Stopped snowing so we took Var C, definitely recommend, amazing views over the lakes and would be an awesome spot to camp. Started on the sketchy traverse, problem for us was it was all under about half a metre of fresh snow, on top of a layer of very slippery ice. Luckily we wear hiking boots with deep tread so had fairly good grip even without microspikes. Hiking poles were lifesavers. Issues started with the descriptions of getting around the various gullies - they described using grass to climb up but for us everything was just white!!. Tom had a terrifying slip and slide 5m towards the cliff edge before arresting with his elbow and chin - his hiking poles had chosen this exact section to break so he was doing it without even poles. After this we backed down off the climb over the gully but in the end just had to go for it. I ended up carving steps out of the snow with my hands and packing the snow down so Tom could follow me up, and giving him one of my poles. If the snow hadn’t have been so fresh I think we would have had to turn around. I wish I could say it got better but as we started to head down into the valley we began to hit waist deep snow drifts. We were planning to camp here like others had but the snow was just too deep and we were worried about the cold so we decided to try to get over the pass and down into the forest for cover. Absolute battle wading through the snow, took turns breaking trail. Couldn’t see the river and unfortunately fell all the way through the snow and got my feet wet. Pass itself fairly easy to get over and then lots of shoe skiing down the other side. Dark fell as we got to the forest edge. Got confused by the GPX as it takes you right to the edge of a massive cliff - not great in the dark. Used other peoples notes and managed to find the trail on the other side of the river then just kept powering on until we found a clear spot on the old disused road at about (-45.98519,-72.10097). Collapsed into bed after a quick dinner at about 10pm - definitely the hardest day we’ve done on the whole GPT. Really wouldn’t recommend doing this section after heavy snow unless you have microspikes and probably an ice axe. Excellent navigation skills also a must due to lack of landmarks in the snow.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Woke up to frozen solid pants and shoes - it had dropped to -8 degrees overnight and was still -4 in the morning. After much smashing of our shoes and socks on rocks so we could put them on, we packed up the tent and headed off towards the tourist track. Passed Segundo camp, no one in sight. Finally thawing out when the sun came out. Took Var E up to the glacier - super long trip on rocky scree, worth going up to the lake but don’t go beyond like we did. Kept going along regular route after detour. Fair bit of snow on the pass, had to be very careful coming down as it was icy and windswept. Saw first glimpses of Cerro Castillo from behind. Camped at the old campsite just before El Bosque - still hadn’t seen anyone on the entire trail.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Did the side trip up to the Laguna behind the El Bosque campsite. Headed up to the main Laguna Castillo and was nearly blown off our feet as we came over the ridge. Hid behind a boulder for lunch while we assessed whether to bail down the mountain or attempt the high pass in the winds. As we ate they seemed to die off slightly so we legged it up the mountain. Awesome views over Villa Cerro Castillo and we could see back to the Torres del Avellano. As we hit the top of the pass the wind started to pick up again. We had to hide behind boulders between gusts and then sprint to the next one to avoid being blown off the mountain. Tricky coming down the pass in the high winds as the scree was pretty loose and very exposed to the wind. Eventually made it down and to Porteadores. Decided to head up to Neozelandés so we could go up to Laguna Duff in the morning. A few people were camped here - first people we had seen on the trail!<br /> <br /> Day 4: Plans to visit Laguna Duff were foiled as we woke up to heavy snow fall. Forecast was for even more snow so cut our losses and headed down. Visibility was terrible but passed several tour groups heading up the trail. Tried to avoid the park rangers but when we thought we were home free a guy in a Ute pulled us up as we were walking along the road towards Villa Cerro Castillo and asked where we were coming from. Took us back to the office and made us pay. Awesome section, snow and wind made it challenging but was great to have it all to ourselves until the last day.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2024-Feb-16 to 2024-Feb-21 / 5.5 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Lauren &amp; Seb'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Day 1: After taking an Uber from Coyhaique to Villa Frei, we combined a couple of hitchhikes to wp X, Settler {31P-01} [0.0+0.3/310] and hiked to wp Lake {32} [33.6/338] to the put-in. We crossed Lago Desierto with good tail wind and camped at wp Lake {32} [38.3/337] which can get gusty on a rainy night.<br /> <br /> Day 2: We started paddling Lago Azul the next morning and very much enjoyed the pristine blue waters. The waves built up increasingly towards the shore so keep an eye out for a calmer landing spot. We then walked through a manicured garden, passing by an impressive private hacienda. The mountain bike tracks in the valley behind the hacienda are easy to walk with great views of Lago Azul and Lago La Paloma. We made camp at wp Camp {32} [52.4/713].<br /> <br /> Day 3: The next day, we were mentally gearing up for the BB section indicated in the files. *Note: We later found out there is no BB, in our opinion, as the actual 4wd track continues all the way until the END of RP-BB-A {32} [55.9+1.2]. After that, there is also no BB- only a 1.5 km walk along the river bank and through swamp land (CC would be a more accurate labelling for this part). We were very grateful for Tom’s advice to keep our fording footwear on after the fording just before the landslide. The swamp was much easier to navigate with our crocs. The rest of the way until the official Cerro Castillo trail is easy 4wd track, sometimes a bit overgrown. We decided to follow towards the southwest at wp GPT32-D, into the short BB and CC. The BB is not really BB, as shrubs are only hip high and easy to navigate. After that we joined the main trail and camped at Segundo Camping. We saw mice running around so it’s definitely advisable to hang your food on a tree if you don’t want these critters chewing through your tent.<br /> <br /> Days 4-6: After 3 days of not seeing anyone, it was a jarring contrast to meet numerous hikers on this popular stretch. Followed the scenic and easy RR until Villa Cerro Castillo, with an overnight stay at Camping Neozelandés to visit Laguna Duff. We exited the NP over a fence by following the RR and caught a hitchhike to town by noon.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-11 to 2024-Feb-14 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Var M + RR + Var C + Opt03 / Matthias'''<br /> Day 1: (El Blanco -) Lago Monreal - valley after the traverse (km 31, 1200m). <br /> Stayed in the camping Las Confluencias (very nice people and place) in El Blanco (on ruta 7). The owner drove me to the Lago Monreal in the morning. He dropped me off right in front of the gate with camera on Var M and said: “This is the (only) way. Climb over the fence”. I did not encounter any problems, and the MR does not pass in sight of any housing. <br /> The traverse (km28-km30): You cross some steep slopes of scree and later of grass and shrubs, with some stretches where you´d better not fall. I´d recommend using microspikes if you carry for ease and safety. You do not really have to climb though. Going SOBO the route was not clear to me at the last rock (50m) before the track descends to the valley floor. Don´t try to climb over it (though there are traces of attempts), you can pass below, there is only 2m of bush-bashing through some trees, then you are on a path again.<br /> The camp in the valley was cold and very windy. <br /> <br /> Day 2: RR to Camp El Bosque<br /> Once you reach the official trail in NP, the path is relatively easy and always clear. From the camp El Bosque there is a path to a Laguna (20-30min) marked by cairns, it starts passing the toilet of the camp. There are nice views up there.<br /> Camping La Tetera (km 50.5) is officially closed for recuperation, so I did not camp there.<br /> <br /> Day 3+4: RR + Opt03<br /> At the very eastern end of Laguna Duff, there is a sheltered camp for 1 tent. With good weather a nice option.<br /> On the way down I explored the trail which is on OSM (leaves RR ca. at km 59). You pass through some gates and past the settler and the trail reaches RR just where the guardaparques are.<br /> Bought some gas from the friendly guardaparques. Hiked all the way to Cerro Castillo around noon.<br /> Stayed there in Hostal Cerro Castillo, which was the (good) recommendation of the park rangers.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Mar-01 to 2024-Mar-03 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / OH 02 + D + RR + OH E + 03 / Joscha'''<br /> <br /> Day 1: OH32-02 + OH32-D [1.0-2.6] + RR [38.8-39.6]<br /> <br /> I hitched from Puerto Chacabuco to Las Horquetas and startet there around noon. After 700 m on OH32-02 you pass by a ranger hut. You have to sign in and you will get a short explanation about the trail. You don't have to pay here, but they tell you that you will pay when leaving the park. There is plenty of water on OH32-02. I camped at Camping Rio Turbio (Segundo) at km 39.6 of RR.<br /> <br /> Day 2: RR [39.6-41.3] + OH32-E [0.0-1.6] to Laguna Glaciar Penon and back + RR [41.3-56.6] + OH32-03 [0.0-3.6]<br /> <br /> Laguna Glaciar Penon is worth the short detour on OH32-E. I crossed a bunch of small streams around the pass at km 43.9. There is some ice on top of the pass but its not very steep and therefore relatively easy to walk over it. There is no water between Laguna Cerro Castillo (km 50.9) and Camping Porteadores (at beginning of OH32-03). I camped at Camping Neozelandes.<br /> <br /> Day 3: OH32-03 to Laguna Duff and back to RR + RR [56.6-66.9]<br /> <br /> Laguna Duff is nice. I hiked there early in the morning and therefore had the whole place for myself. About 400 m before the RR joins the minor road (km 60.6) the RR branches off the official hiking trail and avoids the park entrance. You have to hop a fence to get on the minor road but therefore you don't pay the 15000 Pesos for hiking in the park.<br /> <br /> The nacional park has 4 official campgrounds (at km 39.6 and 48.9 of RR and the two marked camps on OH32-03). You are only allowed to camp at those sites. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-23 to 2024-Feb-25 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / {32-M} - RR - {32-C} -RR / Lilian &amp; Rainbow'''<br /> <br /> Bus from Coyhaique to Villa Frei :<br /> <br /> Monday to Friday(8.15am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm) , Saturday(8am, 2pm), i forget the fee, it is less than 1000 CLP. It takes about 35-40 minutes and it turns back to Coyhaique with no waiting. The sign on the bus doesn't write Villa Frei, it said Valle Simpson, (and final stop is Villa Frei.)<br /> <br /> Bus terminal in Coyhaique : (-45.58226, -72.07800)<br /> <br /> Bus stop in Villa Frei : (-45.75139, -72.11226)<br /> <br /> Resupply in Coyhaique:<br /> <br /> I sent a resupply box(shoes and socks) to Patagon Backpacker(hostel) in Coyhaique from Santiago some months before, they are super friendly and willing to hold my box until i arrive. You can contact them by email, they are good at speaking English, also know lot around Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> If you want to buy some warm clothes, some shops in Coyhaique. North Face and Patagonia is there, but expensive. Some clothes in Patagonia are on sale but not for hiking or not much use, lot clothes but full price, ya. North Face's staff is much friendly, and lot items on sale too, but rainproof is full price. They have tents for sale too.<br /> <br /> Good clothes is cheaper with discount, 230g gas canisters and sleeping pad at Suray Montana, friendly and not crowded. I bught a fleece jacket at here.<br /> <br /> Doite have the cheapest price sporty clothes, just beside North Face. I bught a good base layer here.<br /> <br /> Lot of supermarkets in Coyhaique. I resupply at Unimarc.<br /> <br /> They are all close to the plaza, all the shops i listed can search by Google Map.<br /> <br /> Because i just have 3 days good weather, so I don't want to do any road walking, i talk the bus to Villa Frei, then hitch to (-45.86204, -72.04816) start hiking.<br /> <br /> Locked gate and camera at {32-m} km2.33, I didn't want to take long time go with big around so i climbed it directly, didn't see any people on the whole way, so doesn't matter.<br /> <br /> RR km23.3 : cross a stream, log crossing at downstream 20m, you can go through the tiny forest to there.<br /> <br /> Km23.63 : flat spot(-45.90969, -72.05767) with some protection after a stream crossing can fit 2 tents before go into the no covers grassland.<br /> <br /> Highly recommend go for {32-C}, both ways just 10min, amazing views and a camping spot can fit 1 tent with excellent view at (-45.90744, -72.07668), but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> Km 26.63 : flat spot (-45.92066, -72.07543) can fit 2 tents with good wind protection from west by bushes.<br /> <br /> Km27.75 : old camping sandy spot(-45.92915, -72.07549) can fit 4 tents with some wind protection from west, just before the dangerous CC. I think the previous one is better.<br /> <br /> Km27.9 - km29.95 : dangerous CC traversing on side hill. A slide may cause a fall with heavy injure or death. It is doable but not recommended to everyone. Doing this part only in good weather.<br /> <br /> Km28.3 - km28.35 : for me, it is the most dangerous part in this CC, some landslide(-45.93359, -72.07668) and very loose, i can't hold a good pose and slipped down some meters, luckily i can use my hiking poles to stop the slide immediately.<br /> <br /> Km29.3 : tricky spot(-45.93822, -72.08632), huge thank you for Véronica, her comments made this much easier. Just like she said, &quot;You reach the end of the bad scree and end up in a deep gully with a vertical wall face on the other side.&quot; <br /> <br /> &quot;Get to the lowest grassy patch to the left of the vertical rock wall. The easiest way to reach that grassy patch was to go upstream a bit, then traverse on the hard slippery sand northward, instead of trying to climb vertically straight up to it. Once you reach the grass, you can use the traction and stability of vegetation to clamber up and out of the gully.&quot;<br /> <br /> Km29.55 : 1st rock wall, go around it with a clear trail at downhill side(-45.93818, -72.08940), GPX track is correct at here.<br /> <br /> Km29.7 : 2nd rock wall, NO CLIMBING, NO SCRAMBLING here, there is a trail JUST WALKING at (-45.93864, -72.09126), overgrown but just 20m easy BB, the trail is between rock wall and treeline, Sobo not easy to notice, but when you are going around the rock wall, then you'll find it. Nobo is easy to reach the trail at the other side. GPX track leads you to climb, it is not a good idea, a slide in climbing at here will mostly cause death.<br /> <br /> After 2nd rock wall, finally CC down to the valley and easy walking start.<br /> <br /> Lot of camping possibilities at the valley, but zero wind protection. Better camping before pass[32.5/1385], because after the pass is super rocky, pass is a large flat area, but too soft to camp.<br /> <br /> I camped at (-45.94901, -72.09962), some flat spots, beside the waterfall from Cerro Aislado. Nice views but cold. It is the first night with negative degree so far. Some water froze to ice at early morning around here.<br /> <br /> After pass[32.5/1385], you walking down at another valley, but with some cairns to follow. <br /> <br /> Km33.5 : trail starts, with some big cairns along it. It leads you all the way to treeline at km34.2. Sometimes it is not clear to follow and lost, but you will always find it if you pay tons of attention, cairns leads you the way.<br /> <br /> The trailhead at km34.2 is a little tricky. You need to climb up a little on a rocky slope after you cross the stream to (-45.97307, -72.10268), then go into the forest to south a little, you'll find a steep loose rocky slope going down again, go for it and you can hold some trees there. Then you join the old trail shown on GPX going south. Don't think about go to the trailhead(-45.97343, -72.10281) directly, it is on a waterfall, you can't arrive there.<br /> <br /> The old trail is in good condition for a while, then become overgrown and some blowdowns. For emergency, you can camp at (-45.97898, -72.10345), it is the first flat spot for Sobo in treeline with cover (the last one for Nobo). It can fit 2 single person tent.<br /> <br /> Lot of tiny stream flowing with clear water.<br /> <br /> When you met the rock river(-45.98185, -72.10091) at km35.33, you can CC down the river and join MR at (-45.98357, -72.10284), it is a super easy CC, not steep, no blowdowns, no wet feet, rocks are stable and not slippery.<br /> <br /> When you arrive MR, easy walking again. A gate locked by wire at km37.1, climbing over it is the fastest way.<br /> <br /> Km38.1 : start BB to riverside, but i think it is a CC, the grass just up to ankle only.<br /> <br /> I find a clear trail(-46.00113, -72.09460) without any blowdowns going south, and lead you to riverside at (-46.00216, -72.09530), then you can walk beside the river and join national park trail.<br /> <br /> National park trail is in a nice condition, nothing to mention. Some snow before and after pass[43.9/1470], but still an easy walking on snow.<br /> <br /> Km46.1 : camping spot at (-46.05228, -72.14549), it is cleared out all the stone by someone here, can fit 1 tent with excellent 360° views, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> I camped beside the lake(-46.05780, -72.15969) for the second night, excellent spots with glacier views(you are just below it!) and views of Cerro Castillo! Peaceful and not crowded, I'm the only human there with some ducks, and they love to talking in the midnight. You can reach the lake starts at (-46.06176, -72.15672), easy walking beside a stream, all the way stay on east side and dry feet, BB less than 20 meters for total and mostly just easy CC.<br /> <br /> Km48.85 : Campsite El Bosque. Side trail to a lake under glacier at north. It is a long walk, but i highly recommend you at least take the trail go out the forest, amazing views there, both ways just 300m.<br /> <br /> Km49.95 : viewpoint of waterfall from Cerro Castillo. And i find that you can climb up to the top of waterfall! See the details at next waypoint.<br /> <br /> Km50.2 : you can climbing up this ridge to the UPPER LAKE of Cerro Castillo. From (-46.06989, -72.18148) to (-46.06905, -72.18500), then to (-46.06627, -72.18497). No trail, just CC on some rocks, stable and not steep until close to the top, the top part is steep and loose, at there you can go to right side a little bit, climbing up on grassy slope for final ascend. Amazing views there, and no camping, because the ground is too soft, but cow boy camping on huge rocks is wonderful at this place.<br /> <br /> I recorded this CC, will upload it later.<br /> <br /> Camp[50.5/1243] : Campsite La Tetera, not a good camping spot, some spots much better when you climbing up and before Laguna Castillo.<br /> <br /> After you enjoy the moment at Laguna Castillo, remember follow RR, check GPX track, dont follow the trail going beside the lake, it is a dead end trail, and if you dont want to all the way back, you can CC climbing up to join RR.<br /> <br /> Pass[53.5/1679] : excellent views here! If you are super thirsty, clear water is flowing good at (-46.07749, -72.20888), easy to collect, 10sec/L.<br /> <br /> Then all the way down to Campsite Los Porteadores, a long long way going down.<br /> <br /> Because of weather changing, so i didn't go up to Laguna Duff.<br /> <br /> Walking on a nice trail to main road, then all the way road walking to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> Lot of restaurants, shops and accomodation in Villa Cerro Castillo. The shop(-46.12072, -72.16115) beside the main road is the biggest one in town. Lot of biker riding, hikers and backpackers hitching on the road. Tall gas canisters and 230g gas canisters are sold in Copec gas station at (-46.12208, -72.16279) in high stock. We stayed at Nordic Patagonia(-46.12142, -72.15889), 15k CLP for a bed, 45k CLP for a double room, 8k CLP for camping with views of Cerro Castillo, including hot shower and kitchen basecamp.<br /> <br /> Maybe because of late season, never saw any flies at this section.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-10 to 2024-Feb-13 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / Las Horquetas and Lagunitas / Andrew'''<br /> <br /> Day 1 (slept at Rio Turbio)<br /> <br /> I started in Villa Cerro Castillo and hitched a ride to Las Horquetas. I left a bag at the Nordic Patagonia campground in town, it's free if you stay a night after, or CLP 1.000/day if not.<br /> <br /> Signed in at the CONAF station where the park ranger explained the official camps that are currently open, and advised not to drink unfiltered/untreated water between Rio Turbio camp to just before El Bosque camp. But others I talked to later in the hike didn't get the same message and seemed fine so not sure what was up there.<br /> <br /> Easy hike to Rio Turbio camp with some horseflies.<br /> <br /> Day 2 (slept at El Bosque)<br /> <br /> This day was my punishment for deciding to leave behind my fleece at the last moment. Cold and rainy as I went over Penon pass, but at least I got to test out my new rain jacket and rain pants. At least it wasn't very windy. Great views of waterfalls after the pass, and the rest of the day was sunny.<br /> <br /> Camped at El Bosque. Difficult but short day. Worth taking the side trail to Laguna Temprana after setting up camp.<br /> <br /> Day 3 (slept at Neozelandes)<br /> <br /> Lots of scrambling over rocks. Great panoramic views as we went over Morro Negro. As developed campsites go I think Porteadores was actually a bit nicer than Neozelandes, but Neozelandes is much crowded and puts you closer to Laguna Duff.<br /> <br /> Day 4 (back to Villa Cerro Castillo)<br /> <br /> In the morning I hiked to Laguna Duff, best scenary on the Las Horquatas section of the hike IMO, do not miss this. Afterwards I hiked back to Neozelandes, packed my stuff, and hiked back to the Villa. All downhill. Paid the CLP 16.000 fee at the Estero Parada CONAF station, then hitched a ride back (around 3pm). Had some good pizza and beers with some folks I met on the hike at Pizzeria y Hamburgueseria D-Lizia in VCC.<br /> <br /> * '''10-Feb-2024 / Hiking / SOBO / 4 days / RR + Option B (attempted) / Ella &amp; Cristopher'''<br /> Day 1, we walked through the sections of private property without running into anyone, but met other local hikers a bit afterwards who said they have previously had problems with one of the landowners on the route we took, and that he has now installed cameras. Got to the section with the traverse and attempted to take Option B - definitely do not recommend this option. It took us about 2 hours to walk less than a mile on the super steep and loose dirt/skree. Multiple dangerous moments. Part of this option also seems to pass through dense forest which looked difficult to bushwhack, but we didn't make it that far before turning back as it was getting late with no end in sight. We camped right at the beginning of Option B, where there is a flatter patch and stream that you can walk down to. It was a good view, but we realized later that a better and equally beautiful place to camp would have been where the land plateaus a bit and there are multiple small streams, on the RR about a km after you pass the start of Option B. Day 2, we woke up to super windy and rainy conditions, and waited for it to clear until about 3 pm before starting the traverse. The RR turned out to be a relatively safer route than Option B, though we were still glad we waited for the bad weather to pass before attempting. Followed advice from Veronica at the difficult parts, which worked well for us. Definitely budget extra time for this stretch. Camped right after the traverse when it drops down to the river, which you follow to cross the first pass. The area doesn't get a lot of sun so it was really cold at night, but still a nice place to camp with flat spots and a river. Day 3, trail before uniting with the CONAF area was difficult to follow at points and slow because you are walking a lot on loose rocks. We were very confused when reaching a waterfall with no visible trail, but a few cairns about. Following advice from Will, we crossed the river just before the waterfall to go up the left side of the valley. Climb through the trees and then cross a few meters of steep loose dirt/skree, and you should be able to see where the trail then continues in the forest. Some bushwhacking after this but relatively easy to follow GPS track until linking with the CONAF Las Horquetas trail. Camped in El Bosque Camping which had a toilet but no water tap (though there is a river close by). Day 4, relatively easy and super beautiful walking all day. We took the RR all the way to the road, which does in fact avoid the CONAF checkpoint so we never had to pay. Ran into other hikers who said CONAF is only charging when you leave the park. Got very lucky with a hitch to Villa Cerro Castillo, but I would not count on it and the road gets a lot of sun and I didn't see a water source. Bus from Villa Cerro Castillo leaves at 6 pm and goes to Coyhaique for 9.000.<br /> <br /> Feb 2023 Frank<br /> There is no need for any rock climbing on this route. After the gully where you climb out on grass (described by Veronica) there are two rock bands running perpendicular to the route. You can go below both of them &amp; bypass them at treeline.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-8 to 2024-Feb-11 / 3.25 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR from El Blanco and Lago Monreal + Variant M + Option 3 / Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> We started around 1500 at Coyhaique and easily hitched to El Blanco. We hitched with three cars (last went to Lago Paloma) and walked about four km in between them along Lago Monreal to Variant M. The sign against hikers scared us and it was late (1930), so we camped nearby (100 m along the fence westward). We reread other reports and decided to go for it in the morning. We first tried to go along a fence lining a small cliff about 100 metres west of the road, but it is pointless and we found ourselves on the road after a few hundred metres. We did not meet anyone. It is easy to miss RR and start on option 1, keep an eye on the GPS. We met black cows at the same place as Stiina, but they just looked omniously at us.<br /> <br /> As for the dangerous part, Tomáš ended up doing it three times as he dropped our tent poles from his backpack just before the start of the CC section. Unlike Nat (see below), he thinks the section is quite ok and he also found it quite scenic, especially the first part over the plateau. The annoying clambering is in fact only about two km long and can be done in about an hour if you know the way. It never felt dangerous to him, but he understands others see it differently. It is certainly more demanding than the average section of GPT. The description of Véronica is the best. The last obstacle (the boulder) is not entirely vertical (it feels like scrambling, not climbing), but you do need to use your hands and it is indeed exposed, down climbing NOBO is more awkward. On the other hand, it is only about seven metres distance (not elevation). We had sunny skies, in worse weather it would be a lot more annoying. The horseflies came back from the dead and died by the dozen under our merciless hands (Nat killed three accidentally just as she tied her hair back).<br /> <br /> At the end of CC after the pass, the trailhead is invisible (45.9731564S, 72.1026797W). It starts in the trees immediately from the river, about 10 m above the start of the waterfall in between two landslide/avalanche bands. Will comments that the GPX trail is exact, but since we are used to the GPX being slightly off, we could not see it, I guess we should have just trusted the GPX. There is a cairn in the creek marking the entrance but it is unclear how long it will stay there. Once you reach the overgrown MR, after a hundred metres of easy BB, one can cut the first zigzag straight down through easily passable mature forest. Once down on the road, you can camp on it, it is not used by cars ever. Once you reach the CC at 60.9, do not ford but stay on that side of the river!<br /> <br /> In the popular part of the hike, people concentrate at campings, but otherwise it does not feel too crowded (less than two dozen people met on the trails themselves per day). Until nine and from about five, you will meet almost nobody on the trails. The park is very attractive. There is good internet (Entel 4g) just before the pass at 53.5. From the other side, there is a sign saying the pass closes down in strong winds. Probably better to go there in the morning (weaker wind) or late (after six) in the afternoon (rangers have probably gone home) unless the weather is good. The sign where they turn people is probably at about 1250 altitude at roughly the treeline.<br /> <br /> To avoid paying, Nat followed the RR and was succesfull (OSM is wrong, the official trail is to the east of the GPT in the last few hundred metres). Tomáš followed the easternmost OSM trail that leaves the RR at roughly 480 altitude. The trail is rather imaginary, but it is easy walking across meadows or rarely through open forest and across several fences. His efforts were probably pointless. Tomáš also wanted to cut the walk to Villa Cerro Castillo and forded Estero El Bosque, but it was equally pointless and involved several fences.<br /> <br /> We found screwable gas cartridges in Villa Castillo at the supermarket &quot;Villarica&quot;, the last supermarket on the corner of - Bernardo Higgins and Bernardo a Alessandro, I think. They said they have them sometimes. There was a blackout for five hours during our stay but locals said that is not so common.<br /> <br /> Notes from Nat:<br /> <br /> - When in Coyhaique be sure to enjoy the bread and pizza shop called; La Tranquera Pan y Pizza (just North of the main plaza). It has a great selection of sourdough breads/Rye/whole-wheat loafs, cookies, real coffee and tasty pizza slices. ALSO don't miss the dry good store; Envasadora Aysen (45.57016° S, 72.06883° W), the good veg shop here (45.57730° S, 72.07038° W) and then the Unimarc is actually pretty good. <br /> <br /> - My views are prejudiced against the beginning of this route bcs I was sick and not in a good mood but my thoughts at the time were; &quot;If you want to &quot;enjoy&quot; section 32 then take the Las Horquetas option&quot;. I really didn't like all the sidehilling and felt you wouldn't miss out on much if you started at Horquetas. Also don't do what I did and pack twice as much as you need bcs Coyhaique &quot;might&quot; be the last place with good food (however it was 3-5x better than villa Castillo).<br /> <br /> - The first tricky part was annoying bcs it was hard to get an edge (not that there is any edge left in my shoes). It was easier to walk up it and gradually cross, all in all it didn't feel dangerous. The second tricky part did feel dangerous to me bcs I went too far climbers left of the grass staircase and ended up having to traverse the short, steep and featureless slope to get back on track, a fall seemed easy and with bad consequences. The rock scramble at the boulder did not worry me but I would not have climbed it if it was wet bcs there is a lot of algae-like material on it and some of the handholds were sloppy. <br /> <br /> - I would be very curious if one could make a new route that went up to this lake here; -45.94848, -72.07320, and then down either here; -45.95505, -72.08753 or along the ridge to here; -45.96914, -72.08724. It would be more vertical and longer but with possibly less sidehilling...<br /> <br /> - The glacier on Variant E (6km return, half of it moraine walking) is nice but not really worth it, the lake on the other hand is 100% worth the short walk (3km return, flat river rock waking).<br /> <br /> - The lake just North of Camping Bosque is also worth it if you can avoid the crowds. Both this lake and Variant E lake are technically CC but &quot;well traveled&quot; and cairned.<br /> <br /> - The trail to Laguna Duff is popular but &quot;splendid&quot;, it took less than two hours to the lake from Porteadores. Most of the trail is in the forest and then the last 1.5km (250m vert) is on a pretty obvious rock path. The camping at Neozelandés is far less crowded than other official campsites, I recommend it. I got into an argument with a CONAF officer at the lake bcs she told me it was too late to be there and I had to leave (4pm). If you want to avoid this person, then go right of the RR when it gets close to the lake headwall, she seemed to be &quot;staged&quot; at where the water leaves the lake. I originally wanted to make a traverse to the other lake but bcs of CONAF I went down to the camp to meet Tomáš and then we both went back up after she left (6ish). Once back up we made a traverse to the other lake by following a grassy slope that starts west of where the water exits the lake, you should be able to see the grassy slope on your left when you are walking to Duff. Follow it down and work yourself across, going down to where there is some grass should be quicker than traversing the rubble, it is CC, obviously. On the way down from the second lake we followed the main waterway and then cut back into the forest to reach the main trail (open forest, no BB). Rather than follow the west bank of the waterway like the GPS says we found it far easier to be in the east bank, less rubble.<br /> <br /> - We both had to walk back to Villa Castillo, no cars going in our direction but many going in opposite direction (~9am)<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-28 to 2024-Jan-31 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO / Villa Cerro Castillo - Villa Frei / RR + Option 3 + Variant C + Variant M/ Alex &amp; Christophe'''<br /> <br /> It was another fantastic section but we don't have much to add to what has already been written. But we would still like to point out a few points:<br /> <br /> 1) At the Segundo campsite (also called Rio Turbio), mice gnawed our tent and our dry bag containing the food. It would be best to hang your food from the trees if you are sleeping at this campsite.<br /> <br /> 2) The large rock at -45.938145, -72.086171 can be avoided by doing 10 m of bush bashing just below the rock. This passage is much more visible going NOBO but it is also possible to take it going SOBO.<br /> <br /> 3) The little detour to Variant C is definitely worth it. The view of Lago Paloma and Lago Azul is truly incredible.<br /> <br /> 4) We took option M despite the right of way conflict. We passed a pick-up truck at the last gate going NOBO (the one with a padlock and a private property sign). They greeted us and gave us no problem.<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-27 to 2024-Jan-29 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / option 2 + option 3 / Yannick &amp; Nolwenn'''<br /> <br /> - Trail condition : well maintained, good campsites sheltered from the wind <br /> - Water : easy to find plenty of rivers and lagunas<br /> - Camping spot : there are some designated campsites<br /> - Weather : Sunny<br /> - River crossing : easy<br /> - Resupply : in cohayque and in Villa cerro castillo, all you need<br /> - Entrance fee : 16 000 pesos per person, normally the park closes after 1pm so you can't start after that but we were a bit late and they let us through <br /> - Overall : beautiful stretch of section 32, for us it was really an amazing entrance in the Patagonian landscape as we imagined it with the Torres<br /> <br /> * '''From 2023-01-22 to 2023-01-24 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OP3 + OP3A + VARIANT M // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Villa cerro castillo - entrance Estero Parada - Laguna Duff - Sendero las Horquetas - North part of NP (CC) - Lago Paloma - Villa Frei. <br /> <br /> One of my favourite section so far ! I had amazing weather and I enjoyed so much this stretch, even with few people on the sendero las Horquetas in the NP (not crowded, but obviously more than the usual sections of the GPT). <br /> <br /> Entrance fees for 3 days was 16,000 CLP for me. I had no control and have seen no guardaparque during my hike. <br /> <br /> I walked all the way up to see Laguna Duff (OPT3) definitely worth it in my opinion. Wonderful view, with still some pieces of ices floating on the Laguna, the back of Cerro Castillo and the reflects on the water were amazing. Easy to go there, as there is a trail. <br /> <br /> The second one (OPT3A) is more tricky, no trail, and a lot of rolling stones. Beautiful too and of course, no people at all (I slept there, without tent, just on a big rock, that was incredible). <br /> <br /> Then go up to the pass, it was a crazy hot day, for the first time since I'm in Patagonia, I regretted that it wouldn't be a little bit windy aha. <br /> <br /> Laguna cerro castillo Is amazing. Second pass were very nice too. Bi. I passed it early on the morning, had some snow part, doable, but as it was morning, it was icy on some parts, so I putted my crampons and that was perfect. (But doable without). <br /> <br /> Then easy trail until the end of the public part of NP (just after Segundo camping). After that the cross country part begun. Follow an old trail of the NP, some bush bashing during the forest part, and have to check often the GPS. Then you have to deal with all the rocks until the first pass. <br /> <br /> Go down on a nice valley, and go up to the second pass. Tricky part, as described previously, is the big rock. It's maybe easier to do it NOBO because you descent it, and don't face it, which can be scary. But going on the grass part is the best way. Then follow the tree level, deal with rolling stones, and everything is gonna be alright. The récompense will be the amazing view on Lago Paloma (don't miss the Mirador). <br /> <br /> I took the variant M to avoid the right of way conflict. No trouble at all on this way. You have to pass threw some gates. The last one, near a kind of central hydroelectric is the biggest, with camera and sign do not enter. Few people seen after this gate, and they were all very gentle and nice ! <br /> <br /> Anyway, I really loved this stretch ! As it's summertime at this time, I met a lot of chilenos in the NP, so happy to see even very young chilenos explore their outstanding country ! <br /> <br /> You have to be prepared to face a looooot of rolling stones on this section, sometimes it's like dancing on rocks. Can I say that the rolling stones make this stretch rock'n'roll ? Probably not. <br /> <br /> Better to wait for good conditions. I can't imagine this section on a rainy and windy day ! <br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan- 11 to 2024-Jan-13/ 3 days/hiking/SOBO/ Start in Las Horquetas and later RR/ Paulina'''<br /> <br /> I started in las Horquetas, it was open even if on Conaf website this section is still closed, apparently they don't really update). When I was there ( 10 AM) nobody at the gate, so no charges. Later in the park nobody never asked me to show the entrance ticket. The same at the exit gate, they just asked me to check out ( even if I did not check in).<br /> At the beginning of Las Horquetas trail, some very easy river crossing. Almost no people, only a few hikers on the campsite.<br /> On Pass 32 [43.9/1470] still some soft snow, but I could cross it safetly.<br /> <br /> Be careful on the ridge around pass 32 [ 53.5/1679] on very windy days. <br /> I did not see any water around camping Los Porteadores, except this last section, water was available everywhere. <br /> <br /> Beautiful and very scenic section! <br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-29 to 2024-01-01 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR &amp; Variant D &amp; M / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Took a Uber from Coyhaique to Villa Frei for 17.000$. Got another lift by someone who life's there to this point: -45.8737, -72.04342. Joined via Variant M to the RR. Camped at Camp {32} [23.6/1010]. Good place you have to Ford 2 times before the Camp and 1 times directly after it. Here the -45.93357, -72.07606 Clambering in steep terrain starts and is very challenging also in combination with snow. Very steep literally climbing up there here: -45.938145, -72.086171 especially with a backpack. I needed to go very slow and cautious with 3 point technique. After that you can follow the GPS and the Kerns to this point -45.973087, -72.102771. From there a old abandoned road goes all the way to the point where the Trail( Variant D) merges with the Sendero de Chile Las Horquetas at: X {32-D} [1.0/920]. On the trial are some parts which are not perfectly visible but with GPS no problem. There are some fallen trees and quite a few small trees on the trail. I wouldn't consider it Bush Bashing (BB) because you can just raise your arms in front of your face and walk trough it. So IMHO no BB on the route. As soon as you are at X {32-D} [1.0/920] it's a &quot;touristy trail&quot; compared with the other GPT parts. Therefor the condition is excellent. Camped at Segundo Camping -46.008184, -72.104121. Next day camped at Camping Los Porteadores -46.089085, -72.235431. Snow was neither on Pass {32} [43.9/1470] or Pass {32} [53.5/1679] a problem. Next day hiked to Villa Cerro Castillo. Not a single car on the street towards it so needed to hike. The RR avoids the Entrance Cerro Castillo Park (Estero Parada) there is one gate before accessing the street where you can just hop over.<br /> <br /> Overall: really nice section and quite relaxing to have such a easy trail (the beginning is challenging due to the rock scramble). It's the most touristy part (2 groups a 7 people) but absolutely woth it. Really enjoyed it.<br /> <br /> Contact: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2023-Dec-12 / 6 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RR + Variant D + Variant F / Tom Pieper'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> An Uber from Cohayique to Villa Simpson is about 9.000 Peso. From there I easily found rides to Lago Elizalde. A older man told me that there was also a camino from Lago Elizalde to Lago Azul passing cerro sombrero a couple of years ago. I really liked the walking through the valley to lago desierto. It passes a beautiful farmland landscape sprinkled with little lush patches of forest and creeks. Camping is easy there. But if you want to speed up there are also cars from time to time and hitchhiking is possible. At S 45° 52.495 W 072° 16.913 is a little shelter surrounded by some old tractors and a big mate cup installation. A farmer passing by told me I am welcome to stay there. To reach lago desierto you have to climb a locked gate (well described by Kara Davis). I crossed lago desierto and camped at the isthmus between it and lago azul. There is a nice camp spot at waypoint Lake {32} [38.3/337] surrounded by old gooseberry bushes and an abandoned van. The central lodging building is collapsed so its seems to be an abandoned place now except the cattle. Next day I crossed lago azul. The wind increased dramatically forming up to 1 m waves. There are some emergency exits on the left even after the shore gets steeper after the settlers on the lefthand side. At the end of lago azul you reach a huge private hacienda on the isthmus, with a big park like forest and buildings within. I tried to sneak between the buildings but to reach the path to the mountains you finally have to pass a big meadow. There was a greenkeeper around and it was no problem for him to let me pass. The family was not around. The track to the mountains is steep and part of a big network of mountainbike trails. This network spans nearly the entire valley! I met six young chilenos who told me that they are working the summer to maintain the trails only for that family – I have never seen such a giant mountainbike network! Incredible how much effort and money must spend here only to satisfy a family’s hobby. The Chilenos were very friendly and even turned back to offer me a ride to the end of the valley as rain increased but I kept walking. This track is in really good conditions up to the bush bashing section. And here comes the problem: 1.) the bush bashing is wrong annotated. In reality it starts for 1.2 km at the end of the annotated section 2.) the track is mostly gone were it reaches the river bed. Landslides have washed away a big part. Don’t cross the landslide! It seems super instable! When you have forded the riverbed at the landslide don’t put on your shoes, yet. The following part has turned into swamp land. I suggest to make the entire 1.2 km in your fording footwear. After that the track to the las horquetas trail is mostly overgrown or blocked by trees but still visible. It was pretty hard for me as temperatures dropped to 4 °C and at this point it had not stopped raining for 48 hr. In bad weather that’s definitely no fun. The ranger hut was my salvation as it was abandoned but open and had a stove and even some firewood. The next day the weather was perfect and I continued towards cerro Castillo. There had been recent work around Camping Rio Turbio and the track is still in good condition. Paso Penón has heaps of snow and I found myself sinking to the hips from time to time. But in good weather it is ok. The views from the pass and the following valley even outcompeted the view from laguna castillo. After the paso penón the rest is fine. I used Variant F to descend. As mentioned before it now follows a different way in the end due to right of way conflict and you reach the street at approximately half way between villa cerro Castillo and the national park entrance.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''05-Apr-2023 / Hiking / SOBO / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We really enjoyed this one. It's definitely worth waiting for good weather, not only for safe traverse of the steep part in the northern part of the park and following obstacles that are quite demanding but also for the views that were just incredible.<br /> <br /> Starting from Villa Frei in the late afternoon, we made it on that day to the turn before Lago La Paloma, where we camped right behind a fence, before a little river, that you need to cross to follow the RR. There are 2 settlements, but still far enough, so no problem. You have to cross one fence and a gate on the way up. To avoid right-of-way conflict, we followed Cristopher &amp; Anna's advice (thanks guys!) and turned right after the first gate behind the beginning of the optional trail. From there you just need to follow MR, cross a few gates and you will end up on a fenced field with bee hives on one side. Crossing them will take you directly to RR, so no bush-bashing is necessary. From there, the trail is pretty straightforward. We liked the view from Option B viewpoint and in good conditions it must be a perfect spot for camping, definitely doable in one day. The steep traverse didn't feel that dangerous for us, but we had really good conditions. The next obstacle, already described by others, is at the end of the traverse. We followed there a small ridge that will take you to the beginning of the grass parts. It's a little steep, but doable. From there we followed the grass parts, which create almost 'stairs' allowing you to climb up. It's again steep, but you can use your hands to pull yourself up, holding the grass patches. After that is the last challenging part, a rock that you need to climb over. We got there already after sunset and without an option to explore the best and safest way over, we decided to follow the old overgrown trail, that descends down without the need to climb over the rock. It seemed to be hard in the beginning, but after we got through the first few trees (without any leaves, just branches), we found a little strip without them, that takes you all the way down to the river, where we camped. It took us around 15 min to get down, so it might be a good alternative. From there you just need to walk through a little part of the forest and then continue by the river, so you are actually avoiding also the descent down, which some described as challenging as well.<br /> <br /> After the first marked pass and descent in rocky terrain, the CC part connects to an old trail, that later becomes a MR. The connection was easy to find by following the GPS. We had no problems passing around the rangers house, again by following the track files, at first through the forest and later around the river. From there the trail connects to the official way which makes navigation easy. We spent the night in the official campsite around 2 km before Laguna Carro Castillo, which is the only one open. There were 5-6 other tents, no ranger. The next day the weather got way way worse, which made us skip the last pass and go down from the laguna via one of the official routes. We met a ranger on the way up, pointing us to the official trail around yellow cairns, to sign off from the park. With no intention to pay on our way from the park, we actually followed some old trail (according to the old signs we met) that took us to the main road, right in front of the bridge. We had to cross one fence, but no other problem. It's a faster and safe way from the park.<br /> <br /> * '''5 to 7 of February 2023 / Will / SOBO / 3 days'''<br /> <br /> Amazing section! I was worried about the tricky part, but sticking to the gpx track it didn't feel dangerous to me. Though I did have to leave the track to find easier ways around the cliffs.<br /> <br /> There weren't any buses south out of Coyhaique on Sunday (except maybe early morning?). I ended up taking an Uber to villa frei, for a bearable 14000 pesos. The road walk was beautiful except for the wind trying to blow me into the cars. I caught a ride to Lago Monreal, from where I walked back up to variant L and then to the 23.6 campsite.<br /> <br /> I didn't have any right of way trouble, I just had to pass through a few unlocked gates with no people or buildings in sight. There were even a few groups of day hikers who passed by my camp on the way to the Lago Paloma mirador (variant B - must see!).<br /> <br /> I also took variant D up to the glacier lake, worth it if it fits your schedule. I didn't have time to keep going up to the glacier itself, it looked like steeper rocky cross country.<br /> <br /> Even in the touristy parts the trail was surprisingly slow and rocky. I ran into a few rangers, who look like normal hikers except with red and white baseball hats. They were ok with me not having a ticket once I explained my weird route.<br /> <br /> * '''15.02.23 -18.02.23 / Anna &amp; Christopher / SOBO'''<br /> Coyhaique - Villa Cerro Castillo<br /> <br /> We hitchhiked from Coyhaique to Lago Paloma and started walking around 13:30 pm following the main path.<br /> <br /> The trail at the beginning is pretty good. At the junction with the option at km 17,5 you can walk further uphill along the fence for a couple of meters to enter the fence through a gate. This option is not in the gpx files. We decided to follow that to avoid the settlers after all.Then you can follow the dirtroad through two more gates until you reach a fence that you have to jump to the right to get to a meadow with beehives. There is another gate there and then you reach the main route again. In total we only had to jump two fences.<br /> <br /> Then we followed the main route. Soon after we went through the gate of the National park Cerro Castillo and we (unfortunately) met two guardians of the park. After some back and forth they made us turn around, telling us that this path is closed and we have to enter the park via the main entrance and pay the 30.000 clp. So we had to take the option to las Horquetas.<br /> <br /> After a few good km on a dirtroad, the path of option 1 gets bad. It seems like it hasn't been used for a long time. It was often hard to find and involved some bushbashing. It took us quite some time to get through there. Once you are at the river it gets much better. We forded the river next to the entrance to avoid the detour until Horquetas. The option was not very nice. Mostly just walking in the forest with BB so we would definetly recommend to try the main route.<br /> <br /> The entrance closes at 2 pm but the guards there were much nicer than the first two, and it was also no problem to get in at 3 pm. We had to register us and pay the 30.000 clp p.p. though. The rest of the trek we were not asked to show the tickets. The park guardians tell you that there is no water crossing both passes and you have to carry it from the official camps, which is simply not true. There is only no water after Laguna Castillo.<br /> <br /> At the exit (following the RR) we had to register us again. From there we planned to hitchhike to Villa Cerro Castillo, but there were no cars passing by. In the afternoon/evening it's probably easier to get a ride, because lots of cars parked at the exit. We would recommend Option E to avoid the dull roadwalk to Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> We stayed at Camping El Rincon, which was only 4.000 clp p.p., with no electricity, but the owner washed our clothes after we asked and we received it dry the next morning :)<br /> <br /> * '''18 to 21 of January 2023 / Véronica / GPT32 RR SOBO / 3.5 days'''<br /> <br /> Route: Villa Freí - Lago La Paloma - north part of Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo - Las Horquetas trail (south part of Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo) - Villa Cerro Castillo<br /> First off I want to say that I think this section deserves a 5 on the Attractiveness Scale. It is simply mind-blowingly beautiful and definitely on par with other sections further north that have a 5 on this scale. I also think the Difficulty Rating should be upped to a 5 as well, due to the technical, and arguably dangerous at times, section in the northern part of the park on the Regular Route. Wish I had someone with me during this stretch, but oh well, such is life.<br /> <br /> I was lucky and caught a hitch most of the way to Lago La Paloma on the first day. It was hot and I don't think the road walk has any water sources until you get to the end. I then followed the new RR which bypasses the problematic right-of-way settler in the Lago Monreal area. However, this new detour is not fun. It involves climbing over (or crawling through/under) multiple barbed wire fences. I lost count after the 5th or 6th one. Also, the path and cross-country area are full of thorny plants, they got everywhere on my pack and clothing. I think it would just be better to take Option 32-L and chat with the settler instead to try and get through. Once you reach RH-MR-V {32} [18.9+4.7], it's all good, easy walking until the camp at 23.6 km.<br /> <br /> I reccomend taking Option 32-A after the campsite instead of the CC straight through the cow pasture. It is wet and muddy, whereas 32-A remains dry and easy to follow in the forest at the edge of the meadow. I also strongly recommend taking the short detour to the mirador at the end of Option 32-B. The views there of the cliffs and mountains surrounding Lago La Paloma are incredible. You could even camp there if you brought sufficient water and the weather is calm.<br /> <br /> Now for the difficult part in the 8-km cross-country section. This section was physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. The first pass is at S 45° 55.740', W 072° 04.501'. It is easy walking up past the treeline into the alpine up to this point. The first challenge is a steep and unstable scree traverse, which begins at S 45° 56.019', W 072° 04.567'. Follow the GPS tracks here. At first I tried to go lower, right along the treeline, which was a big mistake that got me stuck in a terrible gully of slippery hard-packed sand. Very treacherous and scary trying to traverse it on all fours. After that ordeal, I scrambled back up to the altitude of the GPS tracks. This first scree traverse lasts about a km, the rocks are loose and it is very steep. I was tense and went very slowly. Got harassed by tábanos the whole way, but at least the weather was good.<br /> <br /> Then at S 45° 56.288', W 072° 05.184', you reach the end of the bad scree and end up in a deep gully with a vertical wall face on the other side. Figuring out how to get up that cliff was hard for me. I left my pack at the bottom and tried climbing up various different ways with no success, only tiring myself out and getting myself in precarious situations where I could barely climb back down. I finally figured out the best way was to try and get to the lowest grassy patch to the left of the vertical rock wall. The easiest way to reach that grassy patch was to go upstream a bit, then traverse on the hard slippery sand northward, instead of trying to climb vertically straight up to it. Once you reach the grass, you can use the traction and stability of vegetation to clamber up and out of the gully.<br /> <br /> The next big obstacle is at S 45° 56.320', W 072° 05.446'. Like others have written, this is the vertical rock wall that spans up and down the mountain and that you have to climb over. I scouted ways up without my pack at first, trying to find the easiest way. At least with this rock wall, the handholds and footholds are solid — no slippery gravel/sand/scree. But it does require actual rock climbing moves. If you fall you would likely tumble down the mountain, so please be very careful. A light backpack makes it relatively safer and easier.<br /> <br /> On the other side of this wall, you can finally see where the trees end, and the lovely river you are supposed to climb down to reach. But there is still more scree to traverse here, and it is slow and unstable again. I tried taking a shortcut down a shallow gully filled with grass. I figured it would be safer than the rocks, but it was very steep and got unexpectedly muddy at one point, and I ended up slipping and sliding down the mountainside about 10 meters before being able to stop myself. Didn't get seriously hurt, just bruised up, but it really shook me and just added to the stress and fear of this whole section. So I guess my advice here is to again follow the GPS tracks across the scree and go down gradually to the river instead of trying to go straight down.<br /> <br /> Once you reach the riverbed, it is easy walking to the top of the pass, with occasional cairns (and some good swimming holes). Down the south side of the pass, there are still a couple scree sections, but not nearly as bad as before. Lots of boulders, so slow going, but at least they felt more solid.<br /> <br /> As Martin Lizondo has written, finding the start of RH-MR-V {32} [34.1+1.7] is tricky. It is not a minor road, it is an old footpath. The cross-country section ends at a creek as it turns into a high and steep waterfall. You have to cross the creek and look up to find a faint, overgrown trail that goes up into the forest. Once you find it though, it is simple enough to follow. There is a stretch though of several hundred meters where it is more of a bushwhack than anything else, nature has taken over.<br /> <br /> I followed the regular route that cuts through the forest to Río Turbío, I assume this is to avoid the ranger station nearby. The &quot;bushbashing&quot; section is easy through a mature forest, and then you just follow the bouldery riverbank.<br /> <br /> Once you get to the popular Las Horquetas trail, everything is easy until the end of the section. Some snow at the top of the first pass (Paso Peñón), but very manageable. The views of the saw-toothed mountains, lakes, and glaciers are spectacular. Despite reports of the park being &quot;overrun,&quot; I only met a handful of other hikers in this trail, and most of them after Laguna Castillo. No rangers at all.<br /> <br /> I think the Regular Route in its current configuration avoids the blue payment tent at the end of the park trail, but I didn't know that when I passed through, and ended up just following the riverbank down to the minor road to be safe (and avoid paying the ridiculous 30,000 clp access fee). The road walk to Cerro Castillo was Easy and uneventful.<br /> <br /> * '''23/02/2023 - 25/02/2023 / RR SOBO / Louis, Rémi &amp; Noé :'''<br /> <br /> We started at Lago La Paloma, taking the bus from Coyhaique to Villa Frei (leaves at 8:15,15:30,17:30&amp;19:30 from monday to friday and at 8:00 and 14:00 on saturday (no bus on sunday)). Then we hitchiked to the lake without problem and we camped there. Ready to start in the morning the next day.<br /> <br /> Day 1 - Campamento Rio Turbio - 26.5km - +1800m/-1200m A big day but we hadnt the choice : heavy rain was announced for the next day... Cross country is demanding, better follow the tracks all the way long. A great camp site if you want to split this day is at the end of Option B. No water, windy but incredible view. The waypoint camp before is nice too.<br /> <br /> Day 2 - Campamento El Bosque - 10km - +800m/-800m The 2 camps sites on the GPT at47.8 and at 50.3 are now forbidden. The new campsite is approx at km 49, in the middle. There is guardaparques, but no need to show the permit for us.<br /> <br /> Day 3 - Cerro Castillo - 11km - +800m/-1500m The pass after Cerro Castillo was closed due to the wind. If you want to go to the other side, you have to get down at the park entrance and to go up again at the other entrance. We just went to the town. The regular route going down from there, from the Cerro Castillo, is not the one on the GPT. Actually, it goes more on the west side. At the end, there is a guardaparque, we checked out (even though we didn’t checked in) but no need to pay. Fortunately. Luck was with us.<br /> <br /> * '''23/02/2023 - 25/02/2023 / RR NOBO / Jakub+Veronika:'''<br /> <br /> 1) Lago La Paloma, right of way conflict on RH (32, km 17.5): Owner of the land (and nearby houses) is called Cesar, according to him, the right way is by the mud road (OH 32-L) and not on the trail, which passes some 20m next to his house. The reason why there was a conflict might have been caused by Cesar's relative who didn't like tourists walking on their land.<br /> 2) Trail has been changed 3 years ago because of right of way conflict between CONAF and private owners on the OH (32-E). The new official trail (with official park entrance) leads on OH (32-E) for the first 2km, then turns right and goes down towards Rio Ibáñez to RR (32, km 85), well marked by metal yellow triangles.