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Greater Patagonian Trail

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{{borradorIndexed}}[[category:KMZconTrack]]{{RutaForm2RutaForme
|Actividad=Trekking
|País=Argentina, Chile
|CiudadesArgentina=El Bolsón
|CiudadesChile=CuricóSantiago
|BellezaEscenica=Impresionante
|Atractivos=Vistas panorámicas, Glaciar, Bosque, Flora atractiva, Fauna atractiva, Lago, Laguna, Río, Fiordos, Formación Geológica, Cascada, Parque Nacional
|DuraciónDuracion=más de 90 días|Dificultad Física=Exigente|Dificultad Técnica=Alta
|Sendero=Tramos sin sendero
|Señalizacion=Insuficiente
|Infraestructura=Inexistente
|TipoTrekComparteIdayRetorno=RecorridoCruce|Latitud1=-38|Longitud1=-73|Distancia=1350 km.3035000|MetrosAscenso=116000|MetrosDescenso=116000|Comentarios distancia=Regular Route (Hiking Option and Packrafting Option without Exploration Sections)|DesnivelAltitudMedia=50.000 metros900
|Primer Autor=Jan Dudeck
|Tipo de Extensión Imagen=jpg|Imágen Principal=Main IMG Greater Patagonian TrailGreater_patagonian_trail.JPGjpg |ComentariosImagen=Sector Descabezado, View to Laguna CaracolGPT16: [[Volcán Mocho]] on the background. |KMLZ=Greater Patagonia TrailGPT_Minimized_NOT_FOR_HIKING_AND_PACKRAFTING.kmz|ComentariosMapa=<span style="background-color:#808080; color:RED">'''Red:'''</span> Section 1, 3, 5, 7, 9: Regular Trekking Trail (No packraft required) <br><span style="background-color:#808080; color:MAGENTA">'''Magenta:'''</span> Section 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: Regular Trekking Trail (No packraft required) <br><span style="background-color:#808080; color:blue">'''Blue:'''</span> Section 11, 13, 15: Packraft Trail (Packraft recommended, if not avaialble use Alternative Trails) <br><span style="background-color:#808080; color:CYAN">'''Cyan:'''</span> Section 12, 14, 16: Packraft Trail (Packraft recommended, if not avaialble use Alternative Trails) <br><span style="background-color:#808080; color:ORANGE">'''Orange:'''</span> Optional Side Trips i.e. climbs to summits of volcanos <br><span style="background-color:#808080; color:ORANGE">'''Orange:'''</span> Alternative Trails i.e. alternative trails around lakes if no packraft available <br>|width=600|height=1800
|TipoDeMap=HYBRID
|ComentariosMapa=GPT SAMPLE Minimized (NOT FOR HIKING AND PACKRAFTING) {{colores|red|Trail.}}{{colores|blue|Packraft.}}{{colores|blue|Packraft.}}
}}
==General Description==
[[Archivo:Laguna_Los_Hornitos.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Greater Patagonian Trail: Pass 2540 m viewing to Laguna Los Hornitos. Imagen: Jan Dudeck]]
To be issued.
<br style==Images==[http"clear:both" //www.panoramio.com/user/7876187?show=best Here you find a selection of images from all 16 sections of the Greater Patagonian Trail.]>
==Trail Sections==The entire trail consists of 16 sections that require between 3 to 10 days each. Every section connects seamless with the following section and starts and ends near a road with public transportation. Therefore each section can be hiked as an individual trail or several sections can be combined to a longer trip depending on how much time you want to hike.{{Table all GPTs}}
<br style==Expected Duration==Hiking the complete trail requires approx. 90 to 120 days. This inculdes some rest days and resupply bus trips to nearby towns."clear:both" />
==Recommended SeasonIntroduction==If you plan to do the entire trail starting with section 1 you should leave in December.
On the first sections several high passes [[File:GPT01-P0115.jpg|thumb|500px|right|GPT06: The volcanos Descabezado Grande and rivers need Cerro Azul with the Laguna Caracol to be crossedtheir feet. Snow and high riverImage: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT08-waterArriero.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT09: Arriero at the base of the Vulcano Antuco. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT06-levels during snowmelt may make this difficult and dangerous until early DecemberP0005. Therefore leaving before December may put you jpg|thumb|500px|GPT11: Araucaria trees in risk when crossing rivers and passesthe Pehuenche homeland. If you leave Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT13-P0028.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT18: Cross Country walking on volcanic ash at Cordon Caulle after December you may be surprised by recent eruption. File: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT28-Rio_Palena.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT28: Packrafting the heralds of the winter before reaching Río Palena. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT_Glaciar_O'Higgins.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT38: Glaciar O'Higgins coming down from the finishSouthern Icefield. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
If you have The Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT) is a packraft and you do not insist in hiking all trail sections long-distance route network in the correct sequence you have more options when and where to start. You may in example set out already in October or November with section 11 in Coñaripe (first packraft section). This also give you southern Andes that spans from the advantage outskirts of floating down Santiago all the river Caucuá with comfortable high river-water-levels during snow melt (section 11). Once your reached the finish of section 16 your can travel by bus way to the start of section 1 and complete the trail without carrying the packraft any moresouthern Patagonia.
==Trekking Direction==
The generally recommended trekking direction is southbound even if most sections can be hiked in either direction.
Some sections require an entrance permit if It’s a stunningly beautiful and diverse trail system that guides you hike northbound. This limitation applies to section 1, 2from the semi-3 desert of the Precordillera into scenic Andes valleys. The trails cross numerous dormant and 12active volcanos with partially healed volcanic scars and fresh open wounds from recent eruptions. Without an entrance permit you may be “kicked out” but only You can take a dip in more than a dozen hot springs along the direction you are walking anywayway to draw from this energy.
Also for section 11 Continuing, you will dive into the southbound limitation applies but for a different reasontwilight of lush green temperate rainforest lined by snow covered mountains. Only in this direction Numerous passes and high plains get you can float down above the river Caucuá tree line into barren terrain with your packraftbroad views. Crystal clear rivers descend from these mountains and feed deep blue lakes along the way. If you want to hike section 11 northbound packraft you need to take a rather boring dirt road with some trafficcan paddle over lakes and float down rivers all the way into the Patagonian fjords where the Pacific Ocean hits the ragged coast.
For section 15 the recommended trekking direction is also southbound. If you go south you can ask shortly before reaching the Lago Todos Los Santos a local settler for a private boat transfer. In the other direction this may not work that easy. So if you do not have a packraft or if you are unsure that you really want to cross such a rather large lake with a tiny boat go southbound.
==Logistical Considerations==There are no proper shops along Eventually you reach the first seven sections Southern Patagonian Icefield, one of the trailworld's largest extra-polar Icefields. The first regular food store on Here giant rock towers stab into the trail comes after 600 km at the finish of section 7. Therefore reaching the finish of a section gives you the opportunity to take a bus sky and to travel to the next village or town to resupply. A true through-hike would require the setup enormous glaciers calve colossal blocks of food depots on strategic points along the routeice into wind battered lakes.
