GPT04 (Alto Huemul)

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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. Do not be shy to fix obvious mistakes.

Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions

Season 2024/25

• 2024-NOV-29 to 2024-NOV-30 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (var. J) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel

29/11 At approximately 8:00 AM, we reached a locked gate at the end of Agua Buena [-34.6569755, -70.8528045]. There were barking dogs tied nearby, but no people around, so we climbed over the gate. When the minor road ended, it became challenging bush bashing as the trail was heavily overgrown. Afterwards we reached a cherry orchards. Cherry harvesting was in progress, but nobody seemed to mind our presence. The gate near the settlement [11,4/647] was open. A bit further ahead, there is a small shop selling basic supplies [-34.7207306, -70.8309495].

At another settlement [-34.7737603, -70.7783622], we paid an entrance fee of 4000 CLP each to access Santuario de la Naturaleza Alto Huemul. Some beverages were also available for purchase there. We recommend taking a detour to Laguna del Encanto - a beautiful lake with a waterfall. It’s a great spot for a swim and it wasn't that bussy.

Following the RR trail, we ascended to a flat platform [-34.84218, -70.76672], which is a great spot for camping. The area offers space for several tents and a nice view, though there is no water source!

30/11 At the pass [37,1/2451], we encountered snow. We slid down the snowy sections to reach Laguna Fría. The sliding continued as we descended toward another lake. Lower in the valley, we opted for the OH-J[0.0+0.3] route.

We managed to cross all the streams without getting our feet wet except for two fords: [-34.98731, -70.75117] and [-34.98861, -70.75339]. Upon reaching Río Teno, we paid an entry fee of 7000 CLP each to access Parque Cuenca Andina, as we had entered the Maule region.

In Los Queñes, we were invited by locals and spent the night camping in their yard.

• 2024-Nov-21 to 23 / 3 Days / SOBO / Lukas/Tabea/Basil

After Agua Bueno the trail is overgrown with a lot of thorny vegetation and not a lot of fun to walk. From "El Liano alto" we hitchhiked the arround 20km to avoid walking a day on the dusty road to Sierra Buena Vista Alto. From there it is a nice (Southbound) hike over the 2 Passes. There where some big Snowfields left. Most of them you can slide down southbound. Shortly before "Las Quenes" we met a ranger and paid 12000 each.

• 2024-Nov-18 to 2024-Nov-20 / 3 Days / Hiking / SOBO / RR and J / Karin

Camp: km30 (a bite downstream at the ford) / km44 (about 100m before ford)

I took the bus from Agua Buena to La Virgen (Puente Negro). From there I walked on the road to Las Peñas (about 4km).

At the entrance of the Reserva (about km20), a local opened me the gate and charged me 4000 pesos. Normaly he charges on top 2000 pesos for every night spent there, but as I explained him that I would only cross and not come back, he did not count the night.

The trail is easy to follow. Coming close to the pass km37 was a herd of sheep with there shepard dogs.

After the pass km37 and down to the Laguna Fria was snow. And again from the pass km38.8 to starting point of Gpt04-03 (about km40). Going down the snow is managable, but I would not want to walk these parts up. As the snow is on the slopes facing south and these are the one you walk down by going SOBO, I recommend to do this section only SOBO as long as there is snow.

In the valley after ford km44.9 are plenty of camp possibilities. Very nice walk in this forest.

As recommended by Sean and Neele, I took the variante J. The second part is a steep climb. The path is well visible and maintained. It looks like the locals are regularly using it. So if the Estero Los Pejerreyes cannot be forded or so, it is a good alternative.

There are construction works from the point the Estero Los Pejerreyes joins the Rio Teno. They build a huge dam all the way to the bridge (about half way to Los Queñes). You can walk on that dam.

In Los Queñes, I took the bus (in front of the bridge km60.9, at the corner of the street) to Curicó (about 1 hour for 2200 pesos). So I did not look for shops or accomodation.

• 2024-Nov-10 to 2024-Nov-12 / 2.5 days / Hiking / RR + variant A + J / Sean & Neele

Buses from San Fernando only go as far as Puente Negro on a Sunday (1,000 CLP) (2,000 CLP to Las Peñas) started walking the road but someone offered us a ride to the Las Peñas junction.

Paid 4,000 entrance fee.