<br /> <br /> We've walked all section 32 from Villa Frei to Villa Cerro Castillo. The part from Lago Paloma to Rio Turbio is very difficult and might be even dangerous (especially in bad weather). The CC travers on the stones (in our case with strong wind and snow) was the hardest part. The MR leading down to the valley is partially overgrown. The second part is well marked with good camping possibilities. After heavy rains on Sunday 25th, the park has been closed for more than a week. There are 2 alerts on the road (see above).<br /> <br /> * '''Feb 17 RR 3 days SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> Walked from Villa Frei. After about 12KM there is a food truck next to the road. Owners live there so should open for you. The owner of the private land wasn't there so had no access issues. You can camp in a big meadow @ 1250 metres or in good weather at a pass @ about 1325 metres (not marked on track file) just before the difficult CC section begins. Followed Veronica's advice to get up the gully on grass which worked well, thanks Veronica. There is no need for any rock climbing on this route. After the gully there are two rock bands running perpendicular to the route. You can go below both of them &amp; bypass them at treeline. The second bypass is not very obvious but stay at the treeline &amp; you will get through easily. After the pass, descending scree you come to a waterfall. Go left into the forest immediately before the waterfall - you may see a small cairn marking the spot. Just footprints at first but pick up a small trail as you go in. Leaving the park the RR to the left goes through private land. The optional route straight down is now the main trail, it goes down to a checkpoint just before the road. Checkpoint is at a stile over a fence so can't be avoided. It is run as a private 'concession' from CONAF. The workers were friendly &amp; didn't charge me anything. However next year the concession will be run by a different company so depends who is there.<br /> <br /> * ''' Note on Options 4, 7 and 8:'''<br /> GPT32 Option 4: is the gravel road to Lago Elizalde and Lago el Desierto. A subsidized bus travels this route 2 or 3 times per week.<br /> GPT32 Option 7 and 8: Are routes published on Wikiloc and/or www.suda.Io. This means someone took these routes in the last years but not much more information are available.<br /> (Source Jan Dudeck: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1498106867361861/ )<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Feb: 05-07, SoBo, RR, Kris&amp;Stiina'''<br /> <br /> We continued into this section straight from the previous one - 31H and the start of it, about first 16km, is like the whole previous section - dirt road. We hiked about 5 of those 16km and hitched the rest which I think was possible quite easy because it was weekend and a lot of cars with families were going to the Lago La Paloma.<br /> <br /> The interesting part started once we were at the gate after crossing the outflow of Lago Monreal. The big sign was posted there stating that this is not some Sendero de Chile and that passing through here is strictly forbidden. We saw a guy at the gate when we were approaching, but as it was lunch time for us we stayed at the stream. Afterwards the guy was gone and there was no phone signal to call the nr. that Martin Lizondo has provided. After considering options of different routes we decided to keep it cool and climbed over the gate with fingers crossed. There were houses a few hundred meters up the road, but nobody seemed to be at home at that point, perhaps working in the field somewhere in the back, so we walked through the forbidden land without anyone intercepting, luck was with us. A few more gates later we climbed up into the forest and finally the Cerro Castillo National park with a big old welcoming sign. We stayed at the first marked campsite at 22,7km, there is a stream.<br /> <br /> Next morning as we were having our breakfast about 30 cows showed up and were completely dazzled by our presence. They stared at us for about 15min until they finally relaxed a bit, but not fully. As we were packing our camp some sudden movement must have scared them and they all went running for their lives as if a Kraken himself was after them, silly cows, we thought. Once we were all packed and ready to go we crossed the stream into the next meadow, and saw all the cows about 200m to our left. I am not exactly sure how cows work, but as soon as they saw us they organized a gang and all of them started running right at us. We of course were standing our ground so the cows would stop just 5m from us and look all tough. I would try to scare them away by counter attack in the form of a shouting, hiking pole waving lunatic. It worked to some extent, as we could slowly walk out of it, but the cows kept persistently be really close and walk/run at us. I guess they were trying to protect their pasture, maybe someone can enlighten me about cow-dynamics.<br /> <br /> After the great battle of 2022, we disappeared in the forest and enjoyed the nice forest path while it lasted. Once out of the three line the path disappeared so we more or less followed the GPS marking. Neither of our maps showed the mentioned old path descending down into the valley, it was actually matching with the GPS, more or less. Up to the first pass, which is not marked, but is at about 26,8km the cross country was easy and then as mentioned before it got pretty difficult. If it would just be steep scree slope it would be alright, but this one had hard packed sand under the scree or sometimes no scree on it so it was very slippery (in dry conditions). Lots of prayers went to the Gods of Friction which helped us with traversing the treacherous slopes, with plenty of chances to become a statistic. I don’t think that that traverse is possible in wet conditions, not without crampons. And as for every good cake there is always a cherry on top, which was a little rock climbing session, which I personally didn’t mind, but I am not sure other hikers would appreciate. After that we still had to descend a steep scree down to the river. If there is a potential trail or option to go down the valley after the pass and then follow the river bank up, I think it is definitely a better, faster and safer option, especially if weather is not favorable. And looking from above down the valley it seemed like a feasible option to follow the river as the river itself was easily crossable and we didn’t spot any cliffs there, maybe next time.<br /> <br /> After reaching the river at the valley bottom the way up to the second pass was easy and straight forward, even though still “sin sendero”. The way down from the pass is steep and bouldery but not dangerous and after a short bit some first signs of an old trail can be noticed, some cairs appear. Then once the trail gets down to the tree line there are a few bushy places, but nothing too bad and the closer to the actual trail you get the better it becomes. We also somewhat followed the GPS track but stayed more in the forest rather than beach to avoid the ranger hut.<br /> <br /> Once we made it to the Las Horquetas trail all our worries were behind us and we could enjoy the nice trail and magnificent views. I don’t think I have ever seen tree line ending almost at the edge of the glacier in Europe it was happening a century ago, pretty cool stuff. We camped at the “segundo camping” with many other hikers, none doing the GPT though. And an interesting thing we observed was that people would just drink straight from the silty glacier stream without filtering or treating their water at all. Observation was made of different groups of people at different campsites. Is that a Chilean thing? Very impressive gut, if they can do it, unless ignorance is a bliss or they knew something that we didn’t.<br /> <br /> Nevertheless, two more mountain passes and we were heading down to Villa Cerro Castillo, with crowds of day-hikers that had come up to the Mirador Cerro Castillo. From there we actually didn’t follow the GPS track but headed down straight to the town. The ticket office with the park official is actually around this area: (46º 6.7520' S, 72º 12.0032' W). And the trail leading there is the official trail. The one that seemed on the map like the official, was actually not in use, not sure why. The satellite view on Gaia and info on the maps is somehow outdated. We tried to sneak past the office to avoid all explaining we had to do, but it’s kind of strategically placed so it wasn’t possible and we ended up just talking to the girl that was making sure everyone is checking out of the park. We had to pay 18.000 pesos per person which is the ticket for foreigners that want to go up to the mirador. We didn’t spill the beans about camping in the park and our small backpacks kept the suspicion low, so in the end it all worked out pretty good. From there it is still almost 5km to the town on a very dusty road, but with all the day hikers leaving a hitch was not a problem.<br /> <br /> The town is really nice with plenty of shops and accommodations options. The only thing we didn’t manage to find was the threaded gas canister, but we found a few half-empty ones left in the Nordic Patagonia mess tent.<br /> <br /> For more stories of the trail, pictures, videos and in case you want to ask us anything you can find us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> * '''2021-Dec-18 to 2021-Dec-22 / Option 6 (Valle Balboa), Regular Route &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;(Packrafting Lago Desierto and Lago Azul)&lt;/span&gt; and &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Option 9 (Packrafting Lago Paloma)&lt;/span&gt; / Northbound and Westbound / Meylin and Jan'''<br /> <br /> General Remark:<br /> This route provides an attractive alternative to the overrun Cerro Castillo trail. The popular Cerro Castillo trail is also highly regulated (obligatory camp sites, closed in suboptimal weather) and costly (27’000 CLP entrence fee) therefore this alternative should be considered by hikers and packrafters.<br /> At the upper terminus of the Valle Balboa is a 5 km long and 400 m wide pasture at an altitude of 1100 m. To utilize this pasture for cattle summer grazing, settlers build a 18 km long trail through the forrest along the Rio Balboa.<br /> This very scenic Valle Balboa trail was hiked and published on Wikiexplora by Tobias Hellwig and Daniel Mahn. But the southbound descent down to Rio Ibañez was made by climbing down with a rope in very steep terrain because the location of the descending trail was not yet documented. <br /> Therefore we investigate this route in the opposite direction to search the southern trailhead to incorporate a feasible hiking traverse from Rio Balboa to Rio Ibanez in the GPT network.<br /> <br /> Summary of Northbound Investigation:<br /> Tobias Hellwig suggested where the southern trailhead may be located. A detailed analysis of satellite images and elevation profiles supported this and a local resident confirmed this assumption. After an hour of searching we found the southern trailhead. This trail terminates at a 400 m by 60 m pasture at abandoned camp (“Camp A”) from where no trail appears to continue. <br /> To continue through the last section of forrest we bush-bashed through very steep terrain and continued trail-less through a rather open forrest until reaching open terrain (“Entry Forrest Valle Ibanez”). From this point we traversed the open terrain on a slightly higher route than recorded by Tobias Hellwig and Daniel Mahn and meet the previously recorded route at the descent into the Valle Balboa (“Exit Forrest Valle Balboa”).<br /> From this point we followed closely the previously recorded route in the Valle Balboa from where we packrafted westbound over Lago Desierto, Lago Azul and Lago Paloma.<br /> <br /> Recommendation for Southbound Hikers and Packrafters:<br /> Hikers that wish to bypass the Cerro Castillo trail may either road-walk 25.5 km from Villa Frei via Lago Elizalde to Lago Desierto (GPT32 Option 4) or take the bus from Coyhaique to Lago Caro and leave the bus just after the bridge over Rio Paloma.<br /> Alternatively hikers may walk along the lakes Lago Paloma, Lago Azul and Lago Desierto (GPT32 Option 5) but bypass the buildings at the trail start to avoid a right-of-way dispute (see yellow arrow on the image that first follows the beach of Lago Paloma and than sneakers in between some trees to the trail).<br /> Packrafters best paddle the three lakes to get to Rio Balboa. Note that the predominant wind direction is westbound.<br /> After reaching the western end of Lago Desierto hikers and packrafters closely follow the route of GPT32 Option 6. Note that the multiple river crossings of Rio Balboa may become impassable after heavy rain and are generally easier in the morning (due to snow and glacier melting water that reaches it maximum in the evening).<br /> After reaching open terrain at Kilometer 24 (“Exit Forrest Valle Balboa”) hikers and packrafters traverse 5 km open terrain to the waypoint “Entry Forrest Valle Ibanez” while enjoying the wide open view into Valle Ibanez. Starting from Kilometer 24 do not follow any more track “EXP-OP-TL-V {32-06} [0.0+30.6]”.<br /> After entering the rather open forrest best follow the 8 waypoints of “Proposed Improvement for Investigation”. This bush-bashing route probably avoids the very steep descent that we struggled to get up with our heavy packrafting gear. When reaching the trail (either “Record 1” or “Record 2”) follow the generally well-visible and well-maintained trail to “Exit Forrest Valle Ibanez”.<br /> Note that that “Record 1” and “Record 2” includes all our searching, so don’t take these tracks as an instruction but use your common sense to follow only the relevant parts.<br /> When reaching Rio Ibanez packrafters can float on the river towards Cerro Castillo while hikers must walk along the northern side of Rio Ibanez to Cerro Castillo.<br /> As an add-on hikers and packrafters may take GPT32 Option 3 to visit a less frequented trail of Parque Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> (Note: taken from here https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/posts/1256244101548140/ - now the options are part of the GPT Track files, the Facebook post includes pictures.)<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> * '''Section 32, Option 7: Valle Balboa. Southbound. 11 days (including waiting out a snow storm). Party (3): Mum, Sis and I.'''<br /> <br /> After walking Section 35 we emerged in Cochrane to a world changed by the virus. We retreated to the now unfriendly Chili Chico and caught the ferry across to Ibáñez in the morning. For my mum and sister, getting back to Santiago to catch a flight home had been the priority, but on the way they shifted more to the stance I was taking: what was the point? Get stuck in Australia, or here? Patagonia didn't seem all that bad, and apart from facemasks and hand sanitiser, there were no shortages like back home. By the time we reached Coyhaique we'd all decided to stay a week or so to hatch a plan. We met up with Aldo and camped in his backyard for almost a week. I helped build his house a bit, but time was mostly filled with playing chess, dice, cards and guitar. The atmosphere seemed to encourage a lethargic state, blurring the days together and bending time. Finally however, we packed and walked into the town centre to make a start on the interesting option #007 of Section 32 through Valle Balboa, (traversing roughly from Lago Desierto to Río Ibáñez). With the virus and public transport on hold, it seemed unlikely the bus to Villa Freí (that we took last time for the RR of Section 32) would be running. We asked a taxi driver for a quote to drive us out. We grabbed some more supplies, and then caught a taxi with a much friendlier driver to Lago Elizalde ($15k). The driver showed us a great public camping spot on the shore of the lake. There were many established camp sites back from [close to] the beach. It was such a nice spot that we decided to lay back and spend the afternoon and night there.<br /> <br /> In the morning, we walked the road to Río Paloma, scoring a lift for 5ks or so. We camped by the river not far before the end of the road.<br /> <br /> In the morning we walked the last bit of the public road to where it ends at the very rickety bridge over Río Mogote. There is a nice little camping spot here (-45.91100, -72.31823). Climbing over the locked gate, we walked the private road to the ford. We tossed up visiting Lago Desierto and the people living next to it, but with the virus decided against it. This meant we didn't actually have to cross the river, instead locating the old road to the south. (The track files follow the road, but it is no longer used by vehicles and it is actually easier to head back down the main road a couple of hundred metres to where a cattle trail exists (-45.91601, -72.30806)).<br /> <br /> Following this distinct road for some time, it seemed to be used for horse riding tours as there were coloured signs like &quot;Spanglish&quot; and &quot;Toobooku&quot; on the side. You will soon reach the gate included in the track files. Here there is also access to a bridge across Estero Balboa. It looks like you can then access trails most of the way up to Cerró Negro. This might be interesting if someone wants to explore.<br /> <br /> A couple hundred metres after the gate the old road ends and an obvious trail continues to a miskept farmhouse. Continue along the well defined trail that gets a bit scrubby/overgrown before entering the forest. The trail is then very well maintained although quite muddy in spots (I could see it being quite bad after rain). You will need to ford a tributary not marked in the track files (-45.95592, -72.35114). Shortly afterwards is a junction (-45.95654, -72.35216). The route up the side valley could be explored if someone wants - we went only a short way to a corral. The track will dip back down to the river where there is an established camp (-45.97039, -72.35461). Continuing up the valley, there are many more established camps - the best are generally in close proximity to the fords.<br /> <br /> The first time you cross the estero is about here: (-45.98105, -72.36205). There is only one ford, not two as the track files indicate. At the next couple of fords, the actual track deviates slightly from the track files. If you follow the current track files, you will avoid crossing the river at all, but will end up bush bashing briefly. We crossed the next two fords, but by staying on the west side of the river they should also be easily avoidable.<br /> <br /> The trail exits the forest (-46.02116, -72.42538)(the camp marked in the track files here is a swamp - go further up the valley!) from where it is cross country walking, not actually a trail as indicated. We camped next to the puesto which incorporates some pieces of a crashed plane (we found another piece whist exploring, but not the actual crash site). The route up to the Laguna Campana is also open and straight forward.<br /> <br /> We waited out a rainy day only to wake to a snow storm the next!... and the next!. We ended up waiting 4 nights experimenting with some different bread recipes whilst we waited out the inclement weather.<br /> <br /> Finally a sunny day! Continue up the valley, CC walking past an old corral. At the Nacimiento del Estero Balboa you again briefly enter the trees. Like the previous marked camp, again this whole area was very swampy and I didn't see a suitable place to camp. The camp included in the track files is in the middle of a swamp! We picked up fragments of a track heading up through the trees, but I think it is very vague or overgrown. That said, we had nearly a foot of snow in places so we could have easily missed things! There is a very obvious section of track here : (-46.05648, -72.47298). You'll quickly exit the trees (-46.05923, -72.47005) and start a long CC section in the alpine. We found some sections of trail, but for us it was mostly cross country walking. Plenty of water options the whole way.<br /> <br /> When you enter the forest after completing the alpine section (-46.08687, -72.43537), you will be bush bashing for a long time! There was no discernible track even when we criss-crossed over the track files searching for it (no snow here anymore). Approaching the deep gorge, I decided to lead us a different, less steep way. This worked well and we camped at a very nice spot by the stream at the bottom (-46.09414, -72.42582).<br /> <br /> The next day we were debating simply following the river down (I wish we had!). Instead, we headed straight up the other side of the gorge. We located part of an old track here (-46.09685, -72.42463) but quickly lost it as we passed through the saddle (I think maybe it continues north?). Rejoining the suggested investigation route (EXP-OP-TL-I@32-07-#003), there is a good stream (-46.10202, -72.42403) and some camping on its banks.<br /> <br /> After some horrible bush bashing, we finally made it to a ravine gashing steeply down the mountain (-46.10598, -72.41534). There were many drops and it was impossible to go directly down. We later found out that the only other party to do this part had a rope! I can't really recommend going down here [and my sister can't recommend it at all! - &quot;This is shit!&quot;] Again, I'd recommend taking the main valley. The climbs we did were much more difficult than those on the northern part of Section 32 RR that people complain about. Also, if doing this option, it would be much easier travelling north! You could also consult the settlers on a better route. We finally reached the bottom where it opens up after about ~6hrs!<br /> <br /> Continuing, if you do follow EXP-OP-TL-V@32-07A-#003, the track files indicate there is a trail, but it is not quite so. There are CC sections and a labyrinth of cattle trails. You will need to use them to your advantage where they exist, and leave them when they go the wrong way. We went this way for a little while, but then tried following a primary cattle track that seemed to be heading directly down to the river... but we got stopped by a swamp (-46.11623, -72.41080). Continuing along EXP-OP-TL-V@32-07A-#003, you will get CC walking from the woods (after a cliff) about here: (-46.11546, -72.42372) If we were there again we would follow EXP-OP-CC-A@32-07-#004 down past the settler to the river. It then looked easy to walk along the river north to the cable car.<br /> <br /> The cable car: Don't use this by yourself! Don't use it if you are only two! Use it with three people minimum! I can't stress this enough. There is a lot of fiction and the locals we talked to here don't even consider it safe. They used the boat which has its own steel cable allowing you to tack across with relative ease. You will get wet feet if using the boat.<br /> <br /> Taking the cable car, we only just made it across with one in the car and two hauling on the rope, and at one point it looked like my sister might get stranded on the far side (she had a nightmare that night!).<br /> <br /> Carretera Austral: We waited the entire day by the Carretera Austral. Finally catching a colectivo late in the afternoon. With the virus, it was hard/imposible to hitchhike. We paid an inflated price ($3kpp) for transport to Cerró Castillo.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2020-March-6 / Ty &amp; America / 4.5 Days SOBO RR. Start @ El Blanco'''<br /> <br /> We started in El Blanco, opting to hike by Lago Montreal, which was pretty nice. No traffic though, so if you’re wanting a hitch the regular start in Villa freí may be a better option. Settlers in Lago Montreal are super friendly. There’s a bit of water there as you pass by the lake. We camped there. I recommend going further to the marked camp though because the next day is a big challenge. RH-CC-A@32-25.2+7.9 Is the Cruz of the section. After this all good. I do not recommend doing this unless you’re very comfortable on your feet and have a lightweight pack.<br /> <br /> -stick to the treeline/marked path on this. The traversing is tough, but completely doable. 2-3 km in is the gully with the very difficult climb. Keep the the grassy patch, getting to the base of it was the most dangerous part for us. Very slippery rock. I had America drop her pack. High risk, but I was MUCH more comfortable.<br /> <br /> -about a k after is the second dangerous area. This is a straight rock wall that spans all the way up&amp; down the mountain. The only way through is to climb around. I checked below it and didn’t find a way through the trees. I took both Sanita &amp; America’s packs through this section; as again, it’s very high risk..with an actual climbing move involved. Again, it’s important you’re very comfortable with your pack to get through these parts.<br /> <br /> After these dangerous sections we were wiped out and camped in the valley before the pass. Lots of places to camp with good water. Be aware of slight rockfall risk. There’s an amazing place to camp with ideal conditions at the top of the pass.<br /> <br /> Going on, all smooth, both marked camps on the way up the second pass are actually closed...there’s an open camp right between the two.<br /> <br /> Amazing places to camp up by Laguna Castillo.<br /> <br /> We snuck around the riverbed once we saw the blue tent at the bottom (where you might have to pay) and got by with no problems.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan 2020 GPT32 South 7days / Felix'''<br /> <br /> Coyhaique to Villa Freí: There is a bus from the bus terminal in Coyhaique to Villa Freí. From there it was a hot dusty road.<br /> <br /> Accessing the park : You have to pass through 4 private properties to enter the first sector of the park. We met some people. Had short friendly chats, but no problems with access. Just before you enter the park (where there are two trail options) there is easy access to the river via a cow trail. However water in general was no issue and I didn't carry water for the entire 7 days through the park.<br /> <br /> The camp site used to be an official campsite before the sector was closed due to access problems. The dunny is in great shape.<br /> <br /> Through the first sector : The trail is in great shape until after the mirador. You then cut upwards into the alpine which is also easy walking. After passing through a saddle, you contour around above the treeline. This is the most difficult part of the section. Quite a bit of step scree traversing. Not for everyone. Once you drop into the valley waking is again easier. There are some occasional cairns that become more and more frequent as you drop into the other valley. As you contour left an intermittent trail is evident. When you enter the lenga forest (-45.97321, -72.10278) there is a great trail down that turns into a road here : (-45.97886, -72.10358) (Jan: maybe you want to update the track files to reflect this?) Then is road walking to join the popular walk.<br /> <br /> Popular sector of Cerró Castillo : There are some side trips not included in the track files. They're on the map you get. Note that the old Bosque site (-46.06197, -72.16016) and La Tetera (-46.07200, -72.18390) are now closed. You can not camp there. For most people this means camping at the new el Bosque : (-46.06418, -72.16964)(Jan : maybe you want to update the track files?) Get to Laguna Cerró Castillo before 12 to beat the walkers heading up for the day. But this shouldn't be an issue as you need to cross the pass early : an important thing we would have liked to know is that the pass (-46.08030, -72.21103) can be closed in the afternoon due to strong winds. There is literally a ranger there that can turn people around. Not much water over the pass either. And the poza cerca mirador doesn't look welcoming. Carry water here. In the next valley there were more rangers and we saw some people get checked for permits. It's a shame this park is now being comercialalised :(<br /> <br /> Getting back to Coyhaique : Not much traffic. The last bus heads back at 6pm<br /> <br /> I'll try upload some map photos and a breakdown of the entrance fees when I get the photos off my camera.<br /> <br /> Cheers, Felix.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-18 and 19 / Regular Hiking Southbound / Martin Lizondo'''<br /> <br /> The starting minor road gets into the private propiety of Pedro Sangüesa (+56 9 9099 9083) at 45º 52' 15,55&quot; S, 72º 2' 46,28&quot; O. He didn’t like people to pass through and denied that there was a trail, but it turned out to be a Conaf’s well signed area. He said in the future he will ask for money, but finally left me pass for no charge. I met other day hikers going to « El Mirador ». Snow was easy at the passes. The trail was in good conditions until the cross country. There are two spots which I consider dangerous, so I don’t recomend doing this section alone: 1) the gps tracks passes through a very vertical rocky (nearly climbing). I was scared and I can’t recommend doing it, except you asume this risk. I could see later in a map that the original route went all way down in the valley through lenga forest, but if there was a trail it’s invisible now. 2) When the cross country leaves the tree line and becomes a small trail into the lenga forest at 45º 58' 23,54&quot; S, 72º 6' 10,02&quot; O (“minor road” starts later, despite the gps track info); it’s very stepy and unmaintained. I made a mistake and started to follow the stream all way down, but you have to look up and search the beginning of the hidden path. It’s very vertical and easy to fell down, because of recent land slides. Be extremely carefull. The rest of Cerro Castillo from Las Horquetas is well maintained, beautifull and enjoyable. Cons: Lots of people. When leaving at the Nezoelandes entrance, you’ll have to pass near to the payment cabin. I didn’ t have to pay, but it was because I spent only a short time in the park. The cost for foreigners is normaly CLP 29,000.<br /> <br /> * '''Jan 2020 / RH Northbound / Matthieu'''<br /> <br /> No technical difficulties in the park, just following the trail and enjoying the views.<br /> <br /> To follow the GPT northbound, leave the parc trail to go north. It is an &quot;old sendero&quot; in the forest, but well maintained and easy to follow during the beginning (it is marked on maps of the parc). In this direction, no problem to leave the forest in a safe spot, but southbound, looking behind, seemed hard to find the entrance of the forest and of the safe trail ! No technical difficulties until the first pass, rocky terrain like the rest of the park. <br /> <br /> The dangerous part is indeed between the 2 passes. You dont go in the valley in front of you but follow the altitude line until the pass that you see at the right side of the valley. Very steepy rolling stones path. I was a little bit afraid. I tried to be smarter than the tracks, trying more uphill... this was a dangerous mistake that took me long to repair and go back to the tracks. There are indeed two river crossing (no dangerous waterstream) but they are circled by cliffs, so not easily crossable. <br /> The track follow mostly the tree line (I.e the separations between the little trees and the stones) So my recommendations : <br /> - follow the gps tracks : they follow the tree line who is safer with a solid ground and grass. Sometimes you have to cross the stones, no choice, so go slowly, choose your paces wisely and it's doable. Try to aim for the grounds of grass in the middle, which are solid, or the stones with foam on them, which mostly didn't move for a while. For the rivercrossing, it aims a good spot with no need to climb down or up.<br /> - choose a good weather day : for me it was sunny and no wind, so perfect day, and it was already mentally hard (not speaking of the horseflies getting you crazy during the hard moments !). I wouldn't try it with rain or big wind in this river of rolling stones. <br /> - if you don't feel it, easy escape by the normal trail of the parc<br /> <br /> However, I can assure that the prize for the effort, going northbound, is amazing !! But I won't spoil ! <br /> After the second pass, no technical difficulties, you find a Conaf trail easily, and I even cross some tourists with a guide.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-29/ Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe/ 3days / Northbound / Regular Hiking Route with OH-MR-V (Villa Cerro Castillo to Las Horquetas)'''<br /> <br /> The section follows the rather popular tourist Hiking route Las Horquetas for the first two days, meaning there will be less solitude but also rather well maintained trails. The national park and the region around Cerro Castillo was very impressive, we especially enjoyed to take all the side trails and visit the numerous beautiful glacier lagoons. The only unpleasant part of the hike was the organization of the national park. The exorbitant high entrance fees are in no relation to the other parks, which is due to a high ratio of private land in the area but makes the park rather unattractive for tourists. some rangers seemed poorly informed and couldn't give much information (e.g. insisted that passes were &quot;closed&quot; and only after asking numerous times agreed to check with his colleagues that told that they are &quot;open&quot;). They also said it is not possible to hike the regular route of the GPT, because we have to check out of the NP at the checkpoint Las Horquetas. There is an optional hiking route continuing North from there. Due to bad weather coming up we ended up not finishing the northern stretch of the trail and just followed the entire Las Horquetas Route at the Carretera Austral.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-29 / Lea Geibel, Kevin Moe'''<br /> <br /> Snow line is at around 1200 Meters but all passes are safely traversable.<br /> The National Park Entrance Fee got raised to 29000 CLP per person for overnight hikes in season 19/20. The park generally seemed very poorly organized, we were told the passes are &quot;closed&quot; at first, whereas they were easy and safe to traverse. The ranger insisted that we could not hike the normal route northbound but have to sign out of the park at the Las Horquetas checkpoint. In high season, the ranger station in the park is manned, so maybe it is possible so sign out there and head northbound.<br /> <br /> * '''2019-Nov-12 / Eva Havlová'''<br /> <br /> There is still lots of snow in the National Park. I arrived to Villa Cerro Castillo 3 days ago (Novembre 12, 2019) and planed to hike nortbound but rangers didn't let me go. I saw the pass they were talking about (avalanche risk) and I don't think any avalanche could occur, but the thought is that there is lots of water running down and the trail is like a stream. They said it might be possible to do it next week.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2018/19==<br /> <br /> * '''2019 Jan/ Oilrik / Northbound'''<br /> <br /> We ended up doing the normal Cerro Castillo hike as the weather was forecasting heavy rain and snow so we did not want to be on the pass. The regular trail is just gorgeous and the park is beautiful. The trail in the north is not on the new CONAF maps but is marked on the old ones.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2017/18==<br /> <br /> * '''Route description by Kara Davis after Season 2017/18:'''<br /> <br /> A sandy beach with a visible structure in the grass is the take-out for Lago Elizalde. After exiting, make your way through the farmland until encountering a gravel road that leads past the house at the top of the hill up to Ruta X-686.<br /> <br /> Ruta X-686 is a lightly trafficked but well-formed gravel road that is fenced on either side. After crossing the Río Paloma, Ruta X-686 makes a sharp left and begins to climb. 4 km after the sharp left turn, cross a bridge to the left and climb to a wooden gate. If you descend the steep slope to the left of the gate, there is camping under some trees.<br /> <br /> The wooden gate marks the beginning of a very long driveway to a house located near the lake. The route takes you along this driveway until a river crossing. After crossing the river, walk northeast along its shore towards the Río Paloma. After reaching the end of the fenceline near the Río Paloma, turn east and walk along the fenceline until reaching Lago Desierto. At the river outlet, there is a nice beach to put in to Lago Desierto.<br /> <br /> There is no camping along the shores of Lago Desierto. The take-out is a rocky beach at the base of a bluff. Walk up the bluff and cross country through the farmland to Lago Azul. At the east end of the farm, descend down a road to a rocky beach at the Lago Azul shoreline with a metal structure.<br /> <br /> There are a couple of potential camping options along the shoreline of Lago Azul. There are also several residences on the north shore. The take-out is a long rocky beach set before a well manicured forest. On the east end of the land near Lago La Paloma is an expensive looking house surrounded by several other buildings.<br /> <br /> There is a 4WD track to the west of the smaller red house located south of the big residence. Ascend the steep climb on a well-formed road that is criss-crossed with several smaller tracks labeled in english with wooden signs. Due to the steep slopes on either side of the cut out road, there is no camping here.<br /> <br /> Eventually, the route turns off of the road onto an overgrown 4WD track. Camping off the track is still difficult because of prickly vegetation and steep terrain. This track ends 2.5 km from where the Regular Packrafting Route joins the Regular Hiking Route. From here, the route involves some bushwhacking and following a small trail as it winds in and out of existence. Just before joining with the Regular Hiking Route, the route widens into an old 4WD track that passes some destroyed structures.<br /> <br /> The routes join up at a large rock cairn and continues to follow a 4WD track until reaching a large wooden sign with a map of the Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo. Here there is also a campsite and ranger station. There is a 5.000 CLP fee to enter the reserve.<br /> <br /> The route from here is a popular track for backpackers with designated campsites. The trail is well-formed and winds through the forest. When the trail becomes less obvious, the way is shown with yellow markers. In this area there is a designated campsite with a latrine.<br /> <br /> At treeline, follow the cairns and rocks painted with white and red stripes through the scree up and over the first pass (approximate elevation 1.450 m). After the steep descent, reenter the trees. There is a campsite, Camping El Bosque, soon after reaching treeline (approximately elevation 940 m) with water and a latrine.<br /> <br /> The trail begins to wind up through the forest toward Laguna Castillo. The sights from Laguna Castillo, which is at the base of the pass, are stunning. There are two tracks that climb up to the pass. Make sure to take the path that climbs to the south instead of continuing southeast over the obvious saddle.<br /> <br /> The track down to Ruta X-720 is well formed, marked, and popular, but occasionally braided. Follow it until reaching the wooden stile with a rangers hut. From there join Ruta X-720, a dirt road which leads to Highway 7 and Villa Cerro Castillo.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Town: Villa Cerro Castillo. Villa Cerro Castillo has several restaurants, small markets, and plenty of lodging options, including a popular backpacker camping destination on the east side of town.<br /> *2024-Dec / Michael and Kasia <br /> We stayed at Hospedaje Gemita on Ramón Freire next door to Camping Castillo, 20.000 pp for room in a shared cabaña. The cabaña had 4 rooms (2 doubles, 2 singles), a well equipped kitchen, hot shower. Not allowed to do laundry in the Hospedaje, but there is a lavaderia in town. The hosts, Gemita and Pedro, are very nice. They have also spent a lot of time in Los Avellanos on horseback. Maria, one of the settlers in the valley in Avellanos is a cousin of Pedro.<br /> <br /> We found gas in four shops, two had the threaded canisters for stoves, one was 6.000 for a 300 ml tank, the other was the COPEC across the highway from town, 4.000 a tank. The others just had refills, cheapest was the supermercado on the highway, 2.700 for a refill canister.<br /> <br /> There is a Banco de Santander ATM in the COPEC on the west side of the highway.<br /> <br /> Just on the other side of the highway on the road to the park there is a fruit and vegetable shop that also sells frutos secos and nuts in bulk. He had the best prices.<br /> <br /> *2024-Mar /Joscha<br /> <br /> Shop in Villa Cerro Castillo at -46.12201, -72.161708 has pasta, ramen, oats, chips, cookies, olive oil, peanuts, peanut butter, bread and some more stuff.<br /> <br /> *Lovely yum restaurant in Coyhaique: Restaurant DaGus, Lautaro 82, 5950000 Coyhaique. Little hidden gem. -45.86411, -72.04916<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> *2024-Dec Buses Sao Paolo passes through Villa Cerro Castillo for Coyhaique every day around noon, 8.000 pp; Buses ECA passes through Villa Cerro Castillo for Coyhaique Thursdays and Mondays songs 11:30, 8.000 pp.<br /> *Buses to Villa Frei from Coyhaique bus terminal: Monday 7:30, 8:15, 15:30, 17:00, 19:30 Tuesday to Friday 8:15, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30 Saturday 08:00 and 14:00. No bus on Sunday. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Villa Frei &amp; the bus generally turns around immediately &amp; goes back to Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2023/ Martin &amp; Helena<br /> To avoid right-of-way conflict, we followed Cristopher &amp; Anna's advice (thanks guys!) and turned right after the first gate behind the beginning of the optional trail. From there you just need to follow MR, cross a few gates and you will end up on a fenced field with bee hives on one side. <br /> <br /> *2023/ Jakub+Veronika:<br /> 1) Lago La Paloma, right of way conflict on RH (32, km 17.5): Owner of the land (and nearby houses) is called Cesar, according to him, the right way is by the mud road (OH 32-L) and not on the trail, which passes some 20m next to his house. The reason why there was a conflict might have been caused by Cesar's relative who didn't like tourists walking on their land.<br /> 2) Trail has been changed 3 years ago because of right of way conflict between CONAF and private owners on the OH (32-E). The new official trail (with official park entrance) leads on OH (32-E) for the first 2km, then turns right and goes down towards Rio Ibáñez to RR (32, km 85), well marked by metal yellow triangles.<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anna &amp; Christopher <br /> The entrance closes at 2 pm but the guards there were much nicer than the first two, and it was also no problem to get in at 3 pm. We had to register us and pay the 30.000 clp p.p. though. The rest of the trek we were not asked to show the tickets. <br /> <br /> *2020 / Martin Lizondo<br /> The starting minor road gets into the private propiety of Pedro Sangüesa (+56 9 9099 9083) at 45º 52' 15,55&quot; S, 72º 2' 46,28&quot; O. He didn’t like people to pass through and denied that there was a trail, but it turned out to be a Conaf’s well signed area. He said in the future he will ask for money, but finally left me pass for no charge.<br /> (...)<br /> When leaving at the Nezoelandes entrance, you’ll have to pass near to the payment cabin. I didn’ t have to pay, but it was because I spent only a short time in the park. The cost for foreigners is normaly CLP 29,000.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT32 - Cerro Castillo]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT31H_(Valle_Simpson)&diff=120318 2025-02-19T19:22:45Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-13 / 1 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : &lt;strike&gt;GPT31&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT32+GPT33<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 0/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : route<br /> <br /> Je ne voulais pas marcher le GPT31, seulement faire de l'auto-stop et marcher que s'il n'y avait pas de voiture. A partir du km 3,1, la route est en travaux jusqu'au km 15. Très difficile d'arrêter les voitures car pas de place pour stationner. J'ai réussi à faire 7km en voiture sur cette portion. Ensuite la route est plus petite et il n'y a pas beaucoup de voiture. J'ai marché jusqu'au km 27 puis une voiture m'a emmené à Villa Frei. La vue vers le km 24 est vraiment sympa et les lacs sont jolie par une belle journée, mais la route est vraiment ennuyeuse à marcher.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''03-Apr-2023 / Hiking / NOBO / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Easy section that connects Coyhaique and Villa Frei. Minor road will take you around few lakes and local settlements, which makes some nice sceneries with surrounding mountains. They were partly covered with fresh snow in our case. Taking a bus from Coyhaique terminal to Villa Frei in the morning, we started quite early for our standards, and therefore we made it easily in 1 day, coming back to Coyhaique in the late afternoon. Because of a light rain, the road was not that dusty, but it might be annoying in dry weather, especially the last part around airport, that was also quite busy.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Nov 22 Frank 1 day RR NOBO'''<br /> <br /> Got the bus to Villa Frei &amp; walked back to Coyhaique. One small shop in Villa Frei &amp; lots of dogs, a stick may be useful. Didn't see any place to stay there. I agree with all the comments below. This must be the least interesting section on RR GPT1-40. No facilities along the route &amp; didn't see anywhere good to camp. As you approach Coyhaique it gets dustier &amp; going past the airport is nasty with lots of traffic throwing up blinding clouds of dust. The last 2KM is quiet.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''2022 Feb: 04-05, SoBo, RR, Kris&amp;Stiina''' <br /> <br /> The whole section is a gravel road, except for a few km in the beginning where it is asphalt. We hitched the first 16km and then continued on foot the traffic wasn’t too bad but it wasn’t great for peaceful hiking either, lots of dust eating with every passing car. Chileans do love their fences so everything was well fenced off on both sides of the road for most of the section. We were lucky that some cattle did not agree with the local politics of fencing off the open water and had broken a fence to access the Burgos Lake. Which is where we camped at and had a nice swim. It was right next to the road but bushes helped with making it somewhat private. What they didn’t help that much with was the dust cloud that the passing cars generated, but luckily the traffic was not too bad. <br /> The next day we hiked/hitched to the end of the section, as the road was just too boring and we wanted to get on some trails already. <br /> Unless you are super into connecting footsteps then we would recommend to just try and get a hitch to the start of next section. <br /> <br /> For more stories of the trail, pictures, videos and in case you want to ask us anything you can find us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *2 supermarkets in Coyhaique. 2 small shops in Villa Frei but they will not be open when the first bus arrives.<br /> <br /> *Several shops in Coyhaique sell camping gas. Shop around as prices vary a lot.<br /> <br /> *Lots of restaurants in Coyhaique. They generally open around 10AM. Moneda de Oro on the main street is good.<br /> <br /> *2 exchange offices in Coyhaique, rates may be poor. Several banks &amp; ATMs. All ATMs will be closed outside bank opening hours. Banco Estado opens on Saturday mornings.<br /> <br /> *Coyhaique : Bosque Patagonia hospedaje at the side of the Unimarc supermarket is one of the best cheap options.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2023 info:<br /> <br /> Buses to Villa Frei from Coyhaique bus terminal: Monday 7:30, 8:15, 15:30, 17:00, 19:30 Tuesday to Friday 8:15, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30 Saturday 08:00 No bus on Sunday. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Villa Frei &amp; the bus generally turns around immediately &amp; goes back to Coyhaique<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT31H - Valle Simpson]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT29H_(Rio_Cisnes)&diff=120207 2025-02-12T17:54:43Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> * General Recommendation: You can walk either direction but SOBO is a bit easier as it's downhill<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-08 / ? jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT27+GPT28+&lt;strike&gt;GPT29&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT30<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : ?<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 2/5<br /> | Difficulté : 0/5<br /> | Danger : gravel road et autoroute<br /> <br /> Je suis arrivé à Villa La Tapera à 11h. Cette section est parfaite pour une rando velo mais je n'en ai pas dans mon sac a dos. Je voulais faire de l'auto-stop mais il y a très peu de voiture (~2/h). J'ai marché 4 km puis j'ai eu de la chance et un homme qui transportait du bois vers Puerto Cisnes m'a emmené au km 51. J'ai immédiatement retrouvé un autre chauffeur qui m'a emmené à Villa Manihuales. Le paysage est vraiment magnifique, dommage qu'il n'y ai pas de sentier sur cette section du GPT.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Dec 10th to Dec 11th / 2 hiking days / SOBO / Hiking / RR / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: We were surprised at how pretty the section was. The valley is really beautiful and there is a lot of visual texture in the hills. However unlike 28H, this is a real road walk on a dusty gravel road, often without a shoulder and with traffic. We were there in early December and maybe 25 cars a day passed us. It is possible in the January/February season that much more traffic could be going along this road which would make the route much less pleasant.<br /> <br /> CAMP<br /> Night 01: -44.67970, -71.95016 (relatively flat, good water access, a little ways from the road)<br /> <br /> WATER<br /> There is infrequent access to the river as most of the road is high above it, and where it gets close the access is often fenced off. We still found water fairly frequently as the were a lot of little streams coming down the hill. Also many of the bridges provided access to tributaries and esteros.<br /> <br /> Day 01 - Dec 10th<br /> At Bridge 12.2, it looked like if you crossed the bridge and went left there was a dirt road on the other side. We did not go over to investigate, but we kept looking over as we went along. It seemed to go on for some time. It might be worth investigating. However it looked like if you did go that route you would have to ford the river at some point.<br /> <br /> At around km 16.6, below the road is a green, grassy field with some trees. There is an old road grade down to the field. The road down is very steep, but there were some good potential camp sites down there and easy river access.<br /> <br /> At Bridge 18.4 there were paths down to the river on both sides and areas that looked campable. No visual screening and no wind protection, but if it's a late camp it could be a good spot.<br /> <br /> We camped near Bridge 25.6 on the south side of the bridge back near the trees. We found a relatively flat area, and it had great water access. It is also a place that other people camp, there was a fire circle on the higher ground. It was set back from the road a bit, but there was no visual screening from the road. There were a lot of mosquitos.<br /> <br /> Day 02 - Dec 11th<br /> <br /> We continued on the road. The views were very nice, lots of color from all the spring flowers, purple lupines, yellow broom, and some red flower that is everywhere right now. The road is a true Chilean road, with long stretches lined with fencing on either side. Also in some areas the road is somewhat narrow and there is no shoulder. Many of the cars slowed as they passed us to minimize the dust, but it was a dry, sunny day so it was still fairly dusty. Mosquitos were around, not bad when walking but pretty unbearable when we stopped. Around 15:30 the bus passed. At first the driver said he didn't have enough space, but then he said he could take us to Amengual. In Amengual he said to wait for him and if he had space he would take us to Villa Manihuales, which he did (there were three or four other open seats). We paid 3.000 each for the ride.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-31 to 2024-02-01 // 2 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> This section begin with 30 km on the heavy carretera austral, and finish with 50 kilometers on a gravel road to reach La Tapera. <br /> <br /> After the carretera austral, you'll be happy to find a less crowded, more quiet and natural path, without asphalt. <br /> <br /> Surrounding are nice, nothing more to add except that I can't wait to find back the cute and remote tracks of Patagonia ! I even miss bush bashing... Imagine ! 😂<br /> <br /> KM 18,35, Next to punte Torcaza, on the curve, big space for camp with nice scenery, flying fish everywhere, you can be seen from the road, but not a lot of people are passing threw. Few kind locals are fishing around, Carabineros passed by and said hello to me, so no troubles to stay there. <br /> <br /> Arriving in La Tapera. I slept in hospedaje María, 15K CLP for a room, clean baños, good WiFi, nice people. Cabanas are possible too here. <br /> <br /> Happy to find accomodation, options to resupply and a place with completos, sandwiches in this little town to resupply. (Having cash money is essential there !).<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''2023-Mar-18 to 2023-Mar-19 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> A little more than we expected, there are some nice spots on the way, like Laguna Las Torres.<br /> <br /> * '''2022 19 Nov Frank 2.5 days SOBO'''<br /> <br /> I got the bus from Villa Amengual to La Tapera then walked back, camped 1 night along the way. Few opportunities for camping as you approach the Carratera Austral as the land is fenced off. Villa Amengual, which is 2KM off route on the Carratera Austral is a good base. On the third day I continued along the Carratera Austral to the junction with the X421 dirt road going to El Gato, a better place to break the journey as there is nothing at the end of stage 29. At the X421 junction there is a bus stop (very few buses) &amp; I hitched from there to Villa Manihuales.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *ATM and money exhcange : Only in Coyhaique. Bring cash although you may be able to pay with CC in Villa Amengual &amp; La Tapera.<br /> <br /> *There are at least 3 places to stay in Villa Amengual which is on the Carretera Austral 2KM off route, north of the junction with the X25 gravel road which runs 52KM to La Tapera. They should all have options for meals also. El Encuentro in Villa Amengual has a shop &amp; accomodation, 15,000 pesos single &amp; 20,000 double. Meals are 6000 pesos, breakfast is 4000.<br /> <br /> *2024: Tapera has at least 6 small shops. The one they refer to as the Super had the biggest selection. Shops in town are open sporadically, but all close between 13:00 and 17:00 for lunch, and are closed for the night around 20:00. At least 3 places had camping gas (the Super, the panadero next door, and the blue mini market a block from there), but only the tall refill canisters, not the threaded cans for backpacking stoves. The guy at the Super, which is also the hardware store, said he sometimes had the threaded type but didn't have them when we passed through.<br /> <br /> La Tapera has two small shops &amp; at least one hospedaje, all on or near the plaza.<br /> Hospedaje María was nice, great people, 15K CLP for a room, but they have cabanas too if needed more privacy. There's at least 2 other options in this little town.<br /> <br /> Food resupply in La Tapera, few minimarket. The one near the plaza central accepting CC, all the other only cash. <br /> <br /> Possibility to eat at La Pica de la Doña tapera (sandwichs, completos, papas fritas, pichangas, churrascos ...) -44,6468155, -71,6694500 <br /> <br /> *You could camp at the small car park at Laguna las Torres. Several KM further south on the Carratera Austral is Camping La Zaranda $ new, cafe &amp; cheap camping in little huts, you could sleep in them without a tent also.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> KM 18,35, Next to punte Torcaza, on the curve, big space for camp with nice scenery, flying fish everywhere, you can be seen from the road, but not a lot of people are passing threw. Few kind locals are fishing around, Carabineros passed by and said hello to me, so no troubles to stay there.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> *2024/25 info: There is a bus that goes from La Tapera to Coyhaique and makes stops in Villa Amengual and Villa Manihuales on the way. It leaves La Tapera from the community center on the square at 14:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 17:00 on Sundays. The cost was around 5.500 CLP. It originally leaves from Coyhaique, so probably the same bus as last year. Important to note it is a subsidized bus and priority is given to locals, though they will take you if there are empty seats. It is a Sprinter van style bus, so there are only around 15 seats.<br /> <br /> <br /> *2023 info: There is a bus from Coyhaique to La Tapera on Wednesday, Friday &amp; Sunday, leaving Coyhaique at 10AM, going to Villa Amengual village at 12:30 and arriving in La Tapera at 2PM. The bus leaves La Tapera &amp; returns to Coyhaique on the same route on the same days at about 3PM, going to Villa Amengual around 4PM<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT29H - Rio Cisnes]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT28H_(La_Tapera)&diff=120206 2025-02-12T17:52:38Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> * General Recommendation: Rio Cisnes at La Tapera is normally not fordable early in the season. Best to wait until January &amp; go NOBO. If you can cross Rio Cisnes the other fords should be easy.<br /> <br /> * Update Jan Dudeck November 2023: A bridge had been build over Rio Cisnes. This makes the route suitable somewhat earlier in the season. Also, the minor road is improved and partly re-routed.<br /> <br /> * '''https://www.radiosantamaria.cl/2023/10/23/puente-mecano-conectara-a-habitantes-de-villa-la-tapera-y-lago-verde/'''<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-06 &gt; 08 / 2 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT27+GPT28+&lt;strike&gt;GPT29&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT30<br /> | Meteo : nuage<br /> | Eau : nuage et vent, petite pluie, soleil<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 1/5<br /> | Danger : attaque d'oiseau<br /> <br /> Le supermarché de Lago Verde a un grand choix de produits pour une petite ville. J'en ai profité pour faire quelques courses. Après les 4 premiers km de gravel road, il y a 4 km de trail ce qui est une bonne surprise. J'ai voulu camper au km 16 à la fin de la montée car c'est plat et qu'il y a de l'eau. Mais je me suis fait attaquer par un aigle alors j'ai continué et j'ai campé au km 20,3. Je n'ai pas pu me laver car le froid était trop mordant et le soleil trop timide. La suite est facile, je n'ai jamais mis les pieds dans l'eau sauf aux kms 51,4 et 71,2. En effet j'ai suivi la nouvelle route principale et elle évite les fords. La trace GPS n'est plus bonne à au moins 3 endroits. Au km 42,5 il n'y avait pas d'eau.<br /> <br /> * '''2024 Nov 29th to Dec 5th / 6 hiking days &amp; 1 zero day / SOBO / Hiking / RR + detour via new bridge / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: A very pretty section, also a good warmup section. We found water very consistently, though in a few places finding decent camping next to water was a challenge. We went SOBO, but in our opinion hiking NOBO would have been visually more appealing. The new bridge which bypasses the ford over Rio Cisnes involves a detour off the GPT tracks, but is easy to find and follow.<br /> <br /> CAMPS <br /> <br /> Night 1: -44.28301, -71.86381 (nice space, flat area, good water access, minimal wind protection)<br /> <br /> Night 2: -44.32724, -71.89015 (forest camp, excellent wind protection, no water for 500 m)<br /> <br /> Night 3: -44.36489, -71.86605 (next to road, good water access, so-so wind protection, depends on the direction of the wind)<br /> <br /> Night 4: -44.44130, -71.82765 (next to road, okay view, good water access, poor wind protection)<br /> <br /> Night 5: -44.51738, -71.73189 (flat space for maybe two tents, very good wind protection, water is 300 m away, close to a good view over the lake)<br /> <br /> Night 6: same as night 5<br /> <br /> WATER<br /> In early December there was water almost every two km except in a couple of stretches. A lot of it did seem to be snow melt, and the snow was disappearing. In later months water may be more scarce.<br /> <br /> Day 01 - Nov 29th<br /> We left late. It was sunny and there was a breeze but no real wind. No cars were on the road, just a few horses. It's a very pretty walk. There were several unmarked water points along the way, however I don't know if these will disappear later in the season since they didn't have a lot of water going through then. The first few km were gravel, then at the Private Property sign you leave the road and go onto a trail. There were a few unmarked fords, all very easy, just deep enough to not be dry for crossings. We ended up camping in a flat grassy area next to a steam 5.5 km in, just before the first steep up. It was a really lovely spot. There's not much wind protection in the valley, but we had a windless night, so it was very pleasant.