There is one lesson that I learned from Garrett (and also others that are not cited here). If someone intents to make a documentary or film along the trail then I will strongly recommend to first come one season without much camera gear to simply get to know the trail, the region and in particular the people. Be a silent observer first before speaking up to others!
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====Brian Tanzman (Buck-30)====
Hiked: GPT06-GPT09, GPT17-GPT19, GPT22 (shortcut), GPT32-GPT34, GPT35 (partly), GPT39 (partly), GPT40
Link: Appendix to Buck-30 Blog and clarifying comments
Brian is a highly experienced thru-hiker that is home on the North American long distance trails. Compared to other hikers Brian made little effort to get a good understanding of the GPT and the region before he started hiking and he admits this in his blog. Attracted primarily by the fame of Patagonia he relied on his experience from other trails and assumed that this trail can be walked like the US long distance trails. This led him to start with inappropriate expectations. He also ignored or was unaware of essential recommendations i.e. to hike this trail only with sufficient Spanish language skills or to better packraft the central and southern part of the GPT to take the more attractive routes. Exactly for this reason this blog is so interesting and conclusive for me. This blog helped me to understand how much the individual trail experience is compromised if certain recommendations are neglected or if you walk the trail without being really interested in the people that live along the route. For me his blog also confirms how little the thru-hiking philosophy fits to this unpredictable discovery trail network. Unfortunately Buck-30’s blog contains also incorrect assumptions about parts of the trail that he never put his feed on (he hiked between 25% and 30% of the GPT and skipped several of the highlight sections). For this reason his blog can be quite misguiding but for US thru-hikers it might be interesting to read his summary because they are at risk to make similar incorrect assumptions about the GPT and may trip over the same stumbling blocks. In the appendix I added my comments and clarification to this blog but this is only of interest for the hikers that read or have read Buck-30’s blog.
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<br style="clear:both" />
In the manual you find also detailed information to the GPS trail files that are absolutely essential to navigate on this complex and demanding trail network.
<!--
Summary and Introduction "The Art of Walking on the GPT"
Zones of the GPT
Sections of the GPT
Tracks and Waypoints of the GPT
Trail File of the GPT for Google Earth and GPS
Logistics and Resupply
Equipment Considerations
Creation and History of the Greater Patagonian Trail
Contributing to the Greater Patagonian Trail-->
The Hiker's Manual is a PDF file optimized for reading on a computer screen or smart phone. The page size ratio is 16 to 9 like the screen on most smart phones and many computer screens. The PDF file is best reviewed in "full screen slide mode" (one page filling the entire screen, no scrolling but flipping entire pages).
==Facebook Group for GPT Hikers==
A Facebook group was created for past, current and future GPT hikers. The objective of this group is sharing updates and providing feedbacks to the trail. [https://goo.gl/injLqS Here you can request to join this Facebook group.]
==Zones of the GPT==
See the GPT Hiker's Manual.
<!--
====Zone A: Zona Precordillera====
This zone is noted for its long climbs, strong winds, and exposed nature. It quickly affords a vast sense of wilderness and elevation even so near to the giant metropolis of Santiago de Chile. You will also hike through the area of the El Teniente mine, the largest underground copper mine in the world. Fascinating to observe but important to keep your distance and not to interrupt the work movement. Expect to be questioned by guards, though you do have right of way.
About two third of the route consists of trails, animal paths and cross country walking where you are likely to see “arrieros” with cattle, goats and horses. In the lower areas closer to the towns, the trails see more frequent human use as hiking paths. Private campgrounds near towns are often accessible for people looking to get out of the city and see high use on weekends.
About one third of the distance need to be walked on roads. Some of the roads are barely known mine access roads that are well maintained, see daily use by workers who are generally respectful if diligent about their work.
Highlights are the sweeping views of the Andes, astounding rock colors, mineral deposits from the rivers, small lush drainages tucked into the folds of the mountains with water and beautiful flowers, and snow fields lasting late in the season. This zone provides you the biggest contrast to the icefields in southern Patagonia. If starting here you will fully experience the transformation of the landscape from a desert-like terrain into a sub-polar territory.
When you start early in the hiking season you may encounter large snow fields and difficult river crossings along the route. During the summer high temperatures and a merciless sun may squeeze the sweat out of you. But due to the partially high elevation you need to be prepared to withstand strong wind, heavy rain and even hail and snow if a "temporal" surprises you in the wrong place.
====Zone B: Zona Arrieros====
In this zone the “campo” culture and “arriero” lifestyle is strongly felt. Generally clear trails follow up and down many passes, though the trails tend to becomes indistinct or disappear in terrain where animals can graze and roam freely. In this zone you constantly move between temperate valleys and windy, exposed highs. The route is mostly in open terrain and only along the few lower valleys you can enjoy the shade of a forest.
A major challenge of this zone are the river crossings which can be impassable in particular in spring during the snow melt and after a rare but heavy summer rain. Only few bridge eliminate the need to ford these rivers and improvised bridge are sometimes flushed away.
Some of the highlights of this zone are the Laguna Dial, the ridge above Laguna de Las Lajas, the Volcan Antuco, and several hot springs that are both, left natural and cultivated. You will see many “arrieros” and sometimes even families living outside with their animals at the high summer grazing grounds during the “veranero” season. Another highlight are the unique swimming holes which exist alongside the trail in the crystal clear refreshing rivers. You will love them during the sometimes unbearable afternoon heat.
In this zone you find the most hiking options that can literally get you into the last valley and over the last mountain ridge next to the border to Argentina. If you love to explore than this is your zone to go. You can in example roam around the Laguna del Maule, which is the giant caldera of a dormant super volcano.
Here you also have the first opportunities to inflate a packraft and paddle over impressive mountains lakes. For a longer traverse the extra weight of the packraft gear will probably not pay off but if you come to explore a specific area i.e. the Laguna de Las Lajas and its surroundings than this is an option to consider.
You are suggested to obtain permission to pass through the hydropower station Los Cipreses on section GPT06 or you may be escorted off property if hiking southbound. The permit is essential for hiking northbound and relatively easy to obtain with proper advanced notice and due diligence.
====Zone C: Zona Pehuenche====
Here you enter a distinctly native zone; the homeland of the Pehuenche. This native community is often considered part of the Mapuche nation that maintained their independence until late into the 19th century. They are normally very kind and can be curious but also tend to be reserved and cautious with any outsider.
They live in villages in the mountain valleys but also move up on higher grazing grounds during the summer very much like the “arrieros” do. But in contrast to the "arrieros" you will meet more women and entire families, sometimes three generations living together in small summer shelters. Some milk their cows and make cheese. In summer and autumn they harvest the "piñones" of the Araucaria tree what is the staple food of their traditional diet. Once you discover how to collect and prepare these seeds you will have an unlimited food supply along the trail provided that you scheduled the traverse of this zone to match the harvest season.
These Araucaria trees are one defining element of this landscape and a highlight of this zone. Areas where old growth trees have been preserved create and impressive scenery. If then a large band of squawking parrots crosses your path you may feel like in mystery forest.
Volcanos are the other defining element with some being quite active. So don’t be surprised if you see clouds of dark smoke rising into the sky. The soil you are walking on is mainly volcanic ash from past eruptions reminding you of the powers that you are surrounded by.
While yu move through the homeland of the Pehuenche you will notice a gradual change of the flora. In the north the forest is rather open with large treeless areas in between, often the result of fire clearing. As you move south the annual precipitation increases and so does the vegetation. When going southbound you will leave this unique zone while walking through lush overgrown forest.
In this zone the extra weight of the packraft gear will not pay off except you except you come specifically to visit the few lakes.
====Zone D: Zona Ríos y Lagos Chilenos====
This zone has two very different faces. The majority of the trail dives though the twilight of lush green tempered rainforest with some remaining old growth forests. The dense forest tears open along the clear cold rivers that constantly refill deep blue lakes and the renowned Patagonian fjords.
The other so different face of this zone is the volcanic lunar landscape. Two extended volcanic areas rise out of the rainforest with the last major eruption occurring in 2011. The trail climbs up and out of the rainforest to traverse wide fields of grey ash and snake around massive streams of black lava boulders. You can summit the volcanos and stare into a wide open crater. The contrast between the engulfing forest and the hostile volcanic terrain is mind-blowing.
With this zone the packraft dreamland begins. You can cover about a third of the distance on water floating down calm river, crossing immense lakes and even paddling in the Patagonian fjords.
In this zone the climate cools considerably and rain become more frequent. But where the trail remains in the forest you are less exposed than in the zones further north. Only the two volcano crossings get you high up in open terrain where condition can turn hostile even in mid-summer if you are hit by bad weather.
You will see the effects of a wide variety of trail maintenance throughout this zone. In parts you have well maintained forest roads; then you walk on frequently used horse trails but in a few parts you need to fight your way through overgrown terrain.
Crossing through the “private for profit natural reserve” Huilo-Huilo on section GPT18 can be complicated by private guards. Without a packraft you need to organize a private boat transfer over the Lago Todos Los Santos with one of the settlers on the trail. The border crossing from Chile into Argentina on the southern end of this zone is uncomplicated if you walk into the two police stations on either side of the border to get the much-needed passport stamps.