Camped just before Ford at 30.2

Water present at all makers plus even more due to snow melt.

Snow present after pass 36.8km to around 39km but was all manageable.

I wouldn't recommend camping at either lake (37.8 or 39.4km) at the moment as the ground is very wet from snow melt.

From the pass at 38.6km we followed the ridge to summit Cerro Zapallo (variant H). Just one short section of snow

Plenty of camping options down the valley after the water at 42.4km

Variant J to 53.8km was good trail, easy to follow and saved 2 river crossings.

Final river crossing at 54.4km (approx) was very strong and deep at 9am. We just managed it (1.75m and 1.6m). Consider taking variant J all the way if you arrive later in the day, or if you're on the shorter side. I suspect this crossing will get worse as the snow melts.

Season 2023/24

• 2024-Feb-01 to 2024-Feb-04 / 3.5 days / SOBO / RR-E-RR-I-RR / Matthias de Austria

I hitchhiked to Las Peñas in the late afternoon, shortly after on the street to the first Laguna a young friendly local couple picks me up, we drive to the Gate at -34.7739,-70.7782 they discuss with the lady, she lets them pass for free, but the gringo has to pay 4000. Got a piece of watermelon from her, at least.

RR stopped by new Plantage at -34.7982,-70.7724. I bushbash around it on its western (right) side. Reached E, street here cuts the plantage in two parts, but try to find a way through the bushes around -34.8010,-70.7678 (on its eastern, left side) to go back on RR, but no luck, all little paths there lead to thick dornbushes. I think the western side after crossing E would be possible (around -34.8022,-70.7702). Anyway I hike E. Long climb up without water until nice camp at -34.8428,-70.7841 at 1500m. No pool. Reach it at 10pm, saw a cute Tarantula, which made my tiredness of putting up a tent disappear. First camp there, next camp at Laguna Fria, nice swimming. There is a little stonewalled place at -34.8774,-70.7436. Take some water afterwards as the way down to the valley is long and without shadow or water. The valley is very beautiful, lots of water, amazing pools and campsites. Night 3 at -34.9654,-70.7429. Around -34.9962,-70.7611 there is a new ranger camp, consisting of 1 ranger living in a tent 5 days a week. Young and friendly ranger, first person I saw for 2 days, asked me immediately if I hike GPT. He thinks its an amazing thing. I register in his phone. Barking free running dogs at the Puesto at -34.9990,-70.7917, I am tired and want no confrontation, walk through the riverbed, but it took me quite a while to find a way (-34.9981,-70.7854) there bc of thick vegetation.

Fordings: all very easy. No snow fields to cross.

In Los Queñes (little supermarket there, enough food) I tried to take the last bus to Curicó at 18:30 (as I read here) in front of the supermarket, but it already drove off at 18:10, leaving me, waiting for this bus at a little park next to it, behind. After 1 hour of hitchhiking attemps a very friendly couple takes me to Curicó even driving me directly to my Airbnb.

• Jan-10-2024 to Jan-12-2024 / 3 days / SOBO / variant A, RR, variant I / Matthieu

Nice section, the laguna fria zone is really beautiful, with all the remaining snowpatches. 6000 pesos for entry in the laguna del encanto zone (4000 for the day, 2000 for camping). The technical part is after the laguna fria until you join the treeline down. Loose rocks, steep and slippery descents with very dry ground. The only snow patch left on the RR is when you go down to the first cirque after the laguna fria. You can easily go around by the right side, by the stones.

Variant : A, hitchkiked to el Llano. - I : if you take this variant, you don't have to cross the estero los pejerreyes that seems strong this year, so it's the secure choice. Trail is in very good condition, with lots of tracks, so I assume that locals take it this year.

Water : all the markers are correct, and you find other good streams all along the uphill to the pass. The valley going down follow the river, plenty of streams.

Camping spots : water 30,2, awesome spot before crossing to the right as Matthias said - 300m after Ford 44,3, on a little pass just before going back to the river down. Plenty of camping spots all along the valley

Accomodation : camping tres palos a los queñes, 10 000 pesos, very nice spot with a pool of river water. Micros to curico 10 minutes before 9h am, 2h pm and 3h pm

No problems with dogs or private properties.

• 2023-Dec-19 to 2023-Dec-21 / 3 days / SOBO / RR + Variant A+D+I + traverse of Cerro Capallo / Matthias

Road hiked variant A to avoid route finding around gates in the early morning.