The product range, in particular the supply of dehydrated trekking food, is limited or non-existing in smaller villages and towns. If you prefer to have some special stuff that you find only in Santiago or that you bring with you from overseas you have the following option: You can pack a box with food and gear in Santiago and send with one of the mayor bus companies to yourself to a town where you plan a resupply stop. The bus company will store your package until pick it up. There you can take out of your box what you need and resend the box to the next resupply town.
As non-Chilean tourist with a regular tourist visa On the northern part of the route you can stay up to 90 days in will meet solitary cowboys (In Chilecalled arrieros or puesteros) with their animals. The easiest way to renew your visa Every spring the livestock is travelling moved on higher ground to Argentina before you complete your 90 days and returning a few days graze on mountain pastures. The trail later to Chilecrosses the homeland of the indigenous Pehuenche (one of the Mapuche tribes) where majestic Araucaria trees tower above the tribal land and provide the traditional food for these sometimes shy and sometimes proud people. On re-entry When going further south you will normally be granted another 90 daysmeet courageous settlers that have ventured into the challenging back-country of Patagonia. If you are interested, you can listen to their stories while sitting around the warm stove and sharing the traditional drink of this region: Mate. These authentic encounters are part of the beauty of this trail.
==Recommended Equipment==
A packraft is a light-weight inflatable boat designed to be carried in the backpack when not needed but to carry the backpacker over lakes and rivers when he needs it. A packraft is recommended for sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16.
In countless locations the trail branches into different routes creating a wide network of tracks that gives you many choices. You may either walk the entire distance or you can bring a packraft to float down rivers and paddle and sail over lakes and fjords.
[http://www.panoramio.com/user/7876187/tags/Packraft Here you find some images of our packraft.]
There are also various volcanoes and other summits along the route that can be ascended without rock climbing gear. I have also included optional tracks that get you literally into the last valley on the border between Chile and Argentina. These remote corners of the southern Andes are of particular interest to hikers that love to venture into remote back-country.
The packraft made our trip much Main Route currently spans approximately 5'000 km and the entire route network (including all options) contains more diverse. It was so great to walk to the shore than 20'000 km of a lake or river, take the backpack down, inflate the boat, store the gear, take a seat and row offtracks.
At the two larger lakes you can alternatively take a daily ferry (Lago Pirihueco) or a private boat transfer (Lago Todos Los Santos). For all other lakes and rivers alternative trails, that circumvent the water are included in the GPS File for Trekking below. So you can bypass on food all water sections if you do not have a packraft or if wind and weather does not permit the crossing of a lake with a rather tiny boat.
==GPS File for Trekking==If this introduction quickened your appetite to explore this network of trails then don't stop reading here and don't pack your backpack yet. The KMZ file displayed GPT is quite different from what you might expect. Especially if you have thru-hiked the famous long-distance trails in the US (i.e. the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail or the Continental Divide Trail) or if you walked on the satellite map above is optimized to provide European pilgrimage trails (i.e. the Camino de Santiago) don't assume that the GPT will be a good overview but does not include waypoints similar experience and detailed information that you are already prepared for hikingit. Therefore This region and this route network is unequal in nature. Some best practices and habits that are important on established trails in the file below should US and Europe would be downloaded foolish in Patagonia. Other skills and used if you actually plan aptitudes are essential to hike a section or truly appreciate the entire Greater Patagonian Trail.
[[Media:GreaterPatagonianTrail-20140726Since I started publishing the GPT, I consulted and surveyed more than one hundred people that attempted to walk major parts of the trail.kmz|Greater Patagonian Trail with WaypointsThe majority were absolutely amazed by the land, Options the people and Alternatives (kmz filetheir experience on the trail. But some hikers quickly aborted or changed their plans. In consequence they missed the best parts of the trail. Interestingly, update from 2014-Jul-26)]]some of these were experienced hikers and athletic walkers.
The file is organized in folders In the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers Manual] I try to rectify potential incorrect assumptions and subfolders outline the essentials for a better overview in particular when viewing hiking and organizing the trail packrafting on a computerthis trail network. There is one folder for each section You should also read the publications of other hikers and each section contains a subfolder for waypoints and a subfolder for trackspackrafters to learn from the diverse experiences on the Greater Patagonian Trail.
===Waypoints===The waypoints are named with '''Statements about the item of interest of this location. Common items areGPT by Hikers and Packrafters: Start, River Crossing, Water, Pass, Camp, Refuge, Bus Stop (Finish) and several items more. A running number is added in brackets to be able to refer in the trail description to specific waypoints. '''
Example waypoint name: “Start Bethany Hughes and Lauren Reed (GPT01-WP001Fidgit and Neon): "This trail has been the most punishing and the most magical experience of my hiking career to date.”
* Start: Item of interest, in this case the start of section 1
* GPTPiia Kortsalo and Oliver Barker: Greater Patagonian Trail"We’re filled with incredible memories of our time on the GPT, and the landscape and culture of the Chilean Andes will stay with us forever. While hiking the GPT was an incredible experience for us, we don't imagine this as the right trail for everyone. The GPT is closer to an idea of a route than an established trail; hikers setting out expecting a well-organized, continuous, marked hiking trail will inevitably be disappointed. The GPT really is a route for a very specific sort of hiker, one who's as interested in natural history and cultural experience as they are in trail miles."
* 01: Section 1
* WPBrian Tanzman (Buck-30): Waypoint"Honestly, I wouldn't recommend hiking the GPT to any of my thru hiking friends."
* 001: Running number
===Tracks===The track of each section Garrett Martin: "This trail is broken into smaller segments to differentiate between different unlike any other trail typesin the world and requires detailed planning, determination, physical and mental strength and most importantly - respect for the people and environment along the trail. Throughout our 4-month journey, we discovered the beauty of the Andes Mountain range and the incredibly generous people that call this place their home. If you are considering hiking the GPT, please do so with extreme care for the land and the utmost respect for the locals living in this area.".
Used trail types are:
* 0Carla Lange: Cross country (no visible "The GPT is not a hiking trail, it's an adventure and words do not do my experience on it justice. Travelling on the GPT was everything but easy (or necessarily fun all the time)but it returned it all and more. Essential pieces of equipment to bring on the GPT are your brain and intuition as well as humbleness, respect and openness for the land and people."
* 1: Hiking trail or horse trail
* 2: Minor dirt road with no or insignificant traffic Matgorzata (also abandoned road or closed private roadGosia)Gmerek and Paul Bostelmann: “The Greater Patagonian Trail Network is a challenging and rewarding adventure that leads one through diverse and breathtaking scenery. Far from crowds and often without seeing other people for days this experience was without a doubt the highlight of our hiking career. Packrafting and exploring the beautiful lakes and rivers allows to reach even deeper into these wonderful and wild ecosystems. This is no ordinary hike and absolute self-reliance and wilderness experience is a must.”