<br /> <br /> Day 02 - Nov 30th<br /> We got a late start again. Before we packed up, a group of arrieros drove a herd of cattle through where we had camped. There is a steep up<br /> About 0.5 km after the Settler at 7.0 there was a bridge and water. We did not find water again until the river at Ford 13.3. After the big metal gate there was a fork in the road and a sign for Tapera to the left side of the fork, which was different from the GPT track, and not a road on OSM. We took it and it meets up with the GPT track very soon, so it doesn't matter which side you take. Shortly after the two paths meet again we spotted a bunch of Quiñoto, the spherical mushroom that grows on the beech trees. We harvested about a pint of it. Raw, there is a faint white button mushroom flavor; cooked almost no flavor at all. It was fun to collect, Kasia enjoyed the mushroom flavor, and I enjoyed the texture, which is a little chewy and a little gelatinous, but it isn't something we would ever buy or seek out. Camp 12.9 should be marked Camp Without Water. It is about 400 m one way to the nearest water and it is a rather steep hill, so not exactly convenient. It also has very little wind protection,though a spectacular view. It started to rain a bit and the wind was picking up when we arrived at that point. We headed back toward the beech forest and found a place to camp there. It was even further from the water but was warmer than out on the plateau and had excellent wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 03 - Dec 1st<br /> For the third day we went a fairly short distance. The Ford 13.3 was easy, mostly half calf, up to my knee at one point, and the current wasn't very strong. We found water about every two km or so. We made it to the Water 20.2 mark and camped just on the far side of it under some trees near a fire circle. <br /> <br /> Day 04 - Dec 2nd<br /> Woke up to a sunny morning. At km 21.37, there is a road down to a puesto and a field. It has good river access and looks like camping would be possible, though we didn't walk down to check. We saw a few other nice potential camp sites along the way, but it was too cold to enjoy a zero day. In warmer months it would be nice. A really beautiful forest walk for a couple km. There is a river flowing through the valley that does not show up on Gaia or the OSM maps on the Garmin. I think it might be largely seasonal from snow melt. Many, many unmarked fords, all easy, about half calf or less. I think many of them are snow fed and disappear later in the season, or are at least dry-foot crossable. The plateau at the top was amazingly beautiful, with snowy mountains and views of a mini Torres. The road was often muddy, but otherwise clear and easy to follow. We camped at km 31.4 a little down from the plateau. It had minimal wind protection so not ideal, but we came to yet another unanticipated ford and decided we needed to call it a day. Fortunately it was a windless night.<br /> <br /> Day 05 - Dec 3rd<br /> At Ford, Puesto 39.4 there is a fork in the road, the left going to a ford, the right going to a gate to the puesto. We went through the gate and were met by Jango, a very friendly guy. He built a private road that he invited us to use. It runs up above the river for about 2 km before dropping back down and reconnecting with the public road and the GPT track just after Ford, Camp 40.9. It skips the forest walk and multiple fords, but does give some amazing views of the mountains. The road is new, so right now a fairly ugly scar. It's a good option if you want to skip fords, or if you prefer mountain views over forest walk. Camp 41.6 should be marked Camp Without Water. We did not see any streams nearby and the river is over a cliff. We walked to Lake, Camp 47.7. We aren't really sure where someone would camp there as the area wasn't that flat, had thorny bushes around, and was fairly wind exposed. Just as the road is about to leave the lake and go into the next valley, there is a footpath heading along the east side of the lake. We followed that all the way back and up and found a protected clearing with a decent flat space. Water was about 300 m away, but I would not recommend camping close to the lake, at least in early December. It seems to be mosquito breeding season. There were thick clouds of them all around the lake. In the clearing there were very few. There was some wind in the night, but it mostly passed right over us. <br /> <br /> Day 06 - Dec 4th<br /> Zero day in the same spot. This proved to be a well protected spot from wind. There were periods of the day with strong gusts overhead, but the tent barely moved. It was also a few degrees warmer than just over the hill or down next to the lake. Few mosquitos, but a lot of small black flies. It sprinkled throughout the day, but no real rain.<br /> <br /> Day 7 - Dec 5th<br /> Rain in the forecast so we wanted to get across the river ford before it started. The ford at 51.4 was intimidating but not difficult, it's just a very long ford, but most of the time it was half calf, in a few spots knee height and the current was not that strong. From Lake, Camp 59.0 we did not find water again until the new bridge at Rio Cáceres. It rained a lot from mid day on, so we decided to just push on to Tapera. The new bridge is not on the current GPT tracks. If heading SOBO, at around km 64.8 a new road intersects the one that the track files follow. If you take the new road heading east (go left), in about 3.5 km you cross a bridge. If you continue to follow it, going right at the T intersection, you come to a second bridge, then follow the main road west. You will pass the aeródromo, then enter La Tapera from the E rather than the N. This route is approximately 4 km longer than the GPT track between the same two points. After the T intersection there was traffic. We managed to get a hitch and were in Tapera around 18:00. We stayed at Hospedaje Mary, very nice and accommodating hosts. <br /> <br /> There are at least 6 shops of various sizes in town and two other places marked Hospedaje. We found the tall skinny gas recharges in three shops from 3800 to 4200, best price at the Super/ferriteria next to the panadero. The guy at the super said he sometimes had the threaded cans, but they weren't in stock when we were there. Shops usually close from about 13:00 until 17:00 for lunch, so take that into account if you are not planning on staying the night. We looked at the ford the next day. It was not possible to say without attempting it, but it did not look fordable at this time. It looked like it might be possible to camp near the ford point. There were a few small picnic shelters along the river.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''From 2024-02-03 to 2024-02-04 // 2 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> This section is composed all the way of minor road, very easy to follow, it was pretty pleasant and smooth ! <br /> <br /> Few fords/rivers to cross, all of them easy. Even more at this time of the year, I haven't got any trouble. Deepest one was Rio Cisnes, just at the beginning of the section, after La Tapera, hip level but not big current. End of the section on a smaller horse track then on the gravel road till Lago Verde. <br /> <br /> Minimarket in Lago Verde, with pretty much everything you need. Happy to find gaz there ! And you can pay with CC. <br /> <br /> Haven't seen any bridge as mentionned by radio Santa Maria. Not exactly sure where it is, and not sure it's above Rio cisnes, but maybe above Rio Cáceres. <br /> <br /> But yeah, few kilometers after La tapera you're following and crossing a big building area, and they're constructing the road.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-15 to 2023-Mar-17 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Definitely one of the easiest sections. Its basically all MR walking, but we were again surprised by the surrounding landscape that we found really attractive actually.<br /> <br /> Just a few comments: at the settlement km 4 you need to leave the MR, and from there its more like a trail until the settlement 3 kms further. Camp at km 12.9 is nice and very similiar place is behind the ford (very easy), before the start of the ascent. Ford 39.4 can be done without entering the property of settlement, MR crosses the river before the entrance. No water at km 42.5 at this time, the next one was near the puesto km 45.4. No problem with other fords in mid March.<br /> <br /> In La Tapera are a few shops, nothing big, but enough to resupply. Two places with comidas - completos, sandwiches and other fast-food things. One of them accepts cc. Also at least 2 accommodations, one of them was full, but the other was in a blue house, cost 15k CLP pp with wifi and hot water, nice and clean + amazing guests.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Feb-1 NOBO 2 days Frank'''<br /> <br /> Rio Cisnes was easily fordable in early February, less than knee deep. I was surprised how much it had dropped - in November it was head height. All fords less than knee deep when I went through. Early on day 2 I reached a settlement at ford 39.4. Don't ford the river here but go right just before the ford on a small road which leads to another, easier ford &amp; bypasses the settlement. You rejoin the RR after the easier ford. When you are nearing Lago Verde it's quicker to go left on the optional route which leads straight to Lago Verde without going through Argentina. You go through a puesto but there was no one there.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *There is a supermarket on the square in Lago Verde. A couple of small &amp; very basic shops in La Tapera.<br /> <br /> *A couple of cafes in La Tapera. The hostal by the square in Lago Verde does a good evening meal.<br /> <br /> *No exchange facilities in La Tapera or Lago Verde. You can pay with CC in some places but best to bring cash.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *There is a bus at 10AM on Wednesday, Friday &amp; Sunday from Coyhaique to La Tapera. It returns from La Tapera to Coyhaique on the same afternoons.<br /> <br /> *There are two buses a week from Lago Verde to La Junta on the Carratera Austral or you can hitch. Not too many vehicles but they usually stop.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT28H - La Tapera]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT28H_(La_Tapera)&diff=120205 2025-02-12T17:51:26Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> * General Recommendation: Rio Cisnes at La Tapera is normally not fordable early in the season. Best to wait until January &amp; go NOBO. If you can cross Rio Cisnes the other fords should be easy.<br /> <br /> * Update Jan Dudeck November 2023: A bridge had been build over Rio Cisnes. This makes the route suitable somewhat earlier in the season. Also, the minor road is improved and partly re-routed.<br /> <br /> * '''https://www.radiosantamaria.cl/2023/10/23/puente-mecano-conectara-a-habitantes-de-villa-la-tapera-y-lago-verde/'''<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-06 &gt; 08 / 2 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT27+GPT28+&lt;strike&gt;GPT29&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT30<br /> | Meteo : nuage<br /> | Eau : nuage et vent, petite pluie, soleil<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 1/5<br /> | Danger : attaque d'oiseau<br /> <br /> Le supermarché de Lago Verde a un grand choix de produits pour une petite ville. J'en ai profité pour faire quelques courses. Après les 4 premiers km de gravel road, il y a 4 km de trail ce qui est une bonne surprise. J'ai voulu camper au km 16 à la fin de la montée car c'est plat et qu'il y a de l'eau. Mais je me suis fait attaquer par un aigle alors j'ai continué et j'ai campé au km 20,3. Je n'ai pas pu me laver car le froid était trop mordant et le soleil trop timide. La suite est facile, je n'ai jamais mis les pieds dans l'eau sauf aux kms 51,4 et 71,2. En effet j'ai suivi la nouvelle route principale et elle évite les fords. La trace GPS n'est plus bonne à au moins 3 endroits. Au km 42,5 il n'y avait pas d'eau.<br /> <br /> <br /> * '''2024 Nov 29th to Dec 5th / 6 hiking days &amp; 1 zero day / SOBO / Hiking / RR + detour via new bridge / Michael and Kasia'''<br /> <br /> Quick notes: A very pretty section, also a good warmup section. We found water very consistently, though in a few places finding decent camping next to water was a challenge. We went SOBO, but in our opinion hiking NOBO would have been visually more appealing. The new bridge which bypasses the ford over Rio Cisnes involves a detour off the GPT tracks, but is easy to find and follow.<br /> <br /> CAMPS <br /> <br /> Night 1: -44.28301, -71.86381 (nice space, flat area, good water access, minimal wind protection)<br /> <br /> Night 2: -44.32724, -71.89015 (forest camp, excellent wind protection, no water for 500 m)<br /> <br /> Night 3: -44.36489, -71.86605 (next to road, good water access, so-so wind protection, depends on the direction of the wind)<br /> <br /> Night 4: -44.44130, -71.82765 (next to road, okay view, good water access, poor wind protection)<br /> <br /> Night 5: -44.51738, -71.73189 (flat space for maybe two tents, very good wind protection, water is 300 m away, close to a good view over the lake)<br /> <br /> Night 6: same as night 5<br /> <br /> WATER<br /> In early December there was water almost every two km except in a couple of stretches. A lot of it did seem to be snow melt, and the snow was disappearing. In later months water may be more scarce.<br /> <br /> Day 01 - Nov 29th<br /> We left late. It was sunny and there was a breeze but no real wind. No cars were on the road, just a few horses. It's a very pretty walk. There were several unmarked water points along the way, however I don't know if these will disappear later in the season since they didn't have a lot of water going through then. The first few km were gravel, then at the Private Property sign you leave the road and go onto a trail. There were a few unmarked fords, all very easy, just deep enough to not be dry for crossings. We ended up camping in a flat grassy area next to a steam 5.5 km in, just before the first steep up. It was a really lovely spot. There's not much wind protection in the valley, but we had a windless night, so it was very pleasant.<br /> <br /> Day 02 - Nov 30th<br /> We got a late start again. Before we packed up, a group of arrieros drove a herd of cattle through where we had camped. There is a steep up<br /> About 0.5 km after the Settler at 7.0 there was a bridge and water. We did not find water again until the river at Ford 13.3. After the big metal gate there was a fork in the road and a sign for Tapera to the left side of the fork, which was different from the GPT track, and not a road on OSM. We took it and it meets up with the GPT track very soon, so it doesn't matter which side you take. Shortly after the two paths meet again we spotted a bunch of Quiñoto, the spherical mushroom that grows on the beech trees. We harvested about a pint of it. Raw, there is a faint white button mushroom flavor; cooked almost no flavor at all. It was fun to collect, Kasia enjoyed the mushroom flavor, and I enjoyed the texture, which is a little chewy and a little gelatinous, but it isn't something we would ever buy or seek out. Camp 12.9 should be marked Camp Without Water. It is about 400 m one way to the nearest water and it is a rather steep hill, so not exactly convenient. It also has very little wind protection,though a spectacular view. It started to rain a bit and the wind was picking up when we arrived at that point. We headed back toward the beech forest and found a place to camp there. It was even further from the water but was warmer than out on the plateau and had excellent wind protection.<br /> <br /> Day 03 - Dec 1st<br /> For the third day we went a fairly short distance. The Ford 13.3 was easy, mostly half calf, up to my knee at one point, and the current wasn't very strong. We found water about every two km or so. We made it to the Water 20.2 mark and camped just on the far side of it under some trees near a fire circle. <br /> <br /> Day 04 - Dec 2nd<br /> Woke up to a sunny morning. At km 21.37, there is a road down to a puesto and a field. It has good river access and looks like camping would be possible, though we didn't walk down to check. We saw a few other nice potential camp sites along the way, but it was too cold to enjoy a zero day. In warmer months it would be nice. A really beautiful forest walk for a couple km. There is a river flowing through the valley that does not show up on Gaia or the OSM maps on the Garmin. I think it might be largely seasonal from snow melt. Many, many unmarked fords, all easy, about half calf or less. I think many of them are snow fed and disappear later in the season, or are at least dry-foot crossable. The plateau at the top was amazingly beautiful, with snowy mountains and views of a mini Torres. The road was often muddy, but otherwise clear and easy to follow. We camped at km 31.4 a little down from the plateau. It had minimal wind protection so not ideal, but we came to yet another unanticipated ford and decided we needed to call it a day. Fortunately it was a windless night.<br /> <br /> Day 05 - Dec 3rd<br /> At Ford, Puesto 39.4 there is a fork in the road, the left going to a ford, the right going to a gate to the puesto. We went through the gate and were met by Jango, a very friendly guy. He built a private road that he invited us to use. It runs up above the river for about 2 km before dropping back down and reconnecting with the public road and the GPT track just after Ford, Camp 40.9. It skips the forest walk and multiple fords, but does give some amazing views of the mountains. The road is new, so right now a fairly ugly scar. It's a good option if you want to skip fords, or if you prefer mountain views over forest walk. Camp 41.6 should be marked Camp Without Water. We did not see any streams nearby and the river is over a cliff. We walked to Lake, Camp 47.7. We aren't really sure where someone would camp there as the area wasn't that flat, had thorny bushes around, and was fairly wind exposed. Just as the road is about to leave the lake and go into the next valley, there is a footpath heading along the east side of the lake. We followed that all the way back and up and found a protected clearing with a decent flat space. Water was about 300 m away, but I would not recommend camping close to the lake, at least in early December. It seems to be mosquito breeding season. There were thick clouds of them all around the lake. In the clearing there were very few. There was some wind in the night, but it mostly passed right over us. <br /> <br /> Day 06 - Dec 4th<br /> Zero day in the same spot. This proved to be a well protected spot from wind. There were periods of the day with strong gusts overhead, but the tent barely moved. It was also a few degrees warmer than just over the hill or down next to the lake. Few mosquitos, but a lot of small black flies. It sprinkled throughout the day, but no real rain.<br /> <br /> Day 7 - Dec 5th<br /> Rain in the forecast so we wanted to get across the river ford before it started. The ford at 51.4 was intimidating but not difficult, it's just a very long ford, but most of the time it was half calf, in a few spots knee height and the current was not that strong. From Lake, Camp 59.0 we did not find water again until the new bridge at Rio Cáceres. It rained a lot from mid day on, so we decided to just push on to Tapera. The new bridge is not on the current GPT tracks. If heading SOBO, at around km 64.8 a new road intersects the one that the track files follow. If you take the new road heading east (go left), in about 3.5 km you cross a bridge. If you continue to follow it, going right at the T intersection, you come to a second bridge, then follow the main road west. You will pass the aeródromo, then enter La Tapera from the E rather than the N. This route is approximately 4 km longer than the GPT track between the same two points. After the T intersection there was traffic. We managed to get a hitch and were in Tapera around 18:00. We stayed at Hospedaje Mary, very nice and accommodating hosts. <br /> <br /> There are at least 6 shops of various sizes in town and two other places marked Hospedaje. We found the tall skinny gas recharges in three shops from 3800 to 4200, best price at the Super/ferriteria next to the panadero. The guy at the super said he sometimes had the threaded cans, but they weren't in stock when we were there. Shops usually close from about 13:00 until 17:00 for lunch, so take that into account if you are not planning on staying the night. We looked at the ford the next day. It was not possible to say without attempting it, but it did not look fordable at this time. It looked like it might be possible to camp near the ford point. There were a few small picnic shelters along the river.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''From 2024-02-03 to 2024-02-04 // 2 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> This section is composed all the way of minor road, very easy to follow, it was pretty pleasant and smooth ! <br /> <br /> Few fords/rivers to cross, all of them easy. Even more at this time of the year, I haven't got any trouble. Deepest one was Rio Cisnes, just at the beginning of the section, after La Tapera, hip level but not big current. End of the section on a smaller horse track then on the gravel road till Lago Verde. <br /> <br /> Minimarket in Lago Verde, with pretty much everything you need. Happy to find gaz there ! And you can pay with CC. <br /> <br /> Haven't seen any bridge as mentionned by radio Santa Maria. Not exactly sure where it is, and not sure it's above Rio cisnes, but maybe above Rio Cáceres. <br /> <br /> But yeah, few kilometers after La tapera you're following and crossing a big building area, and they're constructing the road.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-15 to 2023-Mar-17 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Definitely one of the easiest sections. Its basically all MR walking, but we were again surprised by the surrounding landscape that we found really attractive actually.<br /> <br /> Just a few comments: at the settlement km 4 you need to leave the MR, and from there its more like a trail until the settlement 3 kms further. Camp at km 12.9 is nice and very similiar place is behind the ford (very easy), before the start of the ascent. Ford 39.4 can be done without entering the property of settlement, MR crosses the river before the entrance. No water at km 42.5 at this time, the next one was near the puesto km 45.4. No problem with other fords in mid March.<br /> <br /> In La Tapera are a few shops, nothing big, but enough to resupply. Two places with comidas - completos, sandwiches and other fast-food things. One of them accepts cc. Also at least 2 accommodations, one of them was full, but the other was in a blue house, cost 15k CLP pp with wifi and hot water, nice and clean + amazing guests.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023 Feb-1 NOBO 2 days Frank'''<br /> <br /> Rio Cisnes was easily fordable in early February, less than knee deep. I was surprised how much it had dropped - in November it was head height. All fords less than knee deep when I went through. Early on day 2 I reached a settlement at ford 39.4. Don't ford the river here but go right just before the ford on a small road which leads to another, easier ford &amp; bypasses the settlement. You rejoin the RR after the easier ford. When you are nearing Lago Verde it's quicker to go left on the optional route which leads straight to Lago Verde without going through Argentina. You go through a puesto but there was no one there.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *There is a supermarket on the square in Lago Verde. A couple of small &amp; very basic shops in La Tapera.<br /> <br /> *A couple of cafes in La Tapera. The hostal by the square in Lago Verde does a good evening meal.<br /> <br /> *No exchange facilities in La Tapera or Lago Verde. You can pay with CC in some places but best to bring cash.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *There is a bus at 10AM on Wednesday, Friday &amp; Sunday from Coyhaique to La Tapera. It returns from La Tapera to Coyhaique on the same afternoons.<br /> <br /> *There are two buses a week from Lago Verde to La Junta on the Carratera Austral or you can hitch. Not too many vehicles but they usually stop.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT28H - La Tapera]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT27H_(Lago_Palena)&diff=120203 2025-02-12T17:47:22Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> * General Recommendation: the critical point (the crux of the section) is the ford of Rio Claro/Quinto. This river crossing not too far from the southern start Lago Verde. Therefore it is highly recommended to go northbound and attempt this section after most of the snow is molten and without heavy rains predicted. If you walk southbound and can't cross Rio Claro or Rio Quinto you face a long &amp; rough walk back.<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-03 &gt; 06 / 3,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 27-D &gt; RR &gt; 27-E &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT27+GPT28+&lt;strike&gt;GPT29&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT30<br /> | Meteo : petite pluie, soleil, petite pluie, nuages et vent<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 4/5<br /> | Difficulté : 5/5<br /> | Danger : gravel road, boue, arbres couchés <br /> <br /> La pause à Palena m'a fait du bien. Je repars en faisant de l'auto-stop les 5 premiers km. La gravel road se termine vite et la vallée est vraiment belle. Il y a deux fords à la suite aux km 30,5 et 30,7. Sur cette section j'ai trouvé que les endroits où le sentier débouche sur la rivière sont rarement les endroits les plus simple pour traverser. J'ai souvent marché quelques dizaines de mètres pour assurer mes traversées. Le sentier est balisé mais il ne faut pas compter dessus. La montée du km 33 se fait en hors piste. Il est facile de retrouver le sentier plus haut car il n'y a pas de végétation dans le sous-bois. La forêt est magnifique sur cette section du GPT. Il y a beaucoup d'arbres couchés sur le sentier, mais ce sont surtout des zones, ce n'est pas uniforme. Ca commence au km 39. La partie la plus difficile se situe entre le km 43 et 46 où on est sérieusement ralenti. Il y a quelques centaines de mètres qui sont envahie par la végétation mais ca n'impacte pas la randonnée. Il y a un ford au km 52,2.<br /> Vers le km 59 le sentier disparaît, il faut suivre son GPS jusqu'au km 61. Il y a plein de vaches dans cette zone, elles sont arrivées par le sentier sud. Je n'ai pas marché dans l'eau du lac car le niveau était suffisamment bas, sauf pour le ford du km 62,9 ce qui est normal. Grâce aux vaches le sentier est plus facile a suivre, mais il est particulièrement boueux. Il y a quelques passages boueux dès le km 66. Mais du km 68 au km 75 c'est vraiment une ornière de boue pendant 7km. La randonnee est vraiment difficile sur cette zone. Du km 75 au km 76 le sentier est difficile à suivre. Ensuite la forêt est plus sèche mais tout aussi belle que la précédente. Le sentier est en bon état. Je suis passé par la 27-D car j'ai suivi les traces des vaches. Après le km 83,5 j'ai suivi la route et pas la trace GPS.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''GPT27H Option 3 / Lago Rosselot / Round Trip / 2024-Nov-18 and 19 / 2 days / Meylin Ubilla and Jan Dudeck'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> We opted to paddle this scenic lake as part of our packrafting warmup at the beginning of the season.<br /> <br /> For me, Lago Rosselot is part of the top ten packrafting lakes of the GPT. The north-south orientation makes this 22 km long lake relatively wind protected. There are a few houses on the northern terminus and at the two river deltas 5 km south of the northern terminus. So most of the lake is pure wilderness. Packrafters that paddle Rio Palena should consider stopping at La Junta, paddle this lake and continue with Palena.<br /> <br /> The mostly steep shore limits the exit options significantly. Suitable camp sites are at the northern terminus, both river deltas and at the southern terminus. Packrafters best go to the southern terminus in one day and return on the next morning. To avoid wind on a normal sunny day best get up early and arrive early.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> * '''2024-Feb-15 to 2024-Feb-20 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR - {27-E} - RR / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> Just like Quentin Clavel said,<br /> <br /> &quot;If you love wilderness, you will love this section !&quot;<br /> <br /> Lot of blowdowns and river crossing at this section, but you have lot of solutions to solve the blowdowns, also river crossing already not a problem at late season, so just enjoy the nature here! <br /> <br /> It is the most bird(lot of hummerbird!) I seen from GPT01 to here so far, and i heard some screaming in the midnight, sounds like cats fighting 3 times in 2 nights! I think the most amazing part is lot of beetles, maybe more than thousands, shinning blue, shinning red, shinning brown at the trees crawling, finding others then fighting, push them out to defend their sweet spot! Also black mix golden colours shrimp swimming in the river if you willing stop to take a look!<br /> <br /> I took some hours just sit beside some trees and observe beetles fighting, and one of them lose in the fight then drop on my head haha :D<br /> <br /> Beautiful water + rainforest + animals = GPT27<br /> <br /> The trail from north to Lago Palena til lake inlet and from south to Ford,camp[62.9/883], i think are still maintained by some people, i saw sticks is cut by machete not long time ago, some still with fresh green leaves.<br /> <br /> Km0 - km16.5 : hot dirt road, nothing special, recommend hitch as many if you can.<br /> <br /> Km6.05 : tiny shop(-43.65140, -71.83734), the last shop before you go in the wild, it was closed when i was there.<br /> <br /> Km17.5 : flat spots for camping.(-43.73746, -71.80946)<br /> <br /> Ford[26.8/520] : first time of crossing Río Azul. Downstream 10m have rock bar underwater, mostly about half of calf, just 2-3m in the middle part is below knee, running fast but easy crossing. The water and valley views is beautiful here.<br /> <br /> Ford[28.2/576] : crossing of Río Azul again. Go in the water at crossing point, go upstream 10m then cross it. About knee deep, this one is a little difficult than the previous one, but still easy at late season.<br /> <br /> I didn't follow RR after km29.7 where the trail met the beach, because the trail looks a little overgrown, i just CC on the beach and crossing the river multiple times to upstream and rejoin RR at km30.9. I really enjoyed the moment walking beside and walking in the beautiful river under the hot sun. Also i find that there is lot of shrimp in the river, they are black and golden colours!<br /> <br /> Km30.95 : gate.<br /> <br /> Km31.15 : Puesto at the left side.<br /> <br /> Km31.7 : after RR met a stream, i didn't follow RR again, just CC beside the stream, sometimes follow cow paths, sometimes just go by myself. Then i find a refuge at (-43.83791, -71.86699). It is unlocked and in good condition, 2 beds inside, 1 with mattress and 1 without, the one without mattress looks cleaner. I think it can use in bad weather. There is also a side trail from refuge to the viewpoint(-43.83872, -71.86624) of waterfall, easy to follow. <br /> <br /> If you don't want to turn all the way back down to RR after taking a look of waterfall, there is a trail(-43.84021, -71.86632) at the right side of waterfall can go around it and climbing up. It is an old trail but still clear and easy to follow and walk. After climbing up it leads to SW, i followed it about 20min and it looks like going in the forest at south, lots of blowdowns inside the forest so i turned back to the trail and CC then cross the gulch at (-43.84181, -71.86414), easy crossing at here, just walking. After crossing, it is already very close to the trail that starts climbing up.<br /> <br /> If you have a good weather, camping beside the lake(-43.86513, -71.86458) before the pass[37.1/1367] is great and beautiful.<br /> <br /> From the pass[37.1/1367] to camp[38.0/1279], it's not CC, you can follow a trail until the grassland.<br /> <br /> Quentin Clavel said hard part is start at km39, km39 is a blowdowns combination but just about 20m then easy walk again, some blowdowns and some overgrown but in an easy condition mostly just take you 2 second to step over them. The really hard part is not here.<br /> <br /> Km39.65 : Camping spot no.35 at (-43.87829, -71.86105), can fit 2-3 tents with fire ring and log seats. There is a small stream flowing and a gate(-43.87819, -71.86119) with barbed wire after the spot.<br /> <br /> Km40.3 : flat spot can fit 1 tent with a fire pit before you go down the rocky beach. The trail that go down to beach is washed away, looks like because of a huge fallen tree.( You'll understand what I mean when you are there.) <br /> <br /> Km40.67 : excellent viewpoint(-43.88151, -71.87072) of the lake on a rocky beach. Also a nice breakfast and lunch spot. But no camping spot here(not flat).<br /> <br /> Km40.75 : flat spot(-43.88191, -71.87150) can fit 1 tent with an old fire ring.<br /> <br /> Km42.8 : 2 nice camping spots(-43.88981, -71.88147) can total fit 4-6 tents with fire ring and log seats, also with beautiful lake views.<br /> <br /> I crossed the lake inlet at (-43.89053, -71.88207), below hip and a sand bar underwater, easy crossing because water nearly no flowing. Then rejoin the trail at (-43.89066, -71.88310).<br /> <br /> Km43.2 : camping spot(-43.89231, -71.88335) can fit 2-4 tents with fire ring and log seats.<br /> <br /> Then, GAME STARTS.<br /> <br /> Lot of blowdowns blocks the way until refuge?[45.7/974] (no refuge there). Not really difficult, because you can go around or climb over or try to find side trail here, lot of solutions to solve, but much much slow down.<br /> <br /> First of all, join the trail at (-43.89307, -71.88426), no more trail at the pud.<br /> <br /> Refuge?[45.7/974] : no refuge, no camping spot, just an old bridge left.<br /> <br /> From here, trail becomes smooth, still some blowdowns, but just easy and happy walking.<br /> <br /> Camp[48.3/1057] : a tiny stream is flowing before you going out to grassland.<br /> <br /> Km49 : walking on a broken log for crossing the small stream.<br /> <br /> Water[51.3/971] : dry.<br /> <br /> Refuge,park ranger[52.1/947] : 6 cabins here, all of them are good condition, and 2 of them can be used for overnight, others are lot of dead birds, have bee hives inside, is a toilet and stored full of things. Looks abandoned for 10 years, because i found a calendar that hanging in there is 2013. There is a side trail leads you to Lago Río Corto, it is beautiful, don't miss it!<br /> <br /> Cross the lake outlet after refuge, up to knee in clear water. Trail become more blowdowns and overgrown after crossing.<br /> <br /> From ford[56.0/943] to ford[56.6/928], you need to cross the same stream 11 times, all are easy crossing but wet feet, also the stream is milky.<br /> <br /> Km56.57 : old camping spot with an old fire pit, can fit 1 tent, but i recommend the next spot.<br /> <br /> Nice flat spot (-43.95887, -71.83283) can fit 1-2 tents at km56.83, 3 sides surrounded by small trees, good wind protection, also easy to collect water. But you need to take 5 minutes clear out some stones.<br /> <br /> After 11 times crossing, trail becomes easy walk again.<br /> <br /> Km58.15 : a huge rock, and a huge, tall tree growing on the rock! What amazing nature!<br /> <br /> Km58.3 : lot of blowdowns again.<br /> <br /> Km59.25 : trail junction(-43.96833, -71.85480), the clear trail going straight is not RR, it looks like going to the lake at west(i walked it a little because i missed the junction). Sobo turn left here, but the trail is very confused, not easy to follow and sometimes no more trail until camp[60.0/894]. It is not a good camping spot, can fit 1 tent with log seats and fire pit, also beside a flowing water but surrounded by lot of fresh cow poops, they also put their poops on the log seats.(It is cow's party spot) After here the trail will be better some moments, then confused again until next river crossing.<br /> <br /> Ford[60.6/887] : you need to cross side stream and main river(Río Claro) at here. Both are milky water. First for side stream, go down to water at crossing point(-43.97678, -71.85529),a little muddy but fine, then 5m downstream step on the rock bar to the other side, just below knee. No need to climb up to other side immediately, turn right to main river in the water, go around the corner on sand bar, then cross the main river on another rock bar, knee deep but easy. When you get to the other side(-43.97729, -71.85489) of main river, an old conaf post there, then trail becomes easy condition. Can fit 1 tent on a spot after crossing but i recommend the next spot.<br /> <br /> Km61.35: camping spot(-43.98247, -71.85335) can fit 1 tent with fire pit, after crossing a small stream with clear water. And no more sharp turning like GPX track here, it just going straight now.<br /> <br /> Km61.7 : log gate. Yes log gate, not locked gate, it is a gate putting lot of huge logs blocked the way. Remove the log maybe take 10min, so climb over it.<br /> <br /> From km61.8 to ford,camp[62.9/883], you walking beside 2 beautiful lake, sometimes very close to lake, or step on some rocks at the shore of lake, but never need to walk in the water at now as late season. No camping spot until ford,camp[62.9/883].<br /> <br /> Ford,camp[62.9/883] : i crossed it at the point(-43.99268, -71.84577) that Quentin Clavel said, &quot;that's the place where the lake begins to be a river, and there were no current&quot;. Up to hip and no flowing, wet my shorts but easy. You can stand on some huge blowdowns laid on the shore to observe your crossing route.<br /> <br /> After the crossing, a camping spot with old fire ring there, but the spot is crashed by lot of blowdowns, so i cleared out some area here that can fit 1 tent now, and rebuild the fire ring and new log seats too. Hope you also enjoy the lovely fire after the deep crossing.(i crossed it just before dark!)<br /> <br /> Easy walking until km65.5, then some blowdowns, muddy, and some overgrown.<br /> <br /> Km65.77 : camping spot(-44.01372, -71.84370) can fit 1 tent, also can access to water at here. Looks like someone camped at here not long time ago.<br /> <br /> Ford[67.3/829] &amp; ford[67.4/827] : double crossing of Río Claro, flowing fast and up to knee. Some rocks are slippery here, be careful.<br /> <br /> Ford[67.9/806] : flowing fast and up to knee, after the crossing, there's a small log bridge on the ground without any usefulness, what can i say...?<br /> <br /> Camp[68.0/809] : looks like it is a camping spot made by puerto, have a full wooden bracket and some huge plastic cloths for making a shelter. Can fit 1 tent with fire pit.<br /> <br /> Then steep climbing up on some soft mud, i think it will be super slippery if they get wet.<br /> <br /> After you climb up, trail with some blowdowns, some overgrown and muddy.<br /> <br /> Km69.55 : maze area, lot of blowdowns, lot of side trail, and lot of cutting sign, made me confused for some moments here.<br /> <br /> Km70.1 : a stream (-44.04320, -71.84817) flowing nice with clear water, a small camping spot can fit 1 single person tent with fire ring after the crossing. Dry feet crossing by rock hopping.<br /> <br /> From here to km72.5, is the most tired part for me, some blowdowns + some overgrown + some muddy + neverending pud, OMG.<br /> <br /> Water[71.3/874] : Arroyo El Reloj, beautiful waterfall, no camping spot here.<br /> <br /> Km72.1 : refuge in ok condition, maybe can use in bad weather. Soil ground and not flat, so i think you wouldn't like to stay inside. No camping spot nearby.<br /> <br /> After km72.5, all the way going down, trail sometimes walk in wet and muddy gulch, but when you get lower, trail condition will become better and better.<br /> <br /> Refuge[75.5/385] : good condition with fire ring inside. Large flat area outside beside refuge, can fit 4-6 tents with fire ring and log seats. {27H-02}'s trail looks clear and easy to follow at here.<br /> <br /> Ford[75.6/375] : the last crossing of Río Claro, also the strongest one. I crossed at here(-44.07080, -71.87756), upstream of GPX track where the river start dropping down, looks like is the shalloest part at this crossing. Huge rock bar underwater. Flowing strong and above knee, a little challenge but still easy crossing, rock bar's rocks are huge size and stable, so I just walking and use the rocks for balance that push back the force from current.<br /> <br /> After the crossing, trail becomes very overgrown about 300m, then easy walking start.<br /> <br /> Km76.0 : camping spot(-44.07286, -71.87476) can fit 2-3 tents with fire ring and log seats.<br /> <br /> Trail south of here, mostly are super easy walking, but sometimes make me confused, because it turning and turning, turning and turning, easy to lost the trail.<br /> <br /> Km76.7 : board walking and gate.<br /> <br /> Gate[83.0/447] : dirt road walking start, super easy going and all the way dry feet.<br /> <br /> Water[86.0/419] : flowing low with clear water, nice grassland can fit lot of tents with views 100m before the crossing, but no wind protection.<br /> <br /> X[90.2/543] : i missed this junction and walked all the way dirt road.<br /> <br /> Bridge[95.0/318] : cross Río Pico on a large bridge, huge flat area with some small trees and brushes after the crossing, looks like upstream is better and i find at least 3 fire ring there. It is the last good camping spot before Lago Verde.<br /> <br /> About Lago Verde,<br /> <br /> Bus schedule:<br /> <br /> Lago Verde - Coyhaique(Thursday 8am, Sunday 12noon), Lago Verde - La Junta(Wednesday 8am, return at 3pm), Coyhaique - Lago Verde(Tuesday and Friday 2pm)<br /> <br /> Need advance booking, you can call or whatsapp Blanca Jara +56 9 94738219, and &quot;Lago Verde - La Junta&quot; is 2000 CLP.<br /> <br /> Shop1 (-44.24083, -71.84950), lot of food selection and good stock, can full resupply here, but no gas canisters.<br /> <br /> Shop2 (-44.24068, -71.85035), Nina's shop, small one, you can ask accommodation here, stay in her home for 18k CLP, single room with wifi, hot shower(with towel), a light dinner(not enough for hiker hunger) and you can use her kitchen. Super friendly family, highly recommended!<br /> <br /> Both shops can use credit card.<br /> <br /> Tourist information center(-44.24046, -71.84983), some super friendly staff there, in some conversations looks like they want to maintain the trail from Lago Verde to Lago Palena.<br /> <br /> Bus stops at (-44.24035, -71.85012). <br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-02-05 to 2024-02-08 // 4 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> If you love wilderness, you will love this section ! <br /> <br /> That was a pretty demanding one, very remote, deep into rainforest, lots of river crossing, and even more challenging if you've got bad weather, because all the fallen trees (and there's a looooooot) are slippery. <br /> <br /> It begins pretty well from Lago Verde. More you advance and more the trail is challenging. From big gravel road, to as small one, to visible track, to kind of complicated one sometimes to follow. <br /> <br /> GPS has been checked numerous of time on that stretch. <br /> <br /> The hard part is from PK 71 (after the end of the way up) to KM 39. That's a festival of fallen trees and river crossings (even sometimes not river crossing but you have to follow the lake, but as there.s no trail or it's a tuff bush bashing because of the fallen trees, so you follow the lake, in the lake aha, but it's not swimming don't worry, still at knees level). Anyway, prepare yourself to a very low pace. <br /> <br /> At this time of the year no troubles with the rivers crossing. The highest one was PK62,95 (hip level, but that's the place where the lake begins to be a river, and there were no current). <br /> Strongest one was the crossing of Rio Azul PK 26,88, but it was late on afternoon, and still doable if you go slowly but surely. <br /> <br /> Aftet PK 39, you'll get up from the shore, and find a more visible track to follow (it would give you the impression of an avenue compare to the last 30 kilometers !). <br /> <br /> I bush bashed to avoid the double crossing of Rio Azul after PK30. Made it but I'll not recommend to do it. That was a tuff and strong fight with the bush, and not sure that I can say I won. <br /> <br /> I met no one except two kind and nice settlers on the road that invite me to share a moment, more than welcome. Karl and his family PK 90,84 and Roberto in his lovely puesto near KM 19.<br /> <br /> I really loved that wild section, the rainforest is amazing, all the flora there is incredible, it's just you and the nature, you'll say that most of the sections of GPT are like that. But here's a little bit more than usual.<br /> <br /> * '''2023 February Frank'''<br /> There was a fire in Valle Tigre but it was up on the mountain &amp; had no effect on the RR which is in the valley on a road. The crux ford is the first one on Rio Claro/Quinto which you can reach in one long day NOBO. 4 more fords on Rio Claro &amp; 4 on Rio Azul, all knee deep &amp; easy when I went through in late February.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Mar-10 to 2023-Mar-14 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> Quite challenging section, especially in cold and rainy days we had. The trail around Lago Palena is not very well maintained and hundreds of fallen trees are making hiking there pretty difficult. Expect rather more hiking hours to finish the section than what is in manual.<br /> <br /> After some road walking from Palena we took the trail in western valley that 2 arrieros confirmed to be in good condition (but they said the same about the whole trail to Lago Verde). Trail is easy to follow, but with quite demanding fords if the conditions are not good. Especially the double crossing of Rio Azul after km 30 gave us hard time, caused mainly by our bad judgment - after light but all afternoon rain we tried to cross the river for the first time, not so far from the official trail, but more on the right, downstream. The current was not that strong, but water was above our waist, and slippery stones made it difficult to move with enough stability. We made it to the other side, but couldn’t find a suitable spot for the second crossing where the water was even deeper. Fording rivers one by one didn’t look safe because of a strong current in the first one, so we tried to return, but the water moved even higher making the ford too dangerous, so we had to stay and camp in between. In the morning we woke up to a sunny day and forded without problem. We met settler from the last puesto before ascent and he told us camping there is possible.<br /> <br /> We didn’t have any problem with the rest of the way to the lake, but from there it becomes difficult to continue because of all the fallen trees. Often there is a visible way around, but sometimes you have to improvise and even go over. Expect slow pace. Refuge km 45.7 is not there. We camped at km 48.3 where is a big field without trees. CONAF refuges are there, possible to stay inside, but we would be careful with mice. Fords section from km 56 had just a little of water - no problem. Trail around lake / Rio Claro from km 62 will take you a few times to the water close to the shore, but nothing difficult. We made the last ford at km 62.9 in the widest point, where the water was calm, aprox. to our waist, and with quite stable surface from some vegetation which was safe to walk on.<br /> <br /> We continued again very slowly on sometimes very wet and muddy trail. Following fords were not a problem for us, even when the water was fast, it was not above our knees. We camped around km 70 in the forrest where we didn’t feel completely comfortable, but with favorable wind forecast we decided to stay. Refugio km 75.5 is standing, can provide a good shelter in bad weather conditions. The rest of the trail was without any problem, especially the last 20 kms where you join a MR leading to Lago Verde. We finished this section very exhausted and found it to be really a tough one. Good to count with more days / food because of sometimes slow progress and possibly difficult river crossings.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Feb-21 / 4 days / NOBO / RR / Frank'''<br /> <br /> 19KM on small road from Lago Verde, then you reach a settler's house. Go round the house to right, handrailing a wooden fence. RR goes in on a small trail, a bit overgrown with lots of fallen trees &amp; muddy most of the way to Lago Palena. About 40KM from the settler's house to Lago Palena, average speed 2KMPH. The crux crossing is the first one on Rio Claro/Quinto NOBO. If you can cross it all crossings should be OK. It was a little under waist deep when I crossed, late in season &amp; weather had been dry. There is a small hut just after the crossing. Continued to second crossing of Rio Claro &amp; camped there (a long day) On day 2 I went round the lake &amp; reached the CONAF huts. Going round the lake was OK, I was able to throw a few rocks for stepping stones &amp; get by with dry feet. The CONAF huts are partly built &amp; look abandoned. Continued to Lago Palena &amp; camped on the shore. There is a campsite/refuge marked on the track file above Lago Palena on a rock outcrop, couldn't find it &amp; no trail to it. Best to camp at the lake. <br /> <br /> Continuing around Lago Palena in about 2 hours you start to climb to Pass 1390M on RR &amp; the trail improves &amp; is mostly good all the way out to the road in Valle Tigre. I did not see any sign of a trail continuing round the lake on the optional route towards Valle California, it looks like very slow &amp; rough going.<br /> Towards the pass you are above treeline. The double crossing of Rio Azul was easy. I tried staying on the near bank but there are thorn bushes blocking the route so you do need to cross the river twice. Camped just before the road &amp; walked out easily on dirt road to Palena on day 4.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;GPT27H Option 3 / Lago Rosselot / Pacrafting / 2021-Dec-08 and 09 / Direction: Circuit&lt;/span&gt;'''<br /> <br /> Participants: Meylin Elisabeth Ubilla González and Jan Dudeck<br /> <br /> This scenic lake is located 8 km east of La Junta and certainly worth a visit in good weather when being in the area with a packraft.<br /> <br /> The entire circuit on water is about 45 km long and best paddled in two days. Several beaches permit camping.<br /> <br /> A public road provides easy access. At the end of the public road are several camp sites.<br /> <br /> The predominant wind is southbound on the southern end of the lake and appears to be northbound on the northern end of the lake.<br /> <br /> The full circuit is best paddled in two days.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''Martin Lizondo / 8 to 14-Jan-2020 / Hiking Southbound'''<br /> <br /> Río Claro/Quinto currently impossible to cross. Recommended time: February after some days with no or little rain. Best hike northbound to cross this river at the beginning of the traverse. See also log for further recommendations.<br /> <br /> Summary: lot of snow, demanding river crossings, Río Claro/Quinto impossible to cross. Recommended time: February. Hike northbound.<br /> <br /> According to settlers from the Azul valley, the regular route isn’t used by horses and cattle, because of a recent land slide. They recommended me to take the alternative pass to Lago Palena, which is the regular packrafting route.<br /> <br /> The packrafting route was very well marked. Hard river fording of Estero Matrera (43º 47' 18,67&quot; S, 71º 47' 4,28&quot; O ) Added difficulty was from the fact that I found a lot of fresh knee level snow!<br /> <br /> Down at the lake, there’s a carabineros post, which is the last human presence in the area. From that point starts a pretty overground trail that goes to Punta Lopez. Very steepy and risky. The track isn’t recorded in the GPT files (Jan-2020), so ask in the Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/?ref=share).<br /> <br /> From Punta Lopez ( 43º 53' 23,16&quot; S, 71º 52' 53,65&quot; O ) the trail is better maintained and much more visible. The refuges of Conaf are empty with no human presence ( 43º 55' 24,16&quot; S, 71º 49' 10,13&quot; O ) . From that point the river crossing becomes very frequent. Expect to ford many times per hour. The path also gets into the water of Lago Quinto.<br /> <br /> The fording of Río Claro Solar / Rio Quinto was imposible at this date, so I had to turn all way back to Palena ( 44º 1' 46,21&quot; S, 71º 50' 15,14&quot; O ).<br /> <br /> Now (15-Jan-2020) it snowed at the mountains again, so rivers may be impossible to ford. From that reason I consider February to be the best time to hike this section, better going northbound, in order to ford Río Claro/Quinto as soon as possible.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *No exchange facilities in Lago Verde. There is a Banco Estado ATM in Palena.<br /> <br /> *Hostal next to the central square in Lago Verde, near the supermarket. It does a good evening meal. Palena has a few hostals but they tend to be fully booked in high season.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *2023 / Martin &amp; Helena<br /> Refuge km 45.7 is not there. We camped at km 48.3 where is a big field without trees. CONAF refuges are there, possible to stay inside, but we would be careful with mice.<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT27H - Lago Palena]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT30H_(Coyhaique)&diff=120202 2025-02-12T17:44:09Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-08 &gt; 11 / 3 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 30-E &gt; RR &gt; 30-F &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT27+GPT28+&lt;strike&gt;GPT29&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT30<br /> | Meteo : petite pluie et vent, soleil<br /> | Eau : difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : gravel road, cross country en forêt<br /> <br /> Je suis arrivé à Villa Manihuales à 16h j'ai fait quelques courses puis j'ai repris la marche à 17h. Je voulais faire de l'auto-stop mais il y a très peu de voiture (~2/h) sur la route X-423 qui longe le Rio Ñireguao. L'auto-stop n'a pas fonctionné, j'ai marché les 14 premiers km et me suis arrêté pour camper. Le lendemain (dimanche matin) je savais que l'auto-stop ne fonctionnerait pas alors j'ai marché jusqu'au point (45.145727° S 71.905759° W) et j'ai coupé dans la prairie jusqu'au point (45.168342° S 71.879589° W) sur le GPT. Petite pluie l'après-midi. Déjà sur le GPT28 j'ai trouvé que les cartes en libre accès était peu fiable (il manque des chemins, des rivières, des lacs...) et ça se confirme sur ce GPT30. Nouvelle journée avec petite pluie mais il a beaucoup plu la nuit et le niveau des rivières a monté. Vers le km 72, le sentier est difficile à suivre et disparait 300m à l'ouest de la trace GPS. Ensuite j'ai grimpé en hors piste en suivant les endroits avec le moins de végétation. Je n'ai jamais fait de bush-bashing sur cette montée car la végétation ne dépasse pas les mollets. Ensuite on arrive sur la crête. Ca a vraiment été dur car il y avait énormément de vent et il neigeait une neige très dur. Je n'ai pas eu de belle vue et je suis redescendu rapidement pour fuir le vent glacial du sommet. On retrouve rapidement le sentier dans les bois, un peu boueux à cause de la pluie. Dans la vallée je suis passé par la 30-E car sur le RR il y a plein de clôtures et de chiens, et je déteste sauter des clôtures juste devant des maisons. J'ai eu du mal à trouver de l'eau. Au km 103 il y a un pont.<br /> La suite est simple jusqu'au km 123 ou ça se complique d'un coup. Il faut suivre la clôture qui longe la réserve nationale de Coyhaique. Il y a presque toujours un côté sans végétation, il faut juste sauter la clôture. J'ai suivi la 30-F car suivre la clôture ne m'interessait pas vraiment. Le seul problème c'est qu'à la sortie du parc on m'a posé des questions et on m'a demandé si j'avais payé. J'ai répondu que j'avais longé la clôture et que je n'étais pas passé dans le parc. FEV-12: Repos Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-27 to 2024-01-30 // 4 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OPT2 // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I left Coyhaique with the intention to go explore the reserva nacional. They let me know that it was impossible to just pass threw and don't make the loop. You have to check out when you leave the reserva. <br /> <br /> After long negociations with Orlando the guardaparque explaining my roadw and tell them I will send them a message with my GPS when I left the parc, they finally let me go. 8,500 CLP the entrance. <br /> <br /> I've been to cerro cinchao, then bush bash straight after it to join the carretera austral, and take the little path who finally go to the RR. I recommend to continue the loop to the end of Variant F, then take the RR. <br /> <br /> I recommend to take the Variant E (following the carretera austral for 1 km) instead of going CC because there's few houses there, people look at you strangely (even if they salute you back with their hands) as you're passing threw fences, dealling with cows, bulls and barking dogs. <br /> <br /> After that, an ultimate gate to pass, in front of a house, where they give me the permission, to reach the top of the pass. (Take water before the carretera austral, as I haven't seen rivers when I passed threw just very small streams, but better to take at the bottom of each side of the pass). <br /> <br /> People were very nice on this section, settler Leo especially, KM55,7, very kind and sympathic man ! <br /> <br /> Rio was not hard to pass at this time of the year. <br /> <br /> There's a minimarket at El gato but close when I pass threw (too early on the morning)..<br /> <br /> There's a micro market after the mine (near the KM22/23) , on the right side of the road, with a sign supermarket, it's directly inside the house of the woman. Very nice, not a lot of stuff, but good to know in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> Then from El gato it's 40 km of a gravel road, followed by 5 km on the heavy carretera austral to finish this section.<br /> <br /> This last part is definitely less attractive compare to all the section that I really liked, surrounding are still nice, with mountains and Rios, but you're on big gravel or asphalte road, and that make it less interesting.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''30-Mar-2023 Hiking / SOBO / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We decided to go with more optional trails here, because of the weather forecast, and also because it is mostly road walking anyway. After a night spent close to the bus stop at the end of section 29, we continued on the Carretera until approx. km 5, where RR turns right to X-421, but we decided to continue around Lago Aguirre Cerda to Villa Manihuales. This part took us 1 day, but we were in the town quite early, so we could have a nice dinner (2-3 restaurants open, we went to the burger place), buy everything we needed and find a camp. We stayed for 10k CLP in Dona Ruth camp, where you have hot water, electricity, and a common refugio for cooking. From there we continued to the junction of X-500 and Route 7 and in the late afternoon connected back to the RR at km 88. No problem with passing around the settlements. We spent the night at km 93.7, by a small lake. The rest of the trail is again straightforward, even though we lost the track around km 115, and this made us take an unnecessary detour. It was because we followed some minor road in the forest, so keep an eye on the GPS there. Because of all the road walking, we found this section not so attractive, but especially the last part before Coyhaique had some nice views.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''27 Nov 2022 Frank'''<br /> <br /> Rio Nireguao near El Gato was not fordable in late November - chest deep &amp; running fast. It was easily fordable &amp; only knee deep in late January. Rio Nireguao is the only serious ford on GPT30. All other rivers had bridges or were easily fordable. It is highly advisable to attempt the ford SOBO only. It's a 10 minute walk from the road. If you are unable to cross it NOBO you will have to backtrack for 1 or 2 days.<br /> <br /> Reserva National Coyhaique is open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-16:00 but:<br /> You are required to register your visit on www.aspticket.cl<br /> Entry costs 6200 pesos for foreigners.<br /> The only trail currently open is a loop walk to Laguna Verde, not on the GPT. I asked if I could walk NOBO to exit the park at Rio Baguales. &quot;No, closed&quot; To avoid complications I walked around the park on the road. I got the bus to Rio Baguales &amp; walked to Coyhaique, 13KM downhill. Any bus to Villa Ortega can drop you there. There is a carabinero post at Rio Baguales, I'm not sure if they would let you walk through it to enter the Reserva SOBO. Road is busy &amp; parts are very dusty, not a nice walk, you could bus around it to start at Rio Baguales.<br /> <br /> * '''23 Nov 2022 4 days RR mostly SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> As I was unable to ford Rio Nireguao in late November I split the section as follows:<br /> 1. Bus to El Gato &amp; walked 41KM from El Gato to Carratera Austral on road.<br /> 2. Walked from Rio Baguales to Coyhaique on road.<br /> 3. Bus to Villa Ortega &amp; hitched to near Emperador Guillermo on Ruta 7 where the RR goes left over a bridge, walked from the bridge to Rio Baguales in 1 long day.<br /> 4. Got the bus to El Gato in late January, forded Rio Nireguao &amp; walked to Ruta 7 near Emperador Guillermo in 1 very long day.<br /> 1. was NOBO &amp; 2, 3 &amp; 4 were SOBO.<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to 1KM before El Gato where the RR SOBO goes off road near a campsite to a ford on Rio Nireguao. I continued NOBO 41KM on the X421 gravel road. From El Gato you ascend 300 metres then only a couple of small ascents. Good scenery but it was raining &amp; cloudy when I went through. A shop in El Gato &amp; Cabanas although they normally rent to groups. No facilities after El Gato. When you reach the mine don't follow the track file which goes into the mine (there is a fence and an Entry Restricted sign) but stay on the X421 road which goes around the mine. Go left at a junction then over a bridge, you soon rejoin the track file.<br /> The road is fenced off with very few places to camp: a few KM after the mine where the road forks, the right fork goes past camping spots by the river. 3.7 KM before you reach the main road (Carratera Austral AKA Ruta 7) you can camp near a shrine to San Sebastian. It was a wild day with rain coming in horizontal sheets so I continued to Ruta 7 &amp; hitched to Villa Manihuales. There is a bus stop where you reach Ruta 7 but only 1 or 2 buses a day, it's better to hitch.<br /> <br /> 3. Route is initially on small dirt roads then through fields &amp; some CC. After you cross a stream near a waterfall you descend a gully choked with trees. Easiest to go down on LHS of gully. Descending to a big field I met some cows &amp; one of them charged me. When I scared it back the cow crashed through a barbed wire fence. So keep your distance if you can. When you reach Rio Baguales there is a small footbridge about 200M upriver from where the RR crosses the stream. From the road I hitched back to Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> 4. A few kilometres after the Rio Nireguao ford you reach a road. RR goes by a settler's house, he was friendly. He told me there is a bridge over Rio Nireguao. I didn't see it but if it's where he described, it will be on or near the optional route a few km upstream from the RR ford. RR to Lago Largo is on road. As you approach Lago Largo the RR takes a shortcut to cut out a loop on the road but the shortcut is v. overgrown, best to stay on the road. The road continues from Lago Largo to Villa Manihuales but you go right on a small road which ends in the forest. Then you start going uphill CC in the forest. I went up about 200M right of the RR, there is a small trail initially. I continued up 200M right of RR sticking to less overgrown areas. As I approached treeline I contoured left to rejoin RR. The last 200M of ascent is above treeline. There were small snowfields as there had been a recent storm but I was able to go around them. The descent was easier on open scree then a track in the forest. Some young trees growing on the track but you can get through them with easy bush bashing. When you reach the road the route goes left. After about 2KM there is a campsite $ but I hitched out to Villa Manihuales.