New Variant Cerro Capallo (2583m, marked): I started from RR where variant G starts heading to one pass higher up on the ridge, crossed descending to the north ridge of Cerro Capallo, followed the main ridge to the summit and a bit beyond, then you can descend the SSE ridge to reach the cirque of the southern Laguna. The variant is quite easy, loose boulder scree to cross was the most difficult. It is shorter and with probably less height meters than RR, and there was no snow on the ridge at all compared to some on RR and a lot on variant G. Snowfields on the descent to the laguna were only slightly inclined and could have been bypassed on easterly facing slope.

The Valley leading down to Queñes is very beautiful and there are many beautiful pools to bath in. When planning keep in mind several fordings and about 300 additional hm up (it was 400 hm with variant I) add substantial time.

Variant I adds some height meters but avoids 4 fordings I suppose

Dogs: the MR on RR crosses fenced private property about 2 km before Los Queñes. After I entered three dogs came running up to me but only fiercely barked at me, luckily. You could follow the advice of Hannes & Luisa and bypass by the riverbed.

In Los Queñes the MR of RR was washed away by last winter’s flooding. Go down to the river bed and up again on the other side.

Busses to Coricó at 15:00 and 18:30 in front of primary school.

Camping spots : km 30,2 near marked water (before the river to the right), km 42.7 (arriero camp, -34.91107 -70.72997, water and pool 20 hm down easy to reach)

• 2023-Dec-15 to 2023-Dec-17 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / 04A-RR-04E-RR / Lilian

I go for {04-A}, resupply at Puente Negro, 3 small shops and 2 tiny shops there. (Agua Buena and Las Peñas also have some small shops, but they were all close when I was there. Maybe too early?)

Km21 : gate and 2 dogs, a women come out and charge me 4000CLP for entrance fee.

Km23.2 : sandy spot can fit 1 tent just beside the road at downhill side, a side trail leads you to there in 20sec. Beside the river, with a fire ring and swimming pool!

Then i take {04-E}, the junction of {04-E} is at RR km24.4, easy walking, some camping spots and water resources.

Lot of camping spots with fire ring from start to {04-E} km2.5, some stream is flowing too, but maybe dry soon.

{04-E} km6.5 : pass, some flat spot, but better camping spot is forward.

{04-E} km7.1 : nice camping spot with fire ring and log seats, beside a flowing stream too! Look like it is a reliable water.

{04-E} km8.6 : pass, large area of flat spot with great views.

{04-E} km8.85 : water flowing.

RR km33.4 : water flowing.

Km33.85 : pass, several sandy spot in this area can fit total 3-4 tents, you can found 2 nice spot at compass north of the pass, with great views and cell services too!

Snow start from km36.1 to km39.7, not difficult and passable. Beware of windy.

Look like some nice flat spot at first lake km37.7, second lake km39.3 and beside a stream km40, but they are wet and muddy now(sonw melting).

Km42.5 : camping spot with fire ring and log seats at down hill side.

Km45.2 : large flat area can fit some tents after a river crossing.

Km46.3 : camping spot with rock seats.

Km46.45 : camping spot with fire ring and rock seats, a side trail here lead you to the river(40sec), 1 more nice camping spot with rock seats is just beside the river.

Km49 : pass after a stream crossing, with some flat spots and good views, but mostly the ground are hard.

Km51.1 : locked gate, climb over.

Km51.35 : camping spot with fire ring.

Km52.55 : nice camping spot with fire ring, picnic table ang wooden seats, close to the river too.

Km53.6 & 53.9 : cross river 2 times, strong flow and above half of thighs at early morning.

Km54.5 : dirt road start, lot of flat spots beside the road on both side.

Km58.6 : locked gate, climb over.

I met a park ranger at the dirt road, he said he came to here for observation, maybe this area will be national park at the future.

A small shop in Los Queñes, super friendly.

• 2023-Nov-24 to 2023-Nov-26 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Jens

The route over the hill of Aguas Buenas cannot be reached via the route marked on the map, as there is a gate in the way. Further to the west is another path, which at some point further up the hill meets up with the original path again. From there it is easy to reach the road to Las Penas.

In Las Penas I am asked for 4000 pesos. I told the man that I wasn't going to stay but would hike to Los Quenes. He was happy with that.