* 3<br style="clear: Mayor dirt road with moderate trafficboth" />
* 4: Paved road==Information to the GPT==
*?[[File: Not verified trail section GPT_Manual.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT Hiker's Manual]][[File:GPT_Settler_(Remains to be hiked 2).jpg|thumb|500px|GPT22: Discussing route options with settlers at the Río Puelo. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT10-Peuenche.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT09: Being guest at a Pehuenche family: Fresh milk, fresh cheese, fresh meat! Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT07-Laguna_del_Maule.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT07: Horse riding with Danilo and recorded by GPS to update Jito (the trail filefounder and horse riding guide of [http://www.chile-horseriding.com/ www.chile-horseriding.com])at the dormant Supervolcano Laguna del Maule. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT09-Laguna_de_las_Lajas.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT09: Circling the volcano Antuco. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT18-Lago_Pirihueco.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT18: Camping at the shore of Lago Pirihueco. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT28P-Ferry.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT28P: Patagonian fjords seen from the ferry on the way from Raul Marin Balmaceda to Puerto Chacabuco. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
* L: Lake (Packraft)The GPT is an informal route network therefore you will not find any “official” information. In the following I list all relevant resources that help to understand the GPT and to get prepared for an adventure on this trail system.
* R: River (Packraft)
* S: Sea (Packraft)===This GPT Wikiexplora Article===
* F: FerryThis Wikiexplora article to the GPT is the internet gateway to this trail system. It is the first semi-official landing point for anyone searching information online and provides an introduction to the GPT. Wikiexplora is the cradle where the GPT publication started in 2014 and remains the “online home”.
Example track nameThe Wikiexplora article comes with one weakness: "GPT01-TR006-1"offline access while being on the GPT. Therefore, the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide GPT Hikers’ Manual] was created in 2017. With this, the Wikiexplora GPT main article is now neither the only nor the best resource to get ready for an adventure on the GPT but the Wikiexplora articles provides an introduction to anyone “just browsing around”. And the Wikiexplora article gives access to the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual] that can be downloaded from Dropbox.
* GPT: Greater Patagonian Trail
* 01: Section 1===The GPT Hikers Manual===
* TRThe Hikers’ Manual is the primary source of information for the GPT and can be downloaded free of charge at: Trackhttp://bit.ly/GPTguide
* 006: Running number
* 1The Hikers’ Manual consists of three parts: Trail type, in this exmaple its a hiking trail or horse trail
* 1 Introduction and General Information,
* 2 Terrain and Section Information and
* 3 Appendix and Indices.
A "X" is added to the track name for optional side trips or alternative trails.
Chapter 1 provides a general overview and a good understanding of the nature of the GPT. You should read the entire chapter 1 thoroughly if you consider hiking on this route network because this part of the Hikers’ Manual guides you through your preparation.
Example track name: "GPT01-TR007-0-X"
The "X" at Chapter 2 familiarizes you with the end means that this is an optional side tripgeography of the southern Andes and describes each section of the GPT. In This local knowledge is essential to thoughtfully select your route on this example its the optional climb vast network and to the summit prepare yourself for each section while hiking. Therefore, parts of chapter 2 are important during the preparation phase while other parts will become your guide when hiking on the volcano Descabezado GrandeGPT.
==Verifications, Additional Options and Extensions==
===Verifications===
The GPS File for Trekking above contains a few not verified track and waypoints because we did not hike all the options and alternatives. This unconfirmed tracks and waypoints are based on satellite images, maps or tales from locals and have a question mark “?” in the name. So you know on what items you can rely on and where your explorer’s skills are needed. Tracks that need to be explored can also be recognized on unnatural straight lines.
Whenever you walk such a not verified trial, you are welcome to record the trail by Chapter 3 goes deep into specific topics. You will require this expertise for specific tasks e.g. when setting up your GPS or when calculating distances and send the file with estimating travel times. The Appendix also contains valuable additional information that contribute to a comment to the author of this trail for update profound understanding of the GPS FileGPT and the region.
===Additional Options===
If you know a better or simply an interesting alternative trail, that fits well into this Greater Patagonian Trail you are invited to be become co-author by sending your proposal with a GPS File to me. I will review it and incorporate it in the master file. This applies also to helpful new waypoints.
===Extensions===This trail The Hikers’ Manual is not finished yetavailable on paper but only as a PDF document. There It is plenty of terrain left till this trail finally reaches the southern tip of Patagonia and ends either designed to be read on the shores of the Magellan street a computer or even on Tierra del Fuegoa smart¬phone while being online or offline. SoTherefore, if you hiked a section that extends it is issued in the screen-friendly 9:16 page format. When reading this trail further south or that simply covers an area that document it is not included yet you are more than welcome best to become use full screen slide mode in landscape orientation. Normal vertical scrolling is less practical. Install a co-author by contributing suitable app on your trailsmartphone if needed.
The trail should get you further south on a route that is worthwhile hiking. It should consist mainly of horse trails or minor dirt road with no or insignificant traffic. Walking i.e. long distances on the Careterra Austral seams not tempting to me. If I take the Careterra Austral, than I rather do it by bicycle.
The route should be passable without a manchete, technical climbing or superman skills. Cross country through of Greater Patagonian Trail is an open landscape informal trail network that grows and changes regularly. And creating and updating the documentation to this evolving trail network relies on voluntary work only. Therefore, this Hikers’ Manual is great but I do not want expected to fight me tree be completed in the foreseeable future and will remain a growing and evolving document. This unfinished nature has been made intentionally visible by tree through dense tampered rainforestdisplaying empty chapters with red “To be issued.” remarks and similar comments in red. This shows what topics are planned to be covered with future updates and where contributions and reviews are welcome.
It does not matter at all if the trail is on the Argentine side or the Chilean side as long as it does not depend on clandestine border crossings. If you get catched in particular by the Chilean carabiñieros without a valid stamp you may get expelled and this makes not a nice finish of such a trip.
==Section Updates and additions to chapter 1: Volcán Descabezado==* '''Duration: 6 and chapter 3 are made first in the Hikers’ Manual and not simultaneously copied to 8 days'''* '''Distance: 103 km'''* '''Ascent: 4970 meters ↗'''* '''Descent: 4870 meters ↘'''the Wikiexplora main article. Therefore, the last published version of the Hikers’ Manual is the most current and comprehensive document available of the GPT. Note the publish date on the cover page in the bottom right corner and check occasionally for updates that are also advertised on the Facebook group.
* ''Option 1: Climb to the summit of the volcano Descabezado Grande''
** ''Duration: 1 to 2 days''
** ''Distance: 16 km''
** ''Ascent: 2030 meters ↗''
** ''Descent: 2030 meters ↘''
* You can download the GPT Hikers''Option 2Manual from Dropbox: Explore to hidden lakes''** ''Duration[http: ½ to 1 day''//bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers Manual on Dropbox]
===Summary===
The first stage of the Greater Patagonian Trail gets you right into a mind-blowing volcanic theatre. The landscape is transformed by numerous powerful eruptions of the volcano Descabezado Grande and it’s equally potent smaller brothers in the surrounding. During the last major outbreak in 1932 the Quizapu; a parasitic crater 6 km south of the main crater; vomited an estimated 25 cubic kilometer of lava and volcanic ash.