====Zone E: Zona Ríos y Lagos Argentinos====
Chile and Argentina are like two brothers that share a lot but have some distinct differences in appearance and attitude. The relation between both countries is pretty much like between siblings; they can stand together and feel strong family ties but there is also some sibling rivalry, just like two little boys that quietly play together in the sandbox and a moment later they stream and fight over one toy that both grabbed at the same time. And this zone is your opportunity to get to know the other brother. You can explore the difference of the Argentine culture and way of life i.e. by visiting the hippie town of El Bolsón at the end of section GPT22 and the start of GPT23.
The hiking route of this zone borders numerous pristine lakes and rivers and crosses forest and patches of cattle grazing land. The route passes two national parks and several large private properties ("estancias"). You can enjoy many gorgeous views and some sections of this zone are generally easy walking. Here the GPT follows in large parts the [[Huella Andina]], a personal initiated trail project by Estefania Chereguini and Walter Oszust. This project unfortunately came to a halt when the Argentine Ministry of Tourism assumed control and forced the founders out. This and recent wild fires mean that parts of the trail are no longer maintained and become overgrown.
A very challenging but fascinating highlight of this zone is the traverse from Lago Puelo to Lago Cholila that contains some demanding bush bashing and walking in rivers to avoid the dense vegetation. Here you can test what it takes to walk without a trail though partly engulfing forest. This experience may reconcile you with the larger proportion of road walking that is unavoidable if hiking and not packrafting.
With this zone the packraft dreamland continues. The distance on water exceeds 40%. In particular from Lago Cholila to Lago Kruger you have a long continuous sector of interconnecting lakes and rivers where you don’t need to leave the water for 3 or 4 days except to rest and to camp.
In this zone rain is rare but heat can be a burden since the trail snakes along of the eastern edge of the Andes in the rain shadow. Expect to climb over many fences and closed gates since the more leveled ground on the eastern edge of the Andes is used as grazing land for large herds of cattle. In the National Park “Los Alerces” you will meet large crowds on the camp sites but a short stroll from these hot-spots you will encounter much less people. On the southern terminus of this zone you return to Chile on a paved road where collecting your passport stamps is straightforward.
====Zone F: Zona Palena====
In the zona Palena the hiking and the packrafting route divide and follow completely different bearings. The hiking route goes south while the packraft route takes you to the west to the Patagonian fjords and the Pacific Ocean.
If hiking you traverse a thickly forested region that generally follows quiet back roads and historic horse trails. A major trail section is a national heritage trail (“Ruta Patrimonial”) that is beautiful hiking, with a wonderful perspective of history. The wide river valleys are lovely to note, as are the views when you can see through the trees. Sparsely populated, it gives an idea of the hardy and kind people who inhabit Patagonia.
If hiking be aware that parts of the route receive little to no maintenance and can be quite difficult to track. Some hikers turned back because they lost the trail. At the moment I have no precise GPS record for parts of the trail and only an approximate route is incorporated into the trail file. Your contribution is needed to fill this gap with an accurate record.
For packrafters this zone is an unmatched highlight of the GPT. Just two kilometers after leaving the village Palena you reach the put in at the generally calm river Palena that you can now float down in 4 to 6 days until you reach the Fjord Pitipalena and the tiny harbor village Raul Marin Balmaceda. Don’t try to be fast to enjoy the scenery and to meet some of the families that live for three or four generations on the shore of this powerful but unhurried river.
From Raul Marin Balmaceda you best take the ferry to Puerto Chacabuco, which with favorable weather is a very scenic 24 h boat ride through the Patagonian fjord world. The ferry stops in various tiny settlements in the fjords, where you might leave the boat to do some optional exploration excursions. From Puerto Chacabuco the most practical option is to continue after GPT28P with GPT31P, skipping the expedition sections GPT29P and GPT30P that should only be considered by highly experienced packrafters that are quite familiar with Patagonia.
The few rapids can normally be scouted and portaged if needed but your constant attention is needed to evade the countless sunken trees that lurk under the water. Towards the end the river valley widens exposing you to sometimes heavy head wind and when you reach the intertidal zone the flow direction may inverse twice per day for several hours. So understand the tidal cycles and get tidal charts to plan at what times you can paddle down. When choosing your last camp site make sure that you do not pitch your tent in the intertidal zone otherwise you may suddenly wake up in the middle of the river.
====Zone G: Zona Aysen Norte====
In the zona Aysen Norte the hiking and the packrafting route remain divided and rejoin at the southern end of this zone. The hiking route is located further to the east partly at the edge of the Andes where the arid Patagonian pampa begins. The packrafting route further to the west crosses the main mountain range of the Andes along deep mostly wide valleys.
The hiking route largely follows an array of roads, from impassible by vehicle to main thoroughfares and is easy walking. A few notable peaks can be viewed along the way and water is ample. The few villages are safe, simple, and kind. Coming in the Valle Chacabuco around Coyhaique gives a striking view of the effects of the early fire clearing in this region to create grazing land as you move between old growth forests and clear cuts. Coyhaique is the largest city directly on GPT and has several outdoor shops, which, while overpriced, can help in a pinch. This is also the center for “Patagonia Sin Represas” so if you have a chance, stop by!
Since the hiking route consists completely of minor and primary roads I don’t recommend walking this zone except if you advocate connecting food steps or if you are a die-heard thru-hiker that attempts hiking the entire trail without packrafting in two or three seasons.
The packrafting route is much more scenic than the hiking option and with about half the distance on water carrying a boat really pays off. The route connects half a dozen lakes and river sections and requires some walking on minor roads because the historic horse trails have been upgraded in the last one or two decades. When talking to the few settlers on the shore of the lakes and along the roads you can gain a very personal insight how this harsh land got settled during the 20th century.
Note that wind on these lakes can be powerful and rain is frequent and cold. If going southbound then wind is normally favorable. But be prepared to sit out periods of unsafe strong wind even if blasting in your direction.
====Zone H: Zona Aysen Sur====
This zone provides a perspective of the quintessential spirit and landscape of Patagonia, from open windy passes and glaciers to deeply wooded valleys that channel the glacier melt into turquoise rivers and lakes. Cerro Castillo and the route between Cochrane and Villa O’Higgins called “Ruta de los Pioneros” are highlights of the GPT, in particular if you are aware of the historic relevance of this trail and if you meet the few people that make their living on this harsh land. Expect to approach both landscape and people with patience and respect.
Challenges in this region are remoteness, volatile weather and partly poor trail conditions. The walking distance from Chile Chico to Villa O’Higgins is about 350 km and you have just the village Chochrane to resupply in the middle. The partially difficult route finding on the “Ruta de los Pioneros” probably reconciles you with the easy but tiresome road walking on either end of this historic trail.
When packrafting you can opt between several more choices. You can i.e. cross Lago Cochrane and bypass the village Cochrane to venture into the particular remote area of Lago Brown and float down the swift river Río Tranquilo that is not as tranquil as name suggests. You can paddle several lakes and rivers that parallel the “Ruta de los Pioneros”. The most challenging packrafting option is floating down the Río Baker. This powerful high volume river requires a couple of portages and wind can fiercely against you in particular when getting close to the harbor village Villa Tortel where this rivers flows into Patagonian fjords.
This zone is sure to be a favorite among hikers and packrafters that seek to be challenged by difficult terrain.
====Zone I: Zona Campo de Hielo Sur Sector Norte====
The giant Southern Patagonian Ice Field extends 350 km in North-South direction and is in average 35 km wide. It’s northern terminus is located as the latitude of Villa O’Higgins. Immense glaciers flow down from this ice field in all directions and some glaciers constantly refill the Lago O’Higgins with immense blocks of ice and turquoise glacier melt. For navigation this lake is often considered the most challenging lake in South America due to the heavy and very variable wind in the different arms of the lake.
To continue southbound you need to take the ferry that crosses this wind battered lake and unloads you next to the tiny settlement Candelario Mansilla, where a Chilean police outpost provides you with the required passport exit stamp. From here you can walk either directly into Argentina or follow the much more scenic route along the shore of the lake. Some optional trails get you face to face with various glaciers that flow down from the ice field. At the northern end of Lago del Desierto the Argentine police outpost will verify that you got your Chilean exit stamp and if so, give you an entry stamp for Argentina. Rules and regulations are unclear how long you may wander in the no man’s land in between both police posts.
The trail along Lago del Desierto is a beautiful walk and provides inspiring first peeks at one of the most famous highlights of this region, Cerro Fitz Roy at the eastern edge of the ice field. Multiple optional trails get you to various lookouts and glaciers and you should walk at least some of these options. In particular Cerro Torre seen from the Laguna Torre is one of the most pictured views. The GPT currently terminates with the “Huelta Huemul” a 60 km circuit that gets you to the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and with perfect views over the glacier Viedma that flows into Lago Viedma.
During peak tourist season the area next to Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre and the town of El Chalten are extremely crowded, which can be a difficult shift from the solitude of Patagonia that you experience on most parts of the GPT. Climate can be challenging and in particular the “Huelta Huemul” should only be attempted if the weather and wind forecast is suitable for this very exposed terrain.
When packrafting you can wait for a calm moment and cross Lago Chico where the Glacier Chico unloads its ice. This is probably the most impressive but not risk-free packrafting part of the GPT as you are in between the glacier edge and giant blocks of floating ice. Keep distance! Lago del Desierto can be an innocent looking beast; while calm on one end fierce wind can blow in the middle. Río de la Vueltas is a calm and easy to paddle river that saves you some otherwise annoying road walking.