Shortly after the first lagoon, a cherry plantation was created, which completely blocked the main path with its fences. I tried to walk along the fence, but had to turn round after a while because of the bushes. On the other side, you can easily get around the plant ash and after about a kilometre back onto the actual path by the river.

On the second day, we climbed up to 2400 metres. The climb was steep but not difficult. Shortly before the top, we were surprised by snow that remained lying on the ground and accompanied us for several kilometres towards the valley. We had no problems getting over it. However, it is possible that the snow could turn out to be problematic when it melts.

• 2023-Nov-24 to 2023-Nov-26 / 2,5 days / Hiking / SOBO / Variant A + RR / Yannick & Nolwenn

- Water : all markers are good and even more water present - snow from km 36,4 to km 40,5

- Camping spot : km 22,5 ( Laguna del encanto ) | km 40,5 ( ridgeline - water from the snow around )

- River crossing : a few river crossings between km 42,4 to 54,18 - the last one on Estero Los Pejerreyes was really tricky, strong current and water at waist - Nolwenn couldn't do it with her bags so Yannick did it twice and was helped by Jen's ( other GPT hiker) - Nolwenn jumped in the current and 'swam' to the other side

- Weather : Sunny

- Resupply : there is 2 little shops in Los Quenes, but we didn't resuplly as we are heading to section 12 to go NOBO from there -( there is too much snow on section 5&6 at the moment )

- Accomodation : camping ' Tres palos' at Los Quenes - 8000 pesos per person ( you can ask for informtat the pizzeria in town)

- Option roads : variant A - we wanted to avoid going into private properties - the road was quiet in the morning and after ' Puente Negro' it turns into a gravel road

- Warning : still some snow near the Laguna Fria area, but it was manageable for us.

- Overall  : Nice section, the views from the pass are beautiful. The Laguna was frozen still. The dogs in Los Quenes in the street we're all super nice and not aggressive at all.

Season 2022/23

• 2023-Mar-08 to 2023-Mar-10 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Hannes & Luisa

We hitchhiked from Agua Buena to Las Peñas. Everything fine till -34.8001 -70.7687. There is a fenced cherry plantation with incorporated RR minor road for a few hundred meters. You can walk around on the left all along the fence and you get again to RR (or maybe take the OH where the fence starts?). Nice camp at the rio at -34.8398 -70.7613 way before the pass. There is still water going up to the pass. Last we found at -34.8576 -70.7593. Puesto with gate at -34.9740 -70.7455, nobody there. Nice camp at -34.9822 -70.7442, probably crowded on weekends and holidays...straight before we got out to the bridge close to Los Queñes another gate with supposed dogs behind, you can walk around this area left side moving down to the river. You will get out directly under the big bridge. In Los Queñes we stood for 15k each at the house of a señora who lives where is the feria de artesania, coming from the cordillera turn right after the Carabinero station and follow about 50m, turn right again, last house bottom left corner near river.

• 2022-Dec-18 to 2022-Dec-21 / 4 days / Hiking / NOBO RR and SOBO Options / Tomáš

First I went from Terme del Flaco over the pass to Ruta-55. It is easy trail, almost all horse trail, not CC, but in parts overgrown at knee-height with those annoying spiky things, also dusty with little rocks falling into your shoes as it has not rained since ages. In the afternoon light it was quite scenic. There is a path going from the camping ground along the hot creek (see below) and then the river for about 1 km, then there is a bridge - nicer and shorter than the official route [2024: since incorporated into GPT]. It took me about seven hours of walking to get to the other side. There is a mine there (I think for cement) with cell reception and I think some 3G service. Then no coverage until Los Quenes. During workweek, there are lots of trucks with the mine material going to a junction 1 km from Los Quenes, so getting a ride should be easy. There is also some traffic towards the border, so a ride as far as this route follows the optional GPT05 track should also be possible, but could involve an hour or more of waiting. In Los Quenes, there are two shops, the first (on the right before you get to town from the direction of the mountains) is better stocked, it had some nectarines, no cherries. On Monday, restaurants were closed (the one marked in OSM at the exit of the town does not seem to exist), not sure about accomodation. Probably possible to stock for a week for GPT05 but it was not great, worse then Coya. (I returned on Thursday and the restaurants were opened, there is a pizzeria and another restaurant but I did not eat there, the second shop now also had some nectarines).