After leaving the forest you will step through endless fields of pumice, climb three passes and cross a 4 km wide lava river. ===The struggle is rewarded with amazing outlooks, deep blue lakes and lagoons that suddenly pop in a surreal scenery and two thermal springs. Here you can soak up heat during a freezing night while admiring a sky full of stars. You can even cook your meal on one of the hot steam vents.Wikiexplora GPT Section Articles===
As an option your may climb The GPT route network (with currently more than 20’000 km of tracks) is divided into approx. 90 sections. Collecting and updating all essential information to all these sections can’t impossibly be done by a single author but requires the 3900 m high summit continuous collaboration of the “Great Decapitated”; this is what Descabezado Grande meanscommunity. It’s To enable such a demanding long but technically uncomplicated ascentcollaboration one Wikiexplora article was created for each section of the GPT. These wikies collect all the section specific information and are open for edits and additions by all GPT hikers. So hikers that enjoy writing can become a co-author by editing the section descriptions after their return from the GPT.
You can also explore two hidden lagoons; one that fills an ancient crater and a second one that was dammed up by another
smaller volcano. Both lakes are not far of the trail near a scenic camp site.
===Images===[http://www.panoramio.com/user/7876187/tags/The informal and unpredictable nature of the GPT%20Section%2001 Here makes it also relevant that hikers quickly exchange updates and advices while travelling on this evolving route network. This can be information to temporary unpassable trail sections, volcano alerts, river conditions or anything that makes you find a selection of images of think in hindsight: “I should have known this before!”. In the Wikiexplora section 1 of articles, hikers can post such alerts and advices. Additionally, hikers can provide any other beneficial information and suggestion that is not yet included in the Greater Patagonian Trailsection description.]
===Expected Duration===
The trail can be hiked in 6 days but plan some contingency in case of bad weather or if you suddenly fall in love with one of the amazing places on the route. If the climate does not favor you, than you should not attempt to cross the passes. In this region bad weather normally does not last long so you are probably better off siting out a bad day.
If you are tempted to get up It is my intention to transfer the summit of updated section information into the Descabezado Grande Hikers’ Manual before the start of each season to make this information available offline (GPT01-WP028chapter 2.5 Sections with the section documentations) add two more days. The climb can be done in one long day or split up in two days when camping one night But all hikers are advised the check the corresponding Wikiexplora GPT section articles before starting a bit further upsection to read the latest updates and alerts of fellow hikers.
===Recommended Season===
This traverse is best be hiked between December and April. After a mild winter with less snow than usual you may already set out in November but be aware that some rivers may be impassible high during snowmelt (in particular GPT01-WP018 and GPT01-WP019). If you plan to get up to the summit of the Descabezado Grande without carrying crampons you should have better chances at the end of December or later when most of the snow is gone.
===Trekking Direction===The treck can be hiked To promote an active collaboration, all GPT hikers must sign up in either direction but doing it from South Wikiexplora in order to get access to North requires an entrence permit from the hydropower station Cipreses (See Permits and Entrance Fees). Therefore southbound is the recommended directionGPT track files.
===Permits and Entrance Fees===
CONAF does register all trekkers at Parque Ingles (GPT01-WP004) but does not charge an entrance fee. Camp fires are not permitted within the national park that reaches from Radal (GPT01-WP001) to the Laguna las Ánimas (GPT01-WP013).
If you want to see the cascades Siete Tazas about 7 km after the start in Radal you are charged a rather high entrance fee depending if you are a national or a foreign tourist. If you don’t want to spend the money and the time don’t worry; you will see plenty more cascades for free on the Greater Patagonian Trail.===The GPT Track Files===
If you wish to hike this trail in reverse from South to North you need to request a entrence permit in advance from The Greater Patagonian Trail is composed of existing routes that were mainly made by the hydropower station Cipreses. If you hike the trail as described from North local settlers to South you will enter the property “from behind” without noticing itserve their purposes. Once you reach one Hikers are unexpected guests on many of the permanentely manned gates they can’t send you back over the mountains but need to let you leave the compoundthese trails. In contrast, if you try to enter without a permit you are probably turned backOnly smaller parts of these routes have some kind of trail markers.
===Inhabitation and Tourism=== The last settlement on A good part the trail is Parque Ingles about 10 km after Radal. This is also the last opportunity to spoil yourself with a good meal in a restaurant trails and to buy some goodies. On the trail that follows are only two occasionally used puestos; one at the Termas de Azufre (GPT01cross-WP020) country routes remained undocumented until recorded and a second one at published digitally for the Base Camp Descabezado Grande (GPT01-WP024)GPT.The first 20 km from Radal to El Bolson Therefore, suitable paper maps are a popular hiking destination for national tourists. Some go up often not available, and the few existing maps are inconsistent, of variable quality and insufficient to follow major parts the Laguna las Ánimas but few continue beyond this pointGPT.
The Base Camp Descabezado Grande is frequently visited by national and international tourists coming from Vilches Alto. Also horseback tours often stop and rest here.
Hardly any hikers take The only reliable way to navigate on the scenic trail from GPT is therefore a GPS with the Base Camp Descabezado Grande via digital track and waypoint documentation that was specifically created for the Laguna Caracol to the hydropower station CipresesGPT. It’s a hidden gemThis digital documentation with the relevant geographic information consists of multiple files in different file types and is called in the following “GPT Track and Waypoint Documentation” or in short “Track Files”.
===Food Supply===
You need to carry all the food for the entire trail. There is no food supply after Parque Ingles. If you meet arrieros at one of the Puestos you may ask for some goat or lamb meet but if you are not ready to take an entire or at least half an animal they may be reluctant to sell.
===Water Supply===
Refill your water supply at the marked river crossings and the camps. In between these waypoints your will find only ocasinally some trinking water because water trickles away easily into the volcanic soil.
Drinking the water of the hot springs is not recommended because it can upset your stomach. Better take fresh water from the river or a cold spring nearby.
When climbing Hikers that feel uncomfortable being guided by a GPS need to learn and adapt to this form of navigation or discard the Descabezado Grande take plenty idea of water from hiking the base camp in particular if you plan to spend one night higher upGreater Patagonian Trail. You Such hikers may refill your supplies with snow near resort to the summitestablished public trails in Patagonia that are better signposted and more suitable for classic navigation with paper maps.
===Maps===
The electronic map Topo Chile Deluxe from Garmin shows the contours precisely but some lakes and smaller river are incorrect displayed. Only few trail sections are integrated. Some of the “Alleys” of this electronic map are far off the true position or inexistent. You should use the Greater Patagonian Trail data files for navigation.
The paper trekking map “Condor Circuit” with a scale track files are provided on personal request by the author free of charge but not unconditionally. Read Chapter 1:50’000 shows of the trail from Parque Ingles to the Base Camp Descabezado Grande[http://bit. This map is a useful supplement to the electronic map in particular if ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual] where you need to abort find the trip. In this case this map can guide Code of Conduct on the shortest possible trail out of this isolated volcanic area iGPT and the Terms and Conditions for Using the Hikers’ Manual and the Track Files.eReview these conditions and read why they were put in place. to Vilces AltoShould you agree all Terms and Conditions, follow the instructions in Hikers’ Manual.
===Difficulty===
The isolation and the high passes make this a rather difficult but rewarding trail. Good orientational skill are required because hardly any signposts are placed and some parts of the trail are cross country.
===Access to StartThe GPT Facebook Group===The trail starts in the tiny village Radal near the cascade "Siete Tazas".
