GPT02 (Mina El Teniente)
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- * '''Start Date to Finish Date (use Format YYYY-MMM-DD) / Duration in Days / Hiking or Packrafting / Travel Direction (SOBO for Southbound or NOBO Northbound) / Chosen Route and/or Option Name (RR for Regular Route) / Names or Alias'''
Summary with remarks to route that are considered useful for other hikers and packrafters. Include alerts, suggestions and personal perception of attractiveness and difficulties. Try to be specific.
Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions
Season 2025/26
Season 2024/25
- 24-11-20 - 24-11-24/ 4,5,days / RR and variants/ Volker
An amazing hike in these spring conditions! Gate at 3.3/1049 open at 9 a.m., nobody there Water: all indicated spots reliable and many more in the upper parts. At the puesto at 67,8 it runs from a pipe behind the buildings (nobody there). Fords: mostly easy, but 5 and 8 difficult (5: slippery rock on the ground at the ‚official’ crossing, I camped there, but it wasn‘t better in the morning, 20m downstream a rock in the middle of he river allows for a safer crossing; at ford 8 less strong but up to my thighs (1,97m). A lot of snow, impossible to bypass, mostly easy, some short steep passages (mini-spikes; use the side-edges of your boots to make steps, dangerous in the early morning, chose your way carefully). However, conditions are changing now rapidly. Camps: 1: On the ridge after the BB; 2: 30m left of the 5th ford; 3: on the pass after the cirque (windy, but very nice at 3200m); 4: 200m before the puesto at 67,8 on the valley-side, very nice, probably the spot Lilian found; 5: Gate and fence with barbed wire for the RR at the upper entry of the mine, very difficult to climb, impossible to bypass, it is a new plantation area. I continued on the MR through the mine to the PR. There an officer of the mine police picked me up (very friendly!) and drove me to the Check point. From there 5km to Coya, first on PR, so I hitchhiked - a local (very, very friendly) drove me directly to the supermarket (big, everything you need) and then further to the entrance of the Reserva Los Cipreses. As Alexey said: they don’t let you pass, only day visit. I wanted to stay in Coya anyway. The girl from the Conaf (very friendly) organised a cabana for me.
I saw a snake on the trail and met a puma, hiding in a bush 2m left of me, growling angrily. A group of arrierros (only people I met on these 5 days) had already warned me and asked, why I am walking without a dog. I barked loudly, imitating the missing dog, which helped me to keep cool; also helpful that I knew, humans are not their prey, it‘s cattle and so they are close to puestos.
- 2024-Nov-11-15 / Lukas-Tabea-Basil
We paid 6000 pesos to entry the Nationalpark. The first brige was washed away but the rivercrossing was easy. Above 2700m were a lot of snow fields therefor we had to adabt the route. Its defently possible but takes more time and some snowfields need to be crossed in the afternoon. Because of the extratime needed we ran out of food and took the emergency exit which worked just finde (described in the manual). In Coya we recommend to stay in the red painted hostel in the main street.
- 2024 Nov 3 - Nov 7 / 4 days / hiking / SOBO / RR - A / Karin
At the entrance of the natural reserve, the guard charged me 6000 pesos for entrance. There were barking but friendly dogs.
There is pleanty of water in the rivers. The Estero de Coyanco can be crossed in the mornings easily, in the afternoon after a hot day the current becomes stronger and higher, but still possible.
Snow patches start from about 2600m of altitude. In the afternoon, they are quite soft and easily traversable. But in the morning, they are frozen and very slippery, so that they become, without the right equipment, impossible to cross safely. In conclusion, the trail is not yet to be done. I think in 3-4 weeks it might be good to do so.
The ascent is still worth and nice until the snow.
- 2024-Nov-03 to 2024-Nov-06 / 3.5 days / Hiking / SOBO /Variant A - RR / Lukas & Sarah
We combined GPT01 & GPT02 with a new route. (written in section alerts GPT01) Crossed the river where Vatiant A crosses. River crossing was ok. Camped at -33.72787, -70.35214 no water present here. Not the best option. One more spot if you hike around 1km further. Water at 11.8. At -33.74717, -70.36159 we followed a false horsepath. The path we followed was in very good condition as well and is well used. After some km we realized the mistake and we had to CC to water 15.6, to go back on track. Now with good satellite pictures we checked where the path we followed ends and it joins the RR again at -33.77836, -70.37408. This path might be worth checking out to skip the Bush Bashing. It seems like this path is used quite frequently. River crossings in the evening are possible but would wait for the morning. Water was up to to 1m/1.2m with strong current. Camped at -33.81604, -70.39475. We turned around due to Karin and Neele & Seans alert of snow at approx. km 33. Hiked back out on RR river crossings were again high after 4pm. Camped at -33.82688, -70.39684 Took variation A on the way out. Gate at 3.3km was open. Small Shop at el Melocoton.