<br /> <br /> * '''GPT30H / 5 Days / NOBO / Tobías Schorcht'''<br /> Difficulties: heat, Tábanos, entering Rerserva National Coyhaique <br /> Highlights: Mountain??, friendly settlers, minimarked in El Gato<br /> <br /> This stretch was surprisingly beatiful. Especially the people up there are very friendly and alwas up for a chat. Could not enter Reserva Coyhaique, because it was closed that day. The alternative Route leeds over private land of Alexandra Andreea Calfa (+56984608184) who wasn‘t there and could not let me in. So I had to do some roadwalking instead. I was very surprised to find a well equiped minimarked in El Gato!<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Bring supplies from Coyhaique. You can top up at a small shop in El Gato.<br /> There's a micro market after the mine (near the KM22/23) , on the right side of the road, with a sign supermarket, it's directly inside the house of the woman. Very nice, not a lot of stuff, but good to know in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> *Several places to buy camping gas in Coyhaique<br /> <br /> *Cabanas in El Gato, they normally rent to groups. There is also a hospedaje advertised just before El Gato on RHS of road near the ford on Rio Nireguao.<br /> Villa Manihuales, although not on the RR, is a handy base. Avoid Hostal Austral there, poor value &amp; their dogs are muy loco, one of them bit me while I was talking to the owner. Hostal Manihuales near the square south of the bridge is good &amp; cheap. Run by Carlos, if he's not there call him on +56 97625 5670<br /> <br /> *There is a campsite $ in El Gato next to the ford on Rio Nireguao. It may not be open early in the season.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2023 info: There are buses from Coyhaique bus terminal to El Gato on Monday, Wednesday &amp; Friday at 5AM &amp; 4PM &amp; on Sunday at noon &amp; 4PM. The bus goes via Villa Ortega &amp; Nirehuao &amp; gets to El Gato in about 2 hours. They stop in El Gato for anything between 30 minutes &amp; 1.5 hours before returning to Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> There are occasional buses from Coyhaique to Villa Ortega &amp; (less frequently) to Emperador Guillermo on Ruta 7.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *27 Nov 2022 Frank<br /> <br /> Reserva National Coyhaique is open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-16:00 but: You are required to register your visit on www.aspticket.cl Entry costs 6200 pesos for foreigners. The only trail currently open is a loop walk to Laguna Verde, not on the GPT. I asked if I could walk NOBO to exit the park at Rio Baguales. &quot;No, closed&quot; To avoid complications I walked around the park on the road. I got the bus to Rio Baguales &amp; walked to Coyhaique, 13KM downhill. Any bus to Villa Ortega can drop you there. There is a carabinero post at Rio Baguales, I'm not sure if they would let you walk through it to enter the Reserva SOBO. Road is busy &amp; parts are very dusty, not a nice walk, you could bus around it to start at Rio Baguales.<br /> <br /> Quentin Clavel : <br /> <br /> I left Coyhaique with the intention to go explore the reserva nacional. They let me know that it was impossible to just pass threw and don't make the loop. You have to check out when you leave the reserva.<br /> <br /> After long negociations with Orlando the guardaparque explaining my roadw and tell them I will send them a message with my GPS when I left the parc, they finally let me go. 8,500 CLP the entrance<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT30H - Coyhaique]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT30H_(Coyhaique)&diff=120201 2025-02-12T17:41:52Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-08 &gt; 11 / 3 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 30-E &gt; RR &gt; 30-F &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT27+GPT28+&lt;strike&gt;GPT29&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT30<br /> | Meteo : petite pluie et vent, soleil<br /> | Eau : difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : gravel road, cross country en forêt<br /> <br /> Je suis arrivé à Villa Manihuales à 16h j'ai fait quelques courses puis j'ai repris la marche à 17h. Je voulais faire de l'auto-stop mais il y a très peu de voiture (~2/h) sur la route X-423 qui longe le Rio Ñireguao. L'auto-stop n'a pas fonctionné, j'ai marché les 14 premiers km et me suis arrêté pour camper. Le lendemain (dimanche matin) je savais que l'auto-stop ne fonctionnerait pas alors j'ai marché jusqu'au point (45.145727° S 71.905759° W) et j'ai coupé dans la prairie jusqu'au point (45.168342° S 71.879589° W) sur le GPT. Petite pluie l'après-midi. Déjà sur le GPT28 j'ai trouvé que les cartes en libre accès était peu fiable (il manque des chemins, des rivières, des lacs...) et ça se confirme sur ce GPT30. Nouvelle journée avec petite pluie mais il a beaucoup plu la nuit et le niveau des rivières a monté. Vers le km 72, le sentier est difficile à suivre et disparait 300m à l'ouest de la trace GPS. Ensuite j'ai grimpé en hors piste en suivant les endroits avec le moins de végétation. Je n'ai jamais fait de bush-bashing sur cette montée car la végétation ne dépasse pas les mollets. Ensuite on arrive sur la crête. Ca a vraiment été dur car il y avait énormément de vent et il neigeait une neige très dur. Je n'ai pas eu de belle vue et je suis redescendu rapidement pour fuir le vent glacial du sommet. On retrouve rapidement le sentier dans les bois, un peu boueux à cause de la pluie. Dans la vallée je suis passé par la 30-E car sur le RR il y a plein de clôtures et de chiens, et je déteste sauter des clôtures juste devant des maisons. J'ai eu du mal à trouver de l'eau. Au km 103 il y a un pont.<br /> La suite est simple jusqu'au km 123 ou ça se complique d'un coup. Il faut suivre la clôture qui longe la réserve nationale de Coyhaique. Il y a presque toujours un côté sans végétation, il faut juste sauter la clôture. J'ai suivi la 30-F car suivre la clôture ne m'interessait pas vraiment. Le seul problème c'est qu'à la sortie du parc on m'a posé des questions et on m'a demandé si j'avais payé. J'ai répondu que j'avais longé la clôture et que je n'etais pas passé dans le parc. FEV-12: Repos Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-27 to 2024-01-30 // 4 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OPT2 // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I left Coyhaique with the intention to go explore the reserva nacional. They let me know that it was impossible to just pass threw and don't make the loop. You have to check out when you leave the reserva. <br /> <br /> After long negociations with Orlando the guardaparque explaining my roadw and tell them I will send them a message with my GPS when I left the parc, they finally let me go. 8,500 CLP the entrance. <br /> <br /> I've been to cerro cinchao, then bush bash straight after it to join the carretera austral, and take the little path who finally go to the RR. I recommend to continue the loop to the end of Variant F, then take the RR. <br /> <br /> I recommend to take the Variant E (following the carretera austral for 1 km) instead of going CC because there's few houses there, people look at you strangely (even if they salute you back with their hands) as you're passing threw fences, dealling with cows, bulls and barking dogs. <br /> <br /> After that, an ultimate gate to pass, in front of a house, where they give me the permission, to reach the top of the pass. (Take water before the carretera austral, as I haven't seen rivers when I passed threw just very small streams, but better to take at the bottom of each side of the pass). <br /> <br /> People were very nice on this section, settler Leo especially, KM55,7, very kind and sympathic man ! <br /> <br /> Rio was not hard to pass at this time of the year. <br /> <br /> There's a minimarket at El gato but close when I pass threw (too early on the morning)..<br /> <br /> There's a micro market after the mine (near the KM22/23) , on the right side of the road, with a sign supermarket, it's directly inside the house of the woman. Very nice, not a lot of stuff, but good to know in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> Then from El gato it's 40 km of a gravel road, followed by 5 km on the heavy carretera austral to finish this section.<br /> <br /> This last part is definitely less attractive compare to all the section that I really liked, surrounding are still nice, with mountains and Rios, but you're on big gravel or asphalte road, and that make it less interesting.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''30-Mar-2023 Hiking / SOBO / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We decided to go with more optional trails here, because of the weather forecast, and also because it is mostly road walking anyway. After a night spent close to the bus stop at the end of section 29, we continued on the Carretera until approx. km 5, where RR turns right to X-421, but we decided to continue around Lago Aguirre Cerda to Villa Manihuales. This part took us 1 day, but we were in the town quite early, so we could have a nice dinner (2-3 restaurants open, we went to the burger place), buy everything we needed and find a camp. We stayed for 10k CLP in Dona Ruth camp, where you have hot water, electricity, and a common refugio for cooking. From there we continued to the junction of X-500 and Route 7 and in the late afternoon connected back to the RR at km 88. No problem with passing around the settlements. We spent the night at km 93.7, by a small lake. The rest of the trail is again straightforward, even though we lost the track around km 115, and this made us take an unnecessary detour. It was because we followed some minor road in the forest, so keep an eye on the GPS there. Because of all the road walking, we found this section not so attractive, but especially the last part before Coyhaique had some nice views.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''27 Nov 2022 Frank'''<br /> <br /> Rio Nireguao near El Gato was not fordable in late November - chest deep &amp; running fast. It was easily fordable &amp; only knee deep in late January. Rio Nireguao is the only serious ford on GPT30. All other rivers had bridges or were easily fordable. It is highly advisable to attempt the ford SOBO only. It's a 10 minute walk from the road. If you are unable to cross it NOBO you will have to backtrack for 1 or 2 days.<br /> <br /> Reserva National Coyhaique is open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-16:00 but:<br /> You are required to register your visit on www.aspticket.cl<br /> Entry costs 6200 pesos for foreigners.<br /> The only trail currently open is a loop walk to Laguna Verde, not on the GPT. I asked if I could walk NOBO to exit the park at Rio Baguales. &quot;No, closed&quot; To avoid complications I walked around the park on the road. I got the bus to Rio Baguales &amp; walked to Coyhaique, 13KM downhill. Any bus to Villa Ortega can drop you there. There is a carabinero post at Rio Baguales, I'm not sure if they would let you walk through it to enter the Reserva SOBO. Road is busy &amp; parts are very dusty, not a nice walk, you could bus around it to start at Rio Baguales.<br /> <br /> * '''23 Nov 2022 4 days RR mostly SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> As I was unable to ford Rio Nireguao in late November I split the section as follows:<br /> 1. Bus to El Gato &amp; walked 41KM from El Gato to Carratera Austral on road.<br /> 2. Walked from Rio Baguales to Coyhaique on road.<br /> 3. Bus to Villa Ortega &amp; hitched to near Emperador Guillermo on Ruta 7 where the RR goes left over a bridge, walked from the bridge to Rio Baguales in 1 long day.<br /> 4. Got the bus to El Gato in late January, forded Rio Nireguao &amp; walked to Ruta 7 near Emperador Guillermo in 1 very long day.<br /> 1. was NOBO &amp; 2, 3 &amp; 4 were SOBO.<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to 1KM before El Gato where the RR SOBO goes off road near a campsite to a ford on Rio Nireguao. I continued NOBO 41KM on the X421 gravel road. From El Gato you ascend 300 metres then only a couple of small ascents. Good scenery but it was raining &amp; cloudy when I went through. A shop in El Gato &amp; Cabanas although they normally rent to groups. No facilities after El Gato. When you reach the mine don't follow the track file which goes into the mine (there is a fence and an Entry Restricted sign) but stay on the X421 road which goes around the mine. Go left at a junction then over a bridge, you soon rejoin the track file.<br /> The road is fenced off with very few places to camp: a few KM after the mine where the road forks, the right fork goes past camping spots by the river. 3.7 KM before you reach the main road (Carratera Austral AKA Ruta 7) you can camp near a shrine to San Sebastian. It was a wild day with rain coming in horizontal sheets so I continued to Ruta 7 &amp; hitched to Villa Manihuales. There is a bus stop where you reach Ruta 7 but only 1 or 2 buses a day, it's better to hitch.<br /> <br /> 3. Route is initially on small dirt roads then through fields &amp; some CC. After you cross a stream near a waterfall you descend a gully choked with trees. Easiest to go down on LHS of gully. Descending to a big field I met some cows &amp; one of them charged me. When I scared it back the cow crashed through a barbed wire fence. So keep your distance if you can. When you reach Rio Baguales there is a small footbridge about 200M upriver from where the RR crosses the stream. From the road I hitched back to Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> 4. A few kilometres after the Rio Nireguao ford you reach a road. RR goes by a settler's house, he was friendly. He told me there is a bridge over Rio Nireguao. I didn't see it but if it's where he described, it will be on or near the optional route a few km upstream from the RR ford. RR to Lago Largo is on road. As you approach Lago Largo the RR takes a shortcut to cut out a loop on the road but the shortcut is v. overgrown, best to stay on the road. The road continues from Lago Largo to Villa Manihuales but you go right on a small road which ends in the forest. Then you start going uphill CC in the forest. I went up about 200M right of the RR, there is a small trail initially. I continued up 200M right of RR sticking to less overgrown areas. As I approached treeline I contoured left to rejoin RR. The last 200M of ascent is above treeline. There were small snowfields as there had been a recent storm but I was able to go around them. The descent was easier on open scree then a track in the forest. Some young trees growing on the track but you can get through them with easy bush bashing. When you reach the road the route goes left. After about 2KM there is a campsite $ but I hitched out to Villa Manihuales.<br /> <br /> * '''GPT30H / 5 Days / NOBO / Tobías Schorcht'''<br /> Difficulties: heat, Tábanos, entering Rerserva National Coyhaique <br /> Highlights: Mountain??, friendly settlers, minimarked in El Gato<br /> <br /> This stretch was surprisingly beatiful. Especially the people up there are very friendly and alwas up for a chat. Could not enter Reserva Coyhaique, because it was closed that day. The alternative Route leeds over private land of Alexandra Andreea Calfa (+56984608184) who wasn‘t there and could not let me in. So I had to do some roadwalking instead. I was very surprised to find a well equiped minimarked in El Gato!<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Bring supplies from Coyhaique. You can top up at a small shop in El Gato.<br /> There's a micro market after the mine (near the KM22/23) , on the right side of the road, with a sign supermarket, it's directly inside the house of the woman. Very nice, not a lot of stuff, but good to know in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> *Several places to buy camping gas in Coyhaique<br /> <br /> *Cabanas in El Gato, they normally rent to groups. There is also a hospedaje advertised just before El Gato on RHS of road near the ford on Rio Nireguao.<br /> Villa Manihuales, although not on the RR, is a handy base. Avoid Hostal Austral there, poor value &amp; their dogs are muy loco, one of them bit me while I was talking to the owner. Hostal Manihuales near the square south of the bridge is good &amp; cheap. Run by Carlos, if he's not there call him on +56 97625 5670<br /> <br /> *There is a campsite $ in El Gato next to the ford on Rio Nireguao. It may not be open early in the season.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2023 info: There are buses from Coyhaique bus terminal to El Gato on Monday, Wednesday &amp; Friday at 5AM &amp; 4PM &amp; on Sunday at noon &amp; 4PM. The bus goes via Villa Ortega &amp; Nirehuao &amp; gets to El Gato in about 2 hours. They stop in El Gato for anything between 30 minutes &amp; 1.5 hours before returning to Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> There are occasional buses from Coyhaique to Villa Ortega &amp; (less frequently) to Emperador Guillermo on Ruta 7.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *27 Nov 2022 Frank<br /> <br /> Reserva National Coyhaique is open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-16:00 but: You are required to register your visit on www.aspticket.cl Entry costs 6200 pesos for foreigners. The only trail currently open is a loop walk to Laguna Verde, not on the GPT. I asked if I could walk NOBO to exit the park at Rio Baguales. &quot;No, closed&quot; To avoid complications I walked around the park on the road. I got the bus to Rio Baguales &amp; walked to Coyhaique, 13KM downhill. Any bus to Villa Ortega can drop you there. There is a carabinero post at Rio Baguales, I'm not sure if they would let you walk through it to enter the Reserva SOBO. Road is busy &amp; parts are very dusty, not a nice walk, you could bus around it to start at Rio Baguales.<br /> <br /> Quentin Clavel : <br /> <br /> I left Coyhaique with the intention to go explore the reserva nacional. They let me know that it was impossible to just pass threw and don't make the loop. You have to check out when you leave the reserva.<br /> <br /> After long negociations with Orlando the guardaparque explaining my roadw and tell them I will send them a message with my GPS when I left the parc, they finally let me go. 8,500 CLP the entrance<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT30H - Coyhaique]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT30H_(Coyhaique)&diff=120200 2025-02-12T17:39:28Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-FEV-08 &gt; 11 / 3 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 30-E &gt; RR &gt; 30-F &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT27+GPT28+&lt;strike&gt;GPT29&lt;/strike&gt;+GPT30<br /> | Meteo : petite pluie et vent, soleil<br /> | Eau : difficile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 3/5<br /> | Danger : gravel road, cross country en forêt<br /> <br /> Je suis arrivé à Villa Manihuales à 16h j'ai fait quelques courses puis j'ai repris la marche à 17h. Je voulais faire de l'auto-stop mais il y a très peu de voiture (~2/h) sur la route X-423 qui longe le Rio Ñireguao. L'auto-stop n'a pas fonctionné, j'ai marché les 14 premiers km et me suis arrêté pour camper. Le lendemain (dimanche matin) je savais que l'auto-stop ne fonctionnerait pas alors j'ai marché jusqu'au point (45.145727° S 71.905759° W) et j'ai coupé dans la prairie jusqu'au point (45.168342° S 71.879589° W) sur le GPT. Petite pluie l'après-midi. Déjà sur le GPT28 j'ai trouvé que les cartes en libre accès était peu fiable (il manque des chemins, des rivières, des lacs...) et ça se confirme sur ce GPT30. Nouvelle journée avec petite pluie mais il a beaucoup plu la nuit et le niveau des rivières a monté. Vers le km 72, le sentier est difficile a suivre et disparait 300m à l'ouest de la trace GPS. Ensuite j'ai grimpé en hors piste en suivant les endroits avec le moins de végétation. Je n'ai jamais fait de bush-bashing sur cette montée car la végétation ne dépasse pas les mollets. Ensuite on arrive sur la crête. Ca a vraiment été dur car il y avait énormément de vent et il neigeait une neige très dur. Je n'ai pas eu de belle vue et je suis redescendu rapidement pour fuir le vent glacial du sommet. On retrouve rapidement le sentier dans les bois, un peu boueux à cause de la pluie. Dans la vallée je suis passé par la 30-E car sur le RR il y a plein de clôtures et de chiens, et je déteste sauter des clôtures juste devant des maisons. J'ai eu du mal à trouver de l'eau. Au km 103 il y a un pont.<br /> La suite est simple jusqu'au km 123 ou ça se complique d'un coup. Il faut suivre la clôture qui longe la réserve nationale de Coyhaique. Il y a presque toujours un côté sans végétation, il faut juste sauter la clôture. J'ai suivi la 30-F car suivre la clôture ne m'interessait pas vraiment. Le seul problème c'est qu'à la sortie du parc on m'a posé des questions et on m'a demandé si j'avais payé. J'ai répondu que j'avais longé la clôture et que je n'etais pas passé dans le parc. FEV-12: Repos Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-01-27 to 2024-01-30 // 4 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + OPT2 // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> I left Coyhaique with the intention to go explore the reserva nacional. They let me know that it was impossible to just pass threw and don't make the loop. You have to check out when you leave the reserva. <br /> <br /> After long negociations with Orlando the guardaparque explaining my roadw and tell them I will send them a message with my GPS when I left the parc, they finally let me go. 8,500 CLP the entrance. <br /> <br /> I've been to cerro cinchao, then bush bash straight after it to join the carretera austral, and take the little path who finally go to the RR. I recommend to continue the loop to the end of Variant F, then take the RR. <br /> <br /> I recommend to take the Variant E (following the carretera austral for 1 km) instead of going CC because there's few houses there, people look at you strangely (even if they salute you back with their hands) as you're passing threw fences, dealling with cows, bulls and barking dogs. <br /> <br /> After that, an ultimate gate to pass, in front of a house, where they give me the permission, to reach the top of the pass. (Take water before the carretera austral, as I haven't seen rivers when I passed threw just very small streams, but better to take at the bottom of each side of the pass). <br /> <br /> People were very nice on this section, settler Leo especially, KM55,7, very kind and sympathic man ! <br /> <br /> Rio was not hard to pass at this time of the year. <br /> <br /> There's a minimarket at El gato but close when I pass threw (too early on the morning)..<br /> <br /> There's a micro market after the mine (near the KM22/23) , on the right side of the road, with a sign supermarket, it's directly inside the house of the woman. Very nice, not a lot of stuff, but good to know in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> Then from El gato it's 40 km of a gravel road, followed by 5 km on the heavy carretera austral to finish this section.<br /> <br /> This last part is definitely less attractive compare to all the section that I really liked, surrounding are still nice, with mountains and Rios, but you're on big gravel or asphalte road, and that make it less interesting.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''30-Mar-2023 Hiking / SOBO / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> We decided to go with more optional trails here, because of the weather forecast, and also because it is mostly road walking anyway. After a night spent close to the bus stop at the end of section 29, we continued on the Carretera until approx. km 5, where RR turns right to X-421, but we decided to continue around Lago Aguirre Cerda to Villa Manihuales. This part took us 1 day, but we were in the town quite early, so we could have a nice dinner (2-3 restaurants open, we went to the burger place), buy everything we needed and find a camp. We stayed for 10k CLP in Dona Ruth camp, where you have hot water, electricity, and a common refugio for cooking. From there we continued to the junction of X-500 and Route 7 and in the late afternoon connected back to the RR at km 88. No problem with passing around the settlements. We spent the night at km 93.7, by a small lake. The rest of the trail is again straightforward, even though we lost the track around km 115, and this made us take an unnecessary detour. It was because we followed some minor road in the forest, so keep an eye on the GPS there. Because of all the road walking, we found this section not so attractive, but especially the last part before Coyhaique had some nice views.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''27 Nov 2022 Frank'''<br /> <br /> Rio Nireguao near El Gato was not fordable in late November - chest deep &amp; running fast. It was easily fordable &amp; only knee deep in late January. Rio Nireguao is the only serious ford on GPT30. All other rivers had bridges or were easily fordable. It is highly advisable to attempt the ford SOBO only. It's a 10 minute walk from the road. If you are unable to cross it NOBO you will have to backtrack for 1 or 2 days.<br /> <br /> Reserva National Coyhaique is open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-16:00 but:<br /> You are required to register your visit on www.aspticket.cl<br /> Entry costs 6200 pesos for foreigners.<br /> The only trail currently open is a loop walk to Laguna Verde, not on the GPT. I asked if I could walk NOBO to exit the park at Rio Baguales. &quot;No, closed&quot; To avoid complications I walked around the park on the road. I got the bus to Rio Baguales &amp; walked to Coyhaique, 13KM downhill. Any bus to Villa Ortega can drop you there. There is a carabinero post at Rio Baguales, I'm not sure if they would let you walk through it to enter the Reserva SOBO. Road is busy &amp; parts are very dusty, not a nice walk, you could bus around it to start at Rio Baguales.<br /> <br /> * '''23 Nov 2022 4 days RR mostly SOBO Frank'''<br /> <br /> As I was unable to ford Rio Nireguao in late November I split the section as follows:<br /> 1. Bus to El Gato &amp; walked 41KM from El Gato to Carratera Austral on road.<br /> 2. Walked from Rio Baguales to Coyhaique on road.<br /> 3. Bus to Villa Ortega &amp; hitched to near Emperador Guillermo on Ruta 7 where the RR goes left over a bridge, walked from the bridge to Rio Baguales in 1 long day.<br /> 4. Got the bus to El Gato in late January, forded Rio Nireguao &amp; walked to Ruta 7 near Emperador Guillermo in 1 very long day.<br /> 1. was NOBO &amp; 2, 3 &amp; 4 were SOBO.<br /> <br /> 1. I got the bus to 1KM before El Gato where the RR SOBO goes off road near a campsite to a ford on Rio Nireguao. I continued NOBO 41KM on the X421 gravel road. From El Gato you ascend 300 metres then only a couple of small ascents. Good scenery but it was raining &amp; cloudy when I went through. A shop in El Gato &amp; Cabanas although they normally rent to groups. No facilities after El Gato. When you reach the mine don't follow the track file which goes into the mine (there is a fence and an Entry Restricted sign) but stay on the X421 road which goes around the mine. Go left at a junction then over a bridge, you soon rejoin the track file.<br /> The road is fenced off with very few places to camp: a few KM after the mine where the road forks, the right fork goes past camping spots by the river. 3.7 KM before you reach the main road (Carratera Austral AKA Ruta 7) you can camp near a shrine to San Sebastian. It was a wild day with rain coming in horizontal sheets so I continued to Ruta 7 &amp; hitched to Villa Manihuales. There is a bus stop where you reach Ruta 7 but only 1 or 2 buses a day, it's better to hitch.<br /> <br /> 3. Route is initially on small dirt roads then through fields &amp; some CC. After you cross a stream near a waterfall you descend a gully choked with trees. Easiest to go down on LHS of gully. Descending to a big field I met some cows &amp; one of them charged me. When I scared it back the cow crashed through a barbed wire fence. So keep your distance if you can. When you reach Rio Baguales there is a small footbridge about 200M upriver from where the RR crosses the stream. From the road I hitched back to Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> 4. A few kilometres after the Rio Nireguao ford you reach a road. RR goes by a settler's house, he was friendly. He told me there is a bridge over Rio Nireguao. I didn't see it but if it's where he described, it will be on or near the optional route a few km upstream from the RR ford. RR to Lago Largo is on road. As you approach Lago Largo the RR takes a shortcut to cut out a loop on the road but the shortcut is v. overgrown, best to stay on the road. The road continues from Lago Largo to Villa Manihuales but you go right on a small road which ends in the forest. Then you start going uphill CC in the forest. I went up about 200M right of the RR, there is a small trail initially. I continued up 200M right of RR sticking to less overgrown areas. As I approached treeline I contoured left to rejoin RR. The last 200M of ascent is above treeline. There were small snowfields as there had been a recent storm but I was able to go around them. The descent was easier on open scree then a track in the forest. Some young trees growing on the track but you can get through them with easy bush bashing. When you reach the road the route goes left. After about 2KM there is a campsite $ but I hitched out to Villa Manihuales.<br /> <br /> * '''GPT30H / 5 Days / NOBO / Tobías Schorcht'''<br /> Difficulties: heat, Tábanos, entering Rerserva National Coyhaique <br /> Highlights: Mountain??, friendly settlers, minimarked in El Gato<br /> <br /> This stretch was surprisingly beatiful. Especially the people up there are very friendly and alwas up for a chat. Could not enter Reserva Coyhaique, because it was closed that day. The alternative Route leeds over private land of Alexandra Andreea Calfa (+56984608184) who wasn‘t there and could not let me in. So I had to do some roadwalking instead. I was very surprised to find a well equiped minimarked in El Gato!<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *Bring supplies from Coyhaique. You can top up at a small shop in El Gato.<br /> There's a micro market after the mine (near the KM22/23) , on the right side of the road, with a sign supermarket, it's directly inside the house of the woman. Very nice, not a lot of stuff, but good to know in case of emergency.<br /> <br /> *Several places to buy camping gas in Coyhaique<br /> <br /> *Cabanas in El Gato, they normally rent to groups. There is also a hospedaje advertised just before El Gato on RHS of road near the ford on Rio Nireguao.<br /> Villa Manihuales, although not on the RR, is a handy base. Avoid Hostal Austral there, poor value &amp; their dogs are muy loco, one of them bit me while I was talking to the owner. Hostal Manihuales near the square south of the bridge is good &amp; cheap. Run by Carlos, if he's not there call him on +56 97625 5670<br /> <br /> *There is a campsite $ in El Gato next to the ford on Rio Nireguao. It may not be open early in the season.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *2023 info: There are buses from Coyhaique bus terminal to El Gato on Monday, Wednesday &amp; Friday at 5AM &amp; 4PM &amp; on Sunday at noon &amp; 4PM. The bus goes via Villa Ortega &amp; Nirehuao &amp; gets to El Gato in about 2 hours. They stop in El Gato for anything between 30 minutes &amp; 1.5 hours before returning to Coyhaique.<br /> <br /> There are occasional buses from Coyhaique to Villa Ortega &amp; (less frequently) to Emperador Guillermo on Ruta 7.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *27 Nov 2022 Frank<br /> <br /> Reserva National Coyhaique is open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-16:00 but: You are required to register your visit on www.aspticket.cl Entry costs 6200 pesos for foreigners. The only trail currently open is a loop walk to Laguna Verde, not on the GPT. I asked if I could walk NOBO to exit the park at Rio Baguales. &quot;No, closed&quot; To avoid complications I walked around the park on the road. I got the bus to Rio Baguales &amp; walked to Coyhaique, 13KM downhill. Any bus to Villa Ortega can drop you there. There is a carabinero post at Rio Baguales, I'm not sure if they would let you walk through it to enter the Reserva SOBO. Road is busy &amp; parts are very dusty, not a nice walk, you could bus around it to start at Rio Baguales.<br /> <br /> Quentin Clavel : <br /> <br /> I left Coyhaique with the intention to go explore the reserva nacional. They let me know that it was impossible to just pass threw and don't make the loop. You have to check out when you leave the reserva.<br /> <br /> After long negociations with Orlando the guardaparque explaining my roadw and tell them I will send them a message with my GPS when I left the parc, they finally let me go. 8,500 CLP the entrance<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT30H - Coyhaique]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT22_(Cochamo)&diff=119938 2025-02-02T12:17:13Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2025/26 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> * General advice : The Regular Route is best hiked between December and April. The primary obstacles are high river levels early in the season and after rain. During the peak period of January and February it may be difficult to obtain a camping reservation at La Junta which could prevent a southbound traverse (but people were usually let through when they say they go all the way to El Arco).<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-01-25 to 2025-01-27 / 3 days / Packrafting / SOBO (partly) / RP / Thijmen Scholten'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> * Primer Coral has a very nice campspot. Chance there will be kayakers around doing the upper section of Rio Puelo with class 5 rapids you can watch them paddle it, it's insane. <br /> <br /> * I heard there is a cabin you can stay up on Río Ventisquero would be a nice option and you can leave part of your gear/food at the camping. And do an overnight trip. Rio Ventusquero supposed to be very nice. <br /> <br /> * I was lucky to go with another group of Kayakers into the Rio Puelo and into the rapids at the Canyon. I had no whitewater experience but the camping owner convinced me it was doable and safe even if I fall. It was nice to paddle the Canyon and the waves felt huge. I had a decked packraft that still filled with water, which was nice and made it more stable.<br /> <br /> * So if you are here and get the chance on going with a group of Kayakers into the Canyon and rapids , it will be a nice experience <br /> <br /> * First I would continue after the rapids and the pickup would take my backpack. But I decided to go back with the pickup to Primer Coral and continue next day towards Argentinia. <br /> <br /> * First part of the trail from primer coral to Lago de Las Rocas is closed the settler there told me. You can join the trail from road V723. But I went from Lago Azul. <br /> <br /> - The trail (blue line) towards Lago Azul already started earlier. * From the road at you left side there is already a sign with trail towards Lago Azul. <br /> <br /> * Lago de Las Rocas went fast with wind in the back. <br /> <br /> * I had to stay at the border crossing because they only had electricity at 7 p.m. to register me. Next morning from 8.00 I could pick up my passport. I did not fill in am online form beforehand and that was no problem. <br /> <br /> * I went to the Argentinian border crossing that is indicated at the map. But because I was with a boat they did not let me. I had to get my passport stamped at the maritime office at the end of the lake at the beach of lago Puelo. So if you decide to skip lago Puelo/El Bolson than you better not show that you are by boat and pretend you are walking.<br /> <br /> *'''25Jan2024 - 28jan2024 / hiking NOBO / RR (El Manso to Cochamo) / 3 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> From Cochamo to get to El manso, there is the bus - ferry (lake tagua tagua) - bus. First bus pass at Cochamo every day around 10am. It comes from Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas before. <br /> First bus is 3k. Boat 1.3k. 2nd bus 500. <br /> <br /> At El manso there are 2 little negocios. In front of the first one there is a cervecería with a nice terrasse, artisanal beer and wifi. Sadly it was closed on this super hot begining of afternoon ! <br /> There is an inconstant but working phone coverage there (entel). <br /> <br /> Lago Vidal Gomez. Possible to ask at the camping to cross the lake by boat, Francisco do the traverse during summer. 35k that can be devided until 4 people. May make you pay less if he has to go to the other side anyway to get other people. The family here also sell good bread, vegetables, beers, sweets,...<br /> <br /> Because of rainy night, I slept on the north side of the lake at the first house. Marguerita has a sort of barn where you can sleep/pitch a tent and also make fire (for 5k). Dry toilets and water. <br /> <br /> Then trail was on better conditions than I expected. <br /> Camp sites along lago grande are really nice. <br /> Refugio El Arco is a really good shelter if bad weather (all in wood, nice roof, closing windows). <br /> <br /> Between El arco and la junta very muddy trail but nothing impassable even after a rainy night. It just slow down a lot. <br /> <br /> The valley is really nice. <br /> <br /> La Junta - Cochamo : overrun +++. <br /> <br /> There are multiple buses going back to Cochamo from the end of the trail <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-JAN-20 to 2025-JAN-27 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (Var. 01 / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel)'''<br /> <br /> Stage 22 is one of the longest sections of the GPT, but from our perspective (also thanks to our route choice), it wasn’t particularly difficult. Due to health issues and plenty of time (we had a scheduled meeting in Bariloche on a specific date), we took the stage quite leisurely.<br /> <br /> The first part to La Junta is very busy, with a large number of day hikers. That wasn’t really our thing, so we rushed ahead into the wilderness, which starts right after the camps in La Junta.<br /> <br /> In the Rio Puelo valley, due to health issues, we chose Variant 01 and rejoined the RR at Puerto Urrutia at the start of 22S.<br /> <br /> The most surprising and interesting stop on the trail for us was meeting señira Alexandra at Lago Verde, where we spent an entire morning on the lake on boats and doing deep water solo climbing. (More details in the BIVOUACING section.)<br /> <br /> ENTRY INTO VALLE COCHAMÓ<br /> <br /> The first major challenge is entering Cochamó Valley, but it’s not as complicated as it might seem.<br /> <br /> The entry checkpoint is at Road End {22N} [109.8/58], and access to the valley is free. However, due to high visitor numbers, there are relatively strict regulations. To be allowed entry, you need to follow these rules:<br /> <br /> If you want to camp near La Junta, you must have a reservation through www.reservasvallecochamo.org and bring confirmation of your reservation to the checkpoint. Entry is permitted between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.<br /> <br /> If you want to camp at Refugio El Arco, no reservation is needed, but entry is only allowed between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.<br /> <br /> The time restrictions aren’t enforced too strictly, but you shouldn’t arrive much later. According to locals, it’s also theoretically possible to enter very early in the morning before any staff arrive, avoiding the need to follow these rules.<br /> <br /> However, we personally recommend adhering to the official regulations. There are many visitors (often with little or no experience), and if the beauty of this valley is to be preserved, some regulation and monitoring are necessary. This is also why camping outside of the designated campsites in the valley is prohibited.<br /> <br /> For GPT hikers, the best option is to enter the valley in the morning, explain your plans, and then hike to El Arco, where there is plenty of space for tents and camping is free. (Although volunteers manage the site and, like at the entry point, record visitor details.) If you follow this approach, there’s no reason you wouldn’t be allowed in, and you will still comply with all the rules.<br /> <br /> CHALLENGES<br /> <br /> Ford at Rio Traidor {22N} [95.9/340] was very easy. All other fords on this section were also crossable with dry feet, except for the final fords over Rio Azul at the very end.<br /> <br /> Bridge {22N} [80.9/645] doesn’t exist, but the river can be crossed on fallen logs.<br /> <br /> Bridge {22N} [51.8/146] (Rio Steffen) was washed away. There is a cable car alternative, or you can cross using fallen logs.<br /> <br /> At Settler {22S} [7.2/215], a man yelled at us from a house, saying we shouldn’t walk there. He seemed angry, and we didn’t feel like arguing. Instead, we walked a short stretch along the road and then rejoined the trail by climbing over a valley (near coordinates -41.98297, -71.88292). This involved a short bush-bash and crossing a creek on fallen logs.<br /> <br /> The trail around Las Rocas is quite overgrown in one section, with many fallen logs. This rough stretch is between km 17.8 {22S} (-42.05306, -71.83367) and km 19.9 {22S} (-42.06622, -71.81971). We believe it may be possible to bypass this section using other trails, as well-maintained paths connect before and after it, but we didn’t try it ourselves and just bush-bashed through.<br /> <br /> Border control was quick and completely problem-free on both sides.<br /> <br /> BIVOUACING<br /> <br /> The first night, we camped at La Frontera Camp at the entrance to Cochamó Valley. It’s a small and very nice eco-camp, where making a reservation is a good idea. Staying here was a special experience for us, as it is run by Pavel, a fellow Czech.<br /> <br /> At El Arco, there’s a shelter, though it doesn’t have much sleeping space. However, right next to it is a large grassy area with plenty of room for tents.<br /> <br /> At -41.56978, -71.93585 (km ~64.3 {22N}), there’s a beautiful flat campsite with a refugio.<br /> <br /> At Bridge {22N} [63.0/337] (Rio El Colorado), there’s a fire pit with benches and a small tent spot.<br /> <br /> One night, we camped in the backyard of Valle Puelo Brewery. They let us stay for free, but the roosters woke us up early.<br /> <br /> At -41.96567, -71.90571 (Lago Verde), there is a settlement run by a very kind woman named Alexandra and her brother. They offer cabins for rent, but they also allowed us to camp in our tents for 8,000 CLP per person. The price included free kayak rental for a paddle on the lake. We highly recommend staying here. It is also the only reasonable access point to the lake. Elsewhere, the shoreline is covered with dense vegetation or cliffs.<br /> <br /> WATER<br /> <br /> There is plenty of water available. The trail runs along rivers and crosses many smaller streams.<br /> <br /> RESUPPLY<br /> <br /> Cochamó has several minimarkets, a hardware store (where you can buy gas cartridge), a pharmacy, post office, and plenty of restaurants and food stalls.<br /> <br /> At the Road End {22N} [109.8/58] (Valle Cochamó entry checkpoint), there is a food truck open in summer with fast food, and a small store nearby selling snacks and some basic groceries.<br /> <br /> We bypassed Camp La Junta via Toboganes, so we have no info on current shopping options there.<br /> <br /> At Lake, Settler, Camp $ {22N} [70.9/602], we bought very good and reasonably priced fresh cheese and beer. They likely have some other basic supplies as well.<br /> <br /> Shop {22N} [43.0/49] is operational. It’s small but sufficient for basic resupply.<br /> <br /> Settlement, Shop, Bus {22N} [40.7/36] (El Manso) is a complex of brewery with the best beer we've had in Chile so far. The store is slightly better stocked than the previous one and sells gas cartridges.<br /> <br /> Llanada Grande has a fairly large and well-stocked supermarket.<br /> <br /> At the start of 22S, there’s a restaurant with its own brewery (Hostal Puelo Libre).<br /> <br /> TRANSPORT<br /> <br /> A bus from Lago Puelo to El Bolsón runs every hour (around the full hour) and costs 1,800 ARS per person.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-01-24 to 2025-01-26/  2days / Packrafting/ SOBO/ Option 02, RP, Option 09, Option 03/ Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Coming from Cochamo, where we had to organize getting a new neck gasket, we once again set off towards Lago Azul. The bus for the Lago Tagua Tagua arrived in Cochamo at 10:20am and left at 10:30am (around here, -41.49304, -72.30553). It came five minutes after the bus that goes from Puerto Montt to the trailhead. We left Rio Puelo at 12:00 after ten minute break and when we got to the ferry (didn't look @ time), before we could get out of the bus and pay the driver, the ferry that was docked left and we had to wait about half an hour for the next one. Lots of people, so Entel did not work. On the other side, the two buses were waiting. The bus did its regular stop at Llande Grande (~10min - they have a very good non industrial salami there) and then we got off where the road to Lago Azul goes. We had to remind the driver to stop for us around 15:30. We managed to get a hitch quickly, but it was short lived. There is a man watching a gate (7mil for the car owner, nothing for us) and the car was only allowed to go ~1km further to a parking here -41.90928, -71.88832 (maybe because it wasn't 4-wheel drive, an/ or they only allow certain [local?] people to go all the way to the beach, not sure). The road to lake has very recently been &quot;upgraded&quot; and is quite ugly. 02B and 02C are probably roads too, based on satellite and little survey where 02B joins 02A. At the beach there were a stand selling empanadas, a toilet, about 20 people and 4 cars parked. We started paddling around 18:00. First going west for ~600m to check out an alternative trail Tomáš was interested in that is on OSM leading to here: -41.92170, -71.87635. The trail exists, but might be somewhat unused, as there seems to be a new road for cars built above it too. Anyway, it looks like a more attractive and shorter approach to Azul, somebody needs to investigate it (we only noticed the trail half way on 02A). The start of the lake outlet (20 m) is magical with its blue-green water, a nice detour. The waves got stronger near the middle of the lake but then eased quickly. Near the end of the lake we had almost calm water. We camped at a spot we noted last year when hiking: -41.98306, -71.84801. It has a small flowing creek but is near a cottage. Both years of being here we have not seen anyone in it, you can camp in the trees and be mostly hidden. People vacation in tents 200m along the lake shore. Lago Azul is very pretty.<br /> <br /> The next day was straightforward. Lago Los Rocas was &quot;reflection-like&quot; calm, despite starting around 11:00. We were worried about the boat and the Chilean Carabineros (read Jan's description in the manual) so we put the boat and equipment into the duffel bag and placed it all outside the Carabineros building, entering without our luggage. Everything went well because the men were nice (same ones from last year). However, we were almost busted when they asked us specifically if we were going to Argentina on foot or by boat. At first we said boat, but then they asked who was taking us, and when we struggled to come up with an explanation, they seemed to take our silence as a language misunderstanding and asked us again, so to make things easier, we said we were walking. We then slipped down using Variant U. If you are uncomfortable about this, it might be worth just putting your boat in your bag and walking the 3km to the next beach along RH. Variant S does not exist. Lago Inferior was once again sadly not windy, we started around 16:00. We were hoping to have a bit more horsepower from the waves and wind. They got stronger near the end but only at the very end, and it wasn't that strong. Tomáš and I had a small misunderstanding about our end goal at the lake. Tomáš wanted to walk up the river to scout the rapids and possibly run them back I, being completely unaware of the obvious, agreed. I thought we most likely wouldn't run them and just walk on the other OSM trail. What I didn't know was that the river flowed against us, despite looking at satellite images and saying, &quot;why does it look like the rapids are going in the wrong direction?&quot;. Like I said, unaware of the obvious. When I realized the river went against us I instantly hated the idea, but we were already past the normal take out point, so in the end we went for it. The first longish set of rapids (class II, around here: -42.10240, -71.73502) is north (river right), so you cannot just connect to the OSM trail next to the river. We crossed to southern shore of the river. If you want to follow us, aim for it directly. Then it was a slow 400m walk and 100m paddle up to here -42.10413, -71.73233, before we could safely ferry to northern shore (to which we kept from then on). It was slow because of the algae/didymo being very slippery and rocks in the river bed having gaps in between them. You will appreciate how easy entrapment could be if you were in deeper faster water. A pole in one hand will greatly improve your stability and also a leash for the boat helps a lot (in your hand, not clipped on!), so you can walk the boat as a dog. We paddled up to the second short rocky (class II+?) rapid (-42.10487, -71.72934), which was more involved as we had to lift the boat over some rocks and it was a bit sketchy trusting our dollar store locking carabiners on our leash. The last (class III) rapid (-42.10487, -71.72934) was much easier to walk up, once again on our left/north/river-right. We filled up on water after the last rapid and paddled towards the lake. Surprisingly there was not much wind and the waves only started to be not small just before the Argentinian border patrol, so it was a bit slower than expected. Were it not for the border and a bit sooner, we could have gone to lake end. All in all this option was probably a little slower than just packing your boat and walking straight to the border control and about as fast as deflating your boat, walking the 2km portage and reinflating your boat. It might be worthwhile the effort if you have a boat with cargo or just really don't feel like walking. If you are careful, it is not dangerous (slips permitting). When water levels are high, it might be a different story. It took us 75 minutes. Going down the river in case you go NOBO should be much easier: capsizing in the first (going from Lago Puelo) rapid did not look safe due to undercuts, so better walk it down on the right, but the rest can probably be run (after scouting!) or easily walked down.<br /> <br /> The camping at the border was once again packed and this time all toilets locked or non-functional, pretty gross considering the amount of people. There is a stream on the west side. The evening was quiet but fierce wind picked up around 3am, the wind was better in the morning but still not great. The check-in with Argentina (open from 8 till 20) was very easy and we got our passports stamped. I had a bit of &quot;boat fever&quot; and wanted to walk out, plus I wanted to be conservative with the waves at this lake. Tomáš felt it would be totally manageable so he sailed on down to Lago pueblo and I hiked out to La Pasarela because I hadn't gone there last year and I was curious. It was an okay hike with a little bit of water along the way. It turned into a MR for a little bit but then went back into a non-native Douglas Fir forest and through a few settlers pastures. It was up and down basically the whole way and very warm. La Pasarela is extremely popular. There is a restaurant and a smoothie joint and many other food stands. Sadly I didn't get a hitch. There is a bus stop when you hit the main road around here; -42.05087, -71.59679. I wasn't sure if it was the main road to El Bolson so I just walked into town and caught the bus out front the hospital here; -42.05924, -71.59776 @ 14:15. It was 1.700mil and paid only in cash. The earlier bus stop would have been fine, the other main road goes to Esquel. Plum season is almost here, red ones are tart but edible, yellow ones need at least 2-4more weeks.<br /> <br /> Tomáš: waves were sizable (75 cm maximum difference top to bottom?), from the camp I had to ferry to get out of the cove, but then I mostly paddled only to keep the boat in the right position and let the wind push me to the lake end. A huge parking lot by the beach, hitching does not work but the bus does.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-01-15 to 2025-01-22 / 7 days / Packrafting/ NOBO (flip flop)/ Option 8 (extended), RP / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> For hikers: the RR west of Rio Puelo is actually attractive and the part we walked was no bushbashing, do not all shun it :-).<br /> <br /> Summary<br /> <br /> Despite never wanting to do the whole &quot;yo-yo&quot; (Natalie speaking) we did the yo-yo. Starting in Ventisquero and going until the bridge before the Rio Puelo town (didn't do the fjord). We then hitchhiked to Cochamo to deal with a ripped neck seal and planned to return to Laguna Azul to cross into El Bolsón. Last year we were inspired by Tobi and Fangwen's (T&amp;F) trip into the Ventisquero valley and tried but didn't finish due to time and weather. On the flip side, that meant we were able to return this year with a packraft, which made the return trip much more interesting. It is a stunning valley and a beautiful river to be in a packraft (a must for packrafters, Tomáš thinks). There were virtually no tabanos which was a biggie after the mid-January infestation of 20 and 21! Tomáš did the upper Ventisquero river after the view-hike in Rincon Bonito and I chose to go higher on the mountain of the view-hike, earning myself a very incredible 360-view of the glaciated mountains around (both not in GPT yet). The Ventisquero river was easy, class II at most, we hit our knees on occasion. The Upper Puelo before the hike was very easy with a faster flow, just a bit of wood (nothing that couldn't be avoided), probably class l. We skipped the first rapids of the Gorge (6.2), they are surprisingly powerful and should not be paddled by anyone unskilled or without a team. The hike was actually nice, not that overgrown and pretty easy to follow. Tomáš went back into the river a little earlier and skipped the last 6km of hiking, while I met him after the hiking section, he had to walk one more rapid and ride two. The rest of the Puelo until the lake was once again easy. Upon approaching Lago Tagua the headwind was strong and paddling was slow. We planned to paddle to the parque Tagua (Option 11) but the waves and wind were very strong so we camped and crossed the lake the next morning, skipping the hike. Lake was easy and fast in the morning but the lower Puelo was slow for the first 5km before the rapids. We skipped the first rapid there and went down river right, putting in a bit earlier than Jan suggests, crossing a few small rapids and hitting our knees once. The rest of the lower Puelo was a bit slow but overall the whole thing was very beautiful.<br /> <br /> Day zero: the bus<br /> <br /> We again took the bus at 8:38 near Hostel Apel in Puerto Varas to Cochamo, we were told the bus that goes to the ferry (Laguna Tagua Tagua) was 10min behind the Cochamo-only bus. The ferry bus supposedly leaves here: 41.3160641S, 72.9853782W at 8:15 and then probably goes around town, taking a long time. The plan was to get off the first bus, look for Tomáš's inReach and then catch the second bus. Unfortunately, while we were looking for the imReach, the Laguna bus passed and we were unable to stop it, it was the only bus of the day. On the bright side, with more time to spare, Tomáš managed to wake up the land owner of Camp {21} [79.3/7], and it turned out they had found the inReach the day before and gave it back to us, yay! Soon after all of this (~10:15) we were able to catch another bus to Cochamo, so there must be a few that go in a day (later we learnt they go at 8,9,10,11,12 and 16:00 from Puerto Montt). In Cochamo, we waited until a bit after 12:00 for a bus to Rio Puelo, which made a stop at the trailhead for hiking the RR. We reached Rio Puelo at about 13:45, and that is where the original bus going to and from Laguna Tagua made its appearance on its way back to Puerto Varas/Montt. Since both of us were underslept due to Tomáš having spent the night vomitting (and having had little luck with hitchhiking on that road last year), we found a very nice two-room cabaña for 50.000 here: -41.66243, -72.29821, WhatsApp +56 9 4243 2328. (Entel internet in town functional.)<br /> <br /> Day one: the bus and the walk, 4 km<br /> <br /> The bus from Rio Puelo is said to be at 11:30 but arrived around 12:15. If one is stopping in Puelo for re-supply, there is a small vegan bakery with good sourdough loafs (-41.6599144, -72.2974946; not open Mondays). Also Supermercado El Maiten sold gas canister's for 7mil. By one o'clock and 1.5mil per person shorter, we were at the ferry. There you get out of the bus and catch a new one waiting at the other side (there are two on the other side, be sure to take the correct one). It takes over half an hour and costs 1.3mil (slow but functioning 3G Entel most of the lake ferry, but not at the end, telecom tower at the northern terminal). The ferries are three and at least two of them go 7 times a day each way (December- March), so you are likely to wait less than an hour. The buses on each side of the ferry are coordinated but when the bus misses a ferry narrowwly, it can add to delay, be prepared to wait some time if you are waiting to go SOBO (for example at the end of GPT22 RH). The bus to primer coral costs 1.5mil. It still stops for some time (15 min? - but the driver was making a big purchase) at Llanada Grande, where the shop is still good and the Entel internet mostly not functioning (receiving e-mails and text messages at most). We got to Primer Corral at 16:00.<br /> <br /> Our plan was to stash extra food near Ford 37.5 (not fordable, maybe in February or better March). It seems it is regularly used for camping. We read T&amp;F got their food stolen so we made sure to hide/bury our duffel bag of food very well. Unfortunately, after I hid it and carried on to the first ford, Tomáš met a pig. The pig tried to invade his backpack despite Tomáš only standing a meter away. He realized quickly our food stash had no hope against this invader. Since he did not know whereIt hid it, he started to pursue me, which only came to fruition at the river &quot;Correntos&quot;, which has a fitting name. Therefore our first day was extremely short. Tomáš took both our backpacks across the ford (had to cross up river near the top of the islands where it divides into three: -42.01786, -71.93876 ) and made camp (lots of spots near the OSM path). The river was above his knees (173cm), but the length of the crossing, doing it three times and coldness made it somewhat challenging. I went back to make the duffel pig-proof, taking the OSM route that follows the river in my way (-42.00228, -71.93336). It was a lot nicer than the road, recommended. <br /> <br /> Day two: Ford camp to outside Ricon Bonito, 16 km<br /> <br /> Since we were both still struggling to get over our stomach bugs, we had a late morning and a very easy day. The simple 16km walk to Ricon Bonito felt a lot harder than it should have. As T&amp;F described this section before, it is partially a MR, with a short detour, turning into a trail midway. From our river camp, the GPT track files follow an old trail used probably mostly by cows now, until a settler: -42.02520, -71.94877. At the settler, who was not at home, we had to zig zag through gates and over one fence until reaching the MR: -42.02707, -71.94872 (it makes a detour probably to cross Rio Correntoso over a bridge). The way to Rincon Bonito is signed with little red arrows. Our first water was located here: -42.01995, -71.98929, shortly after the MR ends and trail begins. The last few kilometres of the MR were recently &quot;upgraded&quot;, so it is quite ugly, and they may be expand it more, but who knows. On the trail, there were two more simple fords. The first ford was a calm creek: -42.01840, -72.04246. There looked to be good camping just before it, would have been a nice place to aim for the first night. The second ford [15.8/164] has a cable car, where the GPT files indicate a bridge. Tomáš went to verify this after we forded and saw other tents camping there as well. Not sure if it was organized or not, probably yes. A little further ahead there is a settler with their own cell tower. Tomáš (who is from Europe) got full bars but my Canadian phone got nothing. There is still water just before the turn off to the viewpoint trail as T&amp;F have noted. We went into Ricon Bonito to see what they would charge us for camping. We were surprised to meet a group of American packrafters who had flewn in that day to paddle down to the fjord. There were 5 of them sharing the 200mil cabin, so not terribly expensive, but the plane from Puerto Montt was 600mil. Kind of nice to know we had a group of river guides near. In the end we were not allowed to camp at this glamping site, it is for reservations only. The men that worked there recommend us to camp at the Bernardita Alegría's (referred to as &quot;abuela&quot; in earlier seasons) place 2km up the valley but they said it was 25mil a night per person, which sounded far too expensive for camping (maybe it included half board?) so we found a place in the forest not far from Ricon Bonito and once again had an early night. It seems that while the valley is privately owned (by several landowners? - settlers still live up there), there are no right of ways issues at all.