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==Season 2024/25==
*'''2024-NOV-25 to 2024-NOV-28 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. B) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''
We started the stage late in the evening, planning to find a spot with water near the river close to Coya and camp early.
Fairly close to town, there’s a decent spot by the trail right next to the road, but we didn’t have enought water, so we kept going. Eventually, we found water—a pipe running along the road for some time had a tap with fairly good water flowing from it (approximately at coordinates -34.2359833, -70.5440333). However, for a while, we couldn’t find a place to camp. Unexpectedly, we found a spot at coordinates -34.2443300, -70.5501132.
During our night hike, we encountered tarantulas twice, and later saw two more during the day.
From the camping spot, we took Variant A to Termas de Cauquenes. It was closed, and the area was guarded by a large and aggressive pack of dogs. Fortunately, we met a local staff member who guided us through the premises and drove the dogs away.
The Huinganes Campground was also closed, and we couldn’t reach anyone.
The ford [16.1/877] could be crossed dry-footed; it’s manageable if you jump far enough between stones.
The ford over the Rio Claro de Cauquenes [17.7/872] is easily passable. The water is clear, and the bottom is visible. At its deepest, the water reaches slightly above the knees.
From the ford to the saddle [36.5/2047], there are plenty of water sources, so there’s no need to carry large supplies.
The gate [20.7/1069] was closed but could be easily climbed over.
That evening, we camped at coordinates -34.4022167, -70.5747500. The site fit three tents comfortably, although the ground is slightly sloped. Another option is near the ford [30.6/1315] or at coordinates -34.4128306, -70.5806225.
After crossing the saddle and bush bashing, a group of men called out to us. When we got closer, we saw they were all wearing balaclavas and had a campsite on the flat ground to the right of the trail (around -34.4780833, -70.6135833). They were growing marijuana there. However, they were very friendly, guided us through the area, and pointed us back to the trail.
From the saddle to the ford over the Rio Claro [-48.3/862], we managed to cross all fords dry-footed, although some required fairly long jumps.
We crossed the Rio Claro ford. The water level wasn’t high, but the current was very strong. We crossed as a group of three, which made it manageable. For solo hikers, crossing may be unsafe, and we wouldn’t recommend it. Be careful. The key is to ford at the spot under the rock where the waypoint in the trackfiles is located, not where the trail line crosses the river.
That evening, we reached coordinates -34.5163178, -70.6655452. It’s a nice spot for several tents. Another good camping spot is at -34.5376128, -70.6627607.
At the settlement [76.7/652], there’s a gate. It was locked, but since no one was around, we climbed over it. On the other side, there are several signs indicating the area is private and entry is prohibited.
The minimarket in Agua Buena is open until about 8:30 PM. The staff was very friendly, as was the family running the restaurant La Higuera. They served us well, chatted with us late into the night, let us take showers, and even camp in their garden.
24-11-26 - 24-11-29 / 2,5 days / OH2-RR /Volker