During the main season in January The GPT Facebook Group is a communication platform for past, present and February several buses go from Molina and Curico to Radal and some even go prospective GPT adventurers. Here all the way to Parque Ingles. Outside of the main season there is only one daily bus from Molina hikers can announce their intended plans, seek other hikers to Radal leaving in the afternoon from the rural bus station in Molinaform small groups, post brief summaries after completing a section or simply ask questions.
===Return from Finish===
This trail section finished at the Route 115 to Talca.
All spring and summer run four buses per day on the route 115 between La Mina and Talca. La Mina And what is about 4 km up more important: use the road from the hydropower station CipresesFacebook group to alert other hikers after running into a problem that may also affect others. In La Mina is the Chilean border control post Do this by first adding your description and a thermal spring. Simply wait at the main road at one of the unmarked bus stops for the bus suggestions to Talca and call the attention of relevant Wikiexplora GPT section article. Then either duplicate this information in the bus driver when he approaches (GPT01-WP043 Facebook group or GPT01-WP045). You may also try simply refer and link to hitchhikeyour update in the Wikiexplora article.
From where to return best depends if you want to connect with the next section of the Greater Patagonian Trail without leaving any gap. If you insist on hiking every step of the trail you should take the bus stop at the El Melado junction (GPT01-WP043). At this junction starts the section 2 of this long distance trail.
If you don’t mind to skip The GPT Facebook Group is also the less atractive 10 km streach along location where I now notify hikers when a new version of the Maule River then you can go straight to the Route 115 Hikers’ Manual is published, when updated track files are available and take the closest bus stop (GPT01-WP045). You may also try to get a lift with one of where I share other news regarding the hydropower station workers from main gate to Talca or to San Clemente (GPT01-W044). From San Clemente leave frequent minibuses to TalcaGPT.
===Suggested Stages===
To be issued.
===Waypoints==='''Start (GPT01-WP001)'''To become member of the [http: Start in Radal at final bus stop//bit. Only in January ly/GPTfacebook GPT Facebook Group] you need a Facebook account and February some busses continue to Parque Inglesrequest access: http://bit.ly/GPTfacebook
'''Shop (GPT01-WP002)''': Small shop with basic supplies in Radal. Good to get a beer and some extra goodies for the night but not to supply you for the trip.
'''Camp $ (GPT01-WP003)''': Nice, reasonable priced camp site in Radal. Recommen¬ded place for ===Publications to the first night if arriving in the evening.GPT by other Hikers and Packrafters===
'''Shop & Restaurant (GPT01-WP004)''': Parque Inglés with kiosk With this Hikers’ Manual and the article on Wikiexplora I aim to create a cosy restaurant about 10 km after systematic introduction and comprehensive documentation of the starting pointGPT. Last chance I intentionally try not to enjoy the pleasures of civilisation before heading into overload these documents with personal stories from the wildernesstrail.
'''Diversion, CONAF & Camp $ (GPT01-WP005)''': The hiking trail starts left. You should register at the CONAF office. There is a camp site nearby.
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP006)''': Easy river crossingThere is another reason why my writing is rather technical. I’m an Engineer by trade, I work as an inspector and issue inspection reports on a regular base. For this I need to carefully choose my words to be factual and precise but also legally sound. Storytelling is neither needed nor welcome in my inspection reports. When numbers are available or when information can be structured into tables or charts than this is always preferred over well phrased verbal descriptions. You will notice these writing habits in the Hikers’ Manual and the Wikiexplora article.
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP007)''': Easy river crossing.
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP008)''': Easy river crossingKeeping my personal stories mostly out and maintaining this documentation rather technical benefits a systematic preparation but makes the Hikers’ Manual and the article on Wikiexplora a bit bland. But for most hikers, and this includes me, the personal experience of the land and with the people are the dominating motives for such an endeavour. To tap on more personal experiences during your preparation watch some videos and read some blogs that were issued by GPT hikers in recent years. In these publications you find the diverse individual perceptions of the GPT. Some blogs openly describe mishaps and lessons learned and hopefully help other in avoiding the same mistakes.
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP009)''': Easy river crossing.
The Hikers'''Camp (GPT01-WP010)''': There are some nice camp sites on Manual provides in chapters 3.7 Distinct Contributors and 3.8 Publications to the meadows GPT a collection of El Bolson. Inside the national park CONAF does not permit camp fireslinks to videos and blogs that I consider particularly useful.
'''Refuge (GPT01-WP011)'''<br style="clear: Basic refuge in El Bolson that can shelter for up to 4 persons.both" />
'''Pass 2260 m (GPT01-WP012)''': First pass with nice view back into the Valle del Indio. After this pass comes a 2 km levelled section before ascending to the second pass.==The GPT Route Network==
'''Lake (GPT01[[File:GPT36H-WP013)'''Ruta_de_los_Pioneros.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT36H: Laguna Las ÁnimasPoorly maintained historic horse trail "Ruta de los Pioneros". You may camp at Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT16-Quetrupillan.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT16: Circling the lake but there is little shelter from windvolcano Quetrupillan with the volcano Villarica in the background.Image: Jan Dudeck]]
The Greater Patagonian Trail is not a hiking trail. Yes, you read correctly so let me repeat one more time: '''Water (GPT01-WP014)The GPT is not a hiking trail.''': Clear fresh water.
'''Pass 2560 m (GPT01-WP015)''': Second pass with nice view towards Laguna Mondaca.
'''Camp (GPT01-WP016)''': Probably the best camp spot near Laguna Mondaca with waterSo, fire wood and some wind protection.what is it then?
'''Lake (GPT01-WP017)''': Laguna Mondaca.
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP018)''': Difficult river crossing during snowmelt The GPT is an informal route network that consists mostly of trails, roads and after heavy raincross-country routes that were not created with hikers in mind. The river often changes it's bed therefore look for Most of the optimal place trails were made by the local population to crossserve their purposes, e.g. Yon need to cross the river drive animals to avoid rocky terrain aheadsummer pastures, to get to remote settlements and outposts or to extract wood from the forest.The routes that the GPT is composed of include:
'''River Crossing * horse trails that are frequently used by the local cowboys (GPT01-WP019in Chile arriero or puestero, in Argentina gaucho)''': Difficult river crossing during snowmelt ,* poorly maintained and after heavy rainneglected trails that are washed out, trenched and blocked by fallen logs,* minor roads and simple car tracks that are occasionally used by all-terrain vehicles,* trail-less cross-country routes in barren open terrain,* a few short stretches of bush bashing through thick growth* and where no more adventurous route was found also public roads with moderate transit traffic. The river often changes it's bed therefore look for the optimal place to * Additionally, packrafters can crossmountain lakes, float down generally calm rivers and paddle in the Patagonian fjords.
'''Hot Spring, Camp & Puesto (GPT01-WP020)''': Termas de Azufre. Excellent hot spring with several small pools. You may need to adjust the temperature by regulating the hot water inlet flow. No fire wood but you may heat water and food at the hot steam vents (follow the noise). Good camp site if you tolerate the sulphur smell. The posteros arrive in January.