- 2024-Nov-02 to 2024-Nov-06 / 4.5 days / Hiking / RR (turned around at 35.6km) / Sean & Neele
Warning: We turned around due to snow. Snow present from 30km onwards at 35.6km we decided it was too much for us.
Gate at 3.3km was open at around 3pm at no point approached regarding a fee
Crossed the river where the bridge used to be was about knee deep at 4pm (1.76m tall)
Water flowing at all Water waypoints but “water ?” at 8.7km was pretty low and not easy to reach, sounded like it was flowing well downstream.
River crossings between 21.6km and 27.5km all fine. No more than thigh deep for me (1.76m).
Snow present from 30km onwards all manageable until 35.6km at which point we decided it was too much for us.
Hiked back out on RR river crossings were much higher after 4pm but manageable until we got to 22.9km so we camped there and crossed the fords in the morning.
Took variation A on the way out seems the camping area is closed during the week so no one there at all. Gate at 3.3km was still open though.
Season 2023/24
- 2024-Jan-19 to 2024-Jan-24 / 5,5 days / SOBO / RR and variants A D E M N/ Matthias de Austria
Gate at 3.3/1049 locked at 8am, only a few barking dogs running towards me, but rather curious, not aggressive. It is relatively easy to climb round the gate directly to the left on the slope via a barbed wire. There's nobody at the reserve and kiosk either, so I save myself the entrance fee.
River crossings: no problems, nowhere more than 30-40cm water level and weak current.
Lots of water sources with the exception of the last stage at the mine. There I took 9 litres at Puesto 73.2/1857 and would have liked to have had more. 78.2/1736 had water at 6am. Water 64.3/1733 very sandy, but ok place to bath about 100-200m upstream on a side arm, a few trees for shade.
Camps: 1: close to ford at 21.6/2033 (without tent on the rock formations just upstream at the river crossing, the only campsite is right by the ford, but I didn't want to interfere with the arrieros - in fact a group crossed there at about 7:30am) 2: -33.8451,-70.4188 at the little arriero shelter, has water from pipe 3: Slightly north of Camp 02-D 1.3/2800 right at a bolder, water but small stream and lots of cow shit 4: Puesto 73.2/1857 (I arrived in the evening and just wanted to get water and then find somewhere to sleep, but they said it was dangerous because of the pumas and invited me to spend the night at the Puesto. They were very nice. They gave me lemonade, tea with whiskey, some bread and a sweet. They also offered me meat straight from the grill, but I kindly declined (vegetarian). We chatted a bit, as much as was possible with my very poor Spanish. I was allowed to use the simple shower and the toilet (it looked like it had never been cleaned, ever). I was offered a mattress, but it was so dirty that I preferred to put up my tent, which wasn't easy because of the dog shit lying around everywhere. At 10 o'clock in the evening, when I was already in my sleeping bag, they turned on a loud generator and music and it was extremely loud until 5 o'clock in the morning, music, 10 men talking loudly and at least as many dogs barking constantly. I didn't sleep a minute and left at around 5.30am when they went to bed. Horrible night! 5: Near 92.9/1734, no water
Two snowfields at the pass at about 3000m, which can be bypassed very easily and quickly.
The march over the ridge at the mine was brutal, no sleep at all, very heavy rucksack because of 9 litres of water, enormous heat without shade, but the worst were the Tabaneros, continuous mass attacks for hours while exposed on the ridge. I must have had 30+ bites and killed hundreds. I found the sections in the high mountains the most beautiful, very quiet, cooler, lots of water, beautiful views, no tabaneros. Saw three condors and arrieros lassoing cows.
Variant E has only partial tracks. I couldn't find a continuous path. I mostly hiked along the dried-up stream bed (the open land is covered in thorny plants), which gets a bit steep towards the end with some easy climbing. The N variant is partly completely overgrown with quite some bushbashing, partly easy to walk on. Sometimes difficult to find the way, always check the GPS, otherwise you take a supposedly easier path, which then turns out to be a dead end.