====Zone Designations, Locations and Planning Status====
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="5" | Zone Designations
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Zone Designation
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Latitude
! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Planning and Verification Status
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" | Code
! style="text-align: left;" | Name
! style="text-align: left;" | Northern
! style="text-align: left;" | Southern
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| A
| Zona Precordillera
| 33° 30' S
| 35° 0' S
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| B
| Zona Arrieros
| 35° 0' S
| 37° 43' S
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| C
| Zona Pehuenche
| 37° 43' S
| 39° 42' S
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| D
| Zona Rios y Lagos Chilenos
| 39° 42' S
| 42° 6' S
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| E
| Zona Rios y Lagos Argentinos
| 42° 6' S
| 43° 37' S
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| F
| Zona Palena
| 43° 37' S
| 44° 14' S
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| G
| Zona Aysen Sector Norte
| 44° 14' S
| 45° 45' S
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| H
| Zona Aysen Sector Sur
| 45° 45' S
| 48° 31' S
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| I
| Zona Campo de Hielo Sur Sector Norte
| 48° 31' S
| 49° 30' S
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| J
| Zona Campo de Hielo Sur Sector Sur
| 49° 30' S
| 51° 44' S
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| K
| Zona Magallanes
| 51° 44' S
| 54° 0' S
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| L
| Zona Tierra del Fuego
| 52° 30' S
| 55° 30' S
| In Consideration
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| M
| Zona Yelcho
| 42° 55' S
| 43° 40' S
| Published
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| N
| Zona Costa
| 41° 47' S
| 42° 55' S
| Published
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| O
| Zona Campo de Hielo Norte Sector Monte
| -
| -
| In Consideration
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| P
| Zona Campo de Hielo Norte Sector Mar
| -
| -
| In Consideration
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| Q
| Zona [[Huella Andina]]
| -
| -
| Published and Verified by Others, <br> Connections with GPT to be Planned
|}
====Hiking and Packrafting Recommendations for Published Zones====
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="6" | Hiking and Packrafting Recommendations for Published Zones
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Zone Designation
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Recommended Zones for a <br> Single-Season Section-Hike
! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Recommended Travel Method for a <br> Multi-Season Thru-Hike <br> (2 to 3 seasons required)
! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Benefit of a Packraft
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" | Code
! style="text-align: left;" | Name
! style="text-align: left;" | Hiking
! style="text-align: left;" | Packrafting
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| A
| Zona Precordillera
| Consider
| No
| Hiking
| Only Burden
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| B
| Zona Arrieros
| Yes
| Consider
| Hiking
| Occasional Deployable
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| C
| Zona Pehuenche
| Yes
| Consider
| Hiking
| Occasional Deployable
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| D
| Zona Rios y Lagos Chilenos
| Yes
| Yes
| Packrafting
| Very Useful
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| E
| Zona Rios y Lagos Argentinos
| Consider
| Yes
| Packrafting
| Very Useful
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| F
| Zona Palena
| Consider
| Yes
| Packrafting
| Very Useful
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| G
| Zona Aysen Sector Norte
| No
| Yes
| Packrafting
| Very Useful
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| H
| Zona Aysen Sector Sur
| Consider
| Consider
| Hiking or Packrafting
| Very Useful
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| I
| Zona Campo de Hielo Sur Sector Norte
| Consider
| Consider
| Hiking or Packrafting
| Very Useful
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| M
| Zona Yelcho
| Not Possible
| Consider
| Packrafting
| Required
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| N
| Zona Costa
| Not Possible
| Consider
| Packrafting
| Required
|}
====Possible Travel Directions and Sections of Published Zones====
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="5" | Possible Travel Directions and Sections of Published Zones
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Zone Designation
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Possible Travel Directions <br> (Southbound or Northbound)
! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Sections
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" | Code
! style="text-align: left;" | Name
! style="text-align: left;" | Hiking
! style="text-align: left;" | Packrafting
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| A
| Zona Precordillera
| Both ↓↑
| Both ↓↑
| From GPT01 to GPT04
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| B
| Zona Arrieros
| Both ↓↑ (1)
| Both ↓↑ (1)
| From GPT05 to GPT09
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| C
| Zona Pehuenche
| Both ↓↑
| Both ↓↑
| From GPT08 to GPT16
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| D
| Zona Rios y Lagos Chilenos
| Both ↓↑
| Both ↓↑ (2)
| From GPT17H/GPT17P to GPT22
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| E
| Zona Rios y Lagos Argentinos
| Both ↓↑
| Only ↓ (3)
| From GPT23 to GPT26
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| F
| Zona Palena
| Both ↓↑
| Only ↓ (3)
| GPT27H, GPT27P, GPT28P and GPT30P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| G
| Zona Aysen Sector Norte
| Both ↓↑
| Preferable ↓ (4)
| GPT28H, GPT29H, GPT29P, GPT30H, GPT31H and GPT31P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| H
| Zona Aysen Sector Sur
| Both ↓↑
| Preferable ↓ (4)
| From GPT32 to GPT37H/GPT37P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| I
| Zona Campo de Hielo Sur Sector Norte
| Both ↓↑
| Preferable ↓ (4)
| From GPT37H/GPT37P to GPT40
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| M
| Zona Yelcho
| None
| Preferable ← (5)
| From GPT70P to GPT75P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| N
| Zona Costa
| None
| Both ↓↑
| From GPT76P to GPT78P
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="5" | Comments
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| colspan="5" |
(1) For northbound travel an entry permit to the hydro-power station Los Cypresses is required. <br>
(2) Depending on the direction of travel different rivers may be partially packrafted. <br>
(3) Due to the flow direction of the incorporated rivers only southbound travel is feasible. <br>
(4) Recommendation based on predominant wind direction on lakes and the flow direction of the majority of incorporated rivers. <br>
(5) See detailed information and recommendations to individual sections.
|}
-->
==Sections of the GPT==
See the GPT Hiker's Manual.
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The current main trail is divided into 40 connecting sections. These 40 sections are between 36 km and 200 km long. Every of these section connects seamless with the following section and starts and ends near a road or village with public transportation. Therefore each section can be hiked individually or several sections can be combined into a longer journey with connecting footsteps.
A further extension of the trail all the way to the southern tip of the continent is still be planned. This southern extension to Cabo Forward will add another 10 sections.
I'm also incorporating alternative routes that open up additional parallel routes i.e. for a long round trip by packraft in northern and central Patagonia that combines some of the finest packrafting of the region. Most of these additional sections are connected with the other section but are not in line with them.
====Section Designations, Locations and Planning Status====
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="7" | Section Designations, Locations and Planning Status
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="3" | Section Designation
! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Zone
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Section Location
! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Planing and Verification Status<br>of Regular Route
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" | Code
! style="text-align: left;" | Name
! style="text-align: left;" | Pre-2017<br>Code
! style="text-align: left;" | Country
! style="text-align: left;" | Region/Province
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT01
| Cerro Purgatorio
| n/a
| A
| Chile
| Region Metropolitano (V)
| Published and Verified<br>To be Recorded by GPS
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT02
| Mina El Teniente
| n/a
| A
| Chile
| Region Metropolitano (V)<br>Region O'Higgins (VI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT03
| Ríos Claros
| n/a
| A
| Chile
| Region O'Higgins (VI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT04
| Alto Huemul
| n/a
| A
| Chile
| Region O'Higgins (VI)<br>Maule (VII)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT05
| Río Colorado
| n/a
| B
| Chile
| Maule (VII)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT06
| Volcán Descabezado
| GPT01
| B
| Chile
| Maule (VII)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT07
| Laguna Dial
| GPT02
| B
| Chile
| Maule (VII)<br>Bío Bío (VIII)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT08
| Volcán Chillan
| GPT03
| B
| Chile
| Bío Bío (VIII)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT09
| Volcán Antuco
| GPT04
| B
| Chile
| Bío Bío (VIII)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT10
| Laguna El Barco
| GPT05
| C
| Chile
| Bío Bío (VIII)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT11
| Cerro Dedos
| GPT06
| C
| Chile
| Bío Bío (VIII)<br>Araucanía (IX)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT12
| Río Rahue
| GPT07
| C
| Chile
| Araucanía (IX)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT13
| Laguna Icalma
| GPT08
| C
| Chile
| Araucanía (IX)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT14
| Volcán Sollipulli
| GPT08
| C
| Chile
| Araucanía (IX)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT15
| Curarrehue
| GPT09
| C
| Chile
| Araucanía (IX)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT16
| Volcán Quetrupillan
| GPT10
| C
| Chile
| Araucanía (IX)<br>Los Ríos (XIV)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT17H
| Liquiñe
| GPT11H
| D
| Chile
| Los Ríos (XIV)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT17P
| Neltume
| GPT11P
| D
| Chile
| Los Ríos (XIV)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT18
| Lago Pirihueico
| GPT12
| D
| Chile
| Los Ríos (XIV)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT19
| Volcán Puyehue
| GPT13
| D
| Chile
| Los Ríos (XIV)<br>Los Lagos (X)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT20
| Volcán Antillanca
| GPT14
| D
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT21
| Lago Todos Los Santos
| GPT15
| D
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT22
| Cochamó
| GPT16
| D
| Chile<br>Argentina
| Los Lagos (X)<br>Chubut
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT23
| PN Lago Puelo