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP021)''': Moderate difficult river crossing. Yon need to cross This diversity makes the river to avoid steep loose pumice fields aheadGPT so authentic but also inconsistent and in parts challenging.
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP022)''': Easy river crossing.
'''Pass 2700 m (GPT01-WP023)''': The highest point Since the GPT is an informal route network, few signposts and trail markers facilitate route finding and none of these signs and markers refer to the entire Greater Patagonian Trail (apart from the summit GPT. The national parks contain some marked trails, though these signs are often unmaintained and inconsistent. Outside of parks you may sporadically see chopped off bark, sun faded strips of plastic, beer cans or even cattle skulls hanging in a tree. That’s no vandalism or littering but how locals occasionally mark a route. But the Descabezado Grande)landlords that regularly use these trails rarely need signposts as they know their trails inside-out and nobody else is expected to come.
'''Camp & Puesto (GPT01-WP024)''': Base Camp Descabezado Grande. Probably the best camp spot in this area. You best take water from the spring on the right side of the river about 20 to 30 m from this waypoint. Frequently visited area. Base camp for climbing the Volcan Descabezado. Basic stone shelter occasionally used by local posteros and horseback guides.
'''Hot Spring (GPT01On many of these trails a customary right-WP025)''': One lukewarm pool at of-way applies but some routes cross private land and you often can’t distinguish the Base Camp Descabezado Grandedifference. Therefore, when you venture onto the GPT you are mostly an unexpected guest on trails that were not made for you, and you will trespass over private property. So be at least a respectful and friendly trespasser that can explain in Spanish what you are doing there.
'''Water ? (GPT01-WP026)''': Possible access to water on the way to the summit. May be unreliable and depending on snowmelt. Please verify and report to trekking guide author.
'''Cross (GPT01Unlike many long-WP027)distance hiking trails, the GPT is not a single-line trail but a wide route network with countless options. When hiking on the GPT you have the privilege and task of composing your own personal route by making your choices along the way. This makes every hike on the GPT a unique and incomparable experience. The number of options becomes evident when comparing the length of the Main Route (approximately 5''': Cross near 000 km) with the summittotal length of all tracks (more than 20’000 km).
'''Summit 3900 m (GPT01-WP028)''': Summit The GPT route network starts in the outskirts of the Descabezado GrandeChilean capital Santiago de Chile and reaches all the way to Tierra del Fuego and Isla Navarino on the southern tip of the continent. The actual length that someone may walk and paddle on the GPT depends highly on the chosen route, the start and the finish point and the method of travel (hiking or packrafting).
'''River Crossing & Camp (GPT01-WP029)''': Astonishing oasis in the middle of a volcanic desert. Good camp site with water, fire wood and wind protection.
'''Lake (GPT01-WP030)''': Nearly 3 km long drainless lake Laguna Caracol in The GPT is not a trail that can be hiked efficiently. The trail will change your plans without asking and inevitably stop you from time to time or even turn you around. Also, the middle period of pumice suitable hiking weather is in parts quite short. Some sections become traversable December or January after most snow has molten and lavathe rivers calmed down and can be forded safely. In late March or during April fierce snowstorms may make the route impassable again.
'''Lake (GPT01-WP031)''': Hidden lake in volcanic crater that can be seen from the next pass.
'''Camp The recommended pace on this route network is the "appreciation pace". This pace gives you the time to make an attractive detour, in example to climb a summit next to the trail without worrying about your schedule. This adequate rate of advance permits you to accept the invitation of a poblador (GPT01-WP032settler) to share some cups of mate or to sit out a day of torrential rain in a puesto (improvised shelter) with an arriero (Chilean cowboy, also called puestero)''': Camp site without fire wood and wind protection. Water is probably best taken from This adaptable pace permits you to wait in front of a pass if the spring 300 m upstreamweather is too volatile or to spend a day or two waiting at a lake if it is too windy to paddle with your packraft.
'''Water (GPT01-WP033)''': Clear fresh water spring.
This trail is therefore not suitable for hikers who are out to race a clock, or those that need full control and measure their success in kilo¬meters or miles. It'''Lake (GPT01-WP034)''': Hidden lake that s for hikers for whom completion is irrelevant, and instead count their enjoyable and eventful days in a pristine and diverse environment. It’s a trail for thoughtful discoverers who can be seen from the next passaccept being guests and not dominators.
'''Pass 2540 m (GPT01-WP035) ''': Pass with impressive view.
'''Camp (GPT01-WP036)''': Probably the best camp site in All this area and makes the only one GPT a discovery network with a meadow. Sufficient water and fire wood. The lake further down is dusty and without fire woodgood portion of unpredictability but an impressive authenticity.'''
'''River Crossing (GPT01-WP037)'''<br style="clear: Easy river crossing.both" />
'''Lake (GPT01-WP038)'''==The GPT Terrain: Laguna Hornitos that is dammed up by the Crater Hornitos. You can easily ascent to the summit of the crater (60 m climb). Greater Patagonia==
'''Trail Head (GPT01-WP039)'''[[File: Trail head (or end)Pat_map. Turn right onto the hydropower station roadPNG|thumb|400px|Limits of Patagonia.Image: [https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonia Wikipedia]]][[File:Historic_Map_Patagonia.jpg|thumb|400px|Historic map of Patagonia. Image: [https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonia Wikipedia]]]
'''Water ? (GPT01-WP040)''': Possible access If you are considering exploring the Greater Patagonian Trail and wish to waterenjoy the experience, you must be open to experiencing the unknown diversity of this region.If your imagination of Patagonia is based on TV documentaries and travel magazine than you probably have seen primarily these three heavily hyped tourist magnets:
'''Gate (GPT01-WP041)''': Unmanned gate that may be locked. Pedestrians may pass on * the right side of national park Torres del Paine,* the gate if lockedglacier Perito Moreno and * the surrounding of El Chalten with Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
'''Gate ? (GPT01-WP042)''': Gate of hydropower station that was not used by trekking guide author. Please verify and report to author. You probably can leave anytime but you need a permit from the hydropower station for entering.
'''Bus Stop (GPT01-WP043)''': Unmarked bus stop These are three truly amazing spots on the Route 115 eastern edge of the Southern Patagonian Icefield and are internationally known highlights of Patagonia. But these three frequently pictured attractions do not represent the Patagonian diversity. If your primary interest is visiting the heavily trod, famous places of Patagonia then stick to Talcathe national parks in the south and bus in between.
'''Gate (GPT01-WP044)''': Manned main gate of hydropower station Cipreses. You can leave anytime but you need a permit from the hydro¬power station for entering. You may ask the leaving employees for a ride to Talca.
'''Bus Stop (GPT01The GPT offers much more than this. The Greater Patagonian Trail is rather like a gourmet menu of different courses that allow you to experience the different tastes and textures of Patagonia. It connects the semi-WP045)''': Unmarked bus stop on desert of Precordillera with the Route 115 to TalcaPatagonian Icefields and the barren volcanos with the damp green rain forest.
===Tracks===
'''GPT01-TR001-2''': Take the public gravel road from Radal to Parque Ingles. Only few vehicles use this road but traffic increases in January and February.