To avoid possible right of way conflicts, you can simply bypass the car park at the mine entrance. There is an access to the car park directly from the H-263 road a little to the east. Directly at the entrance to the car park there is a clearly visible trail that climbs steeply a few meters up to the trees. Simply follow this path, it leads parallel to the car park directly to the RR. I recommend managing the RR in this way in future. It would also be a small improvement to avoid the bend in the road just before the 105.8/799 bridge. A staircase leads directly to the bridge as a shortcut.
There is no more accommodation in Coya. A friendly young local helped me, he called numerous numbers and asked people on the street/shops, but there was nothing, everything was closed or takes only larger groups, even the hotel in Termas de Cauquenes was shut down. I then took the bus to Rancagua. Bus stop near the supermarket, towards the bridge. From Monday to Saturday every hour from 7am to 10pm.
- 2023-Dec-28 to 2024-Jan-01 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and variants A D F J / Matthieu
Really nice hike, from river to high mountain to the long ridge. No big problems with river crossings, snow or slopes (see below). Lack of water will surely be the main issue in the next months.
Some annoying but short cross country/bush bashing part in the spiky herbs after km 15.6, but good visibility.
Variants
- A to try to go to the calabozo del diablo (day 0 that i didn't count on hike). It was a fail at 100m of arrival, i didn't feel the final river crossing. Later in the season will be good enough. Seems an amazing place.
- D for west exposition (see below) and attracticity
- F and J on the ridge because it looked really safer than the RR below. I didn't feel endangered on these parts of the ridge, it's flat and large, even with windy conditions. RR seemed steepy from above.
- I hitchhiked from the end of the ridge to Coya
Camp : - Coyanco river on variant A after my calabozo fail, official place for camping with toilets ; - 22.9 (arrieros camp after river crossing) ; - 39.3 in the cirque before the pass, very nice but windy ; - 67, where lilian found the good spot. Actually you have to get all the rocks and cow shit away, and there are a lot of spiky herbs. I found only one good place for a tent after exploring a bit but it was perfect and well protected. Another spot is 1.5km after, plenty of space but less trees for protection ! ; - 90.4 on variant J on the ridge just below the summit. Nice but unprotected ! You have some more places around the cerro los canelos (with the antenn).
Water : all the markers were still flowing. Bring filter with you as there are cows everywhere in the mountain
-Waypoint 8.7 : you can hear it downstream, not on the RR, but seems hard to reach
-11.8 : minor stream, i dont know if it will still be there in a month
-Between 15.6 and 20.7 : 2 other streams
-Between 20.7 and 27.5 : multiples river crosses, no problem with water
-Less water after the bridge at 64.3.
- Good stream with tiny cascada at 66.7 just before the nice camp spot at 67 km.
-Surely water at puesto 73.2 as you can see a river below, but not on the RR (underground pipe ?)
-78.8 : Important water spot as Lilian said, last until the road on all the ridge. This is NOT a big stream now, I don't know if it will still flow in a month. Note that there is an emergency exit at this moment if you have water problems. Some workers were here, working in fields.
-Sunny and hot conditions on the ridge. I took 5.2 L (I cooked with a few while camping) and got 200 mL at the end.
Snow patches : now only on east and south exposed slopes. No problems with snow at this moment, i didnt have to cross any :
- km 34 where Matthias took the uphill solution, now you have a little hole in the snow juste below the RR.
- after the pass : snow patches block the passage to the minor road RR. Just follow the ridge for a few dozens meter and safe way to join the minor road, without snow.
- variant D : fully exposed west so no patches if you begin it on the RR after crossing the river (directly on the west-exposed slope). I don't know if there are patches on the RR before the variant D end.
- No patches blocking the RR after variant D end
River Crossings :
- first on variant A, at 8 am. The flow is strong, choose wisely the place. A few meters below the usual local crossing (that you can see with a cairn) I found a big rock in the middle of the river. The first part until this rock is easy, the second stronger flow, up to the beginning of thighs but only for two paces. (178 cm 80 kgs).
- No other concerns about river crossings along the way.
Right of way : No problems with gates or private properties on the way. I had to pay 6000 pesos to enter the Coyanco reserve at 11 am.
Other: I saw one snake (the second, another one on GPT01) in the middle of the trail, taking the sun, he moved slowly but I had to make noise for it. Be careful at any time not to walk on it. I think it was a chilean long tailed snake, venom painful but not deadly as wikipedia says. Internet says that it's rarely seen... but seems not on the crazy GPT !