<br /> <br /> Day three: Stealth Ricon camp to Ventisquero river camp, 20-25 km<br /> <br /> The trail to the view point is steep but easy (~930m in 4km). The men working at Ricon Bonito had cleared the brush the day before, so Tomáš finally almost didn't need his machete. There was a little bit of water on the way up ( -42.03631, -72.09700), but probably best to fill at the bottom. You do not have to go all the way up for a view, there is also a view point after 450m of elevation gain. At the top we decided to split and go on two different adventures. Tomáš wanted to explore the upper Ventisquero river and I wanted to explore the upper Ventisquero mountain (aka go to the highpoint above the view point like T&amp;F considered). Luckily we both had successes and you can read Tomáš's description below. As for extending the trail to a highpoint at 1600m I HIGHLY recommend it if weather is nice. By using satellite imagery and a little intuition, the bushbashing was not bad at all. The bush is that dwarf alpine Lenga that is usually very stiff to walk through, but luckily it was not so dwarf. It was taller than me which made it possible to slither through the understory without much fight. There is roughly 500m of BB, the rest is CC. At the beginning I zig zagged between hidden open spots and then eventually made my way to a ridge-like feature that had many breaks from the bush, and some interesting views. You have to play with this ridge a bit because it is not continuous. Ridge around here -42.05122, -72.09511. Eventually you break free from the bush and enter a dry basin just below the highpoint. It is an easy walk from there and if there is snow you might come across a few small meltwater streams as I did. The views were amazing, it felt A LOT like home but obviously more special. If we did not have a plan to start paddling that day I would have explored the ridge. It easily goes to 1700m and then from there it looks you could connect to the main mountain, it will be a fun trip for one lucky person. As for meeting Tomáš, we planned to meet where the track files hit the river. However I was unable to get to that spot as there were blackberries and cliffs, so I ended up taking the main trail to the river in Ricon Bonito: no one said anything. But when you take this trail down you will hit the bottom and eventually walk along two small boardwalks, just after these boardwalks, the main trail goes left, but dont go left, a better way in is to the right after the boardwalks. It is a sneaky path but it is there and leads you to a nice small beach. Luckily I was ahead of Tomáš and warned him of this new point; -42.02492, -72.09604. We had a nice evening paddle of only a few kilometers, filled up on water at the cable car ford and then made camp in a sheltered bay. Unfortunately the day ended with a torn neck gasket: I ripped my neck gasket all the way to the bottom when taking off my drysuit. I was terribly sad and in disbelief. I had been trying hard to treat it well, not pulling it, covering my face with a balaclava, covering it with a balaclava from sun, treating it once a month with 303 and so on. Luckily Tomáš had one bar of internet ať the camp site so I managed to find a store in Pucón that could ship a spare neck gasket to Cochamo (do not do that, ship things to Puerto Varras instead).<br /> <br /> Tomáš's trip up the Ventisquero valley:<br /> This goes beyond what is in the GPT files - I was not sure why they end up only in the middle of the valley. when one can clearly see buildings and meadows higher up the valley on satellite.Turns out there is a trail to them indeed. There is one more settler, Fredy Alvarado living here with his family: -42.03933, -72.13376. He is signposted, maybe he would provide lodging and stuff too. Up to him, there is an OSM trail. You can divert from it to a cable car over a river here -42.03852, -72.12473 (signposted by Ricon Bonito). From Fredy, the trail continues, it seems to be used by animals and is still fairly clear. When you enter one clearing, trail can be a bit difficult to find, join it here: -42.04754, -72.16677. Then here -42.04773, -72.17127, the trail fell into the river with trees (obstructing it, this part needs to be walked in packraft through a shallow side channel). It is just 50m and can be easily walked around. The meadows are abandoned puestoes that still seem to be grazed. I put in here: -42.04244, -72.18400. One could probably walk further up in the braided river bed if willing to ford, the valley is really pretty with lots of waterfalls and glacier views and the river would be packraftable for a few kilometres more. River itself is stunning (more scenic and wild than Rio Puelo I think) and easily navigable until Bernardita's place here -42.03202, -72.11899, where II or II+ rapids start (sorry, I am only apporixmate in rating). With a bit of scouting and skill (I am not very skilled though), the rapids are navigable though, as I ran them. The second and third are the biggest, and those are the ones I scouted, the following ones are a bit smaller but could have been scouted too. One can also portage and supposedly there is a path maintained by Ricon Bonito along the river bank (see OSM) so bailing out should be easy. Where there is the OSM path to the side valley, there were some cables so I assume a cable car, but did not see it and cables could be for water too, I did not get a good look. Rapids end around our meeting point with Natalie. I definitely recommend this extension especially for packrafters.<br /> <br /> Day four: Ventisquero camp to Puelo Gorge exit, 26 km<br /> <br /> We spent the morning organizing the online neck gasket purchase with one bar of internet and then set off quite late. The Ventisquero river is indeed gorgeous and although it is rated II+, the rapids are small and easily portaged if need be (Tomáš thinks II+ is for the rapid section he did alone - or possibly for spring months with more water). We scouted a few rapids but overall there were no surprises, and obstacles were easily passed. There was very little wood, and the wood that was there was big and obvious with lots of room to go around. I saw only one rapid with possibly dangerous strainers (around here -42.02042, -72.06173 if we postidentified it well). There are two possibly II rapids here: -42.01429, -71.99931 and here: -42.01853, -71.99523. The first one is straightforward, the second one has a good line on the left of the main current. We picked the left side of the river there, hitting our knees a bit - better walk it if you do not take the main current. I personally agree with Jan's description that the river is shallow, we hit our knees a few times (canoe seat). (Tomáš thinks it is &quot;Moderate with occasional ground contact&quot; at most - and this more in the upper part than the part we did with Natalie, that is as long as you pick the correct main line to run rapids, anyway it has a lot more water than Rio Huenuhuenu). There was one more water source for drinking further down the river on river right (-42.01882, -71.98949) and then Rio Correntoso if you trust that (we did going up without issues). I wish I filled up more because it was the last water until Bridge {22N} [7.4/137]. We got to our food stash near Ford 37.5 in ~3hrs. After lunch we headed towards the gorge entrance/hiking section (Rapids Start 6.2). This part of Rio Puelo seemed easier but flowing faster and with more water, no more shallows. There was more wood than the Ventisquero but once again easily avoided. However, there were a couple of underwater logs we almost hit. Tomáš thinks the river is at most I+, when Jan mentions &quot;up to class III&quot; in the manual, that either applies to November or is wrong in his opinion, you can avoid all of the small rapids if you want and keep it strictly at class I. We were totally surprised when we hit the gorge because we were fighting a headwind and thought we were moving slow. Turns out we were still moving fast (~13km in 1.5hrs) and therefore missed the first exit by a hundred metres (the gorge is more than half a kilometre after the exit). We had to walk back up the river and ferry across it to get to the start of the hiking section. It was 17:30 so we just camped there and boiled river water. There is a telecom tower above Puerto Urrutia but we did not test it. Lots of didymo algae. <br /> <br /> Day five: Gorge to end of hiking section, 12 km<br /> <br /> The bypass trail turned out to be a nice if slow (up and down) trail. It is only very little overgrown with some beautiful views of the gorge and powerful rapids within. There was drinking water throughout. We started late and stopped somewhat early. The first ~2km to Settler 7.7 (Christian) was very easy and clear but Bridge 7.4 is not there anymore, there is a new log bridge just up the creek bed (go left after the gate). Two men on very stunning horses were there but we didn't talk for long. The overgrown bit technically starts after this settler but it was ~80% easy to see and follow. The meadow sections are the only places I would often loose it and it was only badly overgrown at the first beach after Settler's 7.7 gate (locked). There, the GPX wants you to walk on the river shore, which is probably a lot easier than the overgrown trail, as long as you find the entrance back to the trail again: -41.87870, -71.96787. Later, it would have been very overgrown after the last hill climb before Settler 15.3 but it had been recently cleared. I was very lucky as it seemed to have been cleared that morning or day before. There were fresh cuts, prints and horse poo. I often found the GPX was off by ~20m, which can be annoying in the forest at times. At the third beach (~6km before end), Tomáš and I split. He wanted to paddle the last bit as he believed it could be a good alternative river in, the rapids looked easily portaged. I was less inclined, so I walked and he took most of the weight and we met back at the normal put in. See Tomáš's notes below. Camping at the end of the hike, beach under Settler &quot;Castanos&quot;, is very nice. There are lots of camping spots on the beach or grass meadow above and some tables as well. Near his boat, there is a tarp set up, if you want shelter from the rain. You can fill up on water at the top near Castanos or ferry across the river to a creek.<br /> <br /> Tomáš: Rio Puelo in the section that is portaged looks like at least solid class III (that was also the assessment of the Americans we met earlier - they said the start of the gorge is 500m of big waves without holes, surveying from an airplane on their way to Rincon Bonito) and technically probably can be run by people who know what they are doing (but do your own research), as the Americans presumably did (but they were river guides). Possibly, you could even put in (somewhat precariously from a rock) at the end of the first beach Natalie mentions above, walking the rapids (the gorge is mostly not closed from then on where there are rapids) if you have got the skills (they are still mostly class III). From what we saw, I am unsure only whether rapid at -41.86224, -71.97834 can be walked, as we could not see the rapid properly. Also possible there are more rapids than we saw. Make your own assessment first.<br /> <br /> Anyway, I put here: -41.85388, -71.98151. This is also a very pretty and comfortable campspot with access to water. There were three more rapids. First one well visible on satellite at -41.85019, -71.97913. It is II or II+, but short and straightforward to run through the center. Could be walked on the left, especially if you have a rope. Then there is a rapid at -41.83779, -71.97925. The main current is probably still III, I did not like it, so I walked it on the right, which was easy (and short, like 10-15 m). The last rapid is here: -41.86224, -71.97834, I would say it is II  (or possibly II+) and I ran it. Natalie was faster as I ate, took forever to set up the boat and scouted all the rapids, which I would recommend you do too. Even with the scouting, it took me about an hour to do this section. The last two rapids were not visible on satellite, so Jan's waypoint ending the rapids is correct. According to my GPS, Puelo drops from 80 m to 45 m over this section, which is about 15m more than the manual says. The gorge is beautiful (but you will see it even if you put where recommened by Jan, it is not over there yet). Puelo here has a lot of that nasty didymo algea thing, it is ugly and do wash your boats after leaving.<br /> <br /> Day six: End of hike to Laguna Tagua Tagua, 28 km<br /> <br /> Rio Puelo was again pretty calm (and pretty) but then somewhat slow nearing the lake. Fresh (last that we saw) water not coming from humans here: -41.80219, -71.99786. We found a nice lunch spot here with picnic tables and nice views: -41.70008, -72.09018. No water but I recommend camping here if you know the lake is going to be too windy to cross and you don't want to take the ferry. However it looks like it sees day trip visitors from time to time. Our plan after lunch was to paddle to the start of the Parque Tagua Tagua hike. However, close to the ferry port the base valve in our middle seat inflation tube ripped (obviously a weak point in our boat as the same spot ripped on the main compartment while on the Rio Ñuble). Luckily it was just the seat but as soon as we could arrive at the port a ferry arrived so we had to wait to go to shore. I stupidly put Aquaseal FD on it rather than taping it and doing the permanent fix later, so we had to be very careful for the rest of the day. The Aquaseal was a battle. I had been keeping the valve clean but the first few centimeters of aquaseal in the tube had turned to concrete and we had to make a new hole to get some out, I wish I had two tubes (FD + UV). In the end it didn't matter too much because the waves and wind were so strong at the lake that we decided not to cross the lake to get to the hike. For camping we went into the trees and found a wind sheltered patch of grass: -41.70132, -72.11486. We boiled water from the lake, probably not great considering the ferry port was right there. It is probbaly 4-5 hours of padddling from end of gorge to the lake.<br /> <br /> Day seven: Laguna Tagua Tagua to Bridge 79.3, 23 km<br /> <br /> We got started fairly early and the lake was easy to cross in about 100 minutes, even with some light tailwind. We stopped for internet at the north side. The first 5km of the Puelo before Rapids 68.9 were more like an extension of the lake, very slow (but pretty). It was easy to stay right at the small gorge before Rapids 68.9. We stopped to scout them and although they were not as strong as the rapids in the first gorge, they had many features we did not like (a giant wave and a possible hole and possible undercuts). If there was more water it would have been possible to stay to the far right of them, but at this time it looked impossible to do so without hitting rocks on our knees (it is possible to walk the boat through here too). So we walked the boat to the far right as GPX indicates, there is not enough water to float the whole way. At the end of the walk (-41.61433, -72.21046), there is a a rapid you enter downstream if you want to re-enter the river. After that we stayed right the whole way, passing some more minor rapids directly after. We hit our knees badly on the last shallow rapid because at the end we went to the left of a center rock, we should have gone right (that was here: -41.60956, -72.21677). We found a nice water supply here: -41.61519, -72.24686. The rest of the Puelo that day was easy and it got a bit slow, we had to paddle against the waves for the last few kms before Bridge 79.3 (it pays to follow the current, not chasing the shortest route). There was a fun small feature (possibly a hole) here: -41.63345, -72.25323 that we rode to the side channel of the river. At the bridge we got out and caught a hitch easily to Cochamo, and prepared ourselves to deal with the broken gear and online orders (the Post office in Cochamo is delivered to only on Mondays, so order your stuff to Puerto Varras instead - we had to go to retrieve the stuff in transit in Puerto Montt). In Cochamo there are many hospedajes, the going rate seems to be 17mil per person. We chose Hostal Arcoíris (-41.49402, -72.30973), we got a small private room for 34mil. There is a large grass area in the back with outside showers to make cleaning the packraft easy, only downfall was it is very popular for Chilean campers. Good fruit shop here: -41.49456, -72.29692.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-18 &gt; 22 / 4,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / 22N &gt; 22-01 &gt; 22S / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT20+GPT21+GPT22<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 2/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Après quelques achats à Cochamo, je continue ma journée pleine de surprises. Sans que je fasse d'auto-stop, une dame s'arrête et je fais 4km avec elle sur la gravel road qui mène au barrage de la CONAF. Il est alors 15h30 et il n'est plus possible de passer depuis 15h, dernière montée possible seulement avec une preuve de réservation au camping La Junta. Pour passer sans réservation il faut se présenter entre 7h et 9h. Je dors au camping 200m avant le barrage. Le dimanche matin, je me fais dépasser par des dizaines de coureurs. Après La Junta, il n'y a plus personne et le sentier est plus difficile et boueux. Jusqu'au km 45, ce sont des montagnes russe. On a toujours l'impression de monter. Je prend la 22-01 puisque le RR est fait pour le packraft, et surtout parce qu'après l'échec du GPT20 pour demander un bateau, je préfère éviter de recommencer, 3 fois qui plus est.<br /> J'ai fait de l'auto-stop 20km sur les 30. J'ai fait quelques courses à Llanada Grande, le supermarché est vraiment bien. Je n'ai pas vu de bateau au km 0 du 22S, preuve que j'ai fais le bon choix. Ensuite sur le RR ça alterne entre route de terre carrossable et chemin ou il faut pousser quelques branches, et enjamber des arbres en travers de la route. Mais le chemin est relativement bon. Attention aux ronces qui sont plutôt répandues ici. Aucun taon. Les 4km avant de croiser la 22-X sont en très mauvais état. Attention à bien passer par les postes frontière Chilien et Argentin, le premier pour sortir administrativement du Chili et le second pour entrer administrativement en Argentine.<br /> JAN-23: Repos Lago Puelo<br /> <br /> * '''23rd of december / 1 day/ hiking/ sobo/ var 12 + boat (rio puelo) + rr (lago inferior) + var 3 / allie'''<br /> <br /> I started in segundo corral where I stayed in a hospedaje. The dueña helped me with the logistics of the boat transfer +56 9 2050 2809. The border control went smooth on both sides. The trail is well maintained and stunning views. When i got to the village lago puelo i tried to cross the rio azul but the current was too strong and it was very deep. I couldnt pass (im 165cm). I went back to the argentinian border control to ask for a boat. They called for one through the radio but no responses. so i had to take the detour to get to la paserela (var 3) which was an extra 13 km more or less to get to lago puelo alto. I passed some people that managed to pass the rio azul 5 km away from the pasarela. But they were quite tall. <br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''(2024/Dez/19-2024/Dec/23) 5 Days/ Packrafting/ NOBO/ Route K/ Lukas, Basil, Maxi and Tabea)'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Entry point at Lago Pueblo and took the bridge over Rio Azul, which looked not easy fordable. The path to the border was easy to find and well kept. <br /> The packrafting route starting at primer corral is easy and nice. The hiking path starting at 15.2 is partly in overgrown and takes a long time. The second rafting section starting at 28 km is also beautiful and easy however the current is quite slow getting closer to the lago tagotago. The lake should be crossed before noon, strong winds pick up at around 12. <br /> Rafting after Lago TagoTago is easy, the rapids need to be skipped. pay attention of water vortex. <br /> <br /> * '''(2024/Dez/12-2024/Dec/17) 6 Days/ Hiking/ SOBO/ Route N/ Lukas, Basil and Tabea'''<br /> <br /> Entry point at Cochamo. Dont forget to register in advance for the park, they will send you away otherwise. In the park the path is well kept and easy to walk on, although a bit muddy. Up to the camping la junta many tourist are on the way. <br /> From el Manso, after the loop, we took a bus to secundo corral. The bus leaves daily at 2pm on the main road.<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-12-07 to 2024-12-11 // 4 days //Hiking // NOBO // RR + Puerto Urrutia to La Junta // Mo'''<br /> <br /> Transfer from Cochamo to Puerto Urrutia and the other side of Rio Puelo with Bus/Ferry/Bus/Bote was easy, then nice walking next to the river, in really short parts completely overgrown, otherwise easy walking until the river crossings where no settler was there but I was lucky to find others to get me over, from El Manso to La Junta you have a minimarket in El Manso and a little further (knocked on the door of the farm house) and a farmer sells eggs (I just asked for eggs) after Lake Viedma. In La Junta there is an expensive minimarket. Other settlers (like in Terrentosa) might also sell food.<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-12-04 to 2024-12-10 // 6.5 days //Hiking // NOBO // RR + Pasarela option, Option 2 (Lago de las Rocas east side) + Gravelroad between Llanada Grande and Rio Manso // MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> In general: no dofficult river crossings, the biggest challenge was the mud between Rio Manso and La Junta. Navigation was mostly without difficulties.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Easy trail to the argentinian border. Arrived at 5pm and needed to wait until next morning for the stamp. Camped at the beautiful and free camping next to the carabinieros. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Got my stamp and continued. Lovely trail with nice vies until the chiliean carabinieros. Easy bordercrossing. Took the alternative at the east side around Laguna de las Rocas. At some point i saw a sign, indicating the trail is closed due to fallen trees. I continued, the trail got wider. Then i reached the farm of german settlers. A woman (Vivi) approached me and we talked. She told me, my GPX-Track is wrong, because it want's me to cross their private property. Last days people climbed over locked fences, what bothers them. Should walk outside of the fence. On the other side Vivi waited for me and asked me to walk the original trail with her daughter. Got invited to lunch, later her daughter walked with me on the original trail (indicated by a sign &quot;Lago Azul 6km&quot;), while she cleared it with a machete. I did record it with my Smartphone. Sent it to Jan, you also can find it in the facebook group. <br /> After the ford of a river the trail in the dense forest was partly covered under fallen trees. Several times i needed to check the GPS. Camped at a tiny lake near Lago Azul.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Didn't follow the GPS around Lago Azul, because it lead's through the property of a settler. Instead i stayed outside of the fenced area. Found signs indicating i'm on the right track, directly before i reached the shore of the lake. The path up to the gravel road was partly overgrown, but doable. <br /> <br /> Walked on the gravel road, later i got a hitch to the supermarket in Llanada Grande. Very good shop for a full resupply. After resupply i didn't find a hitch, walked 3 hours until a very nice chilean took me the last kilometers. Stayed at Camp {22N} [45.2/44].<br /> <br /> Day 4: Due to the steep up and downs + the mud i was much slower than expected. Met 2 very nice settlers on horseback. Bridge {22N} [51.8/146] (Rio Steffen) has a cable car instead of a bridge. Settler warned me about it. Didn't know how to get inside, because it drives away when you don't hold the rope at the same time. Decided to ford the river instead, was knee-deep. 4 more easy fords along my way to the nice campside at Bridge {22N} [63.0/337] (Rio El Colorado).<br /> <br /> Day 5: Trail was in better conditions the next hours. At Torrentoso there is a open shelter with lots of space for tents around. Along Lago Vidal the trail got muddy again. Bridge {22N} [80.9/645] doesn't exist, but very easy to ford. The forst half of the ascent to Lago Grande was easy, but the second half was very muddy and challenging. Wanted to camp at Lago Grande but, Camp {22N} [83.8/1001] is fully covered under a huge downfall of several big trees. Trail along Lago Grande is in poor condition (fallen trees + mud). Camp {22N} [84.9/1012] is a beautiful campspot.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Began with the poor trail. Directly after camp, there is a hole where the trail should be. Campspot near the tiny lake. Later one more huge downfall. Trail improves a little bit until El Arco, but due to mud i was very slow. 4 easy fords until the refuge. Rio Arco was knee-deep, easy ford. Met the first hikers directly after the crossing. Mud was getting even more, improved at the descent. Ford Rio Traidor was not difficult, again knee-deep. Ford Rio La Junta could be avoided, because above Toboganes there is a bridge. Didn't know. Could stay at Camp Trawen (13mil), was plenty of space for more tents. They have a small kiosk. Toboganes waterfall is worth to be visited. <br /> <br /> Day 7: Easy trail in the beaufiful rainforest from La Junta to the reception. Hiked on the gravel road and luckily i got a hitch to Puerto Varas.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-02-19 to 2024-02-24 // 6 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + Option 2, 1B, 1 + Variant I, J // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Lago Puelo - lago de las rocas (east) - Lago Azul - Lago Totoral - Llana Grande - El Manso - Lago Vidal Gormaz - La Junta - Toboganes - mirador Arcoiris - Anfiteatro - Cerro Trinidad - Cochamo <br /> <br /> The section begin with the crossing of Rio Azul, wich was not difficult at this time of the year. Then easy track to the lovely Argentinia border, I slept on the camping there. 8 more kilometers to arrive to the carabineros office. Easy border, nice people. <br /> <br /> Then due to the landslide on the RR (carabineros confirm me that the track is still not praticable there) I continued along Lago de Las Rocas, on the eastern side, following the option 2. Pretty easy to follow.<br /> <br /> At some point there is a junction, with a sign indicate Lago Azul - 6Km on the right. I followed it, even if it get me out of the GPX file (and the nice and easy to follow track). Not sure it was a great idea, I ended up on a sort of small bush-bashing areas that I managed to pass threw and after few kilometers, finally found back the option track, clear and easy, and continue my way.<br /> <br /> Then you arrive to a big farm, the one from Jonas, a German native arriving here when he was a child, grow up there and have now a family, living in nature, along the lake, cultivating fruits and vegetables, and selling woods. Very nice man, interesting discussions ! After his farm, you'll follow the valley but keep the left in the woods straight after his farm, if not you'll arrive in a big swampy area. <br /> <br /> The track is less obvious and there's a lot of fallen trees. Few check on the GPS was necessary. Then you reach the Lago Azul. The GPX file is going inside the property of a settler. He's a nice guy but his dogs less, one bites me ! (Not hardly, but still!). Just be more careful than me going there, or go around the property. <br /> <br /> One last hard push to reach a gravel road, that you will follow until El Manso (30km a bit boring), but easy to find camping and food, especially around Lago Totoral. Resupply at Llana Grande, big supermarket with everything you need. <br /> <br /> At El Manso, there's a minimarket next to the cervecería wich is a place where you can camp. The track is quite easy to follow, and quite physical with all the ups and downs. I had rain for two days and this stretch was muddy, especially along the Lago Vidal Gormaz. Then it becomes VERY muddy until La Junta. I had the feelings I will never finish this stretch, and I felt few times in the mud. <br /> <br /> I was definitely not presentable when I arrived in La Junta, and the contrast was huge with all people well dressed with clean sports clothes who smell good the fresh perfume of lavenderia ahaha. <br /> <br /> I wanted to do Arco iris, but the track is closed because of a landslide. So I opt for the glaciar Paloma wich was surprisingly technical and steep. <br /> But the surrounding worth it, the glaciar Is amazing, the fact that you can enter into it is mad ! I slept up there, there's a little circle with rocks to put your tent. <br /> <br /> Then I reached Cochamo and enjoyed great food, confortable hostel and relaxing atmosphere<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-09 to 2024-Feb-16 / 7,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Gerald'''<br /> <br /> First: I wouldn't do it if there was a lot of rain. Did it after a week of rain in 2019 and it was a mud hell until El Arco. Now it seems at least until junta the trail improved (not sure). For those who don't own a trekking pole, organize a stick early... you won't have mich fun with the muddy situation otherwise.<br /> <br /> The bus leaving Puerto Varas at 8:30 (Bus stop at -41.31617, -72.985396) charged 7k. Surprisingly they drove me to the trailhead, last time i had to walk from the bridge, guess it depends on the bus. If you want to get a seat you should probably take the bus in Puerto Montt, had to stay the whole ride. Seems like they will also stop along the way if you wave (check the cochamo insta for an overview of the schedule and route of the bus).<br /> Arrived at the checkpoint at 11:45. After explaining my trip and that i will stay at El Arco they let me pass (without a reservation). They just ask you to register before you go.<br /> Stopped at la junta to make a coffee and enjoy the view. They sell veggies they grow on site.<br /> If i remember rights from Rio Trador on it gets really muddy. It rained 4 days ago and mud was not a big issue until that river. <br /> <br /> Anyway, arrived quite late at 8pm at the shelter. There is a path to the right to a place to pitch couple of tents. After Rio Traidor (-41.407173, -72.092915) would also be a nice place to camp<br /> <br /> In average only 2 tabano/day annoyed me, what a time we live in... Finally<br /> <br /> Dona Luisa has a nice spot on the southern side of the lake Vidal gormaz.<br /> To give you idea, here a short pricelist:<br /> 5k camping, <br /> 3k for a beer (brahma or Sol), <br /> 7k for a bottle of wine, <br /> 12k for dinner (meat, salad and bread), <br /> 1.5k for cheese<br /> <br /> Camping at the settlement Steffen looked nice. Unfortunately i chose a spot next to a way too curious bull...<br /> <br /> The camping at the brewery in El Manso is not worth a penny (they charge 5k). It's basically a dry piece of land full of goose shit. Engine on petrol runs untill 10pm. Only wifi is positive. I couldn't find a good spot to camp nearby. I would camp way before. Bus supposed to arrive between 14:30 and 15:00. Luckily a car took me to Puerto Urrutia where i continued. Hostel Puelo Libre looked nice next to the beautiful river. Hiked until the north west side of lago las rocas.<br /> <br /> Ricardo (?) offered me a ride for free to the other end of the landslide. But I chose to cross the whole lake by boat. He charged 30k (I was alone). The radio is not anymore at the &quot;port&quot;, but you can walk to his house (just continue the MR, first house at around [-42.019089, -71.861245] to your left, if you want to avoid the dogs take the small trail to your left once you see it).<br /> <br /> Leaving Chile without the PDI document was not an issue (I requested the paper 5 days in advance and only got an auto response...). They did not even ask. Good views on the lake from now on. Spend an extra day at the camp next to the AR border control. All in all, nice hike! <br /> <br /> Missed the bus to El bolson by 5mins. Seems like it's more towards x:30h. I think they run every hour. Got a ride with a car for 1k to the city. If someone is fancying good sourdough bread i can recommend &quot;El Obrador&quot;<br /> <br /> The Post office is also doing Westernunion here (check Googlemaps reviews for more Infos)<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-03 to 2024-Feb-09 / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> If you decide stay at Segundo Corral, and take the boat to Argentina.<br /> <br /> NO NO NO <br /> <br /> NO NO NO<br /> <br /> DON'T DON'T DON'T stay at Mari Mari Peni Camping, (or another name) Amancays Camping.<br /> <br /> I saved a girl hiker almost RAPED by the campground owner, and I'm pointed by a rifle gun force me to stop helping her at the night on 07/02. About the details, i type it and upload later.<br /> <br /> It is already reported to Chile carabineros and Consulate in Chile.<br /> <br /> * '''GPT22 2024-01-31 to 2024-02-05 / 5,5 days days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Cochamó options/ Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> After a month and a half, we finally did something standard! From Puerto Varras (the bus stop on Avenida Vicente Perez Rosales just after Antonio Varras street) we took a bus at 8:38 going from Puerto Mont that went all the way to the end of MR to the &quot;Road end&quot; waypoint (aka the trailhead). At our hostel (Casa Apel), they told us it would arrive at 8:45. Not sure if this is the same bus that others said would pass Puerto Varras at 8:15 or if it just goes to the road end only in high season. It was 7000 per person - I think they might charge double for backpacks, it seemed expensive but happy they took us all the way.<br /> <br /> We were at the entrance at 11 AM and were let through for free when we told them we were going to El Arco. Nat worries this excuse won't last long. The way to La Junta is really busy (met maybe 50 people and about ten horses), easy and without many views as it goes through a forest. When we reached La Junta, we decided that the valley is too special to just walk on by, so we decided to try our luck and ask for camping in order to do the side trips. We asked all the campsites and only La Junta let us stay, 8000 CLP per person. Nat says it is important not to spread the word as they were nice people and did us a favor even though they were not supposed to allow people without reservations to stay. So, do not expect to be let in. We had a numbered site so I think they genuinely had some places free. If nobody had places, after ford 98.9, there is a maze of paths and mini-meadows on the left where I saw somebody camp illegally. If you hide your packs well for the day and then camp from dusk till dawn, you would probably get away with it. Alternatively there are some flat spots in Trinidad valley two hours up - if you start so that you would arrive by dusk, you should meet nobody.<br /> <br /> The side trips are steep but not challenging, many people take them. We went to Paloma [November 2024: in our suggestions and in OSM, like the next option too] in the evening, it can be done in three hours there and back if you do not stop (we did). We started going up at 1715 and saw last person going down at 1830 or so. It is quite splendid and fun, there are a couple of places you have to use a fixed rope. OSM says there is a route to Cerro La Junta. It is probably an exit route for climbers, I did not see any traces of it, but it looked like it was possible. If it is, one could probably continue all the way to Cerro Capicua.<br /> <br /> Arco Iris is still closed. If it were open I think one could follow the ridge, which is not very steep or outcroppy, all the way north to above GPT21 - only there is probably no way down [November 2024: in the Facebook group, it was said that somebody died there and that is why it is close, so maybe there is nothing wrong with the path, but it is closed officially for sure].<br /> <br /> The next morning I went to the Trinidad Valley and all the way up to Cerro Bella Vista and Nat went ahead to escape the approaching rain. The roundtrip takes about 7-8 hours. There is a marked travelled trail to the pass (&quot;El Paso&quot;), the last 300 vertical meters or so are marked by cairns. You will need your hands occasionally, but it is not exposed or particularly hard - SAC 4. The views are well worth it. It seemed most people only go to La Laguna (lake just under the pass). We started at 6 AM and I met the first people on my way down around noon at La Laguna. The way up through Camping Vista Hermosa (the current GPT track) is not supposed to be used by people not staying at the campsite. The proper way up seems to be the more western trail that is marked on OSM. Going back down trough camping Bella Vista was without issues though. They told Natalie you are not supposed to use their cable car (the one more upstream). Tomáš thinks you should use it as it is the only one that you can use without going through either of the campsites (the downstream one goes directly from La Junta campsite). No horseflies by now!<br /> <br /> I left the camping at 15:30, and met only one group of hikers all the way up to the second Camp waypoint at Lago Grande. It is a nice camp, bigger than the first, but no good water sources. Wild legal camping, if I get it right. Refuge El Arco is unmanned, it is just a simple wooden hut. I would only use it in case of severe rain. The way up was almost all dry after two weeks of no rain. Mostly through forest, with some nice views of the valley, a few more fords than indicated, but they could all be jumped.<br /> <br /> The next day it rained (5mm?) from 4 AM till 11 AM but it was not enough to make the trails substantially muddy. Nat had camped under a tree on a bench at Doña Luisa (5mil) and despite the rain was mostly dry without a tent. Tomáš had camped at Lago Grande and the tent got very wet (but not his sleeping bag). The bridge before Lago Vidal is not there but there was a nice log. There are some pre-colonization rock paintings after Lago Vidal, one probably needs to make a sidetrip to see them based on the information signs near Torrentoso (trail 22-10 was signposted; trails in the valley are well maintained so I assume the option is good to go). On the last meadow before the gone bridge at 51.8, there was a cherry tree that still had very tasty miniature cherries in the beginning of February. It is behind the house to the left of the trail, maybe 40 m from it. I discovered it by going south of the house (nobody seemed to be in it). Do not miss the turnoff of the trail from the meadow - I went straight, there was initially a trail but petered out into a landslide. Camp at 45.2 is nice but bring water (reach it by turning left from the trail cca 50-100 m beyond the imaginary shortest route from the trail to the camp, that way you avoid any vegetation, there is an opening in the fence (-41.70438, -71.99186). Finally met Natalie after two days of escaping rain, she found a dry spot under the tree canopies there. Shop in El Manso is better than expected (has good veges and fruit) but not as good as the one in Llanada Grande. El Manso also is besides a cerveceria with wifi (you have to buy the beer). The bus only came at 1530 despite being told it comes at 1pm. In almost three hours of waiting, we did not manage to hitch a car. <br /> <br /> The bus indeed stops at Llanada Grande for 10 minutes or so - it is not really enough to orientate yourself and buy lots of supplies. The supermarket had lots of nectarines! Should you want to go to Puerto Urutia, the bus does not go there so you need to get off and walk the minor road there. We could not get reliable Entel internet reception anywhere in the valley (calls were fine) along the bus route.<br /> <br /> We went to Primer Corral to do 22-08. The first few km are not a pleasant road to walk on. We decided to turn back as bad weather was coming in two days and it did not seem worth it. Not sure how far the road for cars goes. There seems to be regular but sparse traffic on it.<br /> <br /> We walked back for about an hour on the main road before getting a hitch for the last 3 km to turnoff to 22-02, as others indicated the RR is badly passable due to a landslide. The MR we walked was aesthetically dreadful and supersteep. We had to climb a locked gate right at the start. We found a miniature camping spot (dry) about 200 m before the signposted trail turnoff. In the morning a lorry driver waved at us so probably no issues with climbing the gate. Luckily the trail is much nicer than the road. We met the settler at the lake Azul, he let us walk through his property. The few km to the first very small lake are actually an undriven MR, but very pleasant, it does not seem to be connected to the road network. After 2 km, one turns left onto a trail, there are new signposts indicating you ca go to the &quot;Frontera&quot; or the lake - go to the Frontera. Until the pass, it is very clear. After the pass, the visibility deteriorates somewhat but no bush bashing is involved. Soon after that, there is a gate saying there is no trail afer a harsh winter. We went further and it turned out there is a trail. There were some trees on it, but not too much and we lost it only for about 50 m. From setler at 11.4, the trail is much more clear. Met a seemingly lonely girl from the next homestead with whom we had a lovely chat. The trail to the border control was easy, we came there at 1530 and were let through. They told us that it would be ok to reach the Argentinian border control the next day. They too had a very ripe cherry tree but did not pick up on my appraisal of it and did not suggest I get some fruit.<br /> <br /> We met several people on the way to Argentina border. We camped there (wild permitted numbered camping sites - there was about twenty other Argentinians, the functioning toilets are unsigned immediately next to the Police building, the building that looks like the old toilets is closed). The next day we had no issues with getting a stamp and going down. The last CC part is a trail. We forded the second ford a bit earlier than suggested, it was waist deep but very slow moving. Took a bus at 1340 to El Bolson - seems to run regularly (the dog bandits there are aggressive, watch out).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-19 to 2024-Jan-24 / 6 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + day trip / Lotti &amp; Alex'''<br /> <br /> We did this section mostly as described by Fangwen and Tobi (El Manso to Cochamo base camp), so there is not much to add. We stayed at La Junta for 2 nights and did a very nice day trip to Cerro Bellavista (see description further down). The trails were very well maintained all the way. The only minor problems were mud and lots of horse flies. Like Fangwen and Tobi, we were happy we did the section NOBO, because the landscape gets more and more spectacular. This way it is also much easier to get to camp at La Junta without reservation, because they always reserve some space for hikers coming from the south. <br /> It was a beautiful hike and especially the area around La Junta is really spectacular and worth visiting. We even met a fellow GPT hiker there, which was great! <br /> <br /> Transportation:<br /> <br /> To start:<br /> Bus &quot;Rio Puelo&quot; from Puerto Varas to Lago Tagua-Tagua at 8:20am, then ferry to Puerto Maldonado, then bus to El Manso. We arrived at the trailhead around 1pm.<br /> <br /> after hike:<br /> Bus from end of trailhead (&quot;Cochamo base camp&quot;) to Cochamo/Puerto Montt at 1pm.<br /> <br /> Day trip to Cerro Bellavista:<br /> <br /> Start at La Junta on GPT Variant G, following the signs to &quot;Trinidad&quot;. It starts by crossing the river with the little cable car. After the walls of Trinidad, stay on the trail and follow the signs to &quot;Laguna&quot;. The official trail ends there, but there are stone cairns and ribbons marking a trail that goes up to the pass. The laguna is crowded, but we didn't meet anyone further up. The view at the pass is already great, but you can go up even further. Turn to the left and follow the stone cairns until the summit. It is not difficult, just walking and easy scrambling, and the view is absolutely spectacular.<br /> The whole tour has about 1300m of altitude difference. It took us around 5h to go up, and 3-4h down. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-07 to 2024-01-14: Fangwen and Tobi / 2.5 days Ventisquero Valley (Option 08 + more), 4 days El Manso to Cochamo RR / NOBO hiking.'''<br /> <br /> We did two parts along this enjoyable section, connecting them by hitchhiking and resupplying in between in Llanada Grande.<br /> <br /> The first part was hiking ~20km into the scenic Ventisquero valley (Option 08), alongside a wonderful river on an enjoyable and easy hiking trail through farms and rainforest that mostly follows an old minor road. It's often better to follow the well-marked trail rather than the GPT track files. A highlight of our trip was hiking up to a fantastic viewpoint at 1100m with a view of the whole valley, its remote side valleys and glaciated mountain peaks. The trail (900m elevation gain, 4.5km) through the thick rainforest is steep but excellent in quality and easy to follow (but the turnoff at S 42° 01.737', W 072° 05.643' is easy to miss). This and other trails in the valley are not part of the GPT files yet, but GPX files can be found on the website of Rincon Bonito (glamping accommodation for groups) that presumably created the trail. We camped by the viewpoint; what a wonderful experience! There are plenty of places to pitch up a tent, but little protection from wind. We found a wind protected camp in a dried-out puddle at (S 42° 02.705', W 072° 06.193'). Make sure to bring water, since the last reliable water source is in the valley, just before the turnoff onto the steep trail. From the viewpoint, we attempted to climb the local mountain, but beyond 1500m, it appears to require bush bashing. Our track: [[Media:GPT 22 Ventisquero Viewpoint.gpx]]. [https://rinconbonito.cl/experiencias/ The GPX on their site].<br /> The viewpoint is within the Pumalin National Park, but the whole valley seems to be private property and camping is forbidden outside official campsites, which begin quite far into the valley. There are plenty of spots to pitch up a tent nonetheless (which is what we did).<br /> For packrafters, going down the river must surely be a highlight! Rincon Bonito offers packrafting (maybe only for their guests?), they describe it as class II+.<br /> <br /> Our second part followed the regular route 22N from El Manso to the Cochamo trailhead. This was an enjoyable hike and we found the trail to be in good condition, although it gets pretty muddy around El Arco (and that's after one week of sunny weather). There is quite a bit of pointless up and down between km45 and km79. Additionally, our hiking distance was often 20-25% longer than expected, as there are many switchbacks too small to be represented on the track files. We liked hiking this section northbound, as the rainforest and the views get more and more impressive as you go along. La Junta has a lot of local hiking options (e.g. hiking into the Anfiteatro valley or on top of Cerro Trinidad), but we didn't spend any extra days because the weather was turning.<br /> <br /> Logistics: to get to the start of section 22, take the daily bus that leaves at 7.45am from Puerto Montt (stops at 8.15 in Puerto Varas at intersection el Salvador/San Pedro S 41° 19.081', W 072° 59.038', and later in Cochamo). The bus company Río Puelo has a ticket office in Puerto Montt, their WhatsApp number is +56 9 7408 9199. From there, take the ferry across Lago Tagua Tagua and the connecting bus down the valley to your respective trailhead (El Manso for the Cochamo valley, Primer Corral for the Ventisquiero valley). Note that travel is slow... We arrived at the Primer Corral at 4pm. We left a bag of food for the second half of our trip. Unfortunately it was visible from the parking lot and got stolen, so we resupplied at the Llanada Grande supermarket. The bus makes a stop there for ~15min, if you want a quick resupply there (it's a bit bigger than in El Manso). We hitchhiked to El Manso, which worked after two hours of waiting/walking (not a lot of traffic).<br /> <br /> If you are in the Llanada Grande area, go to Camping Reflejo Azul. The campsite itself is average, but it has the most beautiful river we have ever seen in our lives. Visit this truly special place before Instagram influencers find out about it and it becomes overrun by hordes of tourists. Day access is possible also for 5.000 CLP.<br /> <br /> Photos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/permalink/1732098767296002/?app=fbl<br /> <br /> * '''&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;2024-Jan-4 / 7.5 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RH + OP-LK-2 + RP / Lauren &amp; Sebastian&lt;/span&gt;'''<br /> <br /> Note: We were told a reservation is needed for a camp site at La Junta to be allowed into the valley from Cochamo side, so we did that. However, one of the wikiexplora entry mentioned that they were allowed in when mentioning that they wanted to camp at El Arco Refuge but we read it too late. Camp Trawen is the most expensive (15k per person), which is the reason why it’s been available on short notice. There are several other sold-out camps around for 8k-10k.<br /> <br /> Day 1: We hitchhiked to Cochamo Base Camp at 9am and reached Camp Trawen by 2pm. It would have been better to go on the El Arco Refuge straight away and camp there. It’s a touristy stretch and in our view not really worth doing, if you like the general quiet nature of the GPT.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Camped at the beach at Lago Vidal. Easy hike but lots of ups and downs.<br /> <br /> Day 3: We packrafted Lago Vidal and had a good lunch at Luisa’s place (make sure to drop by!), before continuing on to Torrentoso (not the paid camp, but on the meadow a few hundred meters after the official camp). <br /> <br /> Day 4: The bridge at wp Bridge {22N} [51.8/146] (Rio Steffen) does not exist anymore. It’s not a demanding ford but there are short steep ups and downs on both sides. We stayed near wp Settler {22N} [50.1/307].<br /> <br /> Day 5: We rivered in at wp Rio Manso. The ride was super scenic and beautiful and there were no rapids, just a bit of boiling water but nothing difficult, which might be due to different water levels compared to previous accounts. It’s 45 minutes from there to the bridge at wp Bridge {22N} [40.8+0.2/36]. We rivered out behind the bridge on the right side. There is a nice flat beach which leads to the cabin of Harv and Veronica. They let us camp on their land and even offered a hot (wood fired) shower for 2.5k per person. There is a cervezeria and shop across the road for resupply.<br /> <br /> Day 6: We took the bus at 1 pm to intersection at wp X {22-01} [25.0/187] and went on OP-MR-V (along Hunter’s estate) to Lago Azul. You will be charged 5k per person to access the lake. We crossed Lago Azul with strong waves and tailwind so we sailed to the other side in no time.<br /> <br /> Day 7: Crossed Lago de Las Rocas, Lago Inferior, and Lago Puelo to the Argentinian border control which opens at 8am next morning so we camped there. Next day we finished at Lago Puelo which is a popular tourist beach.<br /> <br /> Tip: It is a hot &amp; dusty walk to town from the beach and hitchhiking is not as easy in this part of Argentina as in Chile. Keep some small change of USD or Argentinian pesos for the bus ride to resupply in town. If you plan to continue packrafting Lago Puelo on GPT23 after resupplying, the earliest bus back to the beach reaches around 7.30am but it will be too late as the wind picks up by 8am. Lago Puelo is known for its strong gusts so it’s best to check wind forecast and paddle early morning 5.30am to cross. Therefore it may be easier to camp at one of the campsites nearer to the beach instead of staying in town. Just go there for resupplying.<br /> <br /> *'''2023 Dec OH-TL-V / Anh'''<br /> Note: the trail OH-TL-V alias Cerro Arco Iris [from La Junta] was damaged by big rocks in the last season and is completely closed. A new route or repair is not in planning.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-17 to 2023-12-21 / 5 days / Hiking + &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO /RR &amp; Option 01B / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Route: Hiking from Cochamó to El Manso. Bus to Lago de Las Rocas. Packrafted the lake and Lago Inferior. Hiked to Lago Puelo.<br /> <br /> Due to the border crossing, there is a thread about it on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/permalink/1709504102888802/. I applied online - no answer. Went to the carabineros in Cochamó they couldn't issue it, so I went without it (it worked without a problem)<br /> <br /> Started in Cochamó (there is a bus to the entry I just got him by hitchhiking so I don't know the schedule) and had a reservation for Camp Trawen (Fruit, Groceries, Electricity). This is getting checked at the entrance if you have one. The trail to the camp was a bit muddy (2 days of rain before the start) but all doable. The next day went to the northern end of Lago Vidal Gormaz and slept there at Lake {22-05} [7.9/604]. Bridge destroyed at: -41.43696, -71.96632 and Bridge {22N} [63.0/337] (Rio El Colorado). Both are crossable dry feed due to trees. Generally, there is no fording necessary after Lago Vidal Gormaz. Before yes. Packrafted Rio Manso. There were no rapids on the map, it's mentioned in the Manuel that it can be challenging. There are some rapids but all are doable and manageable (I am a beginner with kayak experience and an open deck packraft). You can get easy access to the river at -41.692561, -71.972725 this is 300m after the mark in the file. There is a dry river bed to avoid BB to get to the River. The river is fast flowing. Follow the GPS only at one point where the river splits pay extra attention: turn left as shownin the GPS: -41.698615, -71.985482 . Went out at the south side of the bride: Bridge {22N} [40.8+0.2/36] (Rio Manso) on the right side. There is a trail to the street with one gate where you can walk through on the right side. The shop Settlement, Shop, Bus {22N} [40.7/36] (El Manso) has good supplies and free WiFi. The trail to this point is very good. Based on previous comments and a chat to a local I want to skip at least to Puerto Urrutia [comment in: 2023-FEB-01 to 2023-FEB-07]. There is an official bus going all the way from Rampa Punta<br /> <br /> Maldonado -&gt; Segundo Corral. Find the schedule here: https://imgur.com/a/7MVEscb . The shop owner said the bus is normally there at 02:00 PM. The bus was there in my case at 02:30 PM. This bus stops at the large supermarket [Supermercado Llanada Grande] a great place for a last resupply). The bus also stops at Puerto Urrutia but I went all the way to Lago de Las Rocas and used OH-MR-V {22-01B} [8.2+1.9] to get to the lake. Started packrafting at 05:00 PM. The start was fine. The wind got worse during the evening and was to my capabilities on the maximum with serious waves. Strong wind from the north. It was pleasantly paddling after going through the gap at -42.069608, -71.813735. Camped at Lake, Camp {22S} [21.8/314]. Got there at 07:45 PM. Crossed the border without any problems. Packrafted Lago Inferior and got in the water here: Lake {22S} [20.9/201] at 10:00 AM. The wind got stronger but manageable. Exited the lake at 11:15 AM at -42.102244, -71.742575. The trail back to the RR is good to hike. From there, the trail is in good condition. Due to the higher water in Rio Azul fording and therefore the RR is not possible. You get also the recommendation from the Argentinien carabineros to take Option 03. I didn't want to take this and followed the RR to this point: -42.091481, -71.633667. From there I followed the trail to this point: -42.09399, -71.634188. There is an old dock [image here: https://imgur.com/a/5LMsKA1]to put in you packraft. The trail can be downloaded at the end of the comment. There I packrafted with very strong onshore wind and if it hadn't been for only 300m I wouldn't have done it to (03:15 PM):-42.096114, -71.628682 ,and walked from there to the end of GPT22.<br /> <br /> Overall: great section! It's a nice trail to hike and packrafting rRioEl Manso is a lot of fun and a great change in perspective after hiking for a few days. After that, the trail continues bto bein a good condition. The conditions for Lago de Las Rocas should be closely checked. I would definitely recommend it!<br /> <br /> Trail download: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5q7YZzDoW3qlKypqwBg<br /> <br /> Contact: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * '''&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;2023-Dec-03 to 2023-Dec-12 / 9 days / PACKRAFTING / NOBO &amp; SOBO / Jordan Jennings&lt;/span&gt;'''<br /> Route:<br /> <br /> took bus to Primer Corral&gt;Arroyo Ventisquero&gt;Rio Puelo (walked 13km of rapids through canyon)&gt;Lago Tagua Tagua&gt;Rio Puelo&gt;Estero Reloncavi to Cochamó (nobo) took bus back towards Primer Corral from Cochamó, asked to be dropped off near Lago Azul.. Lago Azul&gt;lago las rocas&gt;Lago Inferior&gt;Lago Puelo&gt;Lago Puelo town (sobo).<br /> <br /> Highlights:<br /> <br /> Arroyo ventisquero: is well worth a visit, packrafting or hiking. I got told that there is a hostel run by an abuela 4km further up the valley from Rincon Bonito (posh cabins) where the route on track files stops (c20km up valley from Primer Corral). Between the hostel and Rincon there are rapids, so be prepared to walk back to Rincon to put boat in water. The river from Rincon to Rio Puelo is stunning and very easy in packraft.<br /> <br /> Lago Azul: If you flip flop (as recommended if packrafting), and return back to Primer Corral for sobo travel as Jan mentions in the manual, ask the bus driver to drop you at Lago Azul, rather than taking the bus closer to the Lago las rocas trailhead/Primer Corral. The 3km walk from the bus stop to the lake is easy and I got super lucky and passed a local horse race (Carreras) on a Saturday. Maybe ask ahead when they are on?!<br /> <br /> Other comments:<br /> <br /> The hiking section bypassing Rio Puelo (first set of) rapids through canyon, the 13km or so took me all day. Parts of the trail were barely a trail, very slow kms. Although I was also a bit sick so my experience might be tainted. The alternative is taking roads on the right hand side of the river.<br /> <br /> I hiked the section between the Argentinian border patrol and lago puelo town (13km) which passed through some stunning farmland (lago puelo can get angry with wind as with any big lake). The dotted line section or shortcut which requires two river fords was impassable for me. Rio Azul was not even close to being fordable mid December. And even if you did pass, you would have to take the road to Puelo anyway.<br /> <br /> In terms of transport to Primer Corral, the bus leaves Cochamó at 10:30am and Puelo at 11:30am (same bus, which I think starts in Puerto Montt v early). From the ferry there’s another local bus that will essentially drop you wherever you want (en route) to primer corral. Super easy.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''2023-Feb-18 to 2023-Feb-23 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + 22-01 / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> A lot has been already written, so just a few comments from our side:<br /> <br /> No problem with entering the valley in SOBO direction, until the noon aprox., saying you will spend the night at the refugio El Arco - they have some time estimate for this hike and can’t let you in if its late. By the entrance you can buy some useful things that might be hard to buy in Cochamo, like gas or peanut butter. There was also a beer truck with quite good wifi connection (only during summer). Crowds of people in both directions, quite muddy trail. Detour to the Toboganes is definitely worth it. We spend the night after all in a marked camp aprox. 4 kms before the refugio and it was a good decision - there were quite a lot of people when we passed by the next day.<br /> <br /> From the refugio its nice and easy walking. We spent the night on the southern side of Lago Vidal Gomaz where is amazing campsite Doña Luisa, for I think 5000 CLP pp. We bought there beer, some cheese and bread in the morning, and you can also charge electronics inside. It is possible to have proper breakfast or dinner, it looked all very tasty. At km N 40.7 is shop with all the basic things + great brewery next to it, definitely stop there if you are a fan.<br /> <br /> Based on other comments and our time schedule we decided to take the alternative 22-01 to Llanada Grande. This is a good resuppy spot as there is a new and big (at least in comparison to what you would expect in a place like this) supermarket that replaced the old one destroyed by fire. Good place to stay is a campsite at the end of the village, on the right side, run by really nice lady. Not expensive and if its free, you can stay for the same price in a so called refugio, that is actually just a very small room, but for us better than a tent. Hot water and electricity + possibility to buy pizza and maybe some other small things - there is actually no restaurant in the village. Some more road walking around Lago Totoral to Rio Puelo to connect back to RR. In general not very attractive part of the trail. Great restaurant in Hostal Puelo Libre with local beer and view on the river.<br /> <br /> From the port its again easy walking on the RR again. Drunk settler and quite agressive dogs out of his control at S km 7.2 so be careful. We slept half way to Las Rocas lake. We thought about taking the RR around the lake, but the landslide caused by snow (aprox. 1.5 km from the port) looked quite difficult to pass. We discovered there is possibility to cross the lake on one of the locals boat, which we did in the end. We were lucky that after waiting for some time in the port a car with locals arrived. Happily for us they arranged a boat transfer with other residents to get to the other side of the lake, where they went for a lunch. We were able to go with them, and after picking up their friends, we all hop off the boat close to the police station. Great experience and we learned a lot about this area and people living here. We paid 10k CLP. In the comments here is a contact for the guy with a boat, but without signal it must be arranged in advance, and the price might differ when not sharing the transfer with others. No problem with the border check. It took us around 4 hrs to get to the argentinian side, where everyone was super friendly as well. They offered us to camp there, but we decided to make it to Lago Puelo, which took us 2 more hrs. The landscape changes significantly on the other side where everything is more dry. No problem with the river crossing. We got off the trail directly on the main road.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023-FEB-01 to 2023-FEB-07 / 7 days / hiking / SOBO / Cochamó - Lago Puelo / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We hitchhiked from Eco Camping El Valle to the entry of the park and arrived around 8 am. We told them that we would camp at the Refugio El Arco and explained our further route. Until la Junta there were lots of chilenean tourists, therefore the path was very good only with some muddy stretches. Like Véronica we walked to Toboganes, a waterfall/stream with beautiful rock formations. There were tons of people, but it's worth it. La junta seems to be an amazing place for rock climbing, we would have loved to have some climbing gear with us.