In the Termas, there was a camping at the end of the road that goes to the baths. 10000 per night. They had electricity, it went out for a few hours during evening but I charged everything. They also have wifi, slow but usable for audio calls. No cell service. The baths cost 6000 per entry (no re-entry). Hours are something like 8-12 and 1530-21. Longer on weekends. The shops that I have seen did not seem well stocked but there are lots of restaurants. From the camping ground, if you follow the water, there is a free hot creek with perfect temperature, about 30 metres far.

As for transport, I got a shared car for about 15000 (it is two hours ride) from San Fernando at 1530 on Friday after asking at the bus station. I do not think it goes every day. There are cars going in both directions in the valley, so hitchiking should work, but be prepared to wait. Due to me losing some stuff, I went back - twice I got a first car in five minutes, once eight cars passed and I only got a ride after two hours. Outside of weekends, there is less traffic that goes all the way to the Termas. No cell reception in the valley until cca 10 km out of Puente Negro.

RR NOBO from Los Quenes is uneventful. The valley is quite beautiful with trees and lovely creek until about 1700, then the track (no snow now) was easy to follow but during midday rather dull including the lakes. It started to be pretty again at about the same height. Met a huge herd of goats with a silent ariero. I got over the same gate as Yannic and Mirjam, ate a few cherries from the new orchard (a few branches were overhanging the fence), then followed the MR without paying anything (I guess they meant the gate with the house and sign saying that some basic food is on sale about 3 km from the tarmac road) going NOBO. Once I reached the tarmac road, I started hitching (enough of cars), never making it to Aqua Buena and not meeting Pedro. Took me 46 hours.

• 2022-Dec-08 to 2022-Dec-11 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martin & Helena

We started in the afternoon at the property of José Pedro (see our comment from the last section) who showed us a little different way than the beginning of RR with saying the owners changed since the trail was established and it might be problematic to get on the trail through some gate? We are not sure bc we decided to follow Jose’s advices and didn’t even try to start on the RR. His way should be a little shorter and easier, its basically the same direction to the bridge as RR but more on the left side. You just aim at the highest mountain visible in that direction, half way on the hill, and always stay on a clear path - anything else got us off after all. We lost the path a few times and ended up close to the top of the hill from where we got clear view over the farms. You just need to get down and from there you actually connect to the RR. In one point you get to a natural “fence” made out of branches that goes around the farm and thats the only time when you should go into it, just for a short time.. then there is a short section through the cherry farm (sufficient hole in the fence) and after reaching one of the main gates which was opened its easy walking down the road to the bridge.. we met even some cars with workers and there were plenty of cherries everywhere in this time of the year. We crossed the bridge at night already and therefore had to camp close to the road to Las Peñas, but there are some cabanas to spend the night in.

With everything closed in Las Peñas in the morning we continued further to the Laguna. José Pedro arranged the entrance for us the day before but we don’t know if it was necessary, we ended up paying 8000$ each which is double of what other hikers paid and some of them probably got in even without paying. Anyway señora Rosa who is working at the entrance and lives in the house was amazing, we bought some drinks from her and even got a little breakfast (pan + coffee) before continuing. Toilets and water after the entrance. The first laguna was not very interesting with a lot of noisy locals so we continued further, really nice hiking all the way to the pass. As mentioned, the track files are not 100% accurate in some places (farm fields changed) but we managed to find the way, only one gate had to be jumped over. Lot of cherries everywhere. We spent the night before the pass. Laguna was really nice and overall no problem with the descent down to Los Quenes, eventhough its a little up and down all the time. One more night before we got to the village, so 3 nights in total. Los Quenes really surprised us in a positive way - the restaurant Pamela is great, we rented a cabana from them as well for 35k. 3-4 shops in total with good selection of things. Amazing cafe place (Canela), the Oasis pizza is really good as well.