- 2023-Dec-6 to 2023-Dec-11/ 5 days / SOBO / RR, variants A+D+E+G+J+M / Matthias
GPT02 was a great hike in these spring conditions. With the snow on the upper part and the variants + shortcuts I could avoid most of the more boring walking on MR until bridge at km 64.3!
Forded Coyanco river on variant A on 6th of December late afternoon ca. 150m upstream of location on track. Water up to thighs for me (188cm).
Steep snowpatches on GPT02 are a serious danger as snow is compacting daily now. But you can go around all of them, particularly around km34, I went 100m uphill to avoid the remains of the cornice.
I could not find a path for RR where variant J stays easy on the ridge. Seems like a fence is being build at the end east of RR, perhaps blocking access to variant M (and other variants?) in future.
Hitch-hiked to Rancagua from road at end of variant M.
Camps: - on river bank of Coyanco river after fording ca. 33°42'30"S 70°20'45"W - at track waypoint at km 22.9 (beside stone-walled rock) - very beautiful at 33°54'15"S 70°23'33"W (in cirque one platform below RR) - 1.5km after bridge at km 64.3 besides the path (no great spot) - on the ridge south of Cerro Alto El Paico (km 90.4) - no water
- 2023-Dec-07 to 2023-Dec-10 / 4 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Lilian
Gate[3.3/1049] : gate is opened, nobody there on 7am.
Water,bridge{01} : look like is broken, wet feet crossing. Strong flow and up to knee at early morning.
Water?{8.7/1298} : dry at river crossing, but is still flowing at downstream, after you cross the stream, dont climb up immediately, there is a side trail on your right side to downstream, follow it about 1 min, you'll hear water flowing, water spot is on your right side, but is overgrown and muddy, not easy to get close. It has a small pool and like a spigot (2min/L).
Water?{11.8/1648} : excellent spot, water flowing good with clear and coldwater, has a huge shade for lunch or a break, also a sandy spot for 1 tent.
Water{15.6/1616} : good flowing with a small waterfall at RR crossing, great to take a cold shower in hot mid-day.
Water{20.7/2064} : flowing good.
Ford{21.6/2033} : easier spot at 30m upstream of RR crossing, flowing fast and up to knee at early morning, much easier than the broken bridge one. A small sandy spot for a small single person tent.
Ford, camp?{22.9/2067} : RR crossing look like up to knee. Downstream 30m is a better crossing spot, rock bar under water, just up to half of calf, easy. After crossing there is a large flat area, have stone wall for 1-2 tents.
From here to "Ford,camp?{27.5/2209}", some more river crossing, mostly just up to knee.
Ford,camp?{27.5/2209} : look like no camping spot here?
Climb up steep but easy to follow.
Snow conditions just like Yannick & Nolwenn said, if not comfortable with snow, wait 1-2 weeks for melting.
Still lot of snow after the pass. The last snow slope you need to cross is at km54.1
Camp{57.0+0.3/2286} : when you first see the meadows from high, keep walking a little and look at the mountain side, a stream with a red and white pipe is there, flowing with crystal clear and cold water.
Water, bridge{64.3/1733} : tons of brown sandy water.
Km64.7 : camping spot, but dead cows here. Km67 : camping spot on valley side, some tree covers and great view, some side trail leads you to there. Km68.6 : camping spot beside the road.
Bridge, water?camp?{78.2/1736} : flowing good with clear and cool water. Can fit some tents at road shoulder. It is the LAST WATER before the ridge.
Mostly have flat spots for camping at each pass before km85, but windy.
Km85.5 : excellent camping spot, can fit 1 tent, with a blouder for wind protection from south, great views, BBQ grill and cell service.
Lastly, i took 4.5L water go over the ridge, and water all gone, better bring more in January and February.
Coya have a small shop for resupply, not the best but enough, also friendly!
Beside the store is Bar Catalán Coya, they make nice sandwiches!
- 2023-Dec-04 to 2023-Dec-08 / 4.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Stiina & Kris
Half the bridge gone at the beginning. 1st water was flowing but not where the trail crosses the stream but lower down - there is a dirt path to the water.
River crossings are fine until the one at km26.5 was very rapid and strong; we crossed below the regular crossing point. Probably not a good idea atm to do the crossings in late afternoon. We then took the alternate trail that stays on the left of the river in order to skip two crossings. Good campsite when back down by the river, aimed to do the last crossing in the early morning, which was much better.
The way up had good trail and more water than marked, due to the snowmelt. Snowpatches started once we reached the ridge, mostly very easy to cross except the patches on south-facing slopes; we used microspikes here.