'''GPT01-TR002-1''': The track starts left at Greater Patagonian Trail crosses most of Patagonia and the entrance of Parque Ingles. The national park trail from Radal adjacent regions to El Bolson is well main¬tained and clearly visible with some signposts and marksthe north. After El Bolson For this reason I named the trail occasionally splits and peters out so try to follow the GPS trek “Greater Patagonian Trail” when I started publishing in doubt until reaching the 2560 m high pass2014. At I coined the pass do not descent term "Greater Patagonia" to combine Patagonia in its traditional limits with the well visible trail that keeps right but follow adjacent regions like "Greater London" includes the GPS trek that descents directly towards city of London and the Laguna Mondaca. During the descent the trail is partially only vaguely visiblesurroundings.
'''GPT01-TR003-0''': From the camp side (GPT01-WP016) you can cross the vast sediment field to the Laguna Mondaca.
'''GPT01-TR004-1''': Return 1The limits of Patagonia are somewhat blurry.4 km This makes it impractical to state where exactly the GPT gets into Patagonia. If taking the administrative limits of Argentina, than you get in throwing range of Patagonia at the end of section GPT05 where you can look over the Argentinian border into the province Neuquén. But with a different understanding you enter Patagonia on section GPT13 where you ford the same trail as Río Biobío. Others argue that Patagonia starts with the Chilean administrative region XIV (Región de los Ríos) what makes section GPT16 the gateway into Patagonia. You can be certain to have reached Patagonia on section GPT22 where you arrivedarrive at the first Patagonian fjord: the Estuarió de Reloncaví.
'''GPT01-TR005-0''': Cross the pumice field and look for a suitable location to cross the smaller valley ahead. There is not trail clearly visible nor required. Keep going over the pumice and sediment field until reaching the first challenging river crossing (GPT01-WP018). The river seams to change frequently its bed so look yourself for a suitable location to cross the river and do not trust on the waypoint. Continue on the sediment field until the second crossing (GPT01-WP019). Look again for a suitable location to cross the river yourself. After the second river crossing you need to head up the ridge in front of you. The first few meters of the trail on this ridge were lost during a recent landslide. Therefore you need to find your way up to ridge and trail yourself.
'''GPT01-TR006-1''': Follow the generally well visible trail until reaching the hot springs (GPT01-WP020). Continue on For me this trail until getting to discussion about the river crossing (GPT01-WP021)limits of Patagonia is irrelevant if I can walk and paddle through pristine and varied terrain. Do not evade Actually, the river crossing by continuing on the trail on the same sideless known regions north of Patagonia more attractive for hiking. This trail will later disappear Here you walk more distance high up in a steep pumice slope. Follow the mostly well visible trail on mountains with broad views, here you find the other side until crossing the river again (GPT01more attractive trails and cross-WP022). The trail now rises to the 2700 m high pass country routes and slowly descents after the pass. The generally well visible trail will lead here you eventually to meet the base camp of arrieros and the Descabezado Grandenative Pehuenche people. If you want to make a campfire you may collect some firewood in Also, the sediment field starts about 1 km before the campclimate is more favourable for hiking. There During summer, rain is little firewood at the campinfrequent, and you can mostly enjoy sunny weather.
'''GPT01-TR007-0-X''': Several trails lead up to the summit of the Descabezado Grande. During the ascent you should generally prefer the the more solid rocky parts. During the descent the loose pumice fields allow you to slide down with less effort.
In contrast, when reaching Patagonia, get ready for frequent and enduring rain. Also, don'''GPT01-TR008-1''': A good trail heads into the 4 km wide lava river. You need t expect to leave the main trail at walk high up in the oasis mountains in the middle heartland of the lava flow after crossing the small river (GPT01-WP029)Patagonia as there is simply no continuously high mountain range. Get up In Patagonia high mountains are rather like islands that are surrounded by dense temperate rainforest in the hillside towards your left. A vaguer trail continues through the remaining lava field to the Laguna Caracol. Pass the Laguna Caracol on the right side west and follow the meandering river the feed a semi-desert-like Pampa in the lakeeast. After the spring of this river turn left and cross the These island-like mountains are separated by wide open areavalleys that were carved by giant glaciers during past glacial periods. Here The wide valleys are now partly filled with lakes that drain their water in powerful rivers into the trail peters out until the trail forms again at the ascent towards the pass (GPT01-WP035)Patagonian fjords. Just before the pass leave the main trail Therefore, “real Patagonia” is best traveled by packraft because a packraft gets you on these lakes, rivers and follow the GPS track towards the leftfjords.
'''GPT01-TR009-0'''<br style="clear: From the pass (GPT01-WP035) several vague tracks lead down. You may either look for the regular trail or follow the GPS track. The GPS track keeps on the left until it descents in a steep pumice slope towards the river. Here the GPS track joints the regular trail.both" />
'''GPT01-TR010-1'''==[https: The trail continues on the left side of the river until reaching the Laguna Hornitos//en. The trail crosses the river in a wide sediment fieldwikipedia. Pass org/wiki/Thru-hiking Thru-Hiking] the lake and the crater Hornitos on the right and decent until reaching the hydropower station road in the valley far down.GPT==
'''GPT01[[File:GPT09-TR011-2'''Familia_Carrileo1.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT09: Follow The summer outpost ("puesto") of the rarely used gravel road towards the hydropower station CipresesPehuenche family Carrileo near Guallalí. Once you reach Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT09-Familia_Carrileo2.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT09: Being guest of the now unpopulated settlement you have to choose between two optionsfamily Carrileo.Image: Jan Dudeck]]
'''GPT01-TR012This trail was not created to thru-2hike Patagonia, it''': Option 1: You can take the 10 km dirt road to the regular trail section end where the next part of the Greater Patagonian Trail startss a route network for immersion-hiking. This The GPT does not get you through Patagonia but gets you to the more distant bus stop (GPT01-WP043)deep into Patagonia.'''
'''GPT01-TR013-2-X''': Option 2: Alternatively you can take the shortest way to the Route 115 if you want to return early. This gets you to the closest bus stop (GPT01-WP045). Alternatively you can wait for lift at the power station main gate (GPT01-WP044).
'''GPT01-TR014-4-X''': Option 2: If you took With the short way to 2021 extension the Route 115 GPT spans about 5000 km in often difficult and you still want to complete slow terrain. This makes the entire trail than you need GPT too long to walk 9 be safely thru-hiked in one season . An experienced thru-hiker may disagree as 5000 km on is just 15% longer than the paved Route 115Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) but the varied and unpredictable terrain makes this comparison inadequate. Not recommended!