<br /> <br /> After la Junta there were almost no more hikers. We camped next to the Refugio, as there were already two other groups of hikers sleeping in the Refugio.<br /> <br /> Until Lago grande there are still some muddy stretches and blowdowns, but generally it is a good path. From there on the path is perfectly maintained. We camped at approx. km 66 next to Río los Morros. <br /> <br /> Nice path until El Manso. We resupplied at the minimercado and camped next to the river, which was a beautiful camping spot with lots of delicious blackberrys.<br /> <br /> The next morning we arrived at Señora Ocos house around 8 am. She contacted multiple people and luckily found out that there was somebody crossing the river to our side at 11 am. The man, whose name we unfortunately forgot, was super friendly and dropped us off after the river mouth of Rio Traidor, close to where he lives. He charged 10.000 CLP p.p.<br /> <br /> The path to the first settler was mediocre and afterwards got worse and worse until it was almost pure buschwhacking. It was the worst we had so far on the GPT. Thorns.. Lots of thorns tearing away at your clothes, backpack and skin.<br /> We camped at the river at approx. km 12, which was a beautiful spot.<br /> Until the settlement Las Nieves the path continued beeing bad with lots of bush bashing. The settler told us that no locals use that path and she also told us that there are no regular boat transfers to Puerto Urrutia on weekends (it was sunday..).<br /> We wouldn't do that stretch next to Rio Puelo again and instead hitchhike from El Manso to Puerto Urrutia.<br /> <br /> At the boat transfer waypoint to Puerto Urrutia we had Entel service and contacted one lodging on the other side. They told us to go to the last house 1km back to ask for a transfer (it's the house of the man who does the boat transfer on weekdays). But we got lucky and a boat passed by and took us to the other side. The man on the boat also told us that the path from Río Traidor to Puerto Urrutia &quot;is closed&quot;.<br /> <br /> We continued to Lago verde, where we planned to camp, but it's surrounded by dense forest, apart from a private property.<br /> That spot is amazing, a little landing stage to go swimming, a great view and a very friendly owner. She even baked some delicious apple bread for us. For camping she charged us 8000 CLP p.p.. That was definetly worth it.<br /> <br /> After Lago verde there is a minimarket. We didn't check it out, but there is no resupply wp yet.<br /> <br /> After reading previous blogs and having had enough of thorns we decided to cross el Lago de Las Rocas by boat. Therefore there is a walkie talkie on the landing stage on the northern end of the lake with which you can contact Richard. We also got his number (+56958694897), if you want to contact him in advance. When we arrived at the lake, there were already lots of people waiting for the boat so we just waited with them and after some time got knocked the boat with them. The ride was really nice across the crystal clear blue water and we were charged 5000 p.p.<br /> <br /> From the southern end of the lake it's just a couple of minutes to walk to the chilenian border control. We continued on and camped at km 30 at the river. Again a really beautiful spot.<br /> <br /> The next day we passed the argentinian border control and continued to Lago Puelo.<br /> <br /> The section was really beautiful, except the part with the thorns. There are lots of streams along the whole trail, so one does not need to carry much water. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-29 to 2023-Feb-02 / 5 days / hiking / NOBO / RR mostly / Frank'''<br /> <br /> I got the bus-ferry-bus from Puerto Montt to Segundo Corral. To avoid the landslide at Laguna Las Rocas &amp; delays with the river ferries I walked on the road from Segundo Corral to El Manso, about 50KM. Easy but not very interesting walking. It takes a full day to get from Puerto Montt on the bus to Segundo Corral so I believe it would be better to go SOBO with an early start to get through La Junta, otherwise you need 2 additional days for travel. <br /> <br /> Stayed @ nice &amp; cheap campsite at bridge over Rio Colorado &amp; camped at El Arco. The trail approaching El Arco was muddy &amp; a bit swampy (it had been raining). It's possible to go by boat across Lago Vidal Gomez but it's an easy 3 hour walk. <br /> <br /> Got the bus again to Segundo Corral &amp; ferry to Paso Bolson. The trail across the border is generally in good condition. There is some easy bushbashing on the Chilean side for about 1KM before the border &amp; some fallen trees but they are straightforward to go over. Rio Azul was easily fordable in early February.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-10 to 2023-Jan-14 / 5 days / hiking / SOBO / RR, also GPT22-01 / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Cochamó - La Junta - Lago Vidal Gormáz - El Manso - Puerto Urrutio via Option 1 - Lago Las Rocas - Lago Puelo (Argentina) <br /> <br /> The borders of Paso El León and Paso El Bolsón are both opened again for tourists! Go for it! It is a beautiful section with wonderful people, such a contrast to where I started the GPT further north. <br /> <br /> In Cochamó, I stayed at Eco Camping El Valle, right at the entrance to the Cochamó River Valley. Paid 7000 clp, very nice campground, there are tarps over the picnic tables at each site so you have a dry place to hang out even if it rains :) Since I spent the night so close to the trailhead, it was easy to get to the guarded valley entrance (Road End {22N} [109.8/58]) early. I did not have a camping reservation for La Junta. I arrived at the trailhead at 7:30 a.m., explained my route to the staff, saying I would stay at Refugio El Arco that night. They let me through no problem. The trail to La Junta is a bit muddy, but nothing bad, my feet stayed dry in my trailrunners despite the fact it was also raining off and on. Beautiful path through the Valvidian rainforest, I really enjoyed all the green and the moss. When I reached the La Junta area, I stashed my pack in some trees and made a short detour to Las Toboganes. They are only 0.7 km off the regular route, and highly worthwhile to see! What a spectacular area, I totally see the Yosemite resemblence, and would love to go back someday. <br /> <br /> I found the trail after La Junta (all the way to Lago Vidal Gormáz) to be in good shape, contrary to what others have written. It was maybe slightly less maintained than the popular trail leading into the valley, but it was still very clear and easy to follow — not overgrown, no blowdowns, just a bit muddy in some places. Granted, it has been drier than normal so far this summer. None of the fords went above my knees, and sometimes I could cross the creeks without even getting my feet wet, all very easy. <br /> <br /> The refugio at El Arco is dark and without any furniture inside. I found it much nicer to camp in the nearby meadow just south of the trail there. There are outhouses. <br /> <br /> Nice path from Lago Vidal Gormáz all the way to El Manso. Very beautiful in this valley as well. Met a few arrieros along the way. Most of the rivers have bridges crossing them. There is a small camp at the bridge over Río Colorado. <br /> <br /> In El Manso, I topped off my food supply at the shop on the main road. It has a good selection of food items. Then I went to Señora Oco's house to try and arrange a boat transfer over Río Puelo. She and her family are very friendly and welcoming. I arrived there mid-afternoon, but she could not get in radio contact with anyone on the other side. In the evening, we heard back from Hospedaje Nancy, who charged 60,000 clp for a crossing upriver all the way to Río Traidor (where she lives). This I found too expensive for me traveling alone. Señora Oco baked some bread and I was able to buy some. She also said I was welcome to camp in the fields behind her house while waiting for a response from settlers Paulina and Jovino regarding a crossing to their place (much more direct and therefore likely much cheaper). The next morning, we still hadn't received any response from Paulina and Jovino either via radio or Whatsapp (they may have been away). Because of this, I decided to take the gravel road to Puerto Urrutia (Option 1), and forgo crossing Río Puelo, unfortunately. Despite this setback, I'm really glad I got to meet and spend time with Señora Oco and her family, they are such kind people. <br /> <br /> I was able to hitch most of the way to Puerto Urrutia, where I rejoined the regular route. The trail from there all the way to Lago Las Rocas is mostly easy and clear. There were a few confusing junctions in the vicinity of Lago Verde, so I kept a close eye on the GPS there. After crossing the road after that, the beginning of RR -TL-V {22S} [2.8/7.1+2.7] is tricky to find. There are lots of fallen trees and many forest paths. The GPS was very helpful there too until I finally found the right path. After about 700 m it merges with a nice clear path all the way to Lago Las Rocas. <br /> <br /> As has been previously reported, there is a large rockslide about 2 km in once you reach Lago Las Rocas. It didn't look overly dangerous to me, the boulders were large and seemed solid enough. I started crossing it right at the bottom where the rocks fall into the lake, as it looked to be the easiest and safest way across. I was maybe 50 meters through it, when a boat came along, and the people in it told me to hop in! What lucky timing! As we passed the rest of the rockslide, I could see the last part of it was steep, loose scree rather than big boulders. That part would have definitely been nerve-wracking to cross, and I was very grateful for the boat ride. The settlers who owned the boat live about 3 km along the trail, at a little bay/inlet in the lake. They have a nice beach and campground too. That's where I rejoined the trail. Beyond their house, the &quot;Camino Los Mosquitos,&quot; as it is locally called, gets progressively worse in terms of overgrowth and blowdowns. The trail has not been cleared since the past winter, and not been used either. The stretch between kilometers 4 and 6.5 is the worst. It felt more like pure bushwhacking than following a trail. The path was mostly burried beneath walls of downed trees and branches, it got very hard to follow at times. Lots of climbing over and under vegetation, some of it quite thorny too. Very slow and tiring. My pack got ripped up a bit and so did my clothing. Had I known the trail was this bad, I would have taken the option on the east side of Lago Las Rocas. It's hard to imagine it could be in worse shape than the regular route. <br /> <br /> When I got to the Chilean Border Control it was around 6:30 p.m., so too late to cross that day. The border agent working there was very friendly, but he couldn't get in contact with his supervisor to get approval for stamping my passport with the next day's date. So I camped back at Lago Las Rocas, and the next morning came back at 8 a.m. when the border post reopened. The trail on the Chilean side of the border was a bit rough in places, it has been neglected since the winter too. But it was not as bad as the previous stretch along Lago Las Rocas. Once I got into Argentina, it got much better. The trails in Parque Nacional Lago Puelo are well-maintained, and I met some day hikers. No issues at the Argentine Border Control. <br /> <br /> I was able to ford Río Azul easily, thanks to the dry weather. There are three branches of the river to cross (the GPS waypoints only show two of them). The middle branch is the widest and deepest. The water there went up to my upper thighs (I'm 165 cm), but the current was slow and it never felt dangerous. <br /> <br /> Now I'm skipping down to GPT32 to continue my adventure further south :) The northern sections that I hiked from 6 to 22 were simply amazing, with great weather almost the entire time. Thank you, all! <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Oct-19 to 2022-Oct-24 / 6 days / hiking / SOBO / RR / ???'''<br /> <br /> Here are the main points because our story is long :)<br /> Paso el bolson and El Leon are closed for tourists until further notice <br /> Some of trails are in bad condition because of the hard winter but they might be cleared in the following weeks. <br /> Landslide in Lago Las rocas - very dangerous part to cross. We suggest to take an optional route <br /> <br /> The trail starts in valle cochamo. We did not have any reservations but as we were in low season we were not worried. However the lady from the tourist office in Cochamo told us to arrive at the entrance of the valley between 7 &amp; 8 to avoid being rejected. At 7h50 there was nobody at the reception so we did not have any trouble, but we cannot say for the high season. <br /> You can arrange a car transfer to go the valley entrance. The numbers of the drivers are available at the tourist office.<br /> <br /> The trail until La Junta is muddy but well maintained - no worries there. Up there we met some arrieros and the locals from the camping and they told us that the trail was closed a bit further because of snow (up to 2 meters) in laguna Blanca. This is the highest part of the trail (about 1100m). The river crossings were feasible, but as they forecasted rain for the next day, we preferred to turn back in order to avoid being blocked between high rivers and snow. <br /> <br /> Back on the road between Cochamo and Puelo, we caught at about 10:30 the bus that leaves at 7:45 from Puerto Montt, to go to Rio Manso. There is a well furnished Shop where you can even find gas. <br /> We remained in the Southbound direction and went to Senora Oco's house. She was very welcoming, and her and her grandchild helped us in arranging a boat transfer for the following morning (nothing was possible the same day). We paid 50000 pesos to go from their house to Rio Traidor - close to Nancy hospedaje. Indeed, we skipped the first part of the trail as they told us that it was very closed with a lot of small trees and not used anymore. Maybe it would be cheaper to cross a bit south using the cable car or directly from Manso to Rio Traidor.<br /> <br /> Until the Rio Tigre, settler # 22N [7.7/157], the trail is visible but sometimes with some obstacles (fallen trees). After this settling, you will have to cross the Rio Tigre which might be the hardest to cross on your way if you have a lot of rain. There is a bridge indicated on the tracks but it has been swept away this winter. The best place to cross is a bit higher following the river, follow the horse track. We did not have any problem crossing, and probably the settler could help you with his horse if the river is too high. That is an advantage of the Southbound direction.<br /> <br /> After, the trail is really clear. We found the last transfer across Rio Puelo about 1 km before the point indicated on the track. It is his job to do the crossings and he also does sportive fishing if you are interested. Look for a house with a border collie with a piece of wood around the neck :) <br /> <br /> From Puerto Urrutia, the trail is clear again until the road. There is a shop at 600m on the right. Again here, the trail is closed due to fallen trees at the beginning, but the locals (last house on the right) will help you find another path. Clear trail until Lago Las Rocas. <br /> <br /> Once you reach the Lago Las rocas you will be blocked after 2km. Indeed there was a landslide this winter and you have to cross a very dangerous part of about 300 m of rocky mountain slide. It is not stabilized yet. We went through but we do not advise it. <br /> Also, there were a lot of fallen trees and the path was really tiring. The locals will probably clear the path in the following weeks. To get more information we suggest to contact the camping Playa Las Rocas on Instagram. <br /> You can also consider the other routes or arrange a boat crossing. <br /> <br /> Finally we arrived at the border crossing. Unfortunately it was closed due to the Covid, except for the very locals (people from Cochamo). Apparently Paso el Leon is closed as well for tourists. Be aware of that if you have to cross the Chilean- Argentinian borders, as small passes seem to be closed for tourists. <br /> In the end we had to go back to Puerto Montt crossing the Lago inferior with a free boat (ask the carabineros), and then the bus-ferry-bus from Segundo Corral.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;2021-Nov-23 &amp; 2021-Nov-25 / 2 days / Packrafting / SOBO / Estuario de Reloncavi from Ralun to Rio Puelo (Western shore) / Jan Dudeck &amp; Meylin Ubilla&lt;/span&gt;'''<br /> <br /> We paddled in two easy days the roughly 40 km southbound.<br /> <br /> Start at Ralun at Puente Petrohue: On the right side of the bridge (view in river flow direction) is a suitable put-in and good spot to camp. The gate was closed but not locked. There are signs of people occasionally camping there.<br /> <br /> Ralun to Cochamo: Packrafters in need to resupply can do this in Cochamo about 16 water kilometers from the put-in. Both, the western and eastern coast are suitable for packrafting. The eastern side is next to the main road what facilitates switching to hiking. The western side is less intervened and more scenic.<br /> <br /> Ralun to Rio Puelo: Again, the western and eastern coast are suitable for packrafting. The eastern side is next to the main road what facilitates switching to hiking but requires the crossing of a 4 km wide bay in open water. The western side is less intervened and more scenic but requires crossing the 3 km wide Estuario de Reloncavi near Rio Puelo. On the western side are also the Termas de Sotomo that are suitable for camping.<br /> <br /> Wind: On nice sunny days “viento sur” often kicks in around 10 am making southbound paddling difficult or unfeasible. We had two partially overcasted days and could paddle on the first day till 4 pm when wind became annoying strong. On the second day around 3 pm the wind and waves became unpleasant but by this time we were walking the final kilometers into Rio Puelo.<br /> <br /> GPT22: Southbound packrafters may take in Cochamo or Rio Puelo the bus to Lago TaguaTagua an get to the recommended packrafting starting point of section GPT22 halfway into this section to Flip-Flop as recommended.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-NOV-18 / 1 day / hiking / NOBO / Cochamó Valley (Lago Tagua Tagua - Lago Grande) / Tobías '''<br /> <br /> The Section between La Junta Base and Lago Vidal Gormez was very challenging. It had been raining a lot, so the Trail was very muddy and I had to cross several rivers and creeks. Went straight from Cochamó to Lago Grande and camped there in some Snow. Met only a few settlers. After reaching Lago Vidal Gormez, the Trail was easy and I enjoyed the hike a lot. Amaizing área up there!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-FEB-18 to 2020-FEB-21 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tyler '''<br /> I didn’t have problems getting a campsite at la junta on the spot luckily. AMAZING area that I’ll be returning to again to do all the day hikes in. Aside from that, most the trail was very muddy, rainy, and unmaintained. This got a bit difficult after the 3rd day in a row. Good places to camp at the lakes over the pass SOBO. When I got down to Lago Vidal Gomez the trail improved.. I got some bread from a settler at the start of the lake. There right on the trail and super friendly and have rooms. The last ferry across Tagua Tagua leaves at 7 pm. I didn’t make it, so I slept underneath the office/bathrooms and took the ferry at 8:00 the next morning. I believe there’s another ferry at 12. <br /> <br /> * '''. 2020-Jan-09 to 2020-Jan-11 / hiking / SOBO / RR / Shaun'''<br /> <br /> Despite the austere warnings on the La Junta Camping website, I was able to make a reservation at short notice in high season, and the back and forth process only took a few hours. In Cochamó, I was warned that due to recent rain the river crossings at El Arco and another nearby river would likely be impassable. With four more days of heavy rain forecast, I decided to take the bus-ferry-bus combo to Puerto Urrutia and try to walk northbound from there with the optimistic hope that by the time I reached El Arco the river would be passable or, at least, the wait would be less. However, 10km north of the Rio Puelo crossing (service starts at 9am) my way was blocked by a high and fast river. I then retraced my steps and completed the rest of the section southbound - which was straightforward. The trail on the west side of Lago de la Roca until the frontera is a bit overgrown but still easy to see and nothing particularly slowed me down. On the Argentinian side the trail is well maintained. It is not permitted to camp on the 12km stretch between the border posts. I arrived too late to cross that day, but the Chileans stamped my passport with the next day’s date so I didn’t have to wait for the post to open at 9am. The Argentinian border guards informed me that because of the rain, the Rio Azul was too high to ford at the point on the regular hiking route just before Lago Puelo so I took the alternative route (Oh-Tl-V@22-04-#001) a few kms north and crossed over the La Pasarela bridge.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-22 to 2020-Jan-26 / 5 days / hiking / SOBO / parque de la vallee de Cochamo - La Pasarella / Arnaud '''<br /> <br /> As we arrived from Puerto Montt we were with the bus and stopped directly at the entrance of the private parque de la vallee de Cochamo.<br /> As it is private, there are some rules to get in, or they block you at the control point.<br /> The entrance is free but you need to have a reservation in one of the official camp sites there. To get the reservation, you can do it on internet (but you need to wait for the confirmation and it can be several days long), or do it directly there (red house), they give you the reservation voucher if there are places available (number seem to be limited). Then you pay the night when you reach the camp sites (6000 clp/pers).<br /> Or the other solution is to say that you sleep in the refugio del Arco. It is 23km further after the control. Then it is free and no reservation is needed, but this is possible only before 10am (after they block you). After 10am the only way to pass is to sleep in the camp sites. They block you if you do not have a<br /> reservation voucher for one camp site.<br /> This spot (la Junta) is famous among the chilenos so the access to the camp sites is really overrunned. The path is easy to walk.<br /> Once you go further than the campsites, you're alone, so it is better.<br /> The path is clearly marked. There are bridges for most of the rivers you cross. But it is very muddy.<br /> At the lago Vidal you can resupply a bit with those living there (you can also sleep in their camp sites).<br /> In El Manso you can find a minimarket with lots of things.<br /> Then, we decided to follow the road instead of the track because we were in a hurry with a deadline in El Bolson, until we reached la cruce de la rocas. There are buses or hitchiking is easy.<br /> Crossing borders was easy. There are 12km between the chilean stamp and the Argentin one that we did in 3.5 hours.<br /> At the very end we have not not crossed El Rio Azul, we walked 7 more km to the north to reach La Pasarella.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *In Cochamo go down towards the lake. There is a church on the left &amp; before you reach it there is a hospedaje on the right, good &amp; cheap.<br /> <br /> Really nice Cafe (Materia Cochamo) with a good selection of coffee, cake (Kuchen) &amp; sandwiches ca 50 meters before turning right to the cheap campsite.<br /> <br /> *There is a good place to stay NOBO 500 metres before the junction where the road turns towards Laguna Las Rocas. Farmhouse on RHS of road has rooms &amp; meals. Cheap, friendly &amp; good<br /> <br /> *In Segundo Corral there are two campsites. The first one is just before the school, it just says Kuchen but you can camp there. Cheap, nice family &amp; they do meals. There is a campsite after the school but the owner was drunk &amp; looking for an argument.<br /> Lots of campsites at Lago Totoral (on the road, not on RR)<br /> It's possible to camp near the Argentinian border control.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *2023 / Martin &amp; Helena<br /> We spent the night on the southern side of Lago Vidal Gomaz where is amazing campsite Doña Luisa, for I think 5000 CLP pp. We bought there beer, some cheese and bread in the morning, and you can also charge electronics inside. It is possible to have proper breakfast or dinner, it looked all very tasty. At km N 40.7 is shop with all the basic things + great brewery next to it, definitely stop there if you are a fan.<br /> <br /> *Zapatoria Puerto Varas.He is located in the back corner of a market like building across the street from the Santa Isabella on San Bernardo street. San Bernardo &amp; Del Salvador. I payed extra (10mil total) to have them finished and ready to go that day<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> * February 2023 / Gerald<br /> Bus lago puelo - El bolson: <br /> According to the timetable the bus is leaving from the lake every full hour from 7am till midnight<br /> <br /> * January 2023 Frank<br /> To avoid the landslide at Laguna Las Rocas you can walk on the road or get the bus to Segundo Corral then from Lago Inferior about 1.5KM from Segundo Corral there is a ferry to Paso Bolson (Chilean border control).The government subsidised ferry runs Monday-Friday only from 8-12 &amp; 2PM-6PM &amp; is only 2000 pesos. You need to radio the ferryman to arrange pickup, easily done in Segundo Corral.<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anna &amp; Christopher <br /> We decided to cross el Lago de Las Rocas by boat. Therefore there is a walkie talkie on the landing stage on the northern end of the lake with which you can contact Richard (+56958694897),we were charged 5000 p.p.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2023 / Martin &amp; Helena<br /> From the port its again easy walking on the RR again. Drunk settler and quite agressive dogs out of his control at S km 7.2 so be careful. We slept half way to Las Rocas lake. <br /> <br /> *Northbound and southbound hiking is feasible. However, due to the controlled private southbound access through the La Junta área, hiking in that direction is only possible with a camping reservation, or by arriving at the checkpoint before 10am. A northbound traverse may therefore be preferred. For hikers generally heading south, it is possible to take the single ticket, half-day bus-ferry-bus combination south from Cochamó to Puerto Urrutia, hike the 120km north to Cochamó, then return to Puerto Urrutia and resume the section southwards from there.<br /> <br /> *Crossing the border is typically straightforward, however it is not permitted to camp on the 12km between the border posts. So if you arrive too late to cross, it is necessary to camp at the border post and cross the next day. In this situation, Chilean officials will stamp your passport with the next day’s date so you don’t need to wait for the office to open that morning.<br /> <br /> *Southbound access to the popular La Junta area is controlled at a private checkpoint and only granted to those with a prior camping reservation, or those arriving before 10am and therefore early enough to make it on to the free and unmanaged El Arco campsite 23km away. Reservations for La Junta can be made online at cochamo.com, but there may not be availability and the process may take several days, so hiking this section southwards may not be possible.Therefore, an option for hikers generally heading south is to take the bus-ferry-bus combination from Cochamó across Lago Tagua Tagua and on to Puerto Urrutia, hike 120km north back to Cochamó, then take the bus-ferry-bus south again and hike the remainder of the section southwards from Puerto Urrutia.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT22 - Cochamó]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[Archivo: | ]]<br /> <br /> {| border=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-collapse:collapse&quot;<br /> |+'''GPT22: Cochamó'''<br /> | colspan=&quot;4&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| GPT22: Cochamó<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Hiking<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Packrafting<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;|Group<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | D: Lagos Chilenos<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Total<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|'''160.6 km'''<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|'''51 h'''<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| '''136.6 km'''<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|'''35 h'''<br /> |-<br /> | style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;|Region<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Chile &amp; Argentina: Los Lagos (X) &amp; Chubut<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Trails (TL)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|137.9 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|85.9%<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 20.3 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|14.9%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Start<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Cochamó<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Minor Roads (MR)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|10.8 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|6.7%<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 1.8 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 1.3%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Finish<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Lago Puelo (Puerto)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Primary Roads (PR)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|9.7 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|6.0%<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 2.8 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 2.0%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Status<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Published &amp; Verified<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Cross-Country (CC)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|2.2 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|1.4%<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 0.5 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 0.4%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Traversable<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Dec - Apr (Maybe: Sep, Oct, Nov, May)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Bush-Bashing (BB)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| -<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|-<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Packraft<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Very Useful<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Ferry (FY)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|(1.8 km)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|(1.1%)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| -<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|-<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Connects to<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | GPT21, GPT23<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Investigation (I)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| (1.9 km)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| (1.4%)<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Options<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | 268 km (9 Options &amp; Variants)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Exploration (EXP)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| -<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|-<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Hiking<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Packrafting<br /> | rowspan=&quot;4&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| <br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Total on Water<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| '''111.1 km'''<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| '''81.4%'''<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Attraction<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|4 (of 5)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 5 (of 5)<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| River (RI)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 62.5 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 45.7%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Difficulty<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|4 (of 5)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 4 (of 5)<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Lake (LK)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 32.4 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 23.7%<br /> |-<br /> | style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;|Direction<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|Both ↓↑<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|Both ↓↑<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Fjord (FJ)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 16.3 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|11.9%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Comment<br /> | colspan=&quot;7&quot; | Hiking: Flip-Flop recommended<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Character<br /> | colspan=&quot;7&quot; | Packrafting: Flip-Flop recommended<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Challenges<br /> | colspan=&quot;7&quot; | Valdivian Rain Forest, Sea Coast, Farmland, Settlers, River Packrafting, Lake Packrafting, Fjord Packrafting, Partly Overrun<br /> |}<br /> <br /> [[File:profile GPT22.PNG|frame|center|Elevation Profile of Regular Hiking Route (2019)]]<br /> <br /> [[File:profile GPT22-p.PNG|frame|center|Elevation Profile of Regular Hiking Route (2019)]]<br /> <br /> &lt;gallery&gt; <br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_109520254.jpg|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_109520443.jpg|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_115282465.jpg|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_115282466.jpg|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_109447503.jpg|thumb|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_101648648.jpg|thumb|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_104321335.jpg|thumb|<br /> File:Bahia ralun.jpg|thumb|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_109447491.jpg|thumb|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_109447496.jpg|thumb|<br /> &lt;/gallery&gt;<br /> <br /> [[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT22_(Cochamo)&diff=119937 2025-02-02T12:16:25Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> * General advice : The Regular Route is best hiked between December and April. The primary obstacles are high river levels early in the season and after rain. During the peak period of January and February it may be difficult to obtain a camping reservation at La Junta which could prevent a southbound traverse (but people were usually let through when they say they go all the way to El Arco).<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-01-25 to 2025-01-27 / 3 days / Packrafting / SOBO (partly) / RP / Thijmen Scholten'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> * Primer Coral has a very nice campspot. Chance there will be kayakers around doing the upper section of Rio Puelo with class 5 rapids you can watch them paddle it, it's insane. <br /> <br /> * I heard there is a cabin you can stay up on Río Ventisquero would be a nice option and you can leave part of your gear/food at the camping. And do an overnight trip. Rio Ventusquero supposed to be very nice. <br /> <br /> * I was lucky to go with another group of Kayakers into the Rio Puelo and into the rapids at the Canyon. I had no whitewater experience but the camping owner convinced me it was doable and safe even if I fall. It was nice to paddle the Canyon and the waves felt huge. I had a decked packraft that still filled with water, which was nice and made it more stable.<br /> <br /> * So if you are here and get the chance on going with a group of Kayakers into the Canyon and rapids , it will be a nice experience <br /> <br /> * First I would continue after the rapids and the pickup would take my backpack. But I decided to go back with the pickup to Primer Coral and continue next day towards Argentinia. <br /> <br /> * First part of the trail from primer coral to Lago de Las Rocas is closed the settler there told me. You can join the trail from road V723. But I went from Lago Azul. <br /> <br /> - The trail (blue line) towards Lago Azul already started earlier. * From the road at you left side there is already a sign with trail towards Lago Azul. <br /> <br /> * Lago de Las Rocas went fast with wind in the back. <br /> <br /> * I had to stay at the border crossing because they only had electricity at 7 p.m. to register me. Next morning from 8.00 I could pick up my passport. I did not fill in am online form beforehand and that was no problem. <br /> <br /> * I went to the Argentinian border crossing that is indicated at the map. But because I was with a boat they did not let me. I had to get my passport stamped at the maritime office at the end of the lake at the beach of lago Puelo. So if you decide to skip lago Puelo/El Bolson than you better not show that you are by boat and pretend you are walking.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-01-25 to 2025-01-27 / 3 days / Packrafting / SOBO (partly) / RP / Thijmen Scholten'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> * Primer Coral has a very nice campspot. Chance there will be kayakers around doing the upper section of Rio Puelo with class 5 rapids you can watch them paddle it, it's insane. <br /> <br /> * I heard there is a cabin you can stay up on Río Ventisquero would be a nice option and you can leave part of your gear/food at the camping. And do an overnight trip. Rio Ventusquero supposed to be very nice. <br /> <br /> * I was lucky to go with another group of Kayakers into the Rio Puelo and into the rapids at the Canyon. I had no whitewater experience but the camping owner convinced me it was doable and safe even if I fall. It was nice to paddle the Canyon and the waves felt huge. I had a decked packraft that still filled with water, which was nice and made it more stable.<br /> <br /> * So if you are here and get the chance on going with a group of Kayakers into the Canyon and rapids , it will be a nice experience <br /> <br /> * First I would continue after the rapids and the pickup would take my backpack. But I decided to go back with the pickup to Primer Coral and continue next day towards Argentinia. <br /> <br /> * First part of the trail from primer coral to Lago de Las Rocas is closed the settler there told me. You can join the trail from road V723. But I went from Lago Azul. <br /> <br /> - The trail (blue line) towards Lago Azul already started earlier. * From the road at you left side there is already a sign with trail towards Lago Azul. <br /> <br /> * Lago de Las Rocas went fast with wind in the back. <br /> <br /> * I had to stay at the border crossing because they only had electricity at 7 p.m. to register me. Next morning from 8.00 I could pick up my passport. I did not fill in am online form beforehand and that was no problem. <br /> <br /> * I went to the Argentinian border crossing that is indicated at the map. But because I was with a boat they did not let me. I had to get my passport stamped at the maritime office at the end of the lake at the beach of lago Puelo. So if you decide to skip lago Puelo/El Bolson than you better not show that you are by boat and pretend you are walking.<br /> <br /> *'''25Jan2024 - 28jan2024 / hiking NOBO / RR (El Manso to Cochamo) / 3 days / Clara'''<br /> <br /> From Cochamo to get to El manso, there is the bus - ferry (lake tagua tagua) - bus. First bus pass at Cochamo every day around 10am. It comes from Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas before. <br /> First bus is 3k. Boat 1.3k. 2nd bus 500. <br /> <br /> At El manso there are 2 little negocios. In front of the first one there is a cervecería with a nice terrasse, artisanal beer and wifi. Sadly it was closed on this super hot begining of afternoon ! <br /> There is an inconstant but working phone coverage there (entel). <br /> <br /> Lago Vidal Gomez. Possible to ask at the camping to cross the lake by boat, Francisco do the traverse during summer. 35k that can be devided until 4 people. May make you pay less if he has to go to the other side anyway to get other people. The family here also sell good bread, vegetables, beers, sweets,...<br /> <br /> Because of rainy night, I slept on the north side of the lake at the first house. Marguerita has a sort of barn where you can sleep/pitch a tent and also make fire (for 5k). Dry toilets and water. <br /> <br /> Then trail was on better conditions than I expected. <br /> Camp sites along lago grande are really nice. <br /> Refugio El Arco is a really good shelter if bad weather (all in wood, nice roof, closing windows). <br /> <br /> Between El arco and la junta very muddy trail but nothing impassable even after a rainy night. It just slow down a lot. <br /> <br /> The valley is really nice. <br /> <br /> La Junta - Cochamo : overrun +++. <br /> <br /> There are multiple buses going back to Cochamo from the end of the trail <br /> <br /> <br /> *'''2025-JAN-20 to 2025-JAN-27 / 7 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (Var. 01 / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel)'''<br /> <br /> Stage 22 is one of the longest sections of the GPT, but from our perspective (also thanks to our route choice), it wasn’t particularly difficult. Due to health issues and plenty of time (we had a scheduled meeting in Bariloche on a specific date), we took the stage quite leisurely.<br /> <br /> The first part to La Junta is very busy, with a large number of day hikers. That wasn’t really our thing, so we rushed ahead into the wilderness, which starts right after the camps in La Junta.<br /> <br /> In the Rio Puelo valley, due to health issues, we chose Variant 01 and rejoined the RR at Puerto Urrutia at the start of 22S.<br /> <br /> The most surprising and interesting stop on the trail for us was meeting señira Alexandra at Lago Verde, where we spent an entire morning on the lake on boats and doing deep water solo climbing. (More details in the BIVOUACING section.)<br /> <br /> ENTRY INTO VALLE COCHAMÓ<br /> <br /> The first major challenge is entering Cochamó Valley, but it’s not as complicated as it might seem.<br /> <br /> The entry checkpoint is at Road End {22N} [109.8/58], and access to the valley is free. However, due to high visitor numbers, there are relatively strict regulations. To be allowed entry, you need to follow these rules:<br /> <br /> If you want to camp near La Junta, you must have a reservation through www.reservasvallecochamo.org and bring confirmation of your reservation to the checkpoint. Entry is permitted between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.<br /> <br /> If you want to camp at Refugio El Arco, no reservation is needed, but entry is only allowed between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.<br /> <br /> The time restrictions aren’t enforced too strictly, but you shouldn’t arrive much later. According to locals, it’s also theoretically possible to enter very early in the morning before any staff arrive, avoiding the need to follow these rules.<br /> <br /> However, we personally recommend adhering to the official regulations. There are many visitors (often with little or no experience), and if the beauty of this valley is to be preserved, some regulation and monitoring are necessary. This is also why camping outside of the designated campsites in the valley is prohibited.<br /> <br /> For GPT hikers, the best option is to enter the valley in the morning, explain your plans, and then hike to El Arco, where there is plenty of space for tents and camping is free. (Although volunteers manage the site and, like at the entry point, record visitor details.) If you follow this approach, there’s no reason you wouldn’t be allowed in, and you will still comply with all the rules.<br /> <br /> CHALLENGES<br /> <br /> Ford at Rio Traidor {22N} [95.9/340] was very easy. All other fords on this section were also crossable with dry feet, except for the final fords over Rio Azul at the very end.<br /> <br /> Bridge {22N} [80.9/645] doesn’t exist, but the river can be crossed on fallen logs.<br /> <br /> Bridge {22N} [51.8/146] (Rio Steffen) was washed away. There is a cable car alternative, or you can cross using fallen logs.<br /> <br /> At Settler {22S} [7.2/215], a man yelled at us from a house, saying we shouldn’t walk there. He seemed angry, and we didn’t feel like arguing. Instead, we walked a short stretch along the road and then rejoined the trail by climbing over a valley (near coordinates -41.98297, -71.88292). This involved a short bush-bash and crossing a creek on fallen logs.<br /> <br /> The trail around Las Rocas is quite overgrown in one section, with many fallen logs. This rough stretch is between km 17.8 {22S} (-42.05306, -71.83367) and km 19.9 {22S} (-42.06622, -71.81971). We believe it may be possible to bypass this section using other trails, as well-maintained paths connect before and after it, but we didn’t try it ourselves and just bush-bashed through.<br /> <br /> Border control was quick and completely problem-free on both sides.<br /> <br /> BIVOUACING<br /> <br /> The first night, we camped at La Frontera Camp at the entrance to Cochamó Valley. It’s a small and very nice eco-camp, where making a reservation is a good idea. Staying here was a special experience for us, as it is run by Pavel, a fellow Czech.<br /> <br /> At El Arco, there’s a shelter, though it doesn’t have much sleeping space. However, right next to it is a large grassy area with plenty of room for tents.<br /> <br /> At -41.56978, -71.93585 (km ~64.3 {22N}), there’s a beautiful flat campsite with a refugio.<br /> <br /> At Bridge {22N} [63.0/337] (Rio El Colorado), there’s a fire pit with benches and a small tent spot.<br /> <br /> One night, we camped in the backyard of Valle Puelo Brewery. They let us stay for free, but the roosters woke us up early.<br /> <br /> At -41.96567, -71.90571 (Lago Verde), there is a settlement run by a very kind woman named Alexandra and her brother. They offer cabins for rent, but they also allowed us to camp in our tents for 8,000 CLP per person. The price included free kayak rental for a paddle on the lake. We highly recommend staying here. It is also the only reasonable access point to the lake. Elsewhere, the shoreline is covered with dense vegetation or cliffs.<br /> <br /> WATER<br /> <br /> There is plenty of water available. The trail runs along rivers and crosses many smaller streams.<br /> <br /> RESUPPLY<br /> <br /> Cochamó has several minimarkets, a hardware store (where you can buy gas cartridge), a pharmacy, post office, and plenty of restaurants and food stalls.<br /> <br /> At the Road End {22N} [109.8/58] (Valle Cochamó entry checkpoint), there is a food truck open in summer with fast food, and a small store nearby selling snacks and some basic groceries.<br /> <br /> We bypassed Camp La Junta via Toboganes, so we have no info on current shopping options there.<br /> <br /> At Lake, Settler, Camp $ {22N} [70.9/602], we bought very good and reasonably priced fresh cheese and beer. They likely have some other basic supplies as well.<br /> <br /> Shop {22N} [43.0/49] is operational. It’s small but sufficient for basic resupply.<br /> <br /> Settlement, Shop, Bus {22N} [40.7/36] (El Manso) is a complex of brewery with the best beer we've had in Chile so far. The store is slightly better stocked than the previous one and sells gas cartridges.<br /> <br /> Llanada Grande has a fairly large and well-stocked supermarket.<br /> <br /> At the start of 22S, there’s a restaurant with its own brewery (Hostal Puelo Libre).<br /> <br /> TRANSPORT<br /> <br /> A bus from Lago Puelo to El Bolsón runs every hour (around the full hour) and costs 1,800 ARS per person.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-01-24 to 2025-01-26/  2days / Packrafting/ SOBO/ Option 02, RP, Option 09, Option 03/ Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Coming from Cochamo, where we had to organize getting a new neck gasket, we once again set off towards Lago Azul. The bus for the Lago Tagua Tagua arrived in Cochamo at 10:20am and left at 10:30am (around here, -41.49304, -72.30553). It came five minutes after the bus that goes from Puerto Montt to the trailhead. We left Rio Puelo at 12:00 after ten minute break and when we got to the ferry (didn't look @ time), before we could get out of the bus and pay the driver, the ferry that was docked left and we had to wait about half an hour for the next one. Lots of people, so Entel did not work. On the other side, the two buses were waiting. The bus did its regular stop at Llande Grande (~10min - they have a very good non industrial salami there) and then we got off where the road to Lago Azul goes. We had to remind the driver to stop for us around 15:30. We managed to get a hitch quickly, but it was short lived. There is a man watching a gate (7mil for the car owner, nothing for us) and the car was only allowed to go ~1km further to a parking here -41.90928, -71.88832 (maybe because it wasn't 4-wheel drive, an/ or they only allow certain [local?] people to go all the way to the beach, not sure). The road to lake has very recently been &quot;upgraded&quot; and is quite ugly. 02B and 02C are probably roads too, based on satellite and little survey where 02B joins 02A. At the beach there were a stand selling empanadas, a toilet, about 20 people and 4 cars parked. We started paddling around 18:00. First going west for ~600m to check out an alternative trail Tomáš was interested in that is on OSM leading to here: -41.92170, -71.87635. The trail exists, but might be somewhat unused, as there seems to be a new road for cars built above it too. Anyway, it looks like a more attractive and shorter approach to Azul, somebody needs to investigate it (we only noticed the trail half way on 02A). The start of the lake outlet (20 m) is magical with its blue-green water, a nice detour. The waves got stronger near the middle of the lake but then eased quickly. Near the end of the lake we had almost calm water. We camped at a spot we noted last year when hiking: -41.98306, -71.84801. It has a small flowing creek but is near a cottage. Both years of being here we have not seen anyone in it, you can camp in the trees and be mostly hidden. People vacation in tents 200m along the lake shore. Lago Azul is very pretty.<br /> <br /> The next day was straightforward. Lago Los Rocas was &quot;reflection-like&quot; calm, despite starting around 11:00. We were worried about the boat and the Chilean Carabineros (read Jan's description in the manual) so we put the boat and equipment into the duffel bag and placed it all outside the Carabineros building, entering without our luggage. Everything went well because the men were nice (same ones from last year). However, we were almost busted when they asked us specifically if we were going to Argentina on foot or by boat. At first we said boat, but then they asked who was taking us, and when we struggled to come up with an explanation, they seemed to take our silence as a language misunderstanding and asked us again, so to make things easier, we said we were walking. We then slipped down using Variant U. If you are uncomfortable about this, it might be worth just putting your boat in your bag and walking the 3km to the next beach along RH. Variant S does not exist. Lago Inferior was once again sadly not windy, we started around 16:00. We were hoping to have a bit more horsepower from the waves and wind. They got stronger near the end but only at the very end, and it wasn't that strong. Tomáš and I had a small misunderstanding about our end goal at the lake. Tomáš wanted to walk up the river to scout the rapids and possibly run them back I, being completely unaware of the obvious, agreed. I thought we most likely wouldn't run them and just walk on the other OSM trail. What I didn't know was that the river flowed against us, despite looking at satellite images and saying, &quot;why does it look like the rapids are going in the wrong direction?&quot;. Like I said, unaware of the obvious. When I realized the river went against us I instantly hated the idea, but we were already past the normal take out point, so in the end we went for it. The first longish set of rapids (class II, around here: -42.10240, -71.73502) is north (river right), so you cannot just connect to the OSM trail next to the river. We crossed to southern shore of the river. If you want to follow us, aim for it directly. Then it was a slow 400m walk and 100m paddle up to here -42.10413, -71.73233, before we could safely ferry to northern shore (to which we kept from then on). It was slow because of the algae/didymo being very slippery and rocks in the river bed having gaps in between them. You will appreciate how easy entrapment could be if you were in deeper faster water. A pole in one hand will greatly improve your stability and also a leash for the boat helps a lot (in your hand, not clipped on!), so you can walk the boat as a dog. We paddled up to the second short rocky (class II+?) rapid (-42.10487, -71.72934), which was more involved as we had to lift the boat over some rocks and it was a bit sketchy trusting our dollar store locking carabiners on our leash. The last (class III) rapid (-42.10487, -71.72934) was much easier to walk up, once again on our left/north/river-right. We filled up on water after the last rapid and paddled towards the lake. Surprisingly there was not much wind and the waves only started to be not small just before the Argentinian border patrol, so it was a bit slower than expected. Were it not for the border and a bit sooner, we could have gone to lake end. All in all this option was probably a little slower than just packing your boat and walking straight to the border control and about as fast as deflating your boat, walking the 2km portage and reinflating your boat. It might be worthwhile the effort if you have a boat with cargo or just really don't feel like walking. If you are careful, it is not dangerous (slips permitting). When water levels are high, it might be a different story. It took us 75 minutes. Going down the river in case you go NOBO should be much easier: capsizing in the first (going from Lago Puelo) rapid did not look safe due to undercuts, so better walk it down on the right, but the rest can probably be run (after scouting!) or easily walked down.<br /> <br /> The camping at the border was once again packed and this time all toilets locked or non-functional, pretty gross considering the amount of people. There is a stream on the west side. The evening was quiet but fierce wind picked up around 3am, the wind was better in the morning but still not great. The check-in with Argentina (open from 8 till 20) was very easy and we got our passports stamped. I had a bit of &quot;boat fever&quot; and wanted to walk out, plus I wanted to be conservative with the waves at this lake. Tomáš felt it would be totally manageable so he sailed on down to Lago pueblo and I hiked out to La Pasarela because I hadn't gone there last year and I was curious. It was an okay hike with a little bit of water along the way. It turned into a MR for a little bit but then went back into a non-native Douglas Fir forest and through a few settlers pastures. It was up and down basically the whole way and very warm. La Pasarela is extremely popular. There is a restaurant and a smoothie joint and many other food stands. Sadly I didn't get a hitch. There is a bus stop when you hit the main road around here; -42.05087, -71.59679. I wasn't sure if it was the main road to El Bolson so I just walked into town and caught the bus out front the hospital here; -42.05924, -71.59776 @ 14:15. It was 1.700mil and paid only in cash. The earlier bus stop would have been fine, the other main road goes to Esquel. Plum season is almost here, red ones are tart but edible, yellow ones need at least 2-4more weeks.<br /> <br /> Tomáš: waves were sizable (75 cm maximum difference top to bottom?), from the camp I had to ferry to get out of the cove, but then I mostly paddled only to keep the boat in the right position and let the wind push me to the lake end. A huge parking lot by the beach, hitching does not work but the bus does.<br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''2025-01-15 to 2025-01-22 / 7 days / Packrafting/ NOBO (flip flop)/ Option 8 (extended), RP / Natalie &amp; Tomáš'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> For hikers: the RR west of Rio Puelo is actually attractive and the part we walked was no bushbashing, do not all shun it :-).<br /> <br /> Summary<br /> <br /> Despite never wanting to do the whole &quot;yo-yo&quot; (Natalie speaking) we did the yo-yo. Starting in Ventisquero and going until the bridge before the Rio Puelo town (didn't do the fjord). We then hitchhiked to Cochamo to deal with a ripped neck seal and planned to return to Laguna Azul to cross into El Bolsón. Last year we were inspired by Tobi and Fangwen's (T&amp;F) trip into the Ventisquero valley and tried but didn't finish due to time and weather. On the flip side, that meant we were able to return this year with a packraft, which made the return trip much more interesting. It is a stunning valley and a beautiful river to be in a packraft (a must for packrafters, Tomáš thinks). There were virtually no tabanos which was a biggie after the mid-January infestation of 20 and 21! Tomáš did the upper Ventisquero river after the view-hike in Rincon Bonito and I chose to go higher on the mountain of the view-hike, earning myself a very incredible 360-view of the glaciated mountains around (both not in GPT yet). The Ventisquero river was easy, class II at most, we hit our knees on occasion. The Upper Puelo before the hike was very easy with a faster flow, just a bit of wood (nothing that couldn't be avoided), probably class l. We skipped the first rapids of the Gorge (6.2), they are surprisingly powerful and should not be paddled by anyone unskilled or without a team. The hike was actually nice, not that overgrown and pretty easy to follow. Tomáš went back into the river a little earlier and skipped the last 6km of hiking, while I met him after the hiking section, he had to walk one more rapid and ride two. The rest of the Puelo until the lake was once again easy. Upon approaching Lago Tagua the headwind was strong and paddling was slow. We planned to paddle to the parque Tagua (Option 11) but the waves and wind were very strong so we camped and crossed the lake the next morning, skipping the hike. Lake was easy and fast in the morning but the lower Puelo was slow for the first 5km before the rapids. We skipped the first rapid there and went down river right, putting in a bit earlier than Jan suggests, crossing a few small rapids and hitting our knees once. The rest of the lower Puelo was a bit slow but overall the whole thing was very beautiful.<br /> <br /> Day zero: the bus<br /> <br /> We again took the bus at 8:38 near Hostel Apel in Puerto Varas to Cochamo, we were told the bus that goes to the ferry (Laguna Tagua Tagua) was 10min behind the Cochamo-only bus. The ferry bus supposedly leaves here: 41.3160641S, 72.9853782W at 8:15 and then probably goes around town, taking a long time. The plan was to get off the first bus, look for Tomáš's inReach and then catch the second bus. Unfortunately, while we were looking for the imReach, the Laguna bus passed and we were unable to stop it, it was the only bus of the day. On the bright side, with more time to spare, Tomáš managed to wake up the land owner of Camp {21} [79.3/7], and it turned out they had found the inReach the day before and gave it back to us, yay! Soon after all of this (~10:15) we were able to catch another bus to Cochamo, so there must be a few that go in a day (later we learnt they go at 8,9,10,11,12 and 16:00 from Puerto Montt). In Cochamo, we waited until a bit after 12:00 for a bus to Rio Puelo, which made a stop at the trailhead for hiking the RR. We reached Rio Puelo at about 13:45, and that is where the original bus going to and from Laguna Tagua made its appearance on its way back to Puerto Varas/Montt. Since both of us were underslept due to Tomáš having spent the night vomitting (and having had little luck with hitchhiking on that road last year), we found a very nice two-room cabaña for 50.000 here: -41.66243, -72.29821, WhatsApp +56 9 4243 2328. (Entel internet in town functional.)<br /> <br /> Day one: the bus and the walk, 4 km<br /> <br /> The bus from Rio Puelo is said to be at 11:30 but arrived around 12:15. If one is stopping in Puelo for re-supply, there is a small vegan bakery with good sourdough loafs (-41.6599144, -72.2974946; not open Mondays). Also Supermercado El Maiten sold gas canister's for 7mil. By one o'clock and 1.5mil per person shorter, we were at the ferry. There you get out of the bus and catch a new one waiting at the other side (there are two on the other side, be sure to take the correct one). It takes over half an hour and costs 1.3mil (slow but functioning 3G Entel most of the lake ferry, but not at the end, telecom tower at the northern terminal). The ferries are three and at least two of them go 7 times a day each way (December- March), so you are likely to wait less than an hour. The buses on each side of the ferry are coordinated but when the bus misses a ferry narrowwly, it can add to delay, be prepared to wait some time if you are waiting to go SOBO (for example at the end of GPT22 RH). The bus to primer coral costs 1.5mil. It still stops for some time (15 min? - but the driver was making a big purchase) at Llanada Grande, where the shop is still good and the Entel internet mostly not functioning (receiving e-mails and text messages at most). We got to Primer Corral at 16:00.