Careful: an unexploded explosive on the ridge at -33.94081, -70.41171.
The road on the way down has lots of rockfall, many places with minor landslides. Some extra streams are flowing between Estero Codegua and the mine.
You can follow us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures
- 2023-Nov-12 to 2023-Nov-16 / 4,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + GPT02 variant A + improvised trail due to a lot of snow between km30 and km52 / Yannick & Nolwenn
- Gates : (1) gate at km3 for the Reserva, nobody there, the gate was open so we just went through. (2) Gate at km80,3 was closed, we just went around on the right side of the fence and followed it to reach the track again.
- Water : water markers correct and more water due to snow melt
- Camping spot : km 17,7 | km 36,5 | km 55 | km 82,6
- River crossing : (1) bridge (km3,6) was inaccessible for us, stream too strong - so we took the variant A and crossed the river further on. The current was really strong and up until the hips, we took our time and had previous experiences of river crossings before. (2)Between km21,6 and km27,5 we had to cross the river 9 times, it was usually up until our thighs.
- Weather : 3 days of sun and 1 cloudy day.
WARNING : Update on snow conditions.From km 30,5 the snow is present until km 52. Be really careful between km 34.6 and km 41, because it is icy and a fall could be fatal. We diverted from the gpt trail because following was impossible due to the snow. Sometimes there was 1 meter of snow. Follow the ridgline from km 42 to km 47, and not the gpt trail because at the moment it is completely covered in icy snow. For those who are planning to do this section in the next few days, defenetly check the weather and be aware of the impact of the sun on the snow ( melting, icy...)
- Resupply : Coya, a small shop has everything you need for the next section
- Accomodation : ' Hostal & Residencial' for 20 000 pesos a night
- Option roads : variant A ( easy to follow ) / variant M + N ( trail overgrown at some stages ) / at the control Maintenes, a friendly worker didn't let us take the gravel road at km 101,3 so we walked along the ruta H203 and reach the trail again at km102,4
- Overall : beautiful section but the snow made it really challenging for us. We met some wild cows and bulls and they were afraid of us and ran away, same for wild horses.
If you want to see some pictures of the sections and/or ask us some questions, you can find us on Instagram : @2funambules
Season 2022/23
- 2023-Feb-25 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Luisa & Hannes
Very hot below 2000m. For river crossing not even wet feet. Passed a kind of informal puesto little below junction to Clarillo, nobody there, just a crazy dog. No territorial cows/bulls around as stated somewhere else. Just give them time they need to check the situation and they will trot away...We where lucky to have met very nice people in the puesto before the mine. Got off at emergency1...took us ttl 6 days for this trip with one day almost off...
- 2023-Jan-05 4 days RR SOBO Frank
I arrived at the private nature reserve entrance @ 5PM & admitted I would overnight in the park so they charged me 12,000 pesos. The entry is 6000 pesos per day. They are not aware of the RR beyond the first few KM & it seems best not to discuss it. As there is no water for about 7KM on RR after you cross the first bridge it seems best to stay on the small road which is quicker & easier than RR. There is an official campsite at the end of the road. Fill up when you cross the river after campsite, the first camp & water source on RR is normally dry. I came in on RR & night hiked about 10KM as I didn't have enough water to camp. There is more water as you go further in. On 2nd night approaching the pass where a waterfall comes down a cliff I went downstream & camped by a big boulder. Room for 1 small tent here. You could also camp in the last valley before the pass. After the pass you are on a dirt road all the way to the mine.
Once over the pass the landscape changes & it's semi desert with a long way between water sources. As you approach a green hut there is a spring coming from the rock by the road. Go into the puesto, if there is no one there you can get water from a spring at the back. The puesto owners are friendly & will have no problem giving you water if they are there. Best to camp at or near the puesto, fill up & start very early next day. Walk the first few KM on the road before dawn if you can. Last water 25KM? was as dry as dirt in January. When you get to the mine stay outside it, go to the right of the boundary fence & handrail it, then you will have no problems. Midsummer i.e. January is not the best time to do the last section, there is hardly any shade & it becomes a desert survival test. The water I had in my pack side pocket was hot enough to make tea. Got to the road OK but felt a bit faint. Heat exhaustion is a real possibility on the last section, go earlier in the season if you can. November once the snow has cleared is ideal.