| GPT17
| E
| Argentina
| Chubut
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT24H
| PN Los Alerces Tierra
| GPT18
| E
| Argentina
| Chubut
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT24P
| PN Los Alerces Agua
| GPT18
| E
| Argentina
| Chubut
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT25H
| Aldea Escolar
| GPT19H
| E
| Argentina
| Chubut
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT25P
| Lago Amutui Quimei
| GPT19P
| E
| Argentina
| Chubut
| Published and Verified<br>To be Recorded by GPS BY EXPERTS ONLY
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT26
| Carrenleufú
| GPT20
| E
| Argentina<br>Chile
| Chubut<br>Los Lagos (X)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT27H
| Lago Palena
| GPT21H
| F
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)<br>Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified<br>To be Recorded by GPS
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT27P
| Alto Río Palena
| GPT21P
| F
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)<br>Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT28H
| La Tapera
| GPT22H
| G
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT28P
| Bajo Río Palena
| GPT22P
| F
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT29H
| Rio Cisnes
| GPT23H
| G
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT29P
| Valle Picacho
| GPT23P
| G
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published<br>To be Verified BY EXPERTS ONLY
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT30H
| Coyhaique
| GPT24H
| G
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT30P
| Canal Puyuhuapi
| GPT24P
| F
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published<br>To be Verified BY EXPERTS ONLY
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT31H
| Valle Simpson
| GPT25H
| G
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT31P
| Lagos de Aysen
| GPT25P
| G
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT32
| Cerro Castillo
| GPT26
| H
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT33H
| Puerto Ibañez
| GPT27H
| H
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT33P
| Río Ibañez
| GPT27P
| H
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT34
| Lago General Carrera
| GPT28
| H
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT35
| RN Lago Jenimeni
| GPT29
| H
| Chile<br>(Argentina)
| Aysén (XI)<br>(Rio Negro)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT36H
| Ruta De Los Pioneros
| GPT30H
| H
| Chile<br>(Argentina)
| Aysén (XI)<br>(Rio Negro)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT36P
| Río Baker
| GPT30P
| H
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| To be Planned<br>To be Verfied BY EXPERTS ONLY
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT37H
| Lago O'Higgins
| GPT31
| I
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT37P
| Penunsila La Florida
| n/a
| I
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| To be Planned<br>To be Verified BY EXPERTS ONLY
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT38
| Glaciar Chico
| GPT31
| I
| Chile<br>Argentina
| Aysén (XI)<br>Rio Negro
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT39
| Monte Fitz Roy
| GPT32
| I
| Argentina
| Rio Negro
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT40
| Glaciar Viedma
| GPT33
| I
| Argentina
| Rio Negro
| Published and Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT41
| Lago Viedma
| n/a
| J
| Argentina
| Rio Negro
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT42
| Glaciar Upsala
| n/a
| J
| Argentina
| Rio Negro
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT43
| Lago Argentina
| n/a
| J
| Argentina
| Rio Negro
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT44
| Peninsula Perito Moreno
| n/a
| J
| Argentina
| Rio Negro
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT45
| Torres Del Paine
| n/a
| J
| Chile
| Magellanes (XII)
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT46
| Seno Ultima Esperanza
| n/a
| J
| Chile
| Magellanes (XII)
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT47
| Seno Skyring
| n/a
| K
| Chile
| Magellanes (XII)
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT48
| Seno Otway
| n/a
| K
| Chile
| Magellanes (XII)
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT49
| Penunsila Brunswick
| n/a
| K
| Chile
| Magellanes (XII)
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT50
| Cabo Forward
| n/a
| K
| Chile
| Magellanes (XII)
| To be Planned
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT60
| Estrecho de Magellanes
| n/a
| L
| Chile
| Magellanes (XII)
| In Consideration
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT60+X
| Tierra del Fuego
| n/a
| L
| Chile<br>Argentina
| Magellanes (XII)<br>Rio Negro
| In Consideration
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT60+X
| Canal Beagle
| n/a
| L
| Argentina<br>Chile
| Rio Negro<br>Magellanes (XII)
| In Consideration
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT60+X
| Isla Navarino
| n/a
| L
| Chile
| Magellanes (XII)
| In Consideration
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT70P
| Alto Rio Futaleufú
| GPT21P
| M
| Argentina<br>Chile
| Chubut<br>Los Lagos (X)
| Published<br>To be Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT71P
| Espolón
| n/a
| M
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)
| Published<br>To be Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT72P
| Bajo Rio Futaleufú
| GPT21P
| M
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)
| Published<br>To be Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT73P
| Lago Yelcho
| n/a
| M
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)
| Published<br>To be Verified BY EXPERTS ONLY
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT74P
| Río Yelcho
| n/a
| M
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)
| Published<br>To be Verified
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT75P
| Río Frio
| n/a
| M
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)
| Published and Verified<br>To be Recorded by GPS
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT76P
| Chaitén
| n/a
| N
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)
| Published<br>To be Verified BY EXPERTS ONLY
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT77P
| Hornopirén
| n/a
| N
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)
| Published<br>To be Verified BY EXPERTS ONLY
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT78P
| Lago Pinto Concha
| n/a
| N
| Chile
| Los Lagos (X)
| Published<br>To be Verified BY EXPERTS ONLY
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT80P+X
| Zona Campo de Hielo Norte Sector Monte
| n/a
| O
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| In Consideration
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT90P+X
| Zona Campo de Hielo Norte Sector Mar
| n/a
| P
| Chile
| Aysén (XI)
| In Consideration
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| HA01+X
| Zona Huella Andina
| n/a
| Q
| Argentina
| Neuquen, Rio Negro, Chubut
| Published and Verified by Others<br>Connections with GPT to be Planned
|}
====Section Start, Finish and Sequence of Published and To Be Planned Sections====
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="7" | Section Start, Finish and Sequence of Published Sections
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Section Designation
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Section Start and Finish
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="3" | Section Sequence
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" | Code
! style="text-align: left;" | Name
! style="text-align: left;" | Start of Regular Route<br>(and selected options)
! style="text-align: left;" | Finish of Regular Route<br>(and selected options)
! style="text-align: left;" | Alternative<br>Section(s)
! style="text-align: left;" | Previous<br>Section(s)
! style="text-align: left;" | Next<br>Section(s)
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT01
| Cerro Purgatorio
| Santiago, Metro Puente Alto
| El Melocotón
| -
| Start
| GPT02
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT02
| Mina El Teniente
| El Melocotón
| Coya
| -
| GPT01
| GPT03
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT03
| Ríos Claros
| Coya
| Aguas Buenas
| -
| GPT02
| GPT04
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT04
| Alto Huemul
| Aguas Buenas
| Los Queñes
| -
| GPT03
| GPT05
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT05
| Río Colorado
| Los Queñes
| Radal
| -
| GPT04
| GPT06
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT06
| Volcán Descabezado
| Radal
| La Mina, Termas del Médano
| -
| GPT05
| GPT07
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT07
| Laguna Dial
| La Mina, Termas del Médano
| Puente Ingles<br>(El Roble)
| -
| GPT06
| GPT08
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT08
| Volcán Chillan
| Puente Ingles<br>(El Roble)
| Abanico<br>(Centro de Esquí Antuco)<br>(Piedra del Indio)
| -
| GPT07
| GPT09
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT09
| Volcán Antuco
| Abanico<br>(Centro de Esquí Antuco)<br>(Piedra del Indio)
| Trapa Trapa, Posta
| -
| GPT08
| GPT10
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT10
| Laguna El Barco
| Trapa Trapa, Posta
| Guallali, Carabiñeros
| -
| GPT09
| GPT11
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT11
| Cerro Dedos
| Guallali, Carabiñeros
| Ranquil, Carabiñeros<br>(Termas de Pelehue)
| -
| GPT10
| GPT12
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT12
| Río Rahue
| Ranquil, Carabiñeros<br>(Termas de Pelehue)
| Liucura
| -
| GPT11
| GPT13
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT13
| Laguna Icalma
| Liucura
| Icalma
| -
| GPT12
| GPT14
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT14
| Volcán Sollipulli
| Icalma
| Reigolil
| -
| GPT13
| GPT15
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT15
| Curarrehue
| Reigolil
| Currarehue
| -
| GPT14
| GPT16
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT16
| Volcán Quetrupillan
| Currarehue
| Reyehueico
| -
| GPT15
| GPT17H or GPT17P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT17H
| Liquiñe
| Reyehueico
| Puerto Fuy
| GPT17P
| GPT16
| GPT18
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT17P
| Neltume
| Reyehueico
| Puerto Fuy
| GPT17H
| GPT16
| GPT18
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT18
| Lago Pirihueico
| Puerto Fuy
| Puerto Maihue
| -
| GPT17H or<br>GPT17P
| GPT19
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT19
| Volcán Puyehue
| Puerto Maihue
| Anticura, CONAF
| -
| GPT18
| GPT20
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT20
| Volcán Antillanca
| Anticura, CONAF
| Las Gaviotas
| -
| GPT19
| GPT21
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT21
| Lago Todos Los Santos
| Las Gaviotas
| Cochamó
| -
| GPT20
| GPT22
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT22
| Cochamó
| Cochamó
| Lago Puelo, Puerto
| -
| GPT21
| GPT23
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT23
| PN Lago Puelo
| Lago Puelo, Puerto
| Villa Lago Rivadavia
| -
| GPT22
| GPT24H
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT24H
| PN Los Alerces Tierra
| Villa Lago Rivadavia
| Villa Futalaufquen
| GPT24P
| GPT23
| GPT25H or<br>GPT25P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT24P
| PN Los Alerces Agua
| Villa Lago Rivadavia
| Villa Futalaufquen<br>(Lago Kruger Lodge)
| GPT24H
| GPT23
| GPT25P or<br>GPT25H
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT25H
| Aldea Escolar
| Villa Futalaufquen
| Aldea Escolar
| GPT25P
| GPT24H
| GPT26 or<br>GPT70P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT25P