<br /> <br /> Our plan was to stash extra food near Ford 37.5 (not fordable, maybe in February or better March). It seems it is regularly used for camping. We read T&amp;F got their food stolen so we made sure to hide/bury our duffel bag of food very well. Unfortunately, after I hid it and carried on to the first ford, Tomáš met a pig. The pig tried to invade his backpack despite Tomáš only standing a meter away. He realized quickly our food stash had no hope against this invader. Since he did not know whereIt hid it, he started to pursue me, which only came to fruition at the river &quot;Correntos&quot;, which has a fitting name. Therefore our first day was extremely short. Tomáš took both our backpacks across the ford (had to cross up river near the top of the islands where it divides into three: -42.01786, -71.93876 ) and made camp (lots of spots near the OSM path). The river was above his knees (173cm), but the length of the crossing, doing it three times and coldness made it somewhat challenging. I went back to make the duffel pig-proof, taking the OSM route that follows the river in my way (-42.00228, -71.93336). It was a lot nicer than the road, recommended. <br /> <br /> Day two: Ford camp to outside Ricon Bonito, 16 km<br /> <br /> Since we were both still struggling to get over our stomach bugs, we had a late morning and a very easy day. The simple 16km walk to Ricon Bonito felt a lot harder than it should have. As T&amp;F described this section before, it is partially a MR, with a short detour, turning into a trail midway. From our river camp, the GPT track files follow an old trail used probably mostly by cows now, until a settler: -42.02520, -71.94877. At the settler, who was not at home, we had to zig zag through gates and over one fence until reaching the MR: -42.02707, -71.94872 (it makes a detour probably to cross Rio Correntoso over a bridge). The way to Rincon Bonito is signed with little red arrows. Our first water was located here: -42.01995, -71.98929, shortly after the MR ends and trail begins. The last few kilometres of the MR were recently &quot;upgraded&quot;, so it is quite ugly, and they may be expand it more, but who knows. On the trail, there were two more simple fords. The first ford was a calm creek: -42.01840, -72.04246. There looked to be good camping just before it, would have been a nice place to aim for the first night. The second ford [15.8/164] has a cable car, where the GPT files indicate a bridge. Tomáš went to verify this after we forded and saw other tents camping there as well. Not sure if it was organized or not, probably yes. A little further ahead there is a settler with their own cell tower. Tomáš (who is from Europe) got full bars but my Canadian phone got nothing. There is still water just before the turn off to the viewpoint trail as T&amp;F have noted. We went into Ricon Bonito to see what they would charge us for camping. We were surprised to meet a group of American packrafters who had flewn in that day to paddle down to the fjord. There were 5 of them sharing the 200mil cabin, so not terribly expensive, but the plane from Puerto Montt was 600mil. Kind of nice to know we had a group of river guides near. In the end we were not allowed to camp at this glamping site, it is for reservations only. The men that worked there recommend us to camp at the Bernardita Alegría's (referred to as &quot;abuela&quot; in earlier seasons) place 2km up the valley but they said it was 25mil a night per person, which sounded far too expensive for camping (maybe it included half board?) so we found a place in the forest not far from Ricon Bonito and once again had an early night. It seems that while the valley is privately owned (by several landowners? - settlers still live up there), there are no right of ways issues at all.<br /> <br /> Day three: Stealth Ricon camp to Ventisquero river camp, 20-25 km<br /> <br /> The trail to the view point is steep but easy (~930m in 4km). The men working at Ricon Bonito had cleared the brush the day before, so Tomáš finally almost didn't need his machete. There was a little bit of water on the way up ( -42.03631, -72.09700), but probably best to fill at the bottom. You do not have to go all the way up for a view, there is also a view point after 450m of elevation gain. At the top we decided to split and go on two different adventures. Tomáš wanted to explore the upper Ventisquero river and I wanted to explore the upper Ventisquero mountain (aka go to the highpoint above the view point like T&amp;F considered). Luckily we both had successes and you can read Tomáš's description below. As for extending the trail to a highpoint at 1600m I HIGHLY recommend it if weather is nice. By using satellite imagery and a little intuition, the bushbashing was not bad at all. The bush is that dwarf alpine Lenga that is usually very stiff to walk through, but luckily it was not so dwarf. It was taller than me which made it possible to slither through the understory without much fight. There is roughly 500m of BB, the rest is CC. At the beginning I zig zagged between hidden open spots and then eventually made my way to a ridge-like feature that had many breaks from the bush, and some interesting views. You have to play with this ridge a bit because it is not continuous. Ridge around here -42.05122, -72.09511. Eventually you break free from the bush and enter a dry basin just below the highpoint. It is an easy walk from there and if there is snow you might come across a few small meltwater streams as I did. The views were amazing, it felt A LOT like home but obviously more special. If we did not have a plan to start paddling that day I would have explored the ridge. It easily goes to 1700m and then from there it looks you could connect to the main mountain, it will be a fun trip for one lucky person. As for meeting Tomáš, we planned to meet where the track files hit the river. However I was unable to get to that spot as there were blackberries and cliffs, so I ended up taking the main trail to the river in Ricon Bonito: no one said anything. But when you take this trail down you will hit the bottom and eventually walk along two small boardwalks, just after these boardwalks, the main trail goes left, but dont go left, a better way in is to the right after the boardwalks. It is a sneaky path but it is there and leads you to a nice small beach. Luckily I was ahead of Tomáš and warned him of this new point; -42.02492, -72.09604. We had a nice evening paddle of only a few kilometers, filled up on water at the cable car ford and then made camp in a sheltered bay. Unfortunately the day ended with a torn neck gasket: I ripped my neck gasket all the way to the bottom when taking off my drysuit. I was terribly sad and in disbelief. I had been trying hard to treat it well, not pulling it, covering my face with a balaclava, covering it with a balaclava from sun, treating it once a month with 303 and so on. Luckily Tomáš had one bar of internet ať the camp site so I managed to find a store in Pucón that could ship a spare neck gasket to Cochamo (do not do that, ship things to Puerto Varras instead).<br /> <br /> Tomáš's trip up the Ventisquero valley:<br /> This goes beyond what is in the GPT files - I was not sure why they end up only in the middle of the valley. when one can clearly see buildings and meadows higher up the valley on satellite.Turns out there is a trail to them indeed. There is one more settler, Fredy Alvarado living here with his family: -42.03933, -72.13376. He is signposted, maybe he would provide lodging and stuff too. Up to him, there is an OSM trail. You can divert from it to a cable car over a river here -42.03852, -72.12473 (signposted by Ricon Bonito). From Fredy, the trail continues, it seems to be used by animals and is still fairly clear. When you enter one clearing, trail can be a bit difficult to find, join it here: -42.04754, -72.16677. Then here -42.04773, -72.17127, the trail fell into the river with trees (obstructing it, this part needs to be walked in packraft through a shallow side channel). It is just 50m and can be easily walked around. The meadows are abandoned puestoes that still seem to be grazed. I put in here: -42.04244, -72.18400. One could probably walk further up in the braided river bed if willing to ford, the valley is really pretty with lots of waterfalls and glacier views and the river would be packraftable for a few kilometres more. River itself is stunning (more scenic and wild than Rio Puelo I think) and easily navigable until Bernardita's place here -42.03202, -72.11899, where II or II+ rapids start (sorry, I am only apporixmate in rating). With a bit of scouting and skill (I am not very skilled though), the rapids are navigable though, as I ran them. The second and third are the biggest, and those are the ones I scouted, the following ones are a bit smaller but could have been scouted too. One can also portage and supposedly there is a path maintained by Ricon Bonito along the river bank (see OSM) so bailing out should be easy. Where there is the OSM path to the side valley, there were some cables so I assume a cable car, but did not see it and cables could be for water too, I did not get a good look. Rapids end around our meeting point with Natalie. I definitely recommend this extension especially for packrafters.<br /> <br /> Day four: Ventisquero camp to Puelo Gorge exit, 26 km<br /> <br /> We spent the morning organizing the online neck gasket purchase with one bar of internet and then set off quite late. The Ventisquero river is indeed gorgeous and although it is rated II+, the rapids are small and easily portaged if need be (Tomáš thinks II+ is for the rapid section he did alone - or possibly for spring months with more water). We scouted a few rapids but overall there were no surprises, and obstacles were easily passed. There was very little wood, and the wood that was there was big and obvious with lots of room to go around. I saw only one rapid with possibly dangerous strainers (around here -42.02042, -72.06173 if we postidentified it well). There are two possibly II rapids here: -42.01429, -71.99931 and here: -42.01853, -71.99523. The first one is straightforward, the second one has a good line on the left of the main current. We picked the left side of the river there, hitting our knees a bit - better walk it if you do not take the main current. I personally agree with Jan's description that the river is shallow, we hit our knees a few times (canoe seat). (Tomáš thinks it is &quot;Moderate with occasional ground contact&quot; at most - and this more in the upper part than the part we did with Natalie, that is as long as you pick the correct main line to run rapids, anyway it has a lot more water than Rio Huenuhuenu). There was one more water source for drinking further down the river on river right (-42.01882, -71.98949) and then Rio Correntoso if you trust that (we did going up without issues). I wish I filled up more because it was the last water until Bridge {22N} [7.4/137]. We got to our food stash near Ford 37.5 in ~3hrs. After lunch we headed towards the gorge entrance/hiking section (Rapids Start 6.2). This part of Rio Puelo seemed easier but flowing faster and with more water, no more shallows. There was more wood than the Ventisquero but once again easily avoided. However, there were a couple of underwater logs we almost hit. Tomáš thinks the river is at most I+, when Jan mentions &quot;up to class III&quot; in the manual, that either applies to November or is wrong in his opinion, you can avoid all of the small rapids if you want and keep it strictly at class I. We were totally surprised when we hit the gorge because we were fighting a headwind and thought we were moving slow. Turns out we were still moving fast (~13km in 1.5hrs) and therefore missed the first exit by a hundred metres (the gorge is more than half a kilometre after the exit). We had to walk back up the river and ferry across it to get to the start of the hiking section. It was 17:30 so we just camped there and boiled river water. There is a telecom tower above Puerto Urrutia but we did not test it. Lots of didymo algae. <br /> <br /> Day five: Gorge to end of hiking section, 12 km<br /> <br /> The bypass trail turned out to be a nice if slow (up and down) trail. It is only very little overgrown with some beautiful views of the gorge and powerful rapids within. There was drinking water throughout. We started late and stopped somewhat early. The first ~2km to Settler 7.7 (Christian) was very easy and clear but Bridge 7.4 is not there anymore, there is a new log bridge just up the creek bed (go left after the gate). Two men on very stunning horses were there but we didn't talk for long. The overgrown bit technically starts after this settler but it was ~80% easy to see and follow. The meadow sections are the only places I would often loose it and it was only badly overgrown at the first beach after Settler's 7.7 gate (locked). There, the GPX wants you to walk on the river shore, which is probably a lot easier than the overgrown trail, as long as you find the entrance back to the trail again: -41.87870, -71.96787. Later, it would have been very overgrown after the last hill climb before Settler 15.3 but it had been recently cleared. I was very lucky as it seemed to have been cleared that morning or day before. There were fresh cuts, prints and horse poo. I often found the GPX was off by ~20m, which can be annoying in the forest at times. At the third beach (~6km before end), Tomáš and I split. He wanted to paddle the last bit as he believed it could be a good alternative river in, the rapids looked easily portaged. I was less inclined, so I walked and he took most of the weight and we met back at the normal put in. See Tomáš's notes below. Camping at the end of the hike, beach under Settler &quot;Castanos&quot;, is very nice. There are lots of camping spots on the beach or grass meadow above and some tables as well. Near his boat, there is a tarp set up, if you want shelter from the rain. You can fill up on water at the top near Castanos or ferry across the river to a creek.<br /> <br /> Tomáš: Rio Puelo in the section that is portaged looks like at least solid class III (that was also the assessment of the Americans we met earlier - they said the start of the gorge is 500m of big waves without holes, surveying from an airplane on their way to Rincon Bonito) and technically probably can be run by people who know what they are doing (but do your own research), as the Americans presumably did (but they were river guides). Possibly, you could even put in (somewhat precariously from a rock) at the end of the first beach Natalie mentions above, walking the rapids (the gorge is mostly not closed from then on where there are rapids) if you have got the skills (they are still mostly class III). From what we saw, I am unsure only whether rapid at -41.86224, -71.97834 can be walked, as we could not see the rapid properly. Also possible there are more rapids than we saw. Make your own assessment first.<br /> <br /> Anyway, I put here: -41.85388, -71.98151. This is also a very pretty and comfortable campspot with access to water. There were three more rapids. First one well visible on satellite at -41.85019, -71.97913. It is II or II+, but short and straightforward to run through the center. Could be walked on the left, especially if you have a rope. Then there is a rapid at -41.83779, -71.97925. The main current is probably still III, I did not like it, so I walked it on the right, which was easy (and short, like 10-15 m). The last rapid is here: -41.86224, -71.97834, I would say it is II  (or possibly II+) and I ran it. Natalie was faster as I ate, took forever to set up the boat and scouted all the rapids, which I would recommend you do too. Even with the scouting, it took me about an hour to do this section. The last two rapids were not visible on satellite, so Jan's waypoint ending the rapids is correct. According to my GPS, Puelo drops from 80 m to 45 m over this section, which is about 15m more than the manual says. The gorge is beautiful (but you will see it even if you put where recommened by Jan, it is not over there yet). Puelo here has a lot of that nasty didymo algea thing, it is ugly and do wash your boats after leaving.<br /> <br /> Day six: End of hike to Laguna Tagua Tagua, 28 km<br /> <br /> Rio Puelo was again pretty calm (and pretty) but then somewhat slow nearing the lake. Fresh (last that we saw) water not coming from humans here: -41.80219, -71.99786. We found a nice lunch spot here with picnic tables and nice views: -41.70008, -72.09018. No water but I recommend camping here if you know the lake is going to be too windy to cross and you don't want to take the ferry. However it looks like it sees day trip visitors from time to time. Our plan after lunch was to paddle to the start of the Parque Tagua Tagua hike. However, close to the ferry port the base valve in our middle seat inflation tube ripped (obviously a weak point in our boat as the same spot ripped on the main compartment while on the Rio Ñuble). Luckily it was just the seat but as soon as we could arrive at the port a ferry arrived so we had to wait to go to shore. I stupidly put Aquaseal FD on it rather than taping it and doing the permanent fix later, so we had to be very careful for the rest of the day. The Aquaseal was a battle. I had been keeping the valve clean but the first few centimeters of aquaseal in the tube had turned to concrete and we had to make a new hole to get some out, I wish I had two tubes (FD + UV). In the end it didn't matter too much because the waves and wind were so strong at the lake that we decided not to cross the lake to get to the hike. For camping we went into the trees and found a wind sheltered patch of grass: -41.70132, -72.11486. We boiled water from the lake, probably not great considering the ferry port was right there. It is probbaly 4-5 hours of padddling from end of gorge to the lake.<br /> <br /> Day seven: Laguna Tagua Tagua to Bridge 79.3, 23 km<br /> <br /> We got started fairly early and the lake was easy to cross in about 100 minutes, even with some light tailwind. We stopped for internet at the north side. The first 5km of the Puelo before Rapids 68.9 were more like an extension of the lake, very slow (but pretty). It was easy to stay right at the small gorge before Rapids 68.9. We stopped to scout them and although they were not as strong as the rapids in the first gorge, they had many features we did not like (a giant wave and a possible hole and possible undercuts). If there was more water it would have been possible to stay to the far right of them, but at this time it looked impossible to do so without hitting rocks on our knees (it is possible to walk the boat through here too). So we walked the boat to the far right as GPX indicates, there is not enough water to float the whole way. At the end of the walk (-41.61433, -72.21046), there is a a rapid you enter downstream if you want to re-enter the river. After that we stayed right the whole way, passing some more minor rapids directly after. We hit our knees badly on the last shallow rapid because at the end we went to the left of a center rock, we should have gone right (that was here: -41.60956, -72.21677). We found a nice water supply here: -41.61519, -72.24686. The rest of the Puelo that day was easy and it got a bit slow, we had to paddle against the waves for the last few kms before Bridge 79.3 (it pays to follow the current, not chasing the shortest route). There was a fun small feature (possibly a hole) here: -41.63345, -72.25323 that we rode to the side channel of the river. At the bridge we got out and caught a hitch easily to Cochamo, and prepared ourselves to deal with the broken gear and online orders (the Post office in Cochamo is delivered to only on Mondays, so order your stuff to Puerto Varras instead - we had to go to retrieve the stuff in transit in Puerto Montt). In Cochamo there are many hospedajes, the going rate seems to be 17mil per person. We chose Hostal Arcoíris (-41.49402, -72.30973), we got a small private room for 34mil. There is a large grass area in the back with outside showers to make cleaning the packraft easy, only downfall was it is very popular for Chilean campers. Good fruit shop here: -41.49456, -72.29692.<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-18 &gt; 22 / 4,5 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / 22N &gt; 22-01 &gt; 22S / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT20+GPT21+GPT22<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 3/5<br /> | Difficulté : 2/5<br /> | Danger : aucun<br /> <br /> Après quelques achats à Cochamo, je continue ma journée pleine de surprises. Sans que je fasse d'auto-stop, une dame s'arrête et je fais 4km avec elle sur la gravel road qui mène au barrage de la CONAF. Il est alors 15h30 et il n'est plus possible de passer depuis 15h, dernière montée possible seulement avec une preuve de réservation au camping La Junta. Pour passer sans réservation il faut se présenter entre 7h et 9h. Je dors au camping 200m avant le barrage. Le dimanche matin, je me fais dépasser par des dizaines de coureurs. Après La Junta, il n'y a plus personne et le sentier est plus difficile et boueux. Jusqu'au km 45, ce sont des montagnes russe. On a toujours l'impression de monter. Je prend la 22-01 puisque le RR est fait pour le packraft, et surtout parce qu'après l'échec du GPT20 pour demander un bateau, je préfère éviter de recommencer, 3 fois qui plus est.<br /> J'ai fait de l'auto-stop 20km sur les 30. J'ai fait quelques courses à Llanada Grande, le supermarché est vraiment bien. Je n'ai pas vu de bateau au km 0 du 22S, preuve que j'ai fais le bon choix. Ensuite sur le RR ça alterne entre route de terre carrossable et chemin ou il faut pousser quelques branches, et enjamber des arbres en travers de la route. Mais le chemin est relativement bon. Attention aux ronces qui sont plutôt répandues ici. Aucun taon. Les 4km avant de croiser la 22-X sont en très mauvais état. Attention à bien passer par les postes frontière Chilien et Argentin, le premier pour sortir administrativement du Chili et le second pour entrer administrativement en Argentine.<br /> JAN-23: Repos Lago Puelo<br /> <br /> * '''23rd of december / 1 day/ hiking/ sobo/ var 12 + boat (rio puelo) + rr (lago inferior) + var 3 / allie'''<br /> <br /> I started in segundo corral where I stayed in a hospedaje. The dueña helped me with the logistics of the boat transfer +56 9 2050 2809. The border control went smooth on both sides. The trail is well maintained and stunning views. When i got to the village lago puelo i tried to cross the rio azul but the current was too strong and it was very deep. I couldnt pass (im 165cm). I went back to the argentinian border control to ask for a boat. They called for one through the radio but no responses. so i had to take the detour to get to la paserela (var 3) which was an extra 13 km more or less to get to lago puelo alto. I passed some people that managed to pass the rio azul 5 km away from the pasarela. But they were quite tall. <br /> <br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''(2024/Dez/19-2024/Dec/23) 5 Days/ Packrafting/ NOBO/ Route K/ Lukas, Basil, Maxi and Tabea)'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> <br /> Entry point at Lago Pueblo and took the bridge over Rio Azul, which looked not easy fordable. The path to the border was easy to find and well kept. <br /> The packrafting route starting at primer corral is easy and nice. The hiking path starting at 15.2 is partly in overgrown and takes a long time. The second rafting section starting at 28 km is also beautiful and easy however the current is quite slow getting closer to the lago tagotago. The lake should be crossed before noon, strong winds pick up at around 12. <br /> Rafting after Lago TagoTago is easy, the rapids need to be skipped. pay attention of water vortex. <br /> <br /> * '''(2024/Dez/12-2024/Dec/17) 6 Days/ Hiking/ SOBO/ Route N/ Lukas, Basil and Tabea'''<br /> <br /> Entry point at Cochamo. Dont forget to register in advance for the park, they will send you away otherwise. In the park the path is well kept and easy to walk on, although a bit muddy. Up to the camping la junta many tourist are on the way. <br /> From el Manso, after the loop, we took a bus to secundo corral. The bus leaves daily at 2pm on the main road.<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-12-07 to 2024-12-11 // 4 days //Hiking // NOBO // RR + Puerto Urrutia to La Junta // Mo'''<br /> <br /> Transfer from Cochamo to Puerto Urrutia and the other side of Rio Puelo with Bus/Ferry/Bus/Bote was easy, then nice walking next to the river, in really short parts completely overgrown, otherwise easy walking until the river crossings where no settler was there but I was lucky to find others to get me over, from El Manso to La Junta you have a minimarket in El Manso and a little further (knocked on the door of the farm house) and a farmer sells eggs (I just asked for eggs) after Lake Viedma. In La Junta there is an expensive minimarket. Other settlers (like in Terrentosa) might also sell food.<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-12-04 to 2024-12-10 // 6.5 days //Hiking // NOBO // RR + Pasarela option, Option 2 (Lago de las Rocas east side) + Gravelroad between Llanada Grande and Rio Manso // MiaimZelt'''<br /> <br /> In general: no dofficult river crossings, the biggest challenge was the mud between Rio Manso and La Junta. Navigation was mostly without difficulties.<br /> <br /> Day 1: Easy trail to the argentinian border. Arrived at 5pm and needed to wait until next morning for the stamp. Camped at the beautiful and free camping next to the carabinieros. <br /> <br /> Day 2: Got my stamp and continued. Lovely trail with nice vies until the chiliean carabinieros. Easy bordercrossing. Took the alternative at the east side around Laguna de las Rocas. At some point i saw a sign, indicating the trail is closed due to fallen trees. I continued, the trail got wider. Then i reached the farm of german settlers. A woman (Vivi) approached me and we talked. She told me, my GPX-Track is wrong, because it want's me to cross their private property. Last days people climbed over locked fences, what bothers them. Should walk outside of the fence. On the other side Vivi waited for me and asked me to walk the original trail with her daughter. Got invited to lunch, later her daughter walked with me on the original trail (indicated by a sign &quot;Lago Azul 6km&quot;), while she cleared it with a machete. I did record it with my Smartphone. Sent it to Jan, you also can find it in the facebook group. <br /> After the ford of a river the trail in the dense forest was partly covered under fallen trees. Several times i needed to check the GPS. Camped at a tiny lake near Lago Azul.<br /> <br /> Day 3: Didn't follow the GPS around Lago Azul, because it lead's through the property of a settler. Instead i stayed outside of the fenced area. Found signs indicating i'm on the right track, directly before i reached the shore of the lake. The path up to the gravel road was partly overgrown, but doable. <br /> <br /> Walked on the gravel road, later i got a hitch to the supermarket in Llanada Grande. Very good shop for a full resupply. After resupply i didn't find a hitch, walked 3 hours until a very nice chilean took me the last kilometers. Stayed at Camp {22N} [45.2/44].<br /> <br /> Day 4: Due to the steep up and downs + the mud i was much slower than expected. Met 2 very nice settlers on horseback. Bridge {22N} [51.8/146] (Rio Steffen) has a cable car instead of a bridge. Settler warned me about it. Didn't know how to get inside, because it drives away when you don't hold the rope at the same time. Decided to ford the river instead, was knee-deep. 4 more easy fords along my way to the nice campside at Bridge {22N} [63.0/337] (Rio El Colorado).<br /> <br /> Day 5: Trail was in better conditions the next hours. At Torrentoso there is a open shelter with lots of space for tents around. Along Lago Vidal the trail got muddy again. Bridge {22N} [80.9/645] doesn't exist, but very easy to ford. The forst half of the ascent to Lago Grande was easy, but the second half was very muddy and challenging. Wanted to camp at Lago Grande but, Camp {22N} [83.8/1001] is fully covered under a huge downfall of several big trees. Trail along Lago Grande is in poor condition (fallen trees + mud). Camp {22N} [84.9/1012] is a beautiful campspot.<br /> <br /> Day 6: Began with the poor trail. Directly after camp, there is a hole where the trail should be. Campspot near the tiny lake. Later one more huge downfall. Trail improves a little bit until El Arco, but due to mud i was very slow. 4 easy fords until the refuge. Rio Arco was knee-deep, easy ford. Met the first hikers directly after the crossing. Mud was getting even more, improved at the descent. Ford Rio Traidor was not difficult, again knee-deep. Ford Rio La Junta could be avoided, because above Toboganes there is a bridge. Didn't know. Could stay at Camp Trawen (13mil), was plenty of space for more tents. They have a small kiosk. Toboganes waterfall is worth to be visited. <br /> <br /> Day 7: Easy trail in the beaufiful rainforest from La Junta to the reception. Hiked on the gravel road and luckily i got a hitch to Puerto Varas.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-02-19 to 2024-02-24 // 6 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + Option 2, 1B, 1 + Variant I, J // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Lago Puelo - lago de las rocas (east) - Lago Azul - Lago Totoral - Llana Grande - El Manso - Lago Vidal Gormaz - La Junta - Toboganes - mirador Arcoiris - Anfiteatro - Cerro Trinidad - Cochamo <br /> <br /> The section begin with the crossing of Rio Azul, wich was not difficult at this time of the year. Then easy track to the lovely Argentinia border, I slept on the camping there. 8 more kilometers to arrive to the carabineros office. Easy border, nice people. <br /> <br /> Then due to the landslide on the RR (carabineros confirm me that the track is still not praticable there) I continued along Lago de Las Rocas, on the eastern side, following the option 2. Pretty easy to follow.<br /> <br /> At some point there is a junction, with a sign indicate Lago Azul - 6Km on the right. I followed it, even if it get me out of the GPX file (and the nice and easy to follow track). Not sure it was a great idea, I ended up on a sort of small bush-bashing areas that I managed to pass threw and after few kilometers, finally found back the option track, clear and easy, and continue my way.<br /> <br /> Then you arrive to a big farm, the one from Jonas, a German native arriving here when he was a child, grow up there and have now a family, living in nature, along the lake, cultivating fruits and vegetables, and selling woods. Very nice man, interesting discussions ! After his farm, you'll follow the valley but keep the left in the woods straight after his farm, if not you'll arrive in a big swampy area. <br /> <br /> The track is less obvious and there's a lot of fallen trees. Few check on the GPS was necessary. Then you reach the Lago Azul. The GPX file is going inside the property of a settler. He's a nice guy but his dogs less, one bites me ! (Not hardly, but still!). Just be more careful than me going there, or go around the property. <br /> <br /> One last hard push to reach a gravel road, that you will follow until El Manso (30km a bit boring), but easy to find camping and food, especially around Lago Totoral. Resupply at Llana Grande, big supermarket with everything you need. <br /> <br /> At El Manso, there's a minimarket next to the cervecería wich is a place where you can camp. The track is quite easy to follow, and quite physical with all the ups and downs. I had rain for two days and this stretch was muddy, especially along the Lago Vidal Gormaz. Then it becomes VERY muddy until La Junta. I had the feelings I will never finish this stretch, and I felt few times in the mud. <br /> <br /> I was definitely not presentable when I arrived in La Junta, and the contrast was huge with all people well dressed with clean sports clothes who smell good the fresh perfume of lavenderia ahaha. <br /> <br /> I wanted to do Arco iris, but the track is closed because of a landslide. So I opt for the glaciar Paloma wich was surprisingly technical and steep. <br /> But the surrounding worth it, the glaciar Is amazing, the fact that you can enter into it is mad ! I slept up there, there's a little circle with rocks to put your tent. <br /> <br /> Then I reached Cochamo and enjoyed great food, confortable hostel and relaxing atmosphere<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-09 to 2024-Feb-16 / 7,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Gerald'''<br /> <br /> First: I wouldn't do it if there was a lot of rain. Did it after a week of rain in 2019 and it was a mud hell until El Arco. Now it seems at least until junta the trail improved (not sure). For those who don't own a trekking pole, organize a stick early... you won't have mich fun with the muddy situation otherwise.<br /> <br /> The bus leaving Puerto Varas at 8:30 (Bus stop at -41.31617, -72.985396) charged 7k. Surprisingly they drove me to the trailhead, last time i had to walk from the bridge, guess it depends on the bus. If you want to get a seat you should probably take the bus in Puerto Montt, had to stay the whole ride. Seems like they will also stop along the way if you wave (check the cochamo insta for an overview of the schedule and route of the bus).<br /> Arrived at the checkpoint at 11:45. After explaining my trip and that i will stay at El Arco they let me pass (without a reservation). They just ask you to register before you go.<br /> Stopped at la junta to make a coffee and enjoy the view. They sell veggies they grow on site.<br /> If i remember rights from Rio Trador on it gets really muddy. It rained 4 days ago and mud was not a big issue until that river. <br /> <br /> Anyway, arrived quite late at 8pm at the shelter. There is a path to the right to a place to pitch couple of tents. After Rio Traidor (-41.407173, -72.092915) would also be a nice place to camp<br /> <br /> In average only 2 tabano/day annoyed me, what a time we live in... Finally<br /> <br /> Dona Luisa has a nice spot on the southern side of the lake Vidal gormaz.<br /> To give you idea, here a short pricelist:<br /> 5k camping, <br /> 3k for a beer (brahma or Sol), <br /> 7k for a bottle of wine, <br /> 12k for dinner (meat, salad and bread), <br /> 1.5k for cheese<br /> <br /> Camping at the settlement Steffen looked nice. Unfortunately i chose a spot next to a way too curious bull...<br /> <br /> The camping at the brewery in El Manso is not worth a penny (they charge 5k). It's basically a dry piece of land full of goose shit. Engine on petrol runs untill 10pm. Only wifi is positive. I couldn't find a good spot to camp nearby. I would camp way before. Bus supposed to arrive between 14:30 and 15:00. Luckily a car took me to Puerto Urrutia where i continued. Hostel Puelo Libre looked nice next to the beautiful river. Hiked until the north west side of lago las rocas.<br /> <br /> Ricardo (?) offered me a ride for free to the other end of the landslide. But I chose to cross the whole lake by boat. He charged 30k (I was alone). The radio is not anymore at the &quot;port&quot;, but you can walk to his house (just continue the MR, first house at around [-42.019089, -71.861245] to your left, if you want to avoid the dogs take the small trail to your left once you see it).<br /> <br /> Leaving Chile without the PDI document was not an issue (I requested the paper 5 days in advance and only got an auto response...). They did not even ask. Good views on the lake from now on. Spend an extra day at the camp next to the AR border control. All in all, nice hike! <br /> <br /> Missed the bus to El bolson by 5mins. Seems like it's more towards x:30h. I think they run every hour. Got a ride with a car for 1k to the city. If someone is fancying good sourdough bread i can recommend &quot;El Obrador&quot;<br /> <br /> The Post office is also doing Westernunion here (check Googlemaps reviews for more Infos)<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Feb-03 to 2024-Feb-09 / Lilian'''<br /> <br /> If you decide stay at Segundo Corral, and take the boat to Argentina.<br /> <br /> NO NO NO <br /> <br /> NO NO NO<br /> <br /> DON'T DON'T DON'T stay at Mari Mari Peni Camping, (or another name) Amancays Camping.<br /> <br /> I saved a girl hiker almost RAPED by the campground owner, and I'm pointed by a rifle gun force me to stop helping her at the night on 07/02. About the details, i type it and upload later.<br /> <br /> It is already reported to Chile carabineros and Consulate in Chile.<br /> <br /> * '''GPT22 2024-01-31 to 2024-02-05 / 5,5 days days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + Cochamó options/ Tomáš &amp; Natalie'''<br /> <br /> After a month and a half, we finally did something standard! From Puerto Varras (the bus stop on Avenida Vicente Perez Rosales just after Antonio Varras street) we took a bus at 8:38 going from Puerto Mont that went all the way to the end of MR to the &quot;Road end&quot; waypoint (aka the trailhead). At our hostel (Casa Apel), they told us it would arrive at 8:45. Not sure if this is the same bus that others said would pass Puerto Varras at 8:15 or if it just goes to the road end only in high season. It was 7000 per person - I think they might charge double for backpacks, it seemed expensive but happy they took us all the way.<br /> <br /> We were at the entrance at 11 AM and were let through for free when we told them we were going to El Arco. Nat worries this excuse won't last long. The way to La Junta is really busy (met maybe 50 people and about ten horses), easy and without many views as it goes through a forest. When we reached La Junta, we decided that the valley is too special to just walk on by, so we decided to try our luck and ask for camping in order to do the side trips. We asked all the campsites and only La Junta let us stay, 8000 CLP per person. Nat says it is important not to spread the word as they were nice people and did us a favor even though they were not supposed to allow people without reservations to stay. So, do not expect to be let in. We had a numbered site so I think they genuinely had some places free. If nobody had places, after ford 98.9, there is a maze of paths and mini-meadows on the left where I saw somebody camp illegally. If you hide your packs well for the day and then camp from dusk till dawn, you would probably get away with it. Alternatively there are some flat spots in Trinidad valley two hours up - if you start so that you would arrive by dusk, you should meet nobody.<br /> <br /> The side trips are steep but not challenging, many people take them. We went to Paloma [November 2024: in our suggestions and in OSM, like the next option too] in the evening, it can be done in three hours there and back if you do not stop (we did). We started going up at 1715 and saw last person going down at 1830 or so. It is quite splendid and fun, there are a couple of places you have to use a fixed rope. OSM says there is a route to Cerro La Junta. It is probably an exit route for climbers, I did not see any traces of it, but it looked like it was possible. If it is, one could probably continue all the way to Cerro Capicua.<br /> <br /> Arco Iris is still closed. If it were open I think one could follow the ridge, which is not very steep or outcroppy, all the way north to above GPT21 - only there is probably no way down [November 2024: in the Facebook group, it was said that somebody died there and that is why it is close, so maybe there is nothing wrong with the path, but it is closed officially for sure].<br /> <br /> The next morning I went to the Trinidad Valley and all the way up to Cerro Bella Vista and Nat went ahead to escape the approaching rain. The roundtrip takes about 7-8 hours. There is a marked travelled trail to the pass (&quot;El Paso&quot;), the last 300 vertical meters or so are marked by cairns. You will need your hands occasionally, but it is not exposed or particularly hard - SAC 4. The views are well worth it. It seemed most people only go to La Laguna (lake just under the pass). We started at 6 AM and I met the first people on my way down around noon at La Laguna. The way up through Camping Vista Hermosa (the current GPT track) is not supposed to be used by people not staying at the campsite. The proper way up seems to be the more western trail that is marked on OSM. Going back down trough camping Bella Vista was without issues though. They told Natalie you are not supposed to use their cable car (the one more upstream). Tomáš thinks you should use it as it is the only one that you can use without going through either of the campsites (the downstream one goes directly from La Junta campsite). No horseflies by now!<br /> <br /> I left the camping at 15:30, and met only one group of hikers all the way up to the second Camp waypoint at Lago Grande. It is a nice camp, bigger than the first, but no good water sources. Wild legal camping, if I get it right. Refuge El Arco is unmanned, it is just a simple wooden hut. I would only use it in case of severe rain. The way up was almost all dry after two weeks of no rain. Mostly through forest, with some nice views of the valley, a few more fords than indicated, but they could all be jumped.<br /> <br /> The next day it rained (5mm?) from 4 AM till 11 AM but it was not enough to make the trails substantially muddy. Nat had camped under a tree on a bench at Doña Luisa (5mil) and despite the rain was mostly dry without a tent. Tomáš had camped at Lago Grande and the tent got very wet (but not his sleeping bag). The bridge before Lago Vidal is not there but there was a nice log. There are some pre-colonization rock paintings after Lago Vidal, one probably needs to make a sidetrip to see them based on the information signs near Torrentoso (trail 22-10 was signposted; trails in the valley are well maintained so I assume the option is good to go). On the last meadow before the gone bridge at 51.8, there was a cherry tree that still had very tasty miniature cherries in the beginning of February. It is behind the house to the left of the trail, maybe 40 m from it. I discovered it by going south of the house (nobody seemed to be in it). Do not miss the turnoff of the trail from the meadow - I went straight, there was initially a trail but petered out into a landslide. Camp at 45.2 is nice but bring water (reach it by turning left from the trail cca 50-100 m beyond the imaginary shortest route from the trail to the camp, that way you avoid any vegetation, there is an opening in the fence (-41.70438, -71.99186). Finally met Natalie after two days of escaping rain, she found a dry spot under the tree canopies there. Shop in El Manso is better than expected (has good veges and fruit) but not as good as the one in Llanada Grande. El Manso also is besides a cerveceria with wifi (you have to buy the beer). The bus only came at 1530 despite being told it comes at 1pm. In almost three hours of waiting, we did not manage to hitch a car. <br /> <br /> The bus indeed stops at Llanada Grande for 10 minutes or so - it is not really enough to orientate yourself and buy lots of supplies. The supermarket had lots of nectarines! Should you want to go to Puerto Urutia, the bus does not go there so you need to get off and walk the minor road there. We could not get reliable Entel internet reception anywhere in the valley (calls were fine) along the bus route.<br /> <br /> We went to Primer Corral to do 22-08. The first few km are not a pleasant road to walk on. We decided to turn back as bad weather was coming in two days and it did not seem worth it. Not sure how far the road for cars goes. There seems to be regular but sparse traffic on it.<br /> <br /> We walked back for about an hour on the main road before getting a hitch for the last 3 km to turnoff to 22-02, as others indicated the RR is badly passable due to a landslide. The MR we walked was aesthetically dreadful and supersteep. We had to climb a locked gate right at the start. We found a miniature camping spot (dry) about 200 m before the signposted trail turnoff. In the morning a lorry driver waved at us so probably no issues with climbing the gate. Luckily the trail is much nicer than the road. We met the settler at the lake Azul, he let us walk through his property. The few km to the first very small lake are actually an undriven MR, but very pleasant, it does not seem to be connected to the road network. After 2 km, one turns left onto a trail, there are new signposts indicating you ca go to the &quot;Frontera&quot; or the lake - go to the Frontera. Until the pass, it is very clear. After the pass, the visibility deteriorates somewhat but no bush bashing is involved. Soon after that, there is a gate saying there is no trail afer a harsh winter. We went further and it turned out there is a trail. There were some trees on it, but not too much and we lost it only for about 50 m. From setler at 11.4, the trail is much more clear. Met a seemingly lonely girl from the next homestead with whom we had a lovely chat. The trail to the border control was easy, we came there at 1530 and were let through. They told us that it would be ok to reach the Argentinian border control the next day. They too had a very ripe cherry tree but did not pick up on my appraisal of it and did not suggest I get some fruit.<br /> <br /> We met several people on the way to Argentina border. We camped there (wild permitted numbered camping sites - there was about twenty other Argentinians, the functioning toilets are unsigned immediately next to the Police building, the building that looks like the old toilets is closed). The next day we had no issues with getting a stamp and going down. The last CC part is a trail. We forded the second ford a bit earlier than suggested, it was waist deep but very slow moving. Took a bus at 1340 to El Bolson - seems to run regularly (the dog bandits there are aggressive, watch out).<br /> <br /> * '''2024-Jan-19 to 2024-Jan-24 / 6 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR + day trip / Lotti &amp; Alex'''<br /> <br /> We did this section mostly as described by Fangwen and Tobi (El Manso to Cochamo base camp), so there is not much to add. We stayed at La Junta for 2 nights and did a very nice day trip to Cerro Bellavista (see description further down). The trails were very well maintained all the way. The only minor problems were mud and lots of horse flies. Like Fangwen and Tobi, we were happy we did the section NOBO, because the landscape gets more and more spectacular. This way it is also much easier to get to camp at La Junta without reservation, because they always reserve some space for hikers coming from the south. <br /> It was a beautiful hike and especially the area around La Junta is really spectacular and worth visiting. We even met a fellow GPT hiker there, which was great! <br /> <br /> Transportation:<br /> <br /> To start:<br /> Bus &quot;Rio Puelo&quot; from Puerto Varas to Lago Tagua-Tagua at 8:20am, then ferry to Puerto Maldonado, then bus to El Manso. We arrived at the trailhead around 1pm.<br /> <br /> after hike:<br /> Bus from end of trailhead (&quot;Cochamo base camp&quot;) to Cochamo/Puerto Montt at 1pm.<br /> <br /> Day trip to Cerro Bellavista:<br /> <br /> Start at La Junta on GPT Variant G, following the signs to &quot;Trinidad&quot;. It starts by crossing the river with the little cable car. After the walls of Trinidad, stay on the trail and follow the signs to &quot;Laguna&quot;. The official trail ends there, but there are stone cairns and ribbons marking a trail that goes up to the pass. The laguna is crowded, but we didn't meet anyone further up. The view at the pass is already great, but you can go up even further. Turn to the left and follow the stone cairns until the summit. It is not difficult, just walking and easy scrambling, and the view is absolutely spectacular.<br /> The whole tour has about 1300m of altitude difference. It took us around 5h to go up, and 3-4h down. <br /> <br /> * '''2024-01-07 to 2024-01-14: Fangwen and Tobi / 2.5 days Ventisquero Valley (Option 08 + more), 4 days El Manso to Cochamo RR / NOBO hiking.'''<br /> <br /> We did two parts along this enjoyable section, connecting them by hitchhiking and resupplying in between in Llanada Grande.<br /> <br /> The first part was hiking ~20km into the scenic Ventisquero valley (Option 08), alongside a wonderful river on an enjoyable and easy hiking trail through farms and rainforest that mostly follows an old minor road. It's often better to follow the well-marked trail rather than the GPT track files. A highlight of our trip was hiking up to a fantastic viewpoint at 1100m with a view of the whole valley, its remote side valleys and glaciated mountain peaks. The trail (900m elevation gain, 4.5km) through the thick rainforest is steep but excellent in quality and easy to follow (but the turnoff at S 42° 01.737', W 072° 05.643' is easy to miss). This and other trails in the valley are not part of the GPT files yet, but GPX files can be found on the website of Rincon Bonito (glamping accommodation for groups) that presumably created the trail. We camped by the viewpoint; what a wonderful experience! There are plenty of places to pitch up a tent, but little protection from wind. We found a wind protected camp in a dried-out puddle at (S 42° 02.705', W 072° 06.193'). Make sure to bring water, since the last reliable water source is in the valley, just before the turnoff onto the steep trail. From the viewpoint, we attempted to climb the local mountain, but beyond 1500m, it appears to require bush bashing. Our track: [[Media:GPT 22 Ventisquero Viewpoint.gpx]]. [https://rinconbonito.cl/experiencias/ The GPX on their site].<br /> The viewpoint is within the Pumalin National Park, but the whole valley seems to be private property and camping is forbidden outside official campsites, which begin quite far into the valley. There are plenty of spots to pitch up a tent nonetheless (which is what we did).<br /> For packrafters, going down the river must surely be a highlight! Rincon Bonito offers packrafting (maybe only for their guests?), they describe it as class II+.<br /> <br /> Our second part followed the regular route 22N from El Manso to the Cochamo trailhead. This was an enjoyable hike and we found the trail to be in good condition, although it gets pretty muddy around El Arco (and that's after one week of sunny weather). There is quite a bit of pointless up and down between km45 and km79. Additionally, our hiking distance was often 20-25% longer than expected, as there are many switchbacks too small to be represented on the track files. We liked hiking this section northbound, as the rainforest and the views get more and more impressive as you go along. La Junta has a lot of local hiking options (e.g. hiking into the Anfiteatro valley or on top of Cerro Trinidad), but we didn't spend any extra days because the weather was turning.<br /> <br /> Logistics: to get to the start of section 22, take the daily bus that leaves at 7.45am from Puerto Montt (stops at 8.15 in Puerto Varas at intersection el Salvador/San Pedro S 41° 19.081', W 072° 59.038', and later in Cochamo). The bus company Río Puelo has a ticket office in Puerto Montt, their WhatsApp number is +56 9 7408 9199. From there, take the ferry across Lago Tagua Tagua and the connecting bus down the valley to your respective trailhead (El Manso for the Cochamo valley, Primer Corral for the Ventisquiero valley). Note that travel is slow... We arrived at the Primer Corral at 4pm. We left a bag of food for the second half of our trip. Unfortunately it was visible from the parking lot and got stolen, so we resupplied at the Llanada Grande supermarket. The bus makes a stop there for ~15min, if you want a quick resupply there (it's a bit bigger than in El Manso). We hitchhiked to El Manso, which worked after two hours of waiting/walking (not a lot of traffic).<br /> <br /> If you are in the Llanada Grande area, go to Camping Reflejo Azul. The campsite itself is average, but it has the most beautiful river we have ever seen in our lives. Visit this truly special place before Instagram influencers find out about it and it becomes overrun by hordes of tourists. Day access is possible also for 5.000 CLP.<br /> <br /> Photos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/permalink/1732098767296002/?app=fbl<br /> <br /> * '''&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;2024-Jan-4 / 7.5 days / Packrafting / SOBO / RH + OP-LK-2 + RP / Lauren &amp; Sebastian&lt;/span&gt;'''<br /> <br /> Note: We were told a reservation is needed for a camp site at La Junta to be allowed into the valley from Cochamo side, so we did that. However, one of the wikiexplora entry mentioned that they were allowed in when mentioning that they wanted to camp at El Arco Refuge but we read it too late. Camp Trawen is the most expensive (15k per person), which is the reason why it’s been available on short notice. There are several other sold-out camps around for 8k-10k.<br /> <br /> Day 1: We hitchhiked to Cochamo Base Camp at 9am and reached Camp Trawen by 2pm. It would have been better to go on the El Arco Refuge straight away and camp there. It’s a touristy stretch and in our view not really worth doing, if you like the general quiet nature of the GPT.<br /> <br /> Day 2: Camped at the beach at Lago Vidal. Easy hike but lots of ups and downs.<br /> <br /> Day 3: We packrafted Lago Vidal and had a good lunch at Luisa’s place (make sure to drop by!), before continuing on to Torrentoso (not the paid camp, but on the meadow a few hundred meters after the official camp). <br /> <br /> Day 4: The bridge at wp Bridge {22N} [51.8/146] (Rio Steffen) does not exist anymore. It’s not a demanding ford but there are short steep ups and downs on both sides. We stayed near wp Settler {22N} [50.1/307].<br /> <br /> Day 5: We rivered in at wp Rio Manso. The ride was super scenic and beautiful and there were no rapids, just a bit of boiling water but nothing difficult, which might be due to different water levels compared to previous accounts. It’s 45 minutes from there to the bridge at wp Bridge {22N} [40.8+0.2/36]. We rivered out behind the bridge on the right side. There is a nice flat beach which leads to the cabin of Harv and Veronica. They let us camp on their land and even offered a hot (wood fired) shower for 2.5k per person. There is a cervezeria and shop across the road for resupply.<br /> <br /> Day 6: We took the bus at 1 pm to intersection at wp X {22-01} [25.0/187] and went on OP-MR-V (along Hunter’s estate) to Lago Azul. You will be charged 5k per person to access the lake. We crossed Lago Azul with strong waves and tailwind so we sailed to the other side in no time.<br /> <br /> Day 7: Crossed Lago de Las Rocas, Lago Inferior, and Lago Puelo to the Argentinian border control which opens at 8am next morning so we camped there. Next day we finished at Lago Puelo which is a popular tourist beach.<br /> <br /> Tip: It is a hot &amp; dusty walk to town from the beach and hitchhiking is not as easy in this part of Argentina as in Chile. Keep some small change of USD or Argentinian pesos for the bus ride to resupply in town. If you plan to continue packrafting Lago Puelo on GPT23 after resupplying, the earliest bus back to the beach reaches around 7.30am but it will be too late as the wind picks up by 8am. Lago Puelo is known for its strong gusts so it’s best to check wind forecast and paddle early morning 5.30am to cross. Therefore it may be easier to camp at one of the campsites nearer to the beach instead of staying in town. Just go there for resupplying.<br /> <br /> *'''2023 Dec OH-TL-V / Anh'''<br /> Note: the trail OH-TL-V alias Cerro Arco Iris [from La Junta] was damaged by big rocks in the last season and is completely closed. A new route or repair is not in planning.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-12-17 to 2023-12-21 / 5 days / Hiking + &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / SOBO /RR &amp; Option 01B / Roman'''<br /> <br /> Route: Hiking from Cochamó to El Manso. Bus to Lago de Las Rocas. Packrafted the lake and Lago Inferior. Hiked to Lago Puelo.<br /> <br /> Due to the border crossing, there is a thread about it on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/permalink/1709504102888802/. I applied online - no answer. Went to the carabineros in Cochamó they couldn't issue it, so I went without it (it worked without a problem)<br /> <br /> Started in Cochamó (there is a bus to the entry I just got him by hitchhiking so I don't know the schedule) and had a reservation for Camp Trawen (Fruit, Groceries, Electricity). This is getting checked at the entrance if you have one. The trail to the camp was a bit muddy (2 days of rain before the start) but all doable. The next day went to the northern end of Lago Vidal Gormaz and slept there at Lake {22-05} [7.9/604]. Bridge destroyed at: -41.43696, -71.96632 and Bridge {22N} [63.0/337] (Rio El Colorado). Both are crossable dry feed due to trees. Generally, there is no fording necessary after Lago Vidal Gormaz. Before yes. Packrafted Rio Manso. There were no rapids on the map, it's mentioned in the Manuel that it can be challenging. There are some rapids but all are doable and manageable (I am a beginner with kayak experience and an open deck packraft). You can get easy access to the river at -41.692561, -71.972725 this is 300m after the mark in the file. There is a dry river bed to avoid BB to get to the River. The river is fast flowing. Follow the GPS only at one point where the river splits pay extra attention: turn left as shownin the GPS: -41.698615, -71.985482 . Went out at the south side of the bride: Bridge {22N} [40.8+0.2/36] (Rio Manso) on the right side. There is a trail to the street with one gate where you can walk through on the right side. The shop Settlement, Shop, Bus {22N} [40.7/36] (El Manso) has good supplies and free WiFi. The trail to this point is very good. Based on previous comments and a chat to a local I want to skip at least to Puerto Urrutia [comment in: 2023-FEB-01 to 2023-FEB-07]. There is an official bus going all the way from Rampa Punta<br /> <br /> Maldonado -&gt; Segundo Corral. Find the schedule here: https://imgur.com/a/7MVEscb . The shop owner said the bus is normally there at 02:00 PM. The bus was there in my case at 02:30 PM. This bus stops at the large supermarket [Supermercado Llanada Grande] a great place for a last resupply). The bus also stops at Puerto Urrutia but I went all the way to Lago de Las Rocas and used OH-MR-V {22-01B} [8.2+1.9] to get to the lake. Started packrafting at 05:00 PM. The start was fine. The wind got worse during the evening and was to my capabilities on the maximum with serious waves. Strong wind from the north. It was pleasantly paddling after going through the gap at -42.069608, -71.813735. Camped at Lake, Camp {22S} [21.8/314]. Got there at 07:45 PM. Crossed the border without any problems. Packrafted Lago Inferior and got in the water here: Lake {22S} [20.9/201] at 10:00 AM. The wind got stronger but manageable. Exited the lake at 11:15 AM at -42.102244, -71.742575. The trail back to the RR is good to hike. From there, the trail is in good condition. Due to the higher water in Rio Azul fording and therefore the RR is not possible. You get also the recommendation from the Argentinien carabineros to take Option 03. I didn't want to take this and followed the RR to this point: -42.091481, -71.633667. From there I followed the trail to this point: -42.09399, -71.634188. There is an old dock [image here: https://imgur.com/a/5LMsKA1]to put in you packraft. The trail can be downloaded at the end of the comment. There I packrafted with very strong onshore wind and if it hadn't been for only 300m I wouldn't have done it to (03:15 PM):-42.096114, -71.628682 ,and walked from there to the end of GPT22.<br /> <br /> Overall: great section! It's a nice trail to hike and packrafting rRioEl Manso is a lot of fun and a great change in perspective after hiking for a few days. After that, the trail continues bto bein a good condition. The conditions for Lago de Las Rocas should be closely checked. I would definitely recommend it!<br /> <br /> Trail download: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AqzLweJ3NZW5q7YZzDoW3qlKypqwBg<br /> <br /> Contact: https://linktr.ee/RundW<br /> <br /> * '''&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;2023-Dec-03 to 2023-Dec-12 / 9 days / PACKRAFTING / NOBO &amp; SOBO / Jordan Jennings&lt;/span&gt;'''<br /> Route:<br /> <br /> took bus to Primer Corral&gt;Arroyo Ventisquero&gt;Rio Puelo (walked 13km of rapids through canyon)&gt;Lago Tagua Tagua&gt;Rio Puelo&gt;Estero Reloncavi to Cochamó (nobo) took bus back towards Primer Corral from Cochamó, asked to be dropped off near Lago Azul.. Lago Azul&gt;lago las rocas&gt;Lago Inferior&gt;Lago Puelo&gt;Lago Puelo town (sobo).<br /> <br /> Highlights:<br /> <br /> Arroyo ventisquero: is well worth a visit, packrafting or hiking. I got told that there is a hostel run by an abuela 4km further up the valley from Rincon Bonito (posh cabins) where the route on track files stops (c20km up valley from Primer Corral). Between the hostel and Rincon there are rapids, so be prepared to walk back to Rincon to put boat in water. The river from Rincon to Rio Puelo is stunning and very easy in packraft.<br /> <br /> Lago Azul: If you flip flop (as recommended if packrafting), and return back to Primer Corral for sobo travel as Jan mentions in the manual, ask the bus driver to drop you at Lago Azul, rather than taking the bus closer to the Lago las rocas trailhead/Primer Corral. The 3km walk from the bus stop to the lake is easy and I got super lucky and passed a local horse race (Carreras) on a Saturday. Maybe ask ahead when they are on?!<br /> <br /> Other comments:<br /> <br /> The hiking section bypassing Rio Puelo (first set of) rapids through canyon, the 13km or so took me all day. Parts of the trail were barely a trail, very slow kms. Although I was also a bit sick so my experience might be tainted. The alternative is taking roads on the right hand side of the river.<br /> <br /> I hiked the section between the Argentinian border patrol and lago puelo town (13km) which passed through some stunning farmland (lago puelo can get angry with wind as with any big lake). The dotted line section or shortcut which requires two river fords was impassable for me. Rio Azul was not even close to being fordable mid December. And even if you did pass, you would have to take the road to Puelo anyway.<br /> <br /> In terms of transport to Primer Corral, the bus leaves Cochamó at 10:30am and Puelo at 11:30am (same bus, which I think starts in Puerto Montt v early). From the ferry there’s another local bus that will essentially drop you wherever you want (en route) to primer corral. Super easy.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> * '''2023-Feb-18 to 2023-Feb-23 / 6 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + 22-01 / Martin &amp; Helena'''<br /> <br /> A lot has been already written, so just a few comments from our side:<br /> <br /> No problem with entering the valley in SOBO direction, until the noon aprox., saying you will spend the night at the refugio El Arco - they have some time estimate for this hike and can’t let you in if its late. By the entrance you can buy some useful things that might be hard to buy in Cochamo, like gas or peanut butter. There was also a beer truck with quite good wifi connection (only during summer). Crowds of people in both directions, quite muddy trail. Detour to the Toboganes is definitely worth it. We spend the night after all in a marked camp aprox. 4 kms before the refugio and it was a good decision - there were quite a lot of people when we passed by the next day.