===Image Gallery===
<gallery>
Imagen:01 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, El Bolsón.jpg|El Bolsón
Imagen:02 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Leaving El Bolsón.jpg|Leaving El Bolsón
Imagen:03 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:04 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Las Ánimas.jpg|Laguna Las Ánimas
Imagen:05 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Pass 2560 m.PNG|Pass 2560 m
Imagen:06 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Approaching Laguna Mondaca.PNG|Approaching Laguna Mondaca
Imagen:07 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Mondaca.jpg|Laguna Mondaca
Imagen:08 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, that bypasses Laguna Mondaca.PNG|Bypasses Laguna Mondaca
Imagen:09 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:10 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:11 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Termas de Azufre.jpg|Termas de Azufre
Imagen:12 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:13 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:16 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:17 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:18 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG
Imagen:19 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG
Imagen:20 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG
Imagen:21 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:23 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG
Imagen:24 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:25 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:26 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Leaving the Base Camp Descabezado Grande.jpg|Leaving the Base Camp Descabezado Grande
Imagen:27 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Hot springs at Base Camp Descabezado Grande.jpg|Hot springs at Base Camp Descabezado Grande
Imagen:28 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:29 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:31 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:32 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG
Imagen:33 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:34 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG
Imagen:35 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG
Imagen:37 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:38 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG
Imagen:39 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:40 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG
Imagen:41 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.PNG
Imagen:43 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Camp near Laguna Los Hornitos.jpg|Camp near Laguna Los Hornitos
Imagen:44 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Los Hornitos.PNG|Laguna Los Hornitos
Imagen:45 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado, Laguna Los Hornitos.PNG|Laguna Los Hornitos
Imagen:46 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:47 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
Imagen:48 Greater Patagonian Trail, Volcan Descabezado.jpg
</gallery>
==Section 2: Laguna Dial====Section 2Therefore, I do not recommend attempting a thru-3: Alternative Long Distance Challange via Las Truchas====Section 3: Volcán Chillan====Section 4: Volcán Antuco====Section 5: Laguna El Barco====Section 6: Guallali====Section 7: Laguna Marinanqui====Section 8: Icalma hike of the GPT. This focus would require rushing and Volcán Sollpulli====Section 9: Curarrehue====Section 10: Volcán Quetrupillan====Section 10taking less attractive short cuts, in example deviating from GPT to walk on main roads instead of following the trails. It inhibits slowing down to fully appreciate the land and share time with the people along the route. And more importantly, someone who tries to thru-12: Alternative via Liquiñe====Section 11: Neltume====Section 12: Lago Pirihueico====Section 13: Volcán Puyehue====Section 14: Volcán Antillanca====Section 15: Lago Todos Los Santos====Section 15: Cochamo==hike the GPT in one season is forced to hike some sections off season. This results in unreasonable risks by attempting to cross torrential rivers and climbing to high elevations when fierce blizzards can kill. And remember, when walking these trails, you are just a guest on the land of others. Just the idea of racing through strangers’ backyards is regarded a rude in these remote regions.
{{GaleriaInicio}}'''From a thru-hiking perspective the GPT is less than a long-distance trail.''' There is no clearly defined and well-marked single trail to blaze along, there is no thru-hiking community to trail talk and there are no “trail angels” providing “trail magic”. On the GPT hikers have no domiciliary rights; they are just unexpected guests. Also, the packrafting options do not benefit thru-hiking as they do not make a traverse faster.  And what might be the biggest disappointment for some thru-hikers on the GPT: There is no trail community and thru-hikers do not receive any special admiration because nobody along the trail distinguishes between thru-hikers, section-hikers, day-hikers, or tourists in general.  '''For respectful explorers the GPT is much more than a long-distance trail.''' It’s a wide network of routes with many hiking options and packrafting in a diverse landscape. A unique blend of people lives along the trails making the hike more of a cultural experience. If approached with respect and interest, then these welcoming people will share much more than just the right-of-way regardless where you are coming from and where you are walking to. On this trail your willingness and capability to immerse yourself in this culture will be more relevant than the weight of your backpack.  If you find Triple Crown Thru-Hikers more credible to speak about thru-hiking the GPT than read in the Hikers' Manual how Lauren Reed (Neon) and Christine Thürmer (German Tourist) experienced the GPT in comparison with the renowned US long distance trails. Lauren was the first hiker to walk the entire length of the GPT in two seasons together with Bethany Hughes (Fidgit).  Someone who wants to explore the entire length of GPT should split this adventure into various seasons. This also facilitates hiking lightly where a packraft would just be a burden and to packraft were the extra weight really pays off. Having more than one season also gives the extra time to take some of the more demanding but rewarding options.  There is one more reason why a thru-hike of the GPT in the literal sense is not viable. Thru-hiking means walking a complete long-distance trail with connecting footsteps from start to finish typically in one season. This is only possible on a well-defined trail with a set start and finish point. This simply does not apply to the GPT.  Attempting to thru-hike the GPT is like trying to memorise every word of a book that is still in the making with the first drafts informally shared for peer reviews. It’s pretty pointless and assigns this evolving route network far too much authority. But this unfinished nature of the GPT makes it possible to investigate new routes and become co-authors of the GPT. This is a unique difference to established long-distance trails. You are not limited to just follow a given trail, but you can contribute to the GPT by adding your part to this unfinished story.  Michael Deckebach summarized this conclusion after his 5-months adventure on the GPT with the following words: "The Greater Patagonian Trail is awesome, but (...) not designed for “purists” who get satisfaction from completing every inch of trail or touching every white blaze. Can it be done? Probably, but why try and fit a square peg into a round hole?”. <br style="clear:both" /> ==Packrafting the GPT== [[File:GPT_Fjord_Packrafting.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT28: Reaching the sea after paddling down the Río Palena. Image: Jan Dudeck]] When I started planning my first long hike through Patagonia in 2013 I could not find a continuous hiking route south of Coñaripe (GPT16) because dense forest hides most of the trails on satellite images. But I could see calm rivers and lakes that bridged the gaps and I wondered if there existed a light enough boat to be carried in a backpack to traverse these waters. I googled and found the packraft. So, the initial cause for incorporating packrafting options were insufficient information about the existing trails and not my fascination for amphibious travel. It was not until after our first hike that I could add additional hiking routes that now render a packraft expendable but not less beneficial.  In retrospect I’m so glad that I lacked the information about the hidden routes. Otherwise I would probably not have discovered the packraft as the ideal hiking partner for Patagonia. A packraft does not only carry your backpack, it carries you! What matters in this “partnership” is a good balance. You don’t want to carry your packraft most of the time but benefit from it as much as possible. And this is the case on sections GPT17 to GPT39. Here the packraft carries you on more than 50% of the distance and this makes it a brilliant deal. Further north (on sections GPT01 to GPT16) a packraft is more burden than benefit and I would only recommend packrafting if you specifically plan to explore a certain lake and the surrounding area.  When packrafting on lakes and rivers we normally do not exceed hiking speed so the packraft does not make us faster. In contrast, all the packing and unpacking and the extra weight slows us down. But speed is not our objective. What we seek is diversity and a packraft opens up some of the most epic routes in Patagonia.  ==Questions and Feedbacks== If you read this article to this point then you should definitely download the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual from Dropbox] now. Should you have questions that are not answered in the Hikers’ Manual than you may write the author an email. Also feedbacks are welcome. Email of author: gpt.jan.dudeck@gmail.com ==Gallery==<gallery>Lago Bergues y al fondo se ve el Glaciar Lucia.JPG|Lago Bergues y al fondo se ve el Glaciar Lucía, por Meylin UbillaGlaciar_Lucia.JPG|Glaciar Lucía desde el Lago Bergues, por Meylin Ubilla</gallery>{{GaleriaFinTrekkings Chile}}[[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]][[category:Parche Greater Patagonian Trail]]
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