Plantilla:Day 4 Lago Verde - Lago Palena (English)
Travelers returning to Lago Verde should leave the camp set because the following section is an out and back day ride for them. It is advisable to leave the excess load and cargo horses resting at the camping site in order to have an easier ride to the last Guide Post of the route.The route heads towards the northeast in the middle of a beautiful Lenga forest. After a one kilometer ride it reaches Guide Post Number 32, Vista al Lago (Lake’s Sight).From this point onwards the route descends gradually to Palena Lake’s shores. The traveler will be able to appreciate the fantastic emerald color of this majestic and isolated lake.
Numerous fallen trees (mainly Lengas), effect of stormy weather, interrupt the route at several points, forcing travelers to detour from time to time. The route follows west on the southern shore of this gigantic lake,and arrives to a place known as Puntilla Lopez, on the most western side of the lake.The place is preserved in good conditions; presenting optimal riding characteristics.Plenty of old wooden partial structures indicate baquianos usage of this spot as a summer campground. A short break is recommended at this site.
The route continues by the side of Palena Lake for some minutes.A slow and peaceful ride on an easy route and the stream named Estero Los Tempanos appears calmly flowing into the lake. Here is Guide Post Number 33 known as Puntilla Lopez and is the perfect place to dismount and rest while admiring the lake in its entire splendor.Locals say that this is the favorite spot for tourist sailing from Argentine or coming from one of CONAF’s shelters placed on the lake’s shore.
The route follows east for some meters and then turns west avoiding a cliff hanging on the lake’s shore. This long but obligatory detour passes through some lookouts from where the lake seems like a green quite, untouched and magnificent vault.The route regains its eastwards orientation,showing no difficulties for travelers.
A downhill trail leads to one of many Palena Lake’s shores and surprisingly travelers will find themselves in the middle of a stones shelter. Rocks falling from the side hills where used to built this shelter, that remains standing on good conditions.This is Guide Post Number 34.
From this point onwards,the route gets more and more complicated.A steep hill trials horse’s capacity and endurance and many fallen trees force the travelers to take big detours.An irregular path’s surface, covered with stones,rounded rocks and Lenga roots, complicate the situation.It is suggested to dismount and walk this section, holding the horse by the reins.
Later the route arrives to a big collapsed area. To continue it is necessary to advance downhill to the lake’s shore and proceed riding on shallow waters.
One hour later guide post number 35 indicates the end of this Heritage Trail. A Trail coming from the North from the town of Alto Palena uses this same Guide Post Number 35. It is recommended to descend to the lakes shore and admire the amazing beauty of the lake where the horizon is dominated by mountains painted with an exuberant green color.