- 2022-Dec-06 to 2022–Dec-08 / Hiking / SOBO / Tomáš
I continued from the Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo. I went up to Cerro Los Cristales, there was Entel 4G for fifteen minutes on the ridge and then it stopped completely, but I managed to have a audio call over internet. Nice view on lakes from the top but a detour. Have not met anybody all three days it took me to walk this. The cows were all afraid of me (somebody commented they are territorial).
The MR till the waypoint last water 50 km (it is not 50 km from there!!!) is actually impassable for cars due to debris. There was plenty of water everywhere until then.
About 10 km further on, there is a puesto - it has water, you need to go in the puesto. There was nobody there so I slept there in the yard. From here on, there was 4G Entel coverage pretty much everywhere.
About 1 km from the puesto, there is a horse trail going to the left (not mapped), I took it. It goes up and then it is easy CC downhill. I took a detour to south-east due to misunderstanding what the mine looks like (it is that large flat white-yellow valley - probably debris from the mine). Thanks to that I have not met any gates. There was a trickle of water in the last water point (I crossed it somewhat upstream from RR). Walked under the dam and along the fence of the mine. Kept up from the RR, its suggested track loses some altitude for no reason.
The part on the ridge is quite beautiful, I would recommend not taking the emergency exits if you can (I also walked it between 4 PM and 9 PM, so it was not hot,but a very nice sunset). Very clear path pretty much everywhere. But it is far, took me five hours of fast walking to get to the road to Coya from mine. Once I got to the PR, I immediately hitched a car to Coya and stayed at a hostel for 15000 at 34.2057545S, 70.5306223W. Now I will try to get some food.
- 2022-Nov-26 to 2022-Dec-01 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin & Helena
After a few hundred meters into the section we reached the entrance to the nature reservation and were asked for 6000$ per person + our ID numbers. We enjoyed some time by the river that is close to the entrance. Good to carry enough water from the beginning of this section. The alternative way / climb from the valley with water 37.2 gets pretty steep. Snowfields after Cerros de Pueco were still there but it wasn’t difficult to find a way below them. We met a few bulls close to the minor road trail that didnt look very friendly, rather turn around and find a different way. We took some alternative and more attractive trails from the long minor road part (GPT02 D+E). Tiny stream of water available at Sobo: Last Water 25km. We met some workers at the mine who were nice and reminded us that its a private property, no other problem. As suggested in one of the previous comments we didnt go over the gate at the mine but followed a path close to the fence that connects to the CC part. The whole ridge walk at the end is really nice. Quite a lot of traffic on the road to Coya. Overall really hot weather that requires enough water to carry, but nice section. We took a bus to Rancagua before 5PM - ask locals about the schedule.
Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka
- 2022-Nov-28 / Hiking / SOBO/ RR / tom&miky
We left on the 24 of November north to south, hard sun, no water on the second spot marked (water?) Around +/- 5 km The sobo last water was brown, we find clear water few km away maybe due to snow melt? We also found water at Sobo 25 km to finish this section.
- 2022-Nov-10 / Hiking / SOBO / Adrien Kunzli
Just after San José de Maipo the RR-MR-V (02) (3,6+0,4) at S33°41.069', W070°20.876' was denied to me by some conductors (private propriety). But the other optional road without passing the bridge works perfectly fine.
Be careful with the wild herd of bulls and cows before getting to Cerros de Peuco. Very territorial ! Better turning around !
The camp (02-D)(1,3/2800) at S33°57.791', W070°25.710' were full of snow at this time of year.
Season 2021/22
- 2021 Nov-20 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&Stiina
Locked gate (-33.682407, -70.346283) on the route in the beginning of secotion is for the entrance of Reserva Coyanco. There was a lady that opened the gate and said that one day pass through the reserve costs 5000 pesos, but that we can pay it somewhere later. But as the RR doesn’t continue up the valley but across the bridge and up the ridge from the other side then we didn’t meet anyone who would collect the fees. It could be that it’s a weekend thing as there were quite a few people in the area mostly going to see the Calabozo del Diablo.
No water at the first marked location with question mark (-33.72155, -70.345093), but as Marc Anthony already mentioned there is a small stream of water about 3km further (-33.741233, -70.3534).
From there we night-hiked until the second ford where we camped. It was such a relief to hike in bearable temperatures and all the critters were out. We saw a snake, a tarantula, a scorpion, some giant bug, bunch of toads, bunnies and a culpeo fox.
Once we reached the first ford from there onwards until the last water before the mine there was a lot of water in almost every gully, especially as you reach higher elevations. Snow patches are still melting and providing water. The last water is where it’s marked.