| Lago Amutui Quimei
| Lago Kruger Lodge
| Aldea Escolar<br>(Río Futalaufú)
| GPT25H
| GPT24H
| GPT26 or<br>GPT70P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT26
| Carrenleufú
| Aldea Escolar
| Palena
| GPT70P
| GPT25H or<br>GPT25P
| GPT27H or<br>GPT27P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT27H
| Lago Palena
| Palena
| Lago Verde
| -
| -
| GPT29H
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT27P
| Alto Río Palena
| Palena<br>(Río Palena, Confluencia Rio Tranquilo)
| Río Palena, La Junta
| -
| GPT26 or<br>GPT70P
| GPT28P or<br>GPT28H
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT28H
| La Tapera
| Lago Verde
| La Tapera
| -
| GPT25P
| GPT28P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT28P
| Bajo Río Palena
| Río Palena, La Junta
| Puerto Chacabuco<br>(Puerto Cisnes)
| GPT29H
| GPT28H or<br>GPT29H
| GPT32 or<br>GPT29H or<br>GPT30P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT29H
| Rio Cisnes
| La Tapera
| Carretera Austral, Cruze Rio Picacho
| -
| GPT28P
| GPT30H or<br>GPT29P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT29P
| Valle Picacho
| Puerto Chacabuco<br>(or Carretera Austral, Cruze Rio Picacho)
| Puerto Cisnes
| Skip without alternative
| GPT27P or<br>GPT29H or<br>GPT30H
| GPT28H
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT30H
| Coyhaique
| Carretera Austral, Cruze Rio Picacho
| Coyhaique
| -
| GPT29H
| GPT30P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT30P
| Canal Puyuhuapi
| Puerto Cisnes
| Río Palena, Confluencia Río Risopatron<br>(Río Palena, La Junta)
| Skip without alternative
| GPT32
| GPT30H
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT31H
| Valle Simpson
| Coyhaique
| Villa Frei
| -
| GPT30P
| GPT32
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT31P
| Lagos de Aysen
| Puerto Chacabuco
| Villa Frei<br>(Lago Elizalde)
| -
| GPT28H
| GPT32
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT32
| Cerro Castillo
| Villa Frei<br>(Lago Elizalde)
| Villa Cerro Castillo
| -
| GPT31H or<br>GPT31P
| GPT33H or<br>GPT33P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT33H
| Puerto Ibañez
| Villa Cerro Castillo
| Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez, Puerto
| -
| GPT32
| GPT34
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT33P
| Río Ibañez
| Villa Cerro Castillo
| Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez, Puerto
| -
| GPT32
| GPT34
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT34
| Lago General Carrera
| Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez, Puerto
| Chile Chico, Puerto
| -
| GPT33H or<br>GPT33P
| GPT35
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT35
| RN Lago Jenimeni
| Chile Chico, Puerto
| Cochrane
| -
| GPT34
| GPT36H
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT36H
| Ruta De Los Pioneros
| Cochrane
| Villa O'Higgins, Puerto Bahamóndez
| GPT36P
| GPT35 or<br>GPT36P
| GPT37H
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT36P
| Río Baker
| Cochrane
| Caleta Tortel<br>(Carretera Austral, Sector Rio Bravo)
| GPT36H
| GPT35
| Finish or<br>GPT36H
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT37H
| Lago O'Higgins
| Villa O'Higgins, Puerto Bahamóndez
| Candelario Mancillo, Puerto
| GPT37P
| GPT36H
| GPT38
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT37P
| Penunsila La Florida
| Villa O'Higgins, Puerto Bahamóndez
| Candelario Mancillo, Puerto
| GPT37H
| GPT36H
| GPT38
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT38
| Glaciar Chico
| Candelario Mancillo, Puerto
| Lago El Desierto, Gendarmeria
| -
| GPT37H or<br>GPT37P
| GPT39
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT39
| Monte Fitz Roy
| Lago El Desierto, Gendarmeria
| El Chalten
| -
| GPT38
| GPT40
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT40
| Glaciar Viedma
| El Chalten
| Lago Viedma, Bahia Tunel
| -
| GPT39
| GPT39
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT41
| Lago Viedma
| Lago Viedma, Bahia Tunel
| Lago Viedma, Estancia Helsingfors
| -
| GPT40
| GPT42
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT42
| Glaciar Upsala
| Lago Viedma, Estancia Helsingfors
| Lago Argentino, Estancia Cristina
| -
| GPT41
| GPT43
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT43
| Lago Argentina
| Lago Argentino, Estancia Cristina
| Lago Argentino, Puerto Banderas
| -
| GPT42
| GPT44
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT44
| Peninsula Perito Moreno
| Lago Argentino, Puerto Banderas
| Frontera, Hito III-40<br>(Frontera Lago Dickson)
| -
| GPT43
| GPT45
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT45
| Torres Del Paine
| Frontera, Hito III-40<br>(Frontera Lago Dickson)
| Rio Serano, CONAF Park Entrance
| -
| GPT44
| GPT46
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT46
| Seno Ultima Esperanza
| Rio Serano, CONAF Park Entrance
| Puerto Natales
| -
| GPT45
| GPT47
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT47
| Seno Skyring
| Puerto Natales
| Rio Verde
| -
| GPT46
| GPT48
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT48
| Seno Otway
| Rio Verde
| Punta Arenas
| -
| GPT47
| GPT49 or<br>GPT60
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT49
| Penunsila Brunswick
| Punta Arenas
| Fuerte Bulnes
| -
| GPT48
| GPT50
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT50
| Cabo Forward
| Fuerte Bulnes
| Cabo Forward
| -
| GPT49
| Finish
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT70P
| Alto Rio Futaleufú
| Río Futalaufú
| Villa Futaleufú
| -
| GPT25H or<br>GPT25P
| GPT71P or<br>GPT72P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT71P
| Espolón
| Villa Futaleufú
| Puerto Cárdenas
| GPT72P and<br>GPT73P
| GPT70P
| GPT73P or<br>GPT74P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT72P
| Bajo Rio Futaleufú
| Villa Futaleufú
| Lago Yelcho, Brazo Sur<br>(El Porfiado)
| GPT71P and<br>GPT73P
| GPT70P
| GPT27P or<br>GPT73P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT73P
| Lago Yelcho
| Puerto Cárdenas
| Lago Yelcho, Brazo Sur<br>(Santa Lucía)
| -
| GPT71P
| GPT27P or<br>GPT74P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT74P
| Río Yelcho
| Puerto Cárdenas
| Chaitén
| -
| GPT71P or<br>GPT73P
| GPT76P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT75P
| Río Frio
| Santa Lucía
| Río Palena, Confluencia Río Frio
| GPT72P and<br>GPT27P
| GPT73P
| GPT27P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT76P
| Chaitén
| Chaitén
| Caleta Gonzalo
| -
| GPT74P
| GPT77P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT77P
| Hornopirén
| Caleta Gonzalo
| Hornopirén
| -
| GPT76P
| GPT78P
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT78P
| Lago Pinto Concha
| Hornopirén
| Confluencia Río Traidor into Río Palena
| -
| GPT77P
| GPT22
|}
====Section Orientation of Published Sections====
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="9" | Section Orientation of Published Sections
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Section Designation
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="1" | Documentation
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Hiking
! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="4" | Packrafting
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align: left;" | Code
! style="text-align: left;" | Name
! style="text-align: left;" | Numbering<br>Orientation
! style="text-align: left;" | Traversable<br>Directions
! style="text-align: left;" | Comment
! style="text-align: left;" | Traversable<br>Directions
! style="text-align: left;" | Packraft Use<br>Southbound
! style="text-align: left;" | Packraft Use<br>Northbound
! style="text-align: left;" | Comment
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT01
| Cerro Purgatorio
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT02
| Mina El Teniente
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT03
| Ríos Claros
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT04
| Alto Huemul
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT05
| Río Colorado
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT06
| Volcán Descabezado
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| ↑ Permit required
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| ↑ Permit required
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT07
| Laguna Dial
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Deployable
| ↑ Deployable
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT08
| Volcán Chillan
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Useful
| ↑ Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT09
| Volcán Antuco
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Useful
| ↑ Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT10
| Laguna El Barco
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Deployable
| ↑ Deployable
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT11
| Cerro Dedos
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT12
| Río Rahue
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Deployable
| ↑ Deployable
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT13
| Laguna Icalma
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Useful
| ↑ Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT14
| Volcán Sollipulli
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Useful
| ↑ Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT15
| Curarrehue
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Deployable
| ↑ Deployable
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT16
| Volcán Quetrupillan
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Deployable
| ↑ Deployable
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT17H
| Liquiñe
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Deployable
| ↑ Deployable
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT17P
| Neltume
| ↓
| None
| Packraft required
| Only ↓
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Not Possible
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT18
| Lago Pirihueico
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Very Useful
| ↑ Very Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT19
| Volcán Puyehue
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Useful
| ↑ Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT20
| Volcán Antillanca
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Useful
| ↑ Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT21
| Lago Todos Los Santos
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Very Useful
| ↑ Very Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT22
| Cochamó
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Very Useful
| ↑ Very Useful
| ↑ More packraft use
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT23
| PN Lago Puelo
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Very Useful
| ↑ Useful
| ↓ More packraft use
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT24H
| PN Los Alerces Tierra
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT24P
| PN Los Alerces Agua
| ↓
| None
| Packraft required
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Very Useful
| ↑ Useful
| ↓ More packraft use
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT25H
| Aldea Escolar
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT25P
| Lago Amutui Quimei
| ↓
| None
| Packraft required
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Required
| ↓ Southbound exploration appears preferable
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT26
| Carrenleufú
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Deployable
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT27H
| Lago Palena
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Useful