<br /> <br /> From the refugio its nice and easy walking. We spent the night on the southern side of Lago Vidal Gomaz where is amazing campsite Doña Luisa, for I think 5000 CLP pp. We bought there beer, some cheese and bread in the morning, and you can also charge electronics inside. It is possible to have proper breakfast or dinner, it looked all very tasty. At km N 40.7 is shop with all the basic things + great brewery next to it, definitely stop there if you are a fan.<br /> <br /> Based on other comments and our time schedule we decided to take the alternative 22-01 to Llanada Grande. This is a good resuppy spot as there is a new and big (at least in comparison to what you would expect in a place like this) supermarket that replaced the old one destroyed by fire. Good place to stay is a campsite at the end of the village, on the right side, run by really nice lady. Not expensive and if its free, you can stay for the same price in a so called refugio, that is actually just a very small room, but for us better than a tent. Hot water and electricity + possibility to buy pizza and maybe some other small things - there is actually no restaurant in the village. Some more road walking around Lago Totoral to Rio Puelo to connect back to RR. In general not very attractive part of the trail. Great restaurant in Hostal Puelo Libre with local beer and view on the river.<br /> <br /> From the port its again easy walking on the RR again. Drunk settler and quite agressive dogs out of his control at S km 7.2 so be careful. We slept half way to Las Rocas lake. We thought about taking the RR around the lake, but the landslide caused by snow (aprox. 1.5 km from the port) looked quite difficult to pass. We discovered there is possibility to cross the lake on one of the locals boat, which we did in the end. We were lucky that after waiting for some time in the port a car with locals arrived. Happily for us they arranged a boat transfer with other residents to get to the other side of the lake, where they went for a lunch. We were able to go with them, and after picking up their friends, we all hop off the boat close to the police station. Great experience and we learned a lot about this area and people living here. We paid 10k CLP. In the comments here is a contact for the guy with a boat, but without signal it must be arranged in advance, and the price might differ when not sharing the transfer with others. No problem with the border check. It took us around 4 hrs to get to the argentinian side, where everyone was super friendly as well. They offered us to camp there, but we decided to make it to Lago Puelo, which took us 2 more hrs. The landscape changes significantly on the other side where everything is more dry. No problem with the river crossing. We got off the trail directly on the main road.<br /> <br /> Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka<br /> <br /> * '''2023-FEB-01 to 2023-FEB-07 / 7 days / hiking / SOBO / Cochamó - Lago Puelo / Anna &amp; Christopher '''<br /> <br /> We hitchhiked from Eco Camping El Valle to the entry of the park and arrived around 8 am. We told them that we would camp at the Refugio El Arco and explained our further route. Until la Junta there were lots of chilenean tourists, therefore the path was very good only with some muddy stretches. Like Véronica we walked to Toboganes, a waterfall/stream with beautiful rock formations. There were tons of people, but it's worth it. La junta seems to be an amazing place for rock climbing, we would have loved to have some climbing gear with us.<br /> <br /> After la Junta there were almost no more hikers. We camped next to the Refugio, as there were already two other groups of hikers sleeping in the Refugio.<br /> <br /> Until Lago grande there are still some muddy stretches and blowdowns, but generally it is a good path. From there on the path is perfectly maintained. We camped at approx. km 66 next to Río los Morros. <br /> <br /> Nice path until El Manso. We resupplied at the minimercado and camped next to the river, which was a beautiful camping spot with lots of delicious blackberrys.<br /> <br /> The next morning we arrived at Señora Ocos house around 8 am. She contacted multiple people and luckily found out that there was somebody crossing the river to our side at 11 am. The man, whose name we unfortunately forgot, was super friendly and dropped us off after the river mouth of Rio Traidor, close to where he lives. He charged 10.000 CLP p.p.<br /> <br /> The path to the first settler was mediocre and afterwards got worse and worse until it was almost pure buschwhacking. It was the worst we had so far on the GPT. Thorns.. Lots of thorns tearing away at your clothes, backpack and skin.<br /> We camped at the river at approx. km 12, which was a beautiful spot.<br /> Until the settlement Las Nieves the path continued beeing bad with lots of bush bashing. The settler told us that no locals use that path and she also told us that there are no regular boat transfers to Puerto Urrutia on weekends (it was sunday..).<br /> We wouldn't do that stretch next to Rio Puelo again and instead hitchhike from El Manso to Puerto Urrutia.<br /> <br /> At the boat transfer waypoint to Puerto Urrutia we had Entel service and contacted one lodging on the other side. They told us to go to the last house 1km back to ask for a transfer (it's the house of the man who does the boat transfer on weekdays). But we got lucky and a boat passed by and took us to the other side. The man on the boat also told us that the path from Río Traidor to Puerto Urrutia &quot;is closed&quot;.<br /> <br /> We continued to Lago verde, where we planned to camp, but it's surrounded by dense forest, apart from a private property.<br /> That spot is amazing, a little landing stage to go swimming, a great view and a very friendly owner. She even baked some delicious apple bread for us. For camping she charged us 8000 CLP p.p.. That was definetly worth it.<br /> <br /> After Lago verde there is a minimarket. We didn't check it out, but there is no resupply wp yet.<br /> <br /> After reading previous blogs and having had enough of thorns we decided to cross el Lago de Las Rocas by boat. Therefore there is a walkie talkie on the landing stage on the northern end of the lake with which you can contact Richard. We also got his number (+56958694897), if you want to contact him in advance. When we arrived at the lake, there were already lots of people waiting for the boat so we just waited with them and after some time got knocked the boat with them. The ride was really nice across the crystal clear blue water and we were charged 5000 p.p.<br /> <br /> From the southern end of the lake it's just a couple of minutes to walk to the chilenian border control. We continued on and camped at km 30 at the river. Again a really beautiful spot.<br /> <br /> The next day we passed the argentinian border control and continued to Lago Puelo.<br /> <br /> The section was really beautiful, except the part with the thorns. There are lots of streams along the whole trail, so one does not need to carry much water. <br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-29 to 2023-Feb-02 / 5 days / hiking / NOBO / RR mostly / Frank'''<br /> <br /> I got the bus-ferry-bus from Puerto Montt to Segundo Corral. To avoid the landslide at Laguna Las Rocas &amp; delays with the river ferries I walked on the road from Segundo Corral to El Manso, about 50KM. Easy but not very interesting walking. It takes a full day to get from Puerto Montt on the bus to Segundo Corral so I believe it would be better to go SOBO with an early start to get through La Junta, otherwise you need 2 additional days for travel. <br /> <br /> Stayed @ nice &amp; cheap campsite at bridge over Rio Colorado &amp; camped at El Arco. The trail approaching El Arco was muddy &amp; a bit swampy (it had been raining). It's possible to go by boat across Lago Vidal Gomez but it's an easy 3 hour walk. <br /> <br /> Got the bus again to Segundo Corral &amp; ferry to Paso Bolson. The trail across the border is generally in good condition. There is some easy bushbashing on the Chilean side for about 1KM before the border &amp; some fallen trees but they are straightforward to go over. Rio Azul was easily fordable in early February.<br /> <br /> * '''2023-Jan-10 to 2023-Jan-14 / 5 days / hiking / SOBO / RR, also GPT22-01 / Véronica '''<br /> <br /> Route: Cochamó - La Junta - Lago Vidal Gormáz - El Manso - Puerto Urrutio via Option 1 - Lago Las Rocas - Lago Puelo (Argentina) <br /> <br /> The borders of Paso El León and Paso El Bolsón are both opened again for tourists! Go for it! It is a beautiful section with wonderful people, such a contrast to where I started the GPT further north. <br /> <br /> In Cochamó, I stayed at Eco Camping El Valle, right at the entrance to the Cochamó River Valley. Paid 7000 clp, very nice campground, there are tarps over the picnic tables at each site so you have a dry place to hang out even if it rains :) Since I spent the night so close to the trailhead, it was easy to get to the guarded valley entrance (Road End {22N} [109.8/58]) early. I did not have a camping reservation for La Junta. I arrived at the trailhead at 7:30 a.m., explained my route to the staff, saying I would stay at Refugio El Arco that night. They let me through no problem. The trail to La Junta is a bit muddy, but nothing bad, my feet stayed dry in my trailrunners despite the fact it was also raining off and on. Beautiful path through the Valvidian rainforest, I really enjoyed all the green and the moss. When I reached the La Junta area, I stashed my pack in some trees and made a short detour to Las Toboganes. They are only 0.7 km off the regular route, and highly worthwhile to see! What a spectacular area, I totally see the Yosemite resemblence, and would love to go back someday. <br /> <br /> I found the trail after La Junta (all the way to Lago Vidal Gormáz) to be in good shape, contrary to what others have written. It was maybe slightly less maintained than the popular trail leading into the valley, but it was still very clear and easy to follow — not overgrown, no blowdowns, just a bit muddy in some places. Granted, it has been drier than normal so far this summer. None of the fords went above my knees, and sometimes I could cross the creeks without even getting my feet wet, all very easy. <br /> <br /> The refugio at El Arco is dark and without any furniture inside. I found it much nicer to camp in the nearby meadow just south of the trail there. There are outhouses. <br /> <br /> Nice path from Lago Vidal Gormáz all the way to El Manso. Very beautiful in this valley as well. Met a few arrieros along the way. Most of the rivers have bridges crossing them. There is a small camp at the bridge over Río Colorado. <br /> <br /> In El Manso, I topped off my food supply at the shop on the main road. It has a good selection of food items. Then I went to Señora Oco's house to try and arrange a boat transfer over Río Puelo. She and her family are very friendly and welcoming. I arrived there mid-afternoon, but she could not get in radio contact with anyone on the other side. In the evening, we heard back from Hospedaje Nancy, who charged 60,000 clp for a crossing upriver all the way to Río Traidor (where she lives). This I found too expensive for me traveling alone. Señora Oco baked some bread and I was able to buy some. She also said I was welcome to camp in the fields behind her house while waiting for a response from settlers Paulina and Jovino regarding a crossing to their place (much more direct and therefore likely much cheaper). The next morning, we still hadn't received any response from Paulina and Jovino either via radio or Whatsapp (they may have been away). Because of this, I decided to take the gravel road to Puerto Urrutia (Option 1), and forgo crossing Río Puelo, unfortunately. Despite this setback, I'm really glad I got to meet and spend time with Señora Oco and her family, they are such kind people. <br /> <br /> I was able to hitch most of the way to Puerto Urrutia, where I rejoined the regular route. The trail from there all the way to Lago Las Rocas is mostly easy and clear. There were a few confusing junctions in the vicinity of Lago Verde, so I kept a close eye on the GPS there. After crossing the road after that, the beginning of RR -TL-V {22S} [2.8/7.1+2.7] is tricky to find. There are lots of fallen trees and many forest paths. The GPS was very helpful there too until I finally found the right path. After about 700 m it merges with a nice clear path all the way to Lago Las Rocas. <br /> <br /> As has been previously reported, there is a large rockslide about 2 km in once you reach Lago Las Rocas. It didn't look overly dangerous to me, the boulders were large and seemed solid enough. I started crossing it right at the bottom where the rocks fall into the lake, as it looked to be the easiest and safest way across. I was maybe 50 meters through it, when a boat came along, and the people in it told me to hop in! What lucky timing! As we passed the rest of the rockslide, I could see the last part of it was steep, loose scree rather than big boulders. That part would have definitely been nerve-wracking to cross, and I was very grateful for the boat ride. The settlers who owned the boat live about 3 km along the trail, at a little bay/inlet in the lake. They have a nice beach and campground too. That's where I rejoined the trail. Beyond their house, the &quot;Camino Los Mosquitos,&quot; as it is locally called, gets progressively worse in terms of overgrowth and blowdowns. The trail has not been cleared since the past winter, and not been used either. The stretch between kilometers 4 and 6.5 is the worst. It felt more like pure bushwhacking than following a trail. The path was mostly burried beneath walls of downed trees and branches, it got very hard to follow at times. Lots of climbing over and under vegetation, some of it quite thorny too. Very slow and tiring. My pack got ripped up a bit and so did my clothing. Had I known the trail was this bad, I would have taken the option on the east side of Lago Las Rocas. It's hard to imagine it could be in worse shape than the regular route. <br /> <br /> When I got to the Chilean Border Control it was around 6:30 p.m., so too late to cross that day. The border agent working there was very friendly, but he couldn't get in contact with his supervisor to get approval for stamping my passport with the next day's date. So I camped back at Lago Las Rocas, and the next morning came back at 8 a.m. when the border post reopened. The trail on the Chilean side of the border was a bit rough in places, it has been neglected since the winter too. But it was not as bad as the previous stretch along Lago Las Rocas. Once I got into Argentina, it got much better. The trails in Parque Nacional Lago Puelo are well-maintained, and I met some day hikers. No issues at the Argentine Border Control. <br /> <br /> I was able to ford Río Azul easily, thanks to the dry weather. There are three branches of the river to cross (the GPS waypoints only show two of them). The middle branch is the widest and deepest. The water there went up to my upper thighs (I'm 165 cm), but the current was slow and it never felt dangerous. <br /> <br /> Now I'm skipping down to GPT32 to continue my adventure further south :) The northern sections that I hiked from 6 to 22 were simply amazing, with great weather almost the entire time. Thank you, all! <br /> <br /> * '''2022-Oct-19 to 2022-Oct-24 / 6 days / hiking / SOBO / RR / ???'''<br /> <br /> Here are the main points because our story is long :)<br /> Paso el bolson and El Leon are closed for tourists until further notice <br /> Some of trails are in bad condition because of the hard winter but they might be cleared in the following weeks. <br /> Landslide in Lago Las rocas - very dangerous part to cross. We suggest to take an optional route <br /> <br /> The trail starts in valle cochamo. We did not have any reservations but as we were in low season we were not worried. However the lady from the tourist office in Cochamo told us to arrive at the entrance of the valley between 7 &amp; 8 to avoid being rejected. At 7h50 there was nobody at the reception so we did not have any trouble, but we cannot say for the high season. <br /> You can arrange a car transfer to go the valley entrance. The numbers of the drivers are available at the tourist office.<br /> <br /> The trail until La Junta is muddy but well maintained - no worries there. Up there we met some arrieros and the locals from the camping and they told us that the trail was closed a bit further because of snow (up to 2 meters) in laguna Blanca. This is the highest part of the trail (about 1100m). The river crossings were feasible, but as they forecasted rain for the next day, we preferred to turn back in order to avoid being blocked between high rivers and snow. <br /> <br /> Back on the road between Cochamo and Puelo, we caught at about 10:30 the bus that leaves at 7:45 from Puerto Montt, to go to Rio Manso. There is a well furnished Shop where you can even find gas. <br /> We remained in the Southbound direction and went to Senora Oco's house. She was very welcoming, and her and her grandchild helped us in arranging a boat transfer for the following morning (nothing was possible the same day). We paid 50000 pesos to go from their house to Rio Traidor - close to Nancy hospedaje. Indeed, we skipped the first part of the trail as they told us that it was very closed with a lot of small trees and not used anymore. Maybe it would be cheaper to cross a bit south using the cable car or directly from Manso to Rio Traidor.<br /> <br /> Until the Rio Tigre, settler # 22N [7.7/157], the trail is visible but sometimes with some obstacles (fallen trees). After this settling, you will have to cross the Rio Tigre which might be the hardest to cross on your way if you have a lot of rain. There is a bridge indicated on the tracks but it has been swept away this winter. The best place to cross is a bit higher following the river, follow the horse track. We did not have any problem crossing, and probably the settler could help you with his horse if the river is too high. That is an advantage of the Southbound direction.<br /> <br /> After, the trail is really clear. We found the last transfer across Rio Puelo about 1 km before the point indicated on the track. It is his job to do the crossings and he also does sportive fishing if you are interested. Look for a house with a border collie with a piece of wood around the neck :) <br /> <br /> From Puerto Urrutia, the trail is clear again until the road. There is a shop at 600m on the right. Again here, the trail is closed due to fallen trees at the beginning, but the locals (last house on the right) will help you find another path. Clear trail until Lago Las Rocas. <br /> <br /> Once you reach the Lago Las rocas you will be blocked after 2km. Indeed there was a landslide this winter and you have to cross a very dangerous part of about 300 m of rocky mountain slide. It is not stabilized yet. We went through but we do not advise it. <br /> Also, there were a lot of fallen trees and the path was really tiring. The locals will probably clear the path in the following weeks. To get more information we suggest to contact the camping Playa Las Rocas on Instagram. <br /> You can also consider the other routes or arrange a boat crossing. <br /> <br /> Finally we arrived at the border crossing. Unfortunately it was closed due to the Covid, except for the very locals (people from Cochamo). Apparently Paso el Leon is closed as well for tourists. Be aware of that if you have to cross the Chilean- Argentinian borders, as small passes seem to be closed for tourists. <br /> In the end we had to go back to Puerto Montt crossing the Lago inferior with a free boat (ask the carabineros), and then the bus-ferry-bus from Segundo Corral.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> * '''&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;2021-Nov-23 &amp; 2021-Nov-25 / 2 days / Packrafting / SOBO / Estuario de Reloncavi from Ralun to Rio Puelo (Western shore) / Jan Dudeck &amp; Meylin Ubilla&lt;/span&gt;'''<br /> <br /> We paddled in two easy days the roughly 40 km southbound.<br /> <br /> Start at Ralun at Puente Petrohue: On the right side of the bridge (view in river flow direction) is a suitable put-in and good spot to camp. The gate was closed but not locked. There are signs of people occasionally camping there.<br /> <br /> Ralun to Cochamo: Packrafters in need to resupply can do this in Cochamo about 16 water kilometers from the put-in. Both, the western and eastern coast are suitable for packrafting. The eastern side is next to the main road what facilitates switching to hiking. The western side is less intervened and more scenic.<br /> <br /> Ralun to Rio Puelo: Again, the western and eastern coast are suitable for packrafting. The eastern side is next to the main road what facilitates switching to hiking but requires the crossing of a 4 km wide bay in open water. The western side is less intervened and more scenic but requires crossing the 3 km wide Estuario de Reloncavi near Rio Puelo. On the western side are also the Termas de Sotomo that are suitable for camping.<br /> <br /> Wind: On nice sunny days “viento sur” often kicks in around 10 am making southbound paddling difficult or unfeasible. We had two partially overcasted days and could paddle on the first day till 4 pm when wind became annoying strong. On the second day around 3 pm the wind and waves became unpleasant but by this time we were walking the final kilometers into Rio Puelo.<br /> <br /> GPT22: Southbound packrafters may take in Cochamo or Rio Puelo the bus to Lago TaguaTagua an get to the recommended packrafting starting point of section GPT22 halfway into this section to Flip-Flop as recommended.<br /> <br /> * '''2021-NOV-18 / 1 day / hiking / NOBO / Cochamó Valley (Lago Tagua Tagua - Lago Grande) / Tobías '''<br /> <br /> The Section between La Junta Base and Lago Vidal Gormez was very challenging. It had been raining a lot, so the Trail was very muddy and I had to cross several rivers and creeks. Went straight from Cochamó to Lago Grande and camped there in some Snow. Met only a few settlers. After reaching Lago Vidal Gormez, the Trail was easy and I enjoyed the hike a lot. Amaizing área up there!<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-FEB-18 to 2020-FEB-21 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Tyler '''<br /> I didn’t have problems getting a campsite at la junta on the spot luckily. AMAZING area that I’ll be returning to again to do all the day hikes in. Aside from that, most the trail was very muddy, rainy, and unmaintained. This got a bit difficult after the 3rd day in a row. Good places to camp at the lakes over the pass SOBO. When I got down to Lago Vidal Gomez the trail improved.. I got some bread from a settler at the start of the lake. There right on the trail and super friendly and have rooms. The last ferry across Tagua Tagua leaves at 7 pm. I didn’t make it, so I slept underneath the office/bathrooms and took the ferry at 8:00 the next morning. I believe there’s another ferry at 12. <br /> <br /> * '''. 2020-Jan-09 to 2020-Jan-11 / hiking / SOBO / RR / Shaun'''<br /> <br /> Despite the austere warnings on the La Junta Camping website, I was able to make a reservation at short notice in high season, and the back and forth process only took a few hours. In Cochamó, I was warned that due to recent rain the river crossings at El Arco and another nearby river would likely be impassable. With four more days of heavy rain forecast, I decided to take the bus-ferry-bus combo to Puerto Urrutia and try to walk northbound from there with the optimistic hope that by the time I reached El Arco the river would be passable or, at least, the wait would be less. However, 10km north of the Rio Puelo crossing (service starts at 9am) my way was blocked by a high and fast river. I then retraced my steps and completed the rest of the section southbound - which was straightforward. The trail on the west side of Lago de la Roca until the frontera is a bit overgrown but still easy to see and nothing particularly slowed me down. On the Argentinian side the trail is well maintained. It is not permitted to camp on the 12km stretch between the border posts. I arrived too late to cross that day, but the Chileans stamped my passport with the next day’s date so I didn’t have to wait for the post to open at 9am. The Argentinian border guards informed me that because of the rain, the Rio Azul was too high to ford at the point on the regular hiking route just before Lago Puelo so I took the alternative route (Oh-Tl-V@22-04-#001) a few kms north and crossed over the La Pasarela bridge.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-22 to 2020-Jan-26 / 5 days / hiking / SOBO / parque de la vallee de Cochamo - La Pasarella / Arnaud '''<br /> <br /> As we arrived from Puerto Montt we were with the bus and stopped directly at the entrance of the private parque de la vallee de Cochamo.<br /> As it is private, there are some rules to get in, or they block you at the control point.<br /> The entrance is free but you need to have a reservation in one of the official camp sites there. To get the reservation, you can do it on internet (but you need to wait for the confirmation and it can be several days long), or do it directly there (red house), they give you the reservation voucher if there are places available (number seem to be limited). Then you pay the night when you reach the camp sites (6000 clp/pers).<br /> Or the other solution is to say that you sleep in the refugio del Arco. It is 23km further after the control. Then it is free and no reservation is needed, but this is possible only before 10am (after they block you). After 10am the only way to pass is to sleep in the camp sites. They block you if you do not have a<br /> reservation voucher for one camp site.<br /> This spot (la Junta) is famous among the chilenos so the access to the camp sites is really overrunned. The path is easy to walk.<br /> Once you go further than the campsites, you're alone, so it is better.<br /> The path is clearly marked. There are bridges for most of the rivers you cross. But it is very muddy.<br /> At the lago Vidal you can resupply a bit with those living there (you can also sleep in their camp sites).<br /> In El Manso you can find a minimarket with lots of things.<br /> Then, we decided to follow the road instead of the track because we were in a hurry with a deadline in El Bolson, until we reached la cruce de la rocas. There are buses or hitchiking is easy.<br /> Crossing borders was easy. There are 12km between the chilean stamp and the Argentin one that we did in 3.5 hours.<br /> At the very end we have not not crossed El Rio Azul, we walked 7 more km to the north to reach La Pasarella.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *In Cochamo go down towards the lake. There is a church on the left &amp; before you reach it there is a hospedaje on the right, good &amp; cheap.<br /> <br /> Really nice Cafe (Materia Cochamo) with a good selection of coffee, cake (Kuchen) &amp; sandwiches ca 50 meters before turning right to the cheap campsite.<br /> <br /> *There is a good place to stay NOBO 500 metres before the junction where the road turns towards Laguna Las Rocas. Farmhouse on RHS of road has rooms &amp; meals. Cheap, friendly &amp; good<br /> <br /> *In Segundo Corral there are two campsites. The first one is just before the school, it just says Kuchen but you can camp there. Cheap, nice family &amp; they do meals. There is a campsite after the school but the owner was drunk &amp; looking for an argument.<br /> Lots of campsites at Lago Totoral (on the road, not on RR)<br /> It's possible to camp near the Argentinian border control.<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> *2023 / Martin &amp; Helena<br /> We spent the night on the southern side of Lago Vidal Gomaz where is amazing campsite Doña Luisa, for I think 5000 CLP pp. We bought there beer, some cheese and bread in the morning, and you can also charge electronics inside. It is possible to have proper breakfast or dinner, it looked all very tasty. At km N 40.7 is shop with all the basic things + great brewery next to it, definitely stop there if you are a fan.<br /> <br /> *Zapatoria Puerto Varas.He is located in the back corner of a market like building across the street from the Santa Isabella on San Bernardo street. San Bernardo &amp; Del Salvador. I payed extra (10mil total) to have them finished and ready to go that day<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> * February 2023 / Gerald<br /> Bus lago puelo - El bolson: <br /> According to the timetable the bus is leaving from the lake every full hour from 7am till midnight<br /> <br /> * January 2023 Frank<br /> To avoid the landslide at Laguna Las Rocas you can walk on the road or get the bus to Segundo Corral then from Lago Inferior about 1.5KM from Segundo Corral there is a ferry to Paso Bolson (Chilean border control).The government subsidised ferry runs Monday-Friday only from 8-12 &amp; 2PM-6PM &amp; is only 2000 pesos. You need to radio the ferryman to arrange pickup, easily done in Segundo Corral.<br /> <br /> *2023 / Anna &amp; Christopher <br /> We decided to cross el Lago de Las Rocas by boat. Therefore there is a walkie talkie on the landing stage on the northern end of the lake with which you can contact Richard (+56958694897),we were charged 5000 p.p.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *2023 / Martin &amp; Helena<br /> From the port its again easy walking on the RR again. Drunk settler and quite agressive dogs out of his control at S km 7.2 so be careful. We slept half way to Las Rocas lake. <br /> <br /> *Northbound and southbound hiking is feasible. However, due to the controlled private southbound access through the La Junta área, hiking in that direction is only possible with a camping reservation, or by arriving at the checkpoint before 10am. A northbound traverse may therefore be preferred. For hikers generally heading south, it is possible to take the single ticket, half-day bus-ferry-bus combination south from Cochamó to Puerto Urrutia, hike the 120km north to Cochamó, then return to Puerto Urrutia and resume the section southwards from there.<br /> <br /> *Crossing the border is typically straightforward, however it is not permitted to camp on the 12km between the border posts. So if you arrive too late to cross, it is necessary to camp at the border post and cross the next day. In this situation, Chilean officials will stamp your passport with the next day’s date so you don’t need to wait for the office to open that morning.<br /> <br /> *Southbound access to the popular La Junta area is controlled at a private checkpoint and only granted to those with a prior camping reservation, or those arriving before 10am and therefore early enough to make it on to the free and unmanaged El Arco campsite 23km away. Reservations for La Junta can be made online at cochamo.com, but there may not be availability and the process may take several days, so hiking this section southwards may not be possible.Therefore, an option for hikers generally heading south is to take the bus-ferry-bus combination from Cochamó across Lago Tagua Tagua and on to Puerto Urrutia, hike 120km north back to Cochamó, then take the bus-ferry-bus south again and hike the remainder of the section southwards from Puerto Urrutia.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT22 - Cochamó]]<br /> <br /> =Images=<br /> <br /> [[Archivo: | ]]<br /> <br /> {| border=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-collapse:collapse&quot;<br /> |+'''GPT22: Cochamó'''<br /> | colspan=&quot;4&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| GPT22: Cochamó<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Hiking<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Packrafting<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;|Group<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | D: Lagos Chilenos<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Total<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|'''160.6 km'''<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|'''51 h'''<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| '''136.6 km'''<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|'''35 h'''<br /> |-<br /> | style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;|Region<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Chile &amp; Argentina: Los Lagos (X) &amp; Chubut<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Trails (TL)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|137.9 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|85.9%<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 20.3 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|14.9%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Start<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Cochamó<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Minor Roads (MR)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|10.8 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|6.7%<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 1.8 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 1.3%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Finish<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Lago Puelo (Puerto)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Primary Roads (PR)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|9.7 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|6.0%<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 2.8 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 2.0%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Status<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Published &amp; Verified<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Cross-Country (CC)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|2.2 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|1.4%<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 0.5 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 0.4%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Traversable<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Dec - Apr (Maybe: Sep, Oct, Nov, May)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Bush-Bashing (BB)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| -<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|-<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Packraft<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | Very Useful<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Ferry (FY)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|(1.8 km)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|(1.1%)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| -<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|-<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Connects to<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | GPT21, GPT23<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Investigation (I)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| (1.9 km)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| (1.4%)<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Options<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; | 268 km (9 Options &amp; Variants)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Exploration (EXP)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| -<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|-<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Hiking<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Packrafting<br /> | rowspan=&quot;4&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| <br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Total on Water<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| '''111.1 km'''<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| '''81.4%'''<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Attraction<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|4 (of 5)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 5 (of 5)<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| River (RI)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 62.5 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 45.7%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Difficulty<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|4 (of 5)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 4 (of 5)<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Lake (LK)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 32.4 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 23.7%<br /> |-<br /> | style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;|Direction<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#ffbfbf;&quot;|Both ↓↑<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|Both ↓↑<br /> | colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Fjord (FJ)<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;| 16.3 km<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#c2edfc;&quot;|11.9%<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Comment<br /> | colspan=&quot;7&quot; | Hiking: Flip-Flop recommended<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Character<br /> | colspan=&quot;7&quot; | Packrafting: Flip-Flop recommended<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;background-color:#bfbfbf;&quot;| Challenges<br /> | colspan=&quot;7&quot; | Valdivian Rain Forest, Sea Coast, Farmland, Settlers, River Packrafting, Lake Packrafting, Fjord Packrafting, Partly Overrun<br /> |}<br /> <br /> [[File:profile GPT22.PNG|frame|center|Elevation Profile of Regular Hiking Route (2019)]]<br /> <br /> [[File:profile GPT22-p.PNG|frame|center|Elevation Profile of Regular Hiking Route (2019)]]<br /> <br /> &lt;gallery&gt; <br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_109520254.jpg|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_109520443.jpg|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_115282465.jpg|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_115282466.jpg|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_109447503.jpg|thumb|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_101648648.jpg|thumb|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_104321335.jpg|thumb|<br /> File:Bahia ralun.jpg|thumb|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_109447491.jpg|thumb|<br /> File:GPT_16_Cochamó_109447496.jpg|thumb|<br /> &lt;/gallery&gt;<br /> <br /> [[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT26_(Carrenleufu)&diff=119936 2025-02-02T12:10:43Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> * General Recommendations: In Nov &amp; Dec the start of the route is likely to be partially flooded &amp; rivers may be too high. Best to wait until January. Hiking in either a northbound or southbound direction is feasible and recommended. The section is 90km long and takes 3-4 days to complete. The section is straightforward and fairly easy throughout. A large proportion of the section is on dirt, gravel or paved roads. The open nature of the section is very pleasant and offers many good views, Its relative easiness may also be welcome after the bush-bashing and more challenging terrain of other sections. <br /> <br /> The route passes through a Welsh-Argentine community in which there are several thousand speakers of Patagonian Welsh.<br /> <br /> There is an ‘Into-The-Wild”-like abandoned bus at around Km20 at -43.25877 S, - 71.60910 W on Oh-Mr-V@26-B-#001, which is close and parallel to the regular route. The bus is a popular hiking destination, but its history is unclear.<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-30 &gt; FEV-01 / 2 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 26-E &gt; RR &gt; 26-F &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT24+GPT25+GPT26<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 0/5<br /> | Difficulté : 1/5<br /> | Danger : gravel road<br /> <br /> J'ai fait quelques courses à Aldea Escolar puis je suis allé en auto-stop au km 11,6. Il y a eu un incendie le 10 janvier mais le feu n'a pas atteint le sentier. C'est du chemin de terre jusqu'au km 31. J'ai croisé le propriétaire. Il m'a signalé que c'était privé. Je me suis défendu en disant que je ne laissai pas de déchets et ne faisais pas de feu, et il m'a laissé continuer. Le chemin forestier est vraiment beau jusqu'au km 39. Après avoir escaladé la falaise, je me suis retrouvé sur le sentier 26-E alors j'ai continué. Du km 41 au km 1,5 de la 26-E, le sentier est en mauvais état. J'ai essayé les 2 premiers km du sentier 26-F et il y a trop de branches pour moi, j'ai continué sur le RR à l'intersection. Du km 55,2 au km 57 le sentier est en mauvais état. J'ai utilisé un peu ma machette même si mes mains me font encore mal. Du km 63 au km 66 il faut suivre le chemin de terre, la trace GPS est incohérente. Énormément de clôtures à franchir sur cette section 26 mais les forêts sont vraiment belles. Je ne comprend pas pourquoi la 26-01 est référencée avec les sentiers. Il n'y a pas de réseau à Carrenleufu. Auto-stop entre le poste de frontière chilien et Palena. FEV-01&gt;02: Repos Palena (grosse pluie le 02).<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-02-08 to 2024-02-10 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + Variant D // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Nice and easy section, very much welcome after the quite demanding GPT27. <br /> <br /> Most of the trail is on clear dirt, forestry road, or small trail, that are pretty enjoyable to follow. <br /> <br /> Good section if you want to improve your jumping fence skills. I stopped counting after 15 jump over fence/gate. <br /> <br /> I've seen two kind settlers on a pickup, they were a bit surprised to see me there, but very sympathic, nice talk, and no problem at all to continue on my way. <br /> <br /> To see the into the wild bis, just follow the Variant D. <br /> <br /> 4 rivers Crossing on this section : <br /> PK 40,87 arroyo huemul<br /> PK 31,86 arroyo Greda <br /> PK 21,79 arroyo baggilt <br /> PK 8,72 Arroyo Baggilt again<br /> <br /> The last river crossing PK 8,72 is easily skippable, following the ruta nacional then back on the RR with the gravel road. I advise to do that because this small part of the RR is flooded, and very swampy and muddy. <br /> <br /> The crossings were not a problem for me at this time of the year. The deepest one was arroyo huemul, a bit above knees high. <br /> <br /> The rest are small fords, or rivers with bridge/passerelle.<br /> <br /> The variant D is the alternative route, a small detour from the RR to see the &quot;Into the wild&quot; bus. Not sure it worth the detour. Just an empty burnt bus.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-15 / 4 days / Hikig / SOBO / RR /Frank'''<br /> <br /> I walked the route in 2 separate sections (total 4 days walking) as follows:<br /> 15 Nov Aldea Escolar to the international road &amp; hitched to Trevelin.<br /> 16 Nov I got the bus from Trevelin to Carrenleufu &amp; walked to Palena on the road.<br /> In January I walked the central section: international road to Carrenleufu in 2 days<br /> <br /> From Aldea Escolar you are on the Huella Andina (occasional blue &amp; white marks) which follows a gravel road &amp; then a 5KM trail to reach the international road. The trail was partly flooded (knee deep swampy water) &amp; even the gravel road before the international road had some flooded parts so I decided to leave the central section until later in the season. <br /> <br /> In January I walked from international road: you are on roads &amp; on the Huella Andina for the first several KM, then went right onto another road to see the Into the Wild bus. Rejoined RR easily on road after the bus. After the second river crossing I went straight ahead on alternative route (there is a small trail) It led to a puesto with a horse corral. There was no one there &amp; puesto was locked, I camped outside. The puesto is dry, bring water from the river. On the second day, going downhill &amp; approaching a puesto, the RR leaves the road &amp; goes through fences into the puesto. It's much better to stay on the road which goes around the puesto. RR leads back to the road after going through several fences. River crossings easy in January. Argenchile hospedaje was full but there are a few others in Carrenleufú. They are mostly unmarked so ask around. Walked to Chilean border post then hitched to Palena.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-20 to 2020-Jan-24 / 4,5 days / Hikig / SOBO / RR from Futaleufú to Palena /Frank'''<br /> <br /> Very easy section. The only thing is that you have to cross many fences, some of them were cadenassed, which means that most of these lands should be private. I saw nobody so, I didn't have any problems.<br /> <br /> I started from Futaleufu cause I was coming directly from GPT71. So, I started on the main road. Few cars.<br /> Easy border crossing.<br /> <br /> The main part of the trail is made of minor roads in the middle of a forest, which appeared to be &quot;open sky&quot; compared to the Valdivian one!<br /> <br /> Nice section even if not as scenic as the previous ones. I guess this is the &quot;minor road effect&quot;! The last day, before arriving in Carrenleufú, was better. Very nice view of the mountains and on the valley. And I loved the last forest, which I guess was a lenga forest. These trees are beautiful, and waving with the strong wind!<br /> <br /> Convenient hospedaje in Carrenleufú in the center = Argenchile. Ask and you will find it. There is a shop also. I paid 15000 CLP (they accepted CLP!) for the dinner, the night, the breakfast... and 2 beers and one icecream that I took directly from the shop! <br /> <br /> Border crossing on the other side was also easy. Ending on the main road, with very few cars. I found it very nice to get back slowly i' the middle of the high mountains in Palena.<br /> <br /> *'''20 to 24 January 2020 / Linda'''<br /> Regular Hiking Route Southbound 4,5 days from Futaleufú to Palena<br /> <br /> Very easy section. The only thing is that you have to cross many fences, some of them were cadenassed, which means that most of these lands should be private. I saw nobody so, I didn't have any problems.<br /> <br /> I started from Futaleufu cause I was coming directly from GPT71. So, I started on the main road. Few cars. Easy border crossing.<br /> <br /> The main part of the trail is made of minor roads in the middle of a forest, which appeared to be &quot;open sky&quot; compared to the Valdivian one!<br /> <br /> Nice section even if not as scenic as the previous ones. I guess this is the &quot;minor road effect&quot;! The last day, before arriving in Carrenleufú, was better. Very nice view of the mountains and on the valley. And I loved the last forest, which I guess was a lenga forest. These trees are beautiful, and waving with the strong wind!<br /> <br /> Convenient hospedaje in Carrenleufú in the center = Argenchile. Ask and you will find it. There is a shop also. I paid 15000 CLP (they accepted CLP!) for the dinner, the night, the breakfast... and 2 beers and one icecream that I took directly from the shop!<br /> <br /> Border crossing on the other side was also easy. Ending on the main road, with very few cars. I found it very nice to get back slowly i' the middle of the high mountains in Palena.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-18 to 2020-Jan-20 / 3 days / Hikig / SOBO / RR /Shaun'''<br /> <br /> I found this section straightforward and pleasant. Much of it was through woodland on clear dirt roads or trails, and there were many spectacular views. The river crossings were fine - there had been no rain for several days - and the highest only briefly reached lower thigh. The “Into-The-Wild”-like abandoned bus is around Km20 at -43.25877 S, - 71.60910 W on Oh-Mr-V@26-B-#001, which is close and parallel to the regular route. The Chilean customs officials were vigilant regarding what food I was bringing in. The last 16km are on road.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *There are limited resupply, accommodation and transport options in Aldea Escolar at the northern end of the section. Much better options exist in Palena at the southern end. Plus there are other decent possibilities en route in Carrenleufú.<br /> <br /> *La Anonima supermarket in Trevelin. Small shop in Aldea Escolar. Three small shops in Carrenleufu. Several shops in Palena.<br /> <br /> *You can get camping gas in Trevelin &amp; Esquel. Also in Palena at ferreteria &amp; shop across from post office.<br /> <br /> *Banco Estado on the central square in Palena has an ATM, it's accessible when the bank is closed<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Jacobsen have several buses a day Trevelin-Aldea Escolar Mon-Fri but only 2 a day on weekends. You can also get a taxi for 800 pesos (2023 price)<br /> <br /> *Buses to Carrenleufu on Monday, Wednesday &amp; Friday going Esquel-Trevelin-Cerro Centinela-Corcovado-Carrenleufu They Leave from Esquel bus station at 8:30 &amp; Trevelin @ 9 passing along Avenida San Martin in Trevelin. Get on at any SOBO bus stop on Av. San Martin in Trevelin. The bus returns from Carrenleufu along the same route to Esquel on Monday, Wednesday &amp; Friday at 12:30<br /> <br /> *There is a bus from Palena to Vila Santa Lucia &amp; Chaiten every day at 6 &amp; 11. No bus to the border but you can arrange a transfer at El Porvenir shop one block from the plaza in Palena.<br /> <br /> *The post office in Palena has all bus schedules to &amp; from Palena written on the wall.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *There is a border crossing from Argentina into Chile between Carrenleufú and Palena. The Chilean officials may examine thoroughly any food being imported.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT26 - Carrenleufú]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie https://www.wikiexplora.com/index.php?title=GPT26_(Carrenleufu)&diff=119933 2025-02-01T23:02:26Z

<p>Pierre-Marie: /* Season 2024/25 */</p> <hr /> <div>'''[[GPTs|List of all GPT sections]]'''<br /> <br /> = How to a add new entry =<br /> You need to be logged in to save your edits (and on mobile view, you need to be logged in to start editing).<br /> <br /> Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format: <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD):<br /> * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* '''&lt;/nowiki&gt;'''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;Packrafting&lt;/span&gt; / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;<br /> <br /> If you are packrafting, put the above info into HTML tags like this (if you follow a hiking route for part of the way, highlight only &quot;packrafting&quot;, as above):<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- IF YOU COPY FROM THIS EDITING VIEW, YOU NEED TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (* TRANSFORMS INTO BULLET, ''' MAKE IT BOLD, WHAT IS ENCLOSED IN &lt;&gt; MAKES IT BLUE):<br /> * &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> &lt;nowiki&gt;* &lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''&lt;/nowiki&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color:aqua;&quot;&gt;'''YYYY-MMM-DD / X days / Packrafting / SOBO / RP / Your name'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;nowiki&gt;'''&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/nowiki&gt;.<br /> <br /> Include remarks about your route useful for other hikers and packrafters, alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.<br /> <br /> =Overview=<br /> * General Recommendations: In Nov &amp; Dec the start of the route is likely to be partially flooded &amp; rivers may be too high. Best to wait until January. Hiking in either a northbound or southbound direction is feasible and recommended. The section is 90km long and takes 3-4 days to complete. The section is straightforward and fairly easy throughout. A large proportion of the section is on dirt, gravel or paved roads. The open nature of the section is very pleasant and offers many good views, Its relative easiness may also be welcome after the bush-bashing and more challenging terrain of other sections. <br /> <br /> The route passes through a Welsh-Argentine community in which there are several thousand speakers of Patagonian Welsh.<br /> <br /> There is an ‘Into-The-Wild”-like abandoned bus at around Km20 at -43.25877 S, - 71.60910 W on Oh-Mr-V@26-B-#001, which is close and parallel to the regular route. The bus is a popular hiking destination, but its history is unclear.<br /> <br /> =Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=<br /> <br /> ==Season 2025/26==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2024/25==<br /> <br /> * ''' 2025-JAN-30 &gt; FEV-01 / 2 jours / Randonnée / SOBO / RR &gt; 26-E &gt; RR &gt; 26-F &gt; RR / Pierre-Marie ​​'''<br /> <br /> Etape : GPT24+GPT25+GPT26<br /> | Meteo : soleil<br /> | Eau : facile<br /> | Neige : non<br /> | Intérêt : 0/5<br /> | Difficulté : 1/5<br /> | Danger : gravel road<br /> <br /> J'ai fait quelques courses à Aldea Escolar puis je suis allé en auto-stop au km 11,6. Il y a eu un incendie le 10 janvier mais le feu n'a pas atteint le sentier. C'est du chemin de terre jusqu'au km 31. J'ai croisé le propriétaire. Il m'a signalé que c'était privé. Je me suis défendu en disant que je ne laissai pas de déchets et ne faisais pas de feu, et il m'a laissé continuer. Le chemin forestier est vraiment beau jusqu'au km 39. Après avoir escaladé la falaise, je me suis retrouvé sur le sentier 26-E alors j'ai continué. Du km 41 au km 1,5 de la 26-E, le sentier est en mauvais état. J'ai essayé les 2 premiers km du sentier 26-F et il y a trop de branches pour moi, j'ai continué sur le RR à l'intersection. Du km 55,2 au km 57 le sentier est en mauvais état. J'ai utilisé un peu ma machette même si mes mains me font encore mal. Du km 63 au km 66 il faut suivre le chemin de terre, la trace GPS est incohérente. Énormément de clôtures à franchir sur cette section 26 mais les forêts sont vraiment belles. Je ne comprend pas pourquoi la 26-01 est référencée avec les sentiers. Il n'y a pas de réseau à Carrenleufu. Auto-stop entre le poste de frontière chilien et Palena.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2023/24==<br /> <br /> * '''From 2024-02-08 to 2024-02-10 // 3 days // Hiking // NOBO // RR + Variant D // Quentin Clavel'''<br /> <br /> Nice and easy section, very much welcome after the quite demanding GPT27. <br /> <br /> Most of the trail is on clear dirt, forestry road, or small trail, that are pretty enjoyable to follow. <br /> <br /> Good section if you want to improve your jumping fence skills. I stopped counting after 15 jump over fence/gate. <br /> <br /> I've seen two kind settlers on a pickup, they were a bit surprised to see me there, but very sympathic, nice talk, and no problem at all to continue on my way. <br /> <br /> To see the into the wild bis, just follow the Variant D. <br /> <br /> 4 rivers Crossing on this section : <br /> PK 40,87 arroyo huemul<br /> PK 31,86 arroyo Greda <br /> PK 21,79 arroyo baggilt <br /> PK 8,72 Arroyo Baggilt again<br /> <br /> The last river crossing PK 8,72 is easily skippable, following the ruta nacional then back on the RR with the gravel road. I advise to do that because this small part of the RR is flooded, and very swampy and muddy. <br /> <br /> The crossings were not a problem for me at this time of the year. The deepest one was arroyo huemul, a bit above knees high. <br /> <br /> The rest are small fords, or rivers with bridge/passerelle.<br /> <br /> The variant D is the alternative route, a small detour from the RR to see the &quot;Into the wild&quot; bus. Not sure it worth the detour. Just an empty burnt bus.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2022/23==<br /> <br /> * '''2022-Nov-15 / 4 days / Hikig / SOBO / RR /Frank'''<br /> <br /> I walked the route in 2 separate sections (total 4 days walking) as follows:<br /> 15 Nov Aldea Escolar to the international road &amp; hitched to Trevelin.<br /> 16 Nov I got the bus from Trevelin to Carrenleufu &amp; walked to Palena on the road.<br /> In January I walked the central section: international road to Carrenleufu in 2 days<br /> <br /> From Aldea Escolar you are on the Huella Andina (occasional blue &amp; white marks) which follows a gravel road &amp; then a 5KM trail to reach the international road. The trail was partly flooded (knee deep swampy water) &amp; even the gravel road before the international road had some flooded parts so I decided to leave the central section until later in the season. <br /> <br /> In January I walked from international road: you are on roads &amp; on the Huella Andina for the first several KM, then went right onto another road to see the Into the Wild bus. Rejoined RR easily on road after the bus. After the second river crossing I went straight ahead on alternative route (there is a small trail) It led to a puesto with a horse corral. There was no one there &amp; puesto was locked, I camped outside. The puesto is dry, bring water from the river. On the second day, going downhill &amp; approaching a puesto, the RR leaves the road &amp; goes through fences into the puesto. It's much better to stay on the road which goes around the puesto. RR leads back to the road after going through several fences. River crossings easy in January. Argenchile hospedaje was full but there are a few others in Carrenleufú. They are mostly unmarked so ask around. Walked to Chilean border post then hitched to Palena.<br /> <br /> ==Season 2021/22==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2020/21==<br /> <br /> ==Season 2019/20==<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-20 to 2020-Jan-24 / 4,5 days / Hikig / SOBO / RR from Futaleufú to Palena /Frank'''<br /> <br /> Very easy section. The only thing is that you have to cross many fences, some of them were cadenassed, which means that most of these lands should be private. I saw nobody so, I didn't have any problems.<br /> <br /> I started from Futaleufu cause I was coming directly from GPT71. So, I started on the main road. Few cars.<br /> Easy border crossing.<br /> <br /> The main part of the trail is made of minor roads in the middle of a forest, which appeared to be &quot;open sky&quot; compared to the Valdivian one!<br /> <br /> Nice section even if not as scenic as the previous ones. I guess this is the &quot;minor road effect&quot;! The last day, before arriving in Carrenleufú, was better. Very nice view of the mountains and on the valley. And I loved the last forest, which I guess was a lenga forest. These trees are beautiful, and waving with the strong wind!<br /> <br /> Convenient hospedaje in Carrenleufú in the center = Argenchile. Ask and you will find it. There is a shop also. I paid 15000 CLP (they accepted CLP!) for the dinner, the night, the breakfast... and 2 beers and one icecream that I took directly from the shop! <br /> <br /> Border crossing on the other side was also easy. Ending on the main road, with very few cars. I found it very nice to get back slowly i' the middle of the high mountains in Palena.<br /> <br /> *'''20 to 24 January 2020 / Linda'''<br /> Regular Hiking Route Southbound 4,5 days from Futaleufú to Palena<br /> <br /> Very easy section. The only thing is that you have to cross many fences, some of them were cadenassed, which means that most of these lands should be private. I saw nobody so, I didn't have any problems.<br /> <br /> I started from Futaleufu cause I was coming directly from GPT71. So, I started on the main road. Few cars. Easy border crossing.<br /> <br /> The main part of the trail is made of minor roads in the middle of a forest, which appeared to be &quot;open sky&quot; compared to the Valdivian one!<br /> <br /> Nice section even if not as scenic as the previous ones. I guess this is the &quot;minor road effect&quot;! The last day, before arriving in Carrenleufú, was better. Very nice view of the mountains and on the valley. And I loved the last forest, which I guess was a lenga forest. These trees are beautiful, and waving with the strong wind!<br /> <br /> Convenient hospedaje in Carrenleufú in the center = Argenchile. Ask and you will find it. There is a shop also. I paid 15000 CLP (they accepted CLP!) for the dinner, the night, the breakfast... and 2 beers and one icecream that I took directly from the shop!<br /> <br /> Border crossing on the other side was also easy. Ending on the main road, with very few cars. I found it very nice to get back slowly i' the middle of the high mountains in Palena.<br /> <br /> * '''2020-Jan-18 to 2020-Jan-20 / 3 days / Hikig / SOBO / RR /Shaun'''<br /> <br /> I found this section straightforward and pleasant. Much of it was through woodland on clear dirt roads or trails, and there were many spectacular views. The river crossings were fine - there had been no rain for several days - and the highest only briefly reached lower thigh. The “Into-The-Wild”-like abandoned bus is around Km20 at -43.25877 S, - 71.60910 W on Oh-Mr-V@26-B-#001, which is close and parallel to the regular route. The Chilean customs officials were vigilant regarding what food I was bringing in. The last 16km are on road.<br /> <br /> =Resupply and Accommodation=<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns==<br /> <br /> *There are limited resupply, accommodation and transport options in Aldea Escolar at the northern end of the section. Much better options exist in Palena at the southern end. Plus there are other decent possibilities en route in Carrenleufú.<br /> <br /> *La Anonima supermarket in Trevelin. Small shop in Aldea Escolar. Three small shops in Carrenleufu. Several shops in Palena.<br /> <br /> *You can get camping gas in Trevelin &amp; Esquel. Also in Palena at ferreteria &amp; shop across from post office.<br /> <br /> *Banco Estado on the central square in Palena has an ATM, it's accessible when the bank is closed<br /> <br /> ==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==<br /> <br /> =Transport to and from Route=<br /> <br /> *Jacobsen have several buses a day Trevelin-Aldea Escolar Mon-Fri but only 2 a day on weekends. You can also get a taxi for 800 pesos (2023 price)<br /> <br /> *Buses to Carrenleufu on Monday, Wednesday &amp; Friday going Esquel-Trevelin-Cerro Centinela-Corcovado-Carrenleufu They Leave from Esquel bus station at 8:30 &amp; Trevelin @ 9 passing along Avenida San Martin in Trevelin. Get on at any SOBO bus stop on Av. San Martin in Trevelin. The bus returns from Carrenleufu along the same route to Esquel on Monday, Wednesday &amp; Friday at 12:30<br /> <br /> *There is a bus from Palena to Vila Santa Lucia &amp; Chaiten every day at 6 &amp; 11. No bus to the border but you can arrange a transfer at El Porvenir shop one block from the plaza in Palena.<br /> <br /> *The post office in Palena has all bus schedules to &amp; from Palena written on the wall.<br /> <br /> =Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues=<br /> <br /> *There is a border crossing from Argentina into Chile between Carrenleufú and Palena. The Chilean officials may examine thoroughly any food being imported.<br /> <br /> =Links to other Resources=<br /> <br /> Retired Section Article [[GPT26 - Carrenleufú]]<br /> <br /> =Images=</div>

Pierre-Marie