Once we got to the mine/plantation we didn’t jump the gate to walk in the fenced-off plantation, but walked around the fence, handrailed it. There is a faint path for first few hundred meters and then it’s and easy cross country, just aim for the shoulder on the mountain.
The last part was actually really beautiful and I wouldn’t want to skip it, we had a cloud inversion in the morning and about 8 condors circling us as we descended the ridge, it was spectacular.
On average we carried 1,7L of water each and besides the first part until the first water and the last part from the last water there really was plenty of water on trail and we could have easily carried only a litre each. For the last part we carried 10L for both of us and it was enough for dry-camping on the ridge and washing dishes and we ended up pouring out about a litre in the morning because we didn’t need that much water.
Once we descended to the road we had an easy hitch to Machali where we resupplied and hitched back to Coya, again an easy hitch. But unfortunately we could not find a camping gas (with thread) which fitted out stove. We checked every ferreteria and supermercado in Machali, even took the bus to Lider Express on the edge of the town, no luck. They only had the gas canisters where you punch the hole. However we found a gas with thread in a shop in Coya. Anyways, lesson is - bring the adapter.
It took us 4 and a half days to hike this section, our last camp was about 9,5km from the road.
We ate some great food and recharged all of our batteries in a Peruvian restaurant “Sumaq Ñusta” in Coya before heading back out on trail.
For more stories of the trail, pictures, videos and in case you want to ask us anything you can find us on Instagram: @smallfootprint_bigadventures
- 2021-Nov-12 to 2021-Nov-15 / 4 days / Hiking / Marc Anthony
Big locked gate at -33 40.961’ -070 20.773’ after leaving el melocotón heading south. Didn’t find anyone around to ask, but luckily it can easily be jumped if you walk around on the left side. Carry a lot of water! Quite a few kilometers between the water sources. There is a waypoint in the track files at -33 43.298’ -070 20.705’ that is marked “Water ? 02”, there is no water here! But I found an unmarked water source a few kilometers further at -33 44.474’ -070 21.204’
When walking down from mountain pass towards the mine, the last water source I found was at -34 04.070’ -070 29.602’ marked in track files with “Sobo: Last water 25 km ???”. In was only running a little bit, might dry out soon?
At the walking into the plantation area close to the mine on the regular route you will encounter a tall locked gate at -34 04.123’ -070 30.702’. I was able to jump over, but keep in mind that there are a lot of the workers at the plantation driving on the road next to it during the day. If you when you continue through the plantation you will encounter a barbed wire fence that runs all the way across the area blocking the path up onto the mountains. Very difficult to jump over! I noticed another gate when walking straight ahead after jumping the first gate. Would advice that you jump over this gate to exit the plantation, instead of following the track files. This way you avoid the barbed wire.
Took me 4 days to hike this section, but I took the emergency exit number 2 because I ran out of water, so didn’t do the last few kilometers.
All the river fords were easy. Quite a long distance between water sources in the beginning. Like in GPT 1 i found the beginning of this section to be quite difficult because of the heat even though it is still springtime. But I only have experience hiking in Scandinavia, so I probably don’t have the best heat tolerance :) As soon as I climbed up to the cooler temperature of the higher altitudes it was a wonderful hike.
Had a lot some trouble with locked gates and barbed wire fence when entering the mine/plantation area. And unfortunately ripped open my plastic water bottle when throwing my backpack over the barbed wire, so lost some precious water.
After a several hours of hiking in the mountains next to the mine I ended up taking emergency exit number 2 because I was running low on water. Must admit that hiking in this exposed terrain during the afternoon heat was also quite exhausting. The guards that picked me up after a while when waiting by the road where extremely jolly and nice. We had a good talk and some good laughs about the whole situation. They gave me water and put me on a bus to Coya by mine entrance. Bus driver even drove me around town so that I could find a open hostel. Certainly didn’t expect all this kindness when trespassing private property!
Ended up in a place called Hostel Vista al Cerro in Coya.
- 2021-Nov-02 / Hiking / SOBO / Yannic & Mirjam
First gate from El Melocoton was closed, but you can just go around to the left and jump the fence. As mentioned by Anthony, there is no water at the marked water point -33 43.298' -070 20.705', but there is water at -33 44.474' -070 21.204'. Nice camp spot a few 100m ahead [S33.73625 W070.35510]. Sufficient water available up to pass (water from melting snowfields). Way from about 2800 a.s.l. was partly covered by snowfields which could be crossed without problem. After pass sufficient water until "Important Sobo: last water 50km" available. After that only a small trickle at: "Important Sobo: last water 25km???". (Should be filtered). We used Emergency Exit 1 because our water filter and tent was broken. The worker at the gate was surprised but very friendly. The internal Securitas checked our passports and then drove us to Rancagua. All employees were very friendly and helpful.