| ↑ Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT27P
| Alto Río Palena
| ↓
| None
| Packraft required
| Only ↓
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Not Possible
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT28H
| La Tapera
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT28P
| Bajo Río Palena
| ↓
| None
| Packraft required
| Only ↓
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Not Possible
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT29H
| Rio Cisnes
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT29P
| Valle Picacho
| ↑ and ←
| None
| Packraft required
| Only ↑ and ←
| ↓ Probably Not Possible
| ↑ Required<br>← Required
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT30H
| Coyhaique
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-
| GPT30P
| Canal Puyuhuapi
| ↑
| None
| Packraft required
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Required
| ↑ Northbound exploration appears preferable due to predominant wind direction and more packraft use
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT31H
| Valle Simpson
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT31P
| Lagos de Aysen
| ↓
| None
| Packraft required
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Required
| ↓ Recommended travel direction on regular route due to predominant wind direction<br>↑ Travel direction of not yet verified exploration option on Río Blanco
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT32
| Cerro Castillo
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Very Useful
| ↑ Very Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT33H
| Puerto Ibañez
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT33P
| Río Ibañez
| ↓
| None
| Packraft required
| Only ↓
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Not Possible
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT34
| Lago General Carrera
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Ferry Only
| ↑ Ferry Only
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT35
| RN Lago Jenimeni
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Very Useful
| ↑ Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT36H
| Ruta De Los Pioneros
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Very Useful
| ↑ Very Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT36P
| Río Baker
| ↓
| None
| Packraft required
| Only ↓
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Not Possible
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT37H
| Lago O'Higgins
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Ferry Mainly
| ↑ Ferry Mainly
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT37P
| Penunsila La Florida
| ↓
| None
| Packraft required
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Required
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT38
| Glaciar Chico
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Very Useful
| ↑ Very Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT39
| Monte Fitz Roy
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Very Useful
| ↑ Deployable
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT40
| Glaciar Viedma
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| -
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Only Burden
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT70P
| Alto Rio Futaleufú
| ←
| Both ←→
| Hiking not recommended since no attractive continuation
| Both ←→
| ← Very Useful
| → Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT71P
| Espolón
| ←
| Both ←→
| Hiking not recommended since no attractive continuation
| Both ←→
| ← Useful
| → Useful
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT72P
| Bajo Rio Futaleufú
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| Hiking not recommended since no attractive continuation
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Useful
| ↑ Only Burden
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT73P
| Lago Yelcho
| ↓
| None
| Packraft required
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Required
| ↓ Recommended travel direction due to predominant wind direction
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT74P
| Río Yelcho
| ←
| None
| Packraft required
| Only ←
| ← Required
| → Not Possible
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT75P
| Río Frio
| ↓
| Both ↓↑
| Hiking not recommended since no attractive continuation
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Only Burden
| ↓ More packraft use<br>↑ Road walking only
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT76P
| Chaitén
| ↑
| None
| Packraft required
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Required
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT77P
| Hornopirén
| ↑
| None
| Packraft required
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Required
| -
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
| GPT78P
| Lago Pinto Concha
| ↑
| None
| Packraft required
| Both ↓↑
| ↓ Required
| ↑ Required
| -
|}
===Section Attractiveness and Difficulty Rating===
The four hikers that first completed most of the trail (Bethany Hughes and Lauren Reed from [https://her-odyssey.org/meet-the-team/ Her-Odyssey], my wife Meylin Ubilla and me the author) have evaluated each section in respect of attractiveness and difficulty.
This evaluation only compares these 40 sections between each other (relative comparison) and is no attempt to compare the GPT with other trails.
Two grades from 1 to 5 are given to each section, one grade for attractiveness and one grade for difficulty. The 5 stands for the most attractive or the most difficult category. The grades were choose in a way that the average grade over all hiking sections is a precise 3. For sections with substantial packrafting an additional packrafting grading is given, that is based on the same hiking scale to facilitate a comparison if better hiking or packrafting a section where both is possible. Since packrafting is generally more attractive and more challenging the average rating of packrafting grades exceeds 3.
Because this is only a relative comparison an attractiveness of 1 or 2 does not mean "ugly" and "not worth to walk", it simply means that the majority of the other sections are more attractive. And since several sections are mind-blowing beautiful "competition" is tough and a number of sections simply must end up in these lower categories even if they are worthwhile hiking.
Equally a difficulty grade of 1 or 2 does not mean "a piece of cake". Depending on the weather even such a section can become threatening.
Such an evaluation of the attractiveness and challenge is obviously subjective. Rather random factors like the weather when hiking or particular memorable encounters with the local population influence the judgement. Anyway, we four found little discrepancies in our evaluation where we hike the same route at different times.
The evaluation of the attractiveness considers not only the landscape and the trail itself but also the social experience with the local population as this trail comes only with the people that live on it and you can't have just the trail for yourself.
The evaluation of the difficulty and challenge considers the terrain, the trail condition, exposure to weather, remoteness, section length and resupply possibilities along the trail. This evaluation is based on the regular route. The individual experience will greatly vary with the actual weather that someone is exposed while hiking or packrafting. Also some optional routes might be much more demanding compared to the regular route. Keep this in mind when making you choices.
The not yet confirmed exploration packrafting sections are particular challenging. To caution adventurers that wish to explore these sections a difficulty grade of 6 on a scale from 1 to 5 is given to these exploration sections. For a continuous route none of these 5 exploration sections need to be taken.
This relative comparison shall help hikers and packrafters to make an educated choice of the sections that they attempt and to choose wisely where to hike and where to packraft.
===Section Evaluation and Trail Type Composition Charts===
====Hiking Only Without Any Packrafting====
[[File:GPT Evaluation H.png|thumb|1050px|left|Greater Patagonian Trail: Section Evaluation (Only Hiking)]]
[[File:GPT Trail Type H.png|thumb|1050px|left|Greater Patagonian Trail: Trail Type Composition (Only Hiking)]]
<br style="clear:both" />
====Packrafting Including Exploration Options====
[[File:GPT Evaluation P.png|thumb|1050px|left|Greater Patagonian Trail: Section Evaluation (Packrafting including Exploration Options)]]
[[File:GPT Trail Type P.png|thumb|1050px|left|Greater Patagonian Trail: Trail Type Composition (Packrafting including Exploration Options)]]
<br style="clear:both" />
====Packrafting Excluding Exploration Options====
[[File:GPT Evaluation P-EXP.png|thumb|1050px|left|Greater Patagonian Trail: Section Evaluation (Packrafting without Exploration Options)]]
[[File:GPT Trail Type P-EXP.png|thumb|1050px|left|Greater Patagonian Trail: Trail Type Composition (Packrafting without Exploration Options)]]
<br style="clear:both" />
====Hiking and Packrafting Where Most Beneficial====
[[File:GPT Evaluation H+P.png|thumb|1050px|left|Greater Patagonian Trail: Section Evaluation (Hiking and Packrafting where most beneficial)]]
[[File:GPT Trail Type H+P.png|thumb|1050px|left|Greater Patagonian Trail: Trail Type Composition (Hiking and Packrafting where most beneficial)]]
<br style="clear:both" />
-->
==Tracks and Waypoints of the GPT==
See the GPT Hiker's Manual.
<!--
[[File:GPT02-P0063.jpg|thumb|500px|Trail at Section GPT07 next to the Laguna Dial. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:Two-Track_Road.jpg|thumb|500px|Two-Track Road at Section GPT08 next to the hots springs Los Peucos. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT07-P0098.jpg|thumb|500px|Minor Road at Section GPT11. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:Cross_Country.jpg|thumb|500px|Cross Country route at Section GPT11 near Las Monjas. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:Bush_Bashing.jpg|thumb|500px|Bush Bashing route at Section GPT23. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:Primary_Road.jpg|thumb|500px|Primary Road at Section GPT09 next to Laguna de Las Lajas. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
===Trail Types===
Hardly any of the trails of the GPT was made for hiking or especially prepared for hikers. This distinguishes this trail network from many other long distance trails. The Greater Patagonian Trail is composed out of existing routes that were mainly made by the local settlers to serve their purposes. This makes the GPT so authentic and diverse but also so inconsistent and challenging in parts.
====<u>Land</u> Routes (LD)====
To be issued.
'''Horse or Hiking <u>Trails</u> (TL)'''
When planning the Greater Patagonian Trail the first choice were the horse trails that traverse the remote valleys and mountain passes in the heart of the Andes close to the border between Chile and Argentina. Most of these trails are created and maintained by local herdsmen to drive livestock to their summer pastures and by settlers that live in the solitary of the Andes.
Along these trails practically no signposts indicate directions and only few trail markers facilitate route finding. Tracks quite often split up and rejoin and in such locations it is often unclear what is the main trail and what is just a cattle treading. Such trails occasionally peter out and disappear in particular where they cross open terrain and where neither the landscape nor the vegetation constrain riding or walking.
