ENG:Valle Avilés
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General Description
A wonderful trekking through the Valley of the river Aviles which connects Jeinemeni National Reserve with Estancia Chacabuco, a national park in the making. The trail follows a route the first colonists in the area used to travel between Cochrane and Chile Chico. While this description is from north to south, it is also possible to do this route in reverse.
Access
In Private Vehicle
Jeinemeni National Reserve is located 65 km south of Chile Chico by a gravel road in bad conditions. All wheel drive is highly recommended. Please take into consideration that this trek does not end where it starts, so going in a private car is not a very good idea.
The trek ends at Stone House Campground in Estancia Chacabuco. The campground is next to the highway to Argentina through Roballes Pass, which is another gravel road but is maintained in good condition.
Public transport and hitchhiking
There is no public transport to Jeinemeni National Reserve, and there are few cars to make hitching feasible. The best way to hire a tour in Chile Chico, which in summer 2014 cost 60.000 CLP for a group of up to 4 people, and arrange to have the tour company drop you off at the administration where the trek begins. This way you can also do the trekking to the Cueva de las Manos and see other attractions in the area.
There is no public transportation from Stone House Campground. However, with a bit of patience, hitching is possible.
Descripción de la ruta
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Day One
Administration - Refugio Valle Hermoso 'Duration: 6-7 hours Dificultad Física: Media Dificultad Técnica: Baja
The route begins in the administration of the Reserve. Here CONAF has a campground next to Jeinemeni Lake (10,000 CLP as of summer 2014). It's not a bad idea to talk with the rangers about the status of the trail, especially for the level of water in the many rivers and streams higher up in the valley.
From the entrance, follow the 4x4 track to the edge of Lake Jeinemeni. The trails rounds the lake on its southern side, on sunny days granting stunning views of the arid mountains refelected in the still waters. The trail is flat and makes for a pleasant walk. There are some river crossings, which, later in the day or if it has rained recently, will mean having to take off the shoes and getting your feet wet. After one or one and half hours you'll see a shallow lagoon on your left. Cross the small drainage stream and continue west into the interior. Half an hour after the lagoon you reach a deep river with a strong current, take care in its crossing, especially if it has rained recently or is late in the day.
After the river the 4x4 track is practically non existent. Follow the cairns, small piles of stones, in order to traverse a rocky wash to the entrance of a small forest.
The trail quickly leaves the forest and there is a fork, clearly marked by a sign. One trail goes to Lago Verde and the other to Valle Hermoso. Take the trail to Valle Hermoso, to the northwest. This trail enters into a dense forest and then exits into yet another river valley. From here we have our first view of the snow and glaciers of the Cordon de la Gloria. Follow the cairns northwest up the valley. Here you'll have to cross many small streams, but none should present any real problem. All the while pay attention to your left hand side for the entrance to the forest and the start of the climb to the pass. The pass itself is an obvious opening in the mountains, and is well marked with a pile of rocks and ribbons tied to the trees. We started the climb 4 hours after the administration.
The climb is short but intense, 400 meters in about 30 or 45 minutes. From the top, we have our first view of the spectacular Lago Verde. This glacial lake is surrounded on all sides by fjord like cliffs, and its turquoise water glisten in the afternoon sun. The descent is as abrupt as the ascent, but the incredible views towards the glaciers of Valle Hermoso and the lake below you are ample reward. Half an hour or 45 minutes on a small beach is reached.
Here a little bit of route finding maybe required. Cross the river and continue alongside the lake. 50 or 100 meters on you have to cross another, deeper river. Look for a spot where the river divides into many shallow streams. The trail leading up valley is well marked with two parallel lines of stones, but on the rocky beach it can be easy to miss.
The trail leaves the lake behind, sometimes passing though the forest and other times on the rocky wash left by the many rivers in the area. 45 minutes from the lake shore you arrive in the Refugio Valle Hermoso, 6 hours from the Administration. The refugio offers benches, a fire pit, and shelter from the elements and is a great place to pitch your tent. One could easily spend a day exploring the aptly named Valle Hermoso. Many glaciers are at half day's walk and the tranquility is unforgettable.
Tramo dos
Refugio Valle Hermoso to Puesto Limite Duración: 4 or 5 horas Dificultad Física: Baja Dificultad Técnica: Media
In this stretch you will have to cross many small streams. It is very important to have a pair of sneakers or sports sandals that can get wet or you will waste time taking off and putting on your hiking boots. This author recommends a good pair of Crocs. As a general rule, always look for where rivers divide into many shallow streams to find a safe place to cross. Follow the cairns towards the end of the valley. The path is always clear, but depending on the water level, it's possible you will have to leave the path in search of a safe crossing.
From afar we can start to make out the entrance to the Aviles Valley, since it is the only opening between the mountains that heads southward (to the left). The trail enters the forest 2 or 3 hours from the refugio. The entrance is very well marked with stones and ribbons tied to trees. The beautiful lenga forest is dense, and can make route finding difficult, but at least there are no more streams.
The climb to the pass is very gradual and you'll reach the top an hour after entering the forest. Here you have a beautiful view of the Aviles river to the south and the glaciers of Valle Hermoso behind you. You are now entering the private property of Estancia Chacabuco. The descent to Puesto Limite, a campground at the end of the Estancia's property, is very fast. Here you'll find a palisade to protect your tent from the wind, a fire pit, and benches.
According to the map, Google Earth, and the view from the pass, it should be possible to arrive to another glacier and lake from Puesto Limite. This author could not find the trail however. It's possible Conservacion Patagonica will build a trail in the future.
Tramo tres
Portezuelo - Laguna verde - Portezuelo Duración: 4 horas Dificultad Física: Baja Dificultad Técnica: Baja
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Permisos / Tarifas
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Hospedajes
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Contratar Guías
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Enlaces Externos
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Recomendaciones
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