Season 2020/21
- 2020-Nov-07 / Hiking / SOBO / Fran & Rodri
We walked GPT02 in five days, at first, we wanted to start from Reserva Río Clarillo but it was impossible. The guards of Conaf didn't even try to listen to us, they just said "you can't pass", so we try the alternative across the river and after 5km, they caught us, it's a natural private reserve and closed for public ( more strict than conaf) so they kick us out. Finally we start in the regular route in "El Melocotón".
The entrances it's a private tourism property, once inside, you have 2 alternatives, we took the regular because of the water but we had to pay 5.000 pesos each.
Then we walk in and the problems disappear. in the beginning the water spots are between 7km aprox so be careful with that.
In the second day we have a lot of river crossing but it was easy. A lot of sun.
At the end of the route we took the emergency exit 1 in the "Mina Teniente" of course its a super private zone, but they were very friendly, make us a lot of questions, our personal details and they took us to the end of the private zone. Then we walk 5km and arrive to Coya.
In town there is a very good place to eat called "bar catan" (delicious and cheap), and pass the night in "Hostal el ensueño" (15.000 each).
Season 2019/20
- 019-Nov-28 / Family Size
The campground Estero Coyanco (S 33° 40.950', W 070° 20.779') seams to be only open on weekends? One can walk around the closed gate and a person in the campground allowed me to sleep there on a weekday. There would be a small shop, food places and toilets. I stayed up the valley close to S 33° 40.950', W 070° 20.779'.
There was a dead goat further up in the water.
- 2019-Nov-24 / Matus & Anna
We walked GPT02 five days. Including 2 nero days. Again a really hot section, but there is enough water till Estero Codegua. Marked source before mine (water last 25km) is still flowing. Not much, but flowing. After that you won't find any. Trail is in good condition, in few undefines spots just follow gps. We took last optional trail to the left to meet road to Coya, trail was bit overgrown but doable, then we took a regular trail to Coya which is gravel. Shortly after first emergency exit in mine, where is trail cutting a mine property, they are building a high fence that won't be easy to jump.
In Coya we are staying in Tu Casita for 20k including dinner. So far it's nice. Ressuplying is good here, we found everything that we needed.
- 2019-Nov-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR Martina & Ivo
It took us 4 days to walk this section. Trails are in good condition. There is practically no snow left and water levels are low. We took the third Emergency Exit in the mine, so we don't know about the last 10 km. The mine's Security Officer wasn't very pleased to drive us out of the mine. In Coya we found accommodation and resupply tiendas. You can also take the bus to Rancagua which runs every full hour.
- 2019-Nov-14 / Hiking / Ty & America / SOBO
We camped on Reserva Coyanco for 5000 pesos and sweet spots right next to the river. We took a taxi straight there from the city center of Santiago for 25,000. I just saw on the television that the metro is back up to Puente Alto as well.....so that’s cool.
We also took the first emergency exit when arriving at Mina Teniente. Everybody was SUPER friendly. They even gave us a free ride to Machali for Resupply (Isabel supermarket).
After water at the bridge over Estero Codegua, water is pretty much non existent. Nobody was at the puesto, and the next water source was still and dense with tad poles (definitely not ideal)....and probably won’t last for much longer.
There was some just recently passable areas near the top of the pass, but pretty easy to get by! Prefect timing 👌
Season 2018/19
- 2018-Dec-20 / Hiking / Martin Lizondo / Regular Route Southbound
A lot of water capacity is required. Last water source at Estero Bodegua (S34° 00.894' W70° 25.507'). Avoid the route near puesto at S34° 04.633' W70° 30.757' because the pass is forbidden. Instead, keep following the track high off trail.
Season 2017/18
Season 2016/17
Resupply and Accommodation
Resupply and Accommodation in nearby Towns
Resupply and Accommodation along the Route
Transport to and from Route
Get the metro to Plaza De Puente Alto then Bus MB-72B to El Melocoton.
Permits, Entry Fees and Right-of-Way Issues
Links to other Resources
Retired Section Article GPT02 - Mina El Teniente
Images
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