On many of these trails an customary right-of-way applies but some trails cross private land. Often it can not be recognized what is the case. Gates and fences occasionally close these trails. This does not necessarily indicate the entrance or exit of a private property because gates and fences over trails are primarily set up to keep animals either in and out. Keep all gates exactly as you found them, either close them again or leave them open.
A lot of the incorporated trails are "opportunistic trails". This means, that these trails do not provide the most efficient connection but that routes were chosen that minimize the burden of building and maintaining these trails. This often results in detours each time the route is traveled compared to an hypothetical "optimized" route. In example trails may climb up a ridge simply to avoid overgrown areas further down. If sediment deposits next to a river eliminate the need to cut a trail through the forest, than the visible trail disappears and leads over these sediments even if they are occasionally flooded and more cumbersome to walk on. If there are rocks blocking the leveled route, than the trail climbs up and down just to circumvent these obstacles. In barely any place trails are built with brute force but are "opportunistic" in this sense.
Keep in mind that locals rarely ever walk; they move on horseback. All the physical effort that ascents and descents require are done by the horses. Therefore some trails involve a lot of "pointless up and down" simply because it meant fewer burden when initially creating the trail. Also river crossings are less hassle on horseback; it’s not the riders feet that get wet. For this reason some trails switch frequently the river sides just to avoid minor obstacles that are located on alternating sides of the river.
In the Alps and other frequently visited mountain ranges some very scenic panorama trails were build that sneak on a mostly constant altitude through the mountains to attract tourists onto scenic trails for an effortless walk. I’m not aware of any such trail in the Andes. Locals established trails solely to get from one place to another; never to have an enjoyable walk. But where a high altitude trail on a ridge above the tree line provides a good connection there you find such routes; not to please you but because they happen to be the simplest option.
Only in a few national parks such former horse trails became official hiking trails with occasional signposts and trail markers to keep visitors on the approved routes.
In the GPS file the tracks for such '''T'''rai'''l'''s have the two-letter-code '''TL'''.
'''<u>Minor</u> and Two-Track <u>Roads</u> (MR)'''
The second choice were rarely traveled minor roads and two-track roads. Such minor roads typically provide access to isolated settlements or villages without attracting any transit traffic.
Until recently some of these villages could only be reached on horse or by food. Regional governments try to improve the living conditions in these remote settlements by upgrading the traditional horse trails into minor dirt roads. This might be sad for hikers but since we are only guests we have no reason to complain.
Other routes that are categorized as minor roads are simple two-track roads (NOT two-lane roads!) which are basically car tracks that formed when locals were driving their all terrain vehicles to their homes and outposts without building a proper road. Also forest and logging roads are put in this category of minor roads.
These minor roads may be private or public and you often can not recognize what is the case. Gates and fences that close these minor roads may indicate the entrance or exit of a private property but are primarily set up to keep animals either in and out. Keep all gates exactly as you found them, either close them again or leave them open. As long as you walk these roads and you do not enter with a vehicle settlers may ask you but rarely complain.
Some of these minor roads became neglected and unmaintained and are now impassable for vehicles. But hikers can still use such deteriorated roads if they don't mind to climb over fallen trees and seek their way through washed out parts.
Many hiking trails in Europe would fall in this rather wide category of minor roads since a good part of the hiking trails in Europe are occasionally used by forestry and agricultural vehicles.
The two-letter-code for '''M'''inor '''R'''oads is '''MR'''.
'''<u>Cross Country</u> Routes (CC)'''
In some areas the Greater Patagonian Trail crosses through open terrain without a visible trail. Some of these routes lead through steep and exposed terrain above the tree line but do not require technical climbing. These cross country routes often belong to the finest parts of the Greater Patagonian Trail because they provide access into barely visited areas high up in the Patagonian Andes with wide open views.
In this cross country terrain hikers should seek their own way following the approximate GPS track without feeling too bound to the track. The tracks in cross country terrain are often straight lines to indicate only the approximate route and not path that needs to be followed precisely. Hikers must apply (as always!) their own judgment to avoid obstacles on such cross country routes. Towards the end of a cross country route hikers need to return to the GPS track to i.e. find the entrance into a forest or overgrown area.
The cross country routes do not pass very dense vegetation.
'''CC''' is the two-letter code for such open '''C'''ross '''C'''country tracks.
'''<u>Bush Bashing</u> Routes (BB)'''
On a few shorter stretches you need to hike through overgrown terrain and do some bush bashing. In some parts this cannot be avoided because old unused trails became overgrown or simply no trail was ever made.
For someone that is used to hike fast and efficient this might be frustrating but patient hikers will find their way step by step even in this challenging terrain. A machete is normally not required to cross this terrain but if you carry one you might use it occasionally to cut some thorny branches and twigs.
In the GPS file the tracks of such '''B'''ush '''B'''ashing in overgrown terrain have the two-letter-code '''BB'''.
'''<u>Primary</u> and Paved <u>Roads</u> (PR)'''
Public roads with transit traffic were avoided wherever possible. On such primary and paved roads you may find some moderate traffic but they are safe to hike. If you do not insist in "connecting footsteps" you may try to hitch-hike on these primary roads. Some drivers will even stop without being asked and offer you a ride as this is part of the back-country culture in this region.
The two-letter-abbreviation for '''P'''rimary and paved '''R'''oads is '''PR'''.
====<u>Ferry</u> and Boat Transfers Routes (FY)====
There are several lakes along the route that cannot be walk around on a suitable hiking route. When thru-hiking the entire trail along the regular route in two or three hiking seasons than you need to cross 4 lakes by ferry and you require 4 boat transfers over rivers and lakes. So you cannot walk the entire length of the trail without any non-motorized travel.
Also if you opt to packraft the GPT you will need to take at least 3 ferries when attempting a multi-season thru-hike. Some lakes and fjords along the packraft route are simply to fierce for a such a small boat and only a daredevil would throw himself into these potentially suicidal waters.
'''FY''' is the two-letter-code for such '''F'''err'''y''' and boat transfer routes.
====Packrafting Routes on <u>Water</u> (WR)====
[[File:River_Packrafting.jpg|thumb|500px|River Packrafting on GPT23 on Río Carrenleufú. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
Wherever feasible the Greater Patagonian Trail incorporates lake crossings, calm river downstream floats and even paddling on fjords with a [[#Packraft|packraft]]. When not carrying such a light-weight inflatable boat you have to follow the hiking route otherwise you will end up on a river or lake shore without being able to continue walking.
When you take the packraft route and the weather does not permit paddling then some but not all of these water sections can be bypassed on foot, by ferry or with private boat transfers. Therefore plan with additional reserves when taking the packraft route.
'''<u>River</u> Packrafting (RI)'''
The incorporated river sections are mostly relative clam flat water floats and do not require serious white-water paddling. But along these rivers sections you may encounter some minor rapids. In most places you can land on a river beach before and either walk around the rapid or take them by packraft after inspecting them carefully. The longest river paddle section is on the Río Palena and permits you and unbroken 180 km water ride.
When taking the packraft route make very sure that you leave the river where indicated and that you do not pass the last exit point even if the water looks still calm. Otherwise mortal rapids further downstream may crush you.
The two-letter-code for '''RI'''ver packrafting is '''RI'''.
'''<u>Lake</u> Packrafting (LK)'''
Along the entire route are more than 50 lakes that can be packrafted. Some lake paddle sections are up to 25 km long. The majority of the lake crossings are oriented in the typical wind direction. We carry a sail that we open on lakes when we have favorable wind and we can recommend such a sail to every packrafter on the GPT. But if the wind is not with you then you may be forced to wait or take an alternative route therefore plan with sufficient reserves when taking the packraft route.
The two-letter-code for '''L'''a'''k'''e Packrafting is '''LK'''.
'''<u>Fjord</u> Packrafting (FJ)'''
A few fjords in northern and central Patagonia are incorporated in the regular packraft route and can be paddled as part as optional side routes. Here you will depend highly on the wind and the tides and precaution is needed to not venture into the these water in adverse conditions.
GPS tracks on '''Fj'''ords are abbreviated with '''FJ'''.
===Track Relevance and Function===
To be issued.
====Regular Route (RR, RH, RP) ====
To be issued.
====Optional Route (OH, OP) ====
To be issued.
===Track Reliability and Direction===
To be issued.
====Validated/Verified Land Route====
To be issued.
====Approximate Land Route (BB, CC)====
To be issued.
====Investigation Land Route====
To be issued.
====Two-Way Water Route (LK, FJ, FY)====
To be issued.
====One-Way Water Route (RI)====
To be issued.
===Expedition/Exploration Routes (EXP)===
to be issued.
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==Trail Files of the GPT for Google Earth and GPS==
I plan to publish updated trail files in November 2017. I plan to provide:
* KMZ file for review in Google Earth
* IMG Files for handheld Garmin GPS devises (Digital maps)
In the Hiker's Manual you will find further instructions how to obtain these files. I will not publish a link in this wikiexplora article as only the Hiker's Manual provides the required information to understand and correctly use these files.
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In the meantime you may use trail files from 2016 to test your navigation equipment. [[#Update of Trail File for GPS and Google Earth created in 2016|See Update of Trail File for GPS and Google Earth created in 2016.]]
Note that the KMZ file available for download with the map on the top of this article is not suitable for hiking but provides only an overview. The accuracy of this KMZ is greatly reduced and this KMZ files does not contain waypoints that are relevant for hiking. Therefore do not use the KMZ file "GPT_Minimized_NOT_FOR_HIKING_AND_PACKRAFTING.kmz" for hiking on the GPT.