Contact: @martin_hanzelka @helenneka

• 2022-Nov-16 / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Yannic & Mirjam

After having a relaxing rest day at Pedro's, we set off for GPT04. Although Pedro explained the route in detail, we got confused in the terrain and ended up going into the plantation. Optimal would be to start on the trail behind Pedro's house over the hills. Then follow the trail of GPT04 as soon as you reach it (plantations on the right). This way you avoid gates and crossing plantations for the most part. On the boring road to Las Peñas we made hitchhiking which worked well. From Las Penas just follow the Minor Road. At the gate you have to pay 4000 CLP/person. Just say that you are on your way to Los Quenes. Some small plantations have been newly built, which is why the road does not correspond to the GPX. Before the minor road ends, a small trail goes off to the left where there is a gate. We were able to climb through the gate at the bottom. Nice camping spot at (-34.80711, -70.76521) near the water. Good trail for the climb up to Laguna Fria. There were still a few snowfields on the pass, but they are easily passable. We spent the night on the northern shore of Laguna Fria (near rock wall at -34.87688, -70.74425) because may was better protected from the wind there. There was still a lot of snow before the descent to the second lake. We therefore walked along the ridge and then descended further ahead to the lake. Track.is not yet in the official GPT GPS files. But the trail is marked on the regular map. Descent was steep, but the trail was in good shape (easy cross country) Camp{04}[53.4/852] no longer exists. However, 500m before there is a bigger camp with tables and benches. 500m later (at -34.98982, -70.75429) a smaller one with a simple fireplace. Both directly on the river.

Season 2021/22

• 2021-Nov-28 to 2021-Nov-30 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Kris&Stiina

We started from Agua Buena around noon and tried to follow Franks suggestion, but after a few hundred meters where the road turns left we encountered a gate with four angry dogs behind it, otherwise the gate would be climbable.

We turned back and from the main road entered an open gate to a cherry farm in hopes to find a different route to meet the RR. There we met a nice old lady Victoria, very talkative she invited us in for a cold drink and said that through her farm it’s unfortunately impossible to pass through because of the bushes and fences, but she called her friend Pedro Jose who owns a land behind the cherry farm that we couldn’t pass earlier.

We went to meet Pedro at his house and he turned out to be a really nice guy, very friendly and spoke good English because he had lived in Finland for 10 years. He also invited us in and we discussed the route among other things. He then guided us on a ninja-path, through the back bush of his and his neighbors land. He said that that guy probably wouldn’t open the gate for us, who knows. After climbing over and under two barbed wire fences we were on the route.

Jose Pedro told us about a better faster route to get to Las Peñas but we opted for following the RR which was a big mistake. The first few km were fine but then it turned into a proper bush-whacky thorny adventure. Imagine one of those military training practices where people crawling in a dirt under a barbed wire, that’s how it felt at times. It was not fun and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Pedro’s recommendation was to go through the cherry/fruit farms to reach the road that is on the northern bank of Río Tinguiririca and follow that to the bridge over the river.

Pedro allowed us to share his phone number (+56 961 357 353) in case other hikers might need help getting around the fences. Write him a phone message or on WhatsApp (don’t call), mention that you are hiking the GPT, when you are in Agua Buena. He doesn’t have a car and cannot give any rides. But he offered to host hikers at his property, you can put up your tent, have a hot shower, use kitchen and charge your electronics, all for 10.000 pesos.

Sign before the bridge said private property - entrance forbidden. We went anyway and didn’t meet anyone who would turn us back. There is a small shop and a bus stop at the turn where you get on to the dirt road about 5km from Las Peñas. We didn’t want to walk in a sandstorm - because of the amount of dust generated by the passing cars - and decided to hitch that part right away which was an easy hitch. In Las Peñas there are about 5 campsites and a small shop, but they are not as good as in Agua Buena. We were lucky to arrive there on Sunday and not a day or two earlier when all the campsites are filled with party people, everyone was leaving as we arrived.

We stayed in Don Bosco campsite for 8000 pesos for two, which is a very cozy Christian campsite, with pool. We think it’s a good option in case of weekend arrival as it might be more peaceful there. By the time we arrived people were already leaving and we were the only people on the whole campsite.

At the shop(minimarket) in town there is a pizza menu poster and you can order a delicious pizza to Las Peñas which we did.

After leaving Las Peñas there is a gate in about three kilometers whch we think charges people who go to see the little laguna with waterfall a bit further up the road. When we got there the gate was closed because of the road-widening excavation works. But after explaining ourselves to a nice lady that was in charge there she let us through and didn’t ask for any fees.

The climb over the pass to the lakes was very long but plenty of shade and water on the route.