==Update of Trail File for GPS and Google Earth created in 2016==
Santiago, December 10, 2016
Dear Hikers,
I extended and updated the Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT). The trail now starts at the last metro station in Santiago and goes all the way to the lake and glacier Viedma south of the Fitz Roy in Argentina. The trail has now a length of approx. 3000 km. I also created new digital maps for handheld GPS devises. These maps can be downloaded from Dropbox using the following link:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mbsd9mupzy03zib/AAAF9bRnw-6aW3JZ8cpEGMXva?dl=0
The ZIP file contains the GPT trail network in various file formats. To review the entire trail network on a computer open the KMZ file in Google Earth.
Google Earth File: “GPT Master 20161127.kmz”
This file contains now nearly 12'000 km of tracks and nearly 3000 waypoints.
If you plan to hike the Greater Patagonian Trail you should continue to read carefully to understand how to select, install and use the digital maps on your GPS devise.
If you download and use these maps you do this at your own risk and under your own responsibility. I do not accept any liability and cannot guarantee the correctness and precision of the information provided with these maps. Trails may erode or overgrow, rivers may change substantially with weather and time and poor weather may turn many places along these routes into hazard zones. Therefore do not follow any of these trails blindly. Use constantly your own judgment, plan with contingencies and rather turn back or seek an alternative route if it is not save to follow a track shown on the digital map.
This update contains many improvements and extensions compared with the trail files on wikiexplora that I created and uploaded in 2015. But the general recommendations outlined in this wikiexplora article still apply.
Due to Garmin firmware limitations the Google Earth KMZ file cannot be displayed on a Garmin devise. It is also not possible to upload all this information to a Garmin GPS devise by converting it into GPX files as suggested by Garmin. The number of tracks and waypoints simply exceeds the typical Garmin limits of 200 tracks and 2000 waypoints (only some Garmin GPS models permit up to 5000 waypoints). If you try to upload more items you will get an error message or these items may simply not be displayed on your GPS devise.
Therefore I have created digital maps that contain all the tracks and waypoints. I created in total four maps in the IMG file format. One map contains only the waypoints and the other three maps show the tracks depending on how you plan to travel. These IMG files cannot be displayed in Google Earth.
* Maps with Tracks for Garmin Devises (install at least one of the four IMG maps):
1. Hiking-Only Tracks: “GPT Hiking-Only 20161127.img”.
2. Hiking and Packraft Tracks: “GPT Packraft 20161127.img”
3. Exploration Hiking-Only Tracks: “GPT Exploration Hiking-Only 20161127.img”
4. Exploration Hiking and Packraft Tracks: “GPT Exploration Packraft 20161127.img”
* Map with Waypoints (install this map regardless how you plan travel):
5. All Waypoints: “GPT Points 20161127.img”
These maps are all “transparent” and should be displayed together with a digital topographic map. I do not recommend to use these trail maps without a topographic map in the background.
To install the maps on your Garmin GPS devise simply copy the IMG file into the “Garmin” folder on the Micro-SD card. When starting the GPS devise you may need to enable the map using the map options of your devise to make the map visible. You may install all four maps simultaneously and simply enable and disable the maps as needed on your GPS devise. The map ID numbers were chosen to avoid conflicts between these fife maps (the map ID numbers use the entire range from 16112701 to 16112749).
If you hike without a packraft you should install only the Hiking-Only maps. These maps show all the hiking routes and hiking options but none of the routes on water and none of the trails that lead to these water routes. By using the Hiking-Only map you avoid that you follow unintentionally a trail that leads you to a lake or river from where you cannot continue by food.
If you travel with a Packraft you should install the trail maps that contain also the Packraft options. These Packraft maps contain all Hiking -Only routes plus all Packraft routes. You can also install all four trail maps but enable only one or two maps while traveling (and disable the other two or three maps using the map options of your GPS devise).
The exploration maps show planned routes that are not verified yet. Be aware that these routes might turn out to be impassable or baldy overgrown and you might be forced to return on the same route. In most cases I have pretty good information that these routes were used in the past but in Patagonia it does not take long that such trails get overgrown if not used any more. Therefore venturing on such a trail may indeed become an exploration and you should carry enough supplies since you may advance much slower than expected or you may even need to return on the same route.
The waypoint map displays the approx. 3000 waypoints as small green dots. When you move the mouse indicator onto the waypoint the waypoint name gets displayed showing what this waypoint represents (i.e. a Camp Site, River Crossing or Ford, Water Supply, Trail Diversion …). Only the "Section start and End Points" are displayed differently with the “Trail Head” symbol. I have now added also some "Important Information" points that highlight where to organize boat transfers and trails with restrictions i.e. trails through private natural reserves that should only be used in case of an emergency.
To see constantly the section start and end points and the important information you may install the following GPX file on your GPS devise using Garmin Basecamp: “Section Start and End Points.gpx” and "Important Infromation.gpx".
If you install these GPX files on your GPS you will see a little flag on each section start and end point and the important information points with the section number or the important information constantly displayed (depending on zoom level).
If your GPS model permits up to 5000 waypoints you may in addition install the following GPX file on your GPS devise using Garmin Basecamp: “Way and Decision Points.gpx”
If you install this GPX file on your GPS you will see a little flag on each waypoint with the name constantly displayed (depending on zoom level). This facilitates anticipating what lies ahead of you but this will works only on specific GPS model (check the Garmin web page to find the limits of your devise).
I’m not sure if the GPX files can simply be copied to the GPS Micro-SD card. At least on my devise it did not work when copying the GPX file to the same location as the IMG file. Therefore I installed the GPX file(s) from my computer using the Garmin Basecamp software.
Note that I did not had the time to harmonize the nomenclature of the tracks and waypoints so the naming of these items is not particular consistent and conclusive. Therefore simply ignore if a track has i.e. the name “Untitled Path174” and focus on how the track is displayed (line color, line width, continuous or dotted).
'''Changed Digital Map Nomenclature'''
* Line color: I have selected a few line colors that provide a good contrast on the GPS screen and that can be easily distinguished from each other and map features i.e. roads.
* Black: All Hiking Routes on land are now in black regardless if they are part of the Hiking-Only trail network or if they lead to a packraft water track. Therefore it is essential to install and enable the appropriate map. I changed it from red to black since this black provides the best contrast on all map features i.e. on roads.
* White: All Ferry Routes or private boat transfer tracks are in white (good contrast on the blue water background).
* Red: All Packraft Routes on water are in red (good contrast on the blue water background).
* Violet (Dark Pink): All Exploration Hiking Routes on land are in violet. Be aware that these routes might turn out to be impassable or baldy overgrown and you might be forced to return on the same route.
* Pink (Light Pink or Magenta): All Exploration Packraft Routes on water are in pink. Be aware that these Exploration Packraft Routes may cross very challenging lakes, rivers and fjords where i.e. wind may force you to wait several days for better weather. When you get on such a route carry enough supplies and check the weather and wind forecast regularly i.e. using your Delorme InReach satellite messenger.
* Line width: All tracks are either 2 or 4 dots wide providing a good contrast to the 1 dot wide altitude lines.
* Thick: Regular Routes are the normally recommended tracks avoiding particular difficult passages but avoiding also hiking on roads. The Regular Routes is the to my opinion the best compromise between beauty and difficulty.
* Thin: Other Routes may be side trips, climbs to summits, short cuts, nearby roads and alternative entry and exit routes. I included in the route network many roads and trails in parallel to Packraft Routes to indicate possible “Escape Routes” if you can’t continue paddling on water. So some Other Routes might be more scenic (and difficult) compared to the Regular Route while others are not particular attractive and serve mainly to leave a certain area.
* Continuous, dotted and arrow lines: To minimize the number of colors needed I opted to use lines that are either continuous or dotted or consists of arrows.
* Continuous line: Reasonable reliable tracks that are either based on a GPS records or a trails that are reasonable good visible on satellite images.
* Dotted line: Investigation track for which I either do not have a good GPS record or no conclusive satellite image to clearly see the trail. In most cases I have relative reliable information that this trail exists and was hiked recently but the precise location of the trail is not verified. Expect some discrepancy between the actual trail to the dotted line on your GPS and rather follow the visible trail than trying to follow the dotted line on your GPS.
I now added Arrow lines: Packraft routes on water that can only be taken in one direction i.e. rivers in flow direction or large lakes in the predominant wind direction are shown as a line of arrows.
If you use these maps I ask you for three favors in turn.
1. I tested these maps only on my Garmin devise (GPSMap 62st) but not on other models. Please provide me a feedback how the installation and display of these digital maps worked on your GPS devise.
2. If you use these maps for hiking please record by GPS your entire hike and provide me all GPS records afterwards. This is essential to maintain, update and improve the GPT trail documentation.
3. Please record and share with me additional waypoints that you consider relevant and provide updates to existing waypoints in particular if changes occurred.
I plan to send a new update later in 2017 after this hiking season. In case you do not wish more updates in the future please advise me by email.
Enjoy hiking and take care to not hurt yourself nor the land on which you are hiking. Leave no trace and be a pleasant guest when meeting people on the trail.
Best regards,
Jan
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==Status of the GPT per trail==
Some of the parts of the GPT are already included in Wikiexplora as shorter and trails. In this table you can find them, with instruction regarding access and exit points.