We stayed at the first lake - Laguna Fria/Guzman, very beautiful but a bit windy, some firewood can be found hidden behind the boulders close to the campsite at the end of the lake, but it was too windy for fire. We also think this was the better of the two lakes to camp at the other one was very wet all around. There was also an unmarked small lake/pond on the way to he second lake, looked more sheltered in case of really bad weather.

The downhill from the second lake was brutal, very steep and no actual trail, once the steepness eased off and trail appeared it was overgrown. Luckily our complaints were heard and a few km later we met an arriero who was doing a trail-maintenance and cutting all the bushes around the trail, after that it was pretty good. But don’t think it’s an easy walk out of the valley all downhill, it’s a roller coaster with fords until you get sick of it. Last 6km are very walkable though.

Section took us two and a half days.

Nevertheless, we missed the last bus to Curico and stayed at the Los Pinos campground in Los Queñes. 6000 per person, cold shower included, the guy working there was very nice and helpful. Town has a few shops, with limited resupply options, town also has a problem with stray dogs.

There are 5 buses a day to and from Curico first is at 7:30, last is at 18:00 cost is 1700 pesos pp. it’s about 45min drive.

It’s time to have a rest day before heading out to section 5 and 6.

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

Season 2019/20

• 2020-Jan-10 to 2020-Jan-12 / 2.5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Frank

I thought it would be an easy hike from Agua Buena to Las Penas. It isn't. At Agua Buena 500M from start is a fruit farm with no entry sign. No one @ the gate & it was unlocked so I went in. Met the owner & he wasn't too happy to see me but after a discussion I was allowed through. If you go 500M beyond the start in Agua Buena on main road there is a dirt road which branches right just as the main road goes left. The dirt road should come in to join RR just where you exit the fruit farm, allowing you to avoid going through the farm.

You soon leave the dirt road & go down on small trails into thorn scrub. The scrub is thick & if you don't get the navigation exactly right you won't get through. After about 6KM RR goes through another fruit farm. I got in @ low point in fence but had to crawl under fence to get out. It would be easier to stay outside the fence (handrail it) & rejoin RR after the farm.

You cross Bridge 5 into another fruit farm, no entry sign on bridge. As you leave the farm there is a house, they might not let you in here if you are Northbound. Just after you get to the road there is a shop. 3 campsites (paid camping) & 3 shops in Las Penas, last one does small meals. About 2K later you pay 3000 CLP entry fee @ a gate. Camped @ Water 25. There is one place with water beyond that but nowhere else to camp until the lakes. Lakes are nice but no shade & no wood. I would suggest road walking the first section to Las Penas or get the bus (see updated transport section)

• 2019-Dec-20 to 20219-Dec-22 / 3 days / Hiking / SOBO / Southbound / Ian Hikes

Overview: If hiking southbound this is the first section where it really starts to get green and the pine trees start to appear more frequently. The first section is dominated by dirt roads with paying campsites, cabins, puestos and other developments. Later you go over a large mountain pass with sweeping views in all direction completely above the tree line. Finally, you follow the valley into Los Quenes which in a nice little town to resupply in. The town has a small supermarket with many food options along with a few restaurants. These include pizza, sandwiches and empanadas. The plaza in the center of town also has free access to WIFI which I used while I was there.

Difficulties: Exposed mountain pass. Route finding

Highlights: Sweeping views. High mountain passes and lakes.

Please feel free to reach out and ask me any questions at Ultratrailca@gmail.com

• 2019-Nov-30 to 2019-Dec-03 / 4days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Martina & Ivo

low water levels, no snow, trails in excellent condition. ...and food and accommodation in Los Queñes :-)

• 2019-Dec-09 to 2019-Dec-10 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Matus & Anna

We started in Las Peñas (we took Uber there from San Fernando). It took us 2 days. Trail is in good condition. Some parts on the descend are slightly overgrown, but still easy to follow. There is enough water on both sides. Accomodation, food and tiendas in Los Quenes.

Transport to and from Route

Start Regular Route: Agua Buenas

Bus every half hour in daytime from San Fernando to Agua Buena. 5 buses a day from San Fernando to Las Penas (no buses to Las Peñas on sunday), first one leaves San Fernando @ 11:30.

Finish Regular Route: Los Quenes

See images below. This Timetable was obtained in January 2020.

Links to other Resources

Retired Section Article GPT04 - Alto Huemul

Images

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