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→Season 2024/25
==Season 2024/25==
*'''2025-MAR-02 to 2025-MAR-07 / 5 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR + OH (Var. L) / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''
A beautiful section through stunning nature, although the presence of a national park comes with an entrance fee and a higher number of people and cars.
We followed the RR almost entirely. The only exceptions were the descent into the Jeinemeni River valley, where we followed the trail marked in OSM rather than the track files from kilometer 32 until reconnecting with the MR at kilometer 38. Second exeprion was Variant L, which seemed like a more logical approach to Casa Piedra. However, if you take this variant, be sure to check out the suspension bridge at [90.9/635] before turning off. Crossing a suspension bridge over a deep gorge is absolutely worth it!
CHALLENGES
The biggest challenge overall was the weather. Strong winds are to be expected, and at higher elevations, we encountered both snow and freezing temperatures.
The river crossings were not deep, but there were many of them. Given the cold and heavy rain we experienced, crossing them was not particularly pleasant.
The trail was often waterlogged and muddy. Don’t expect to keep your feet dry!
FEES
The entrance to Patagonia National Park can be booked and paid online via the CONAF website. Alternatively, rangers at the park entrance [53.0/843] can facilitate payment, as they have internet access via Starlink. The fee is 11,400 CLP per person.
At Casa Piedra, you enter another part of the park where another fee might be required. However, the local ranger didn’t ask for any payment, and since we didn’t use the campsite, we didn’t have to pay anything.
When exiting the park, no additional fees were requested.
BIVOUACING
Our first night, we arrived by ferry after 9 PM and camped just outside the town. We chose a spot among rocks west of town (-46.5397818, -71.7343889). There are several small tent spots among the bushes. It’s a quiet and scenic spot despite its proximity to town.
The second night, we camped on a plateau in a small valley with a water source [23.9/1586]. It’s slightly less windy than higher up, but still quite exposed. If your tents are not highly wind-resistant, we do not recommend following our example.
After entering the national park, camping is only allowed in designated campsites. The available campsites are:
Camp $, Bridge, Lake {35} [53.3/852] – Includes toilets and cold showers, with a few sheltered platforms. We did not have to pay for staying here.
Refuge {35} [61.7+0.2/856] – A simple shelter with several picnic tables and benches. Free of charge.
Refuge {35} [68.1/867] – Slightly off-trail, so we didn’t visit, but it appeared to be maintained.
Other campsites and shelters marked in OSM and track files further along are mostly ruined or unmarked open spaces. The next large managed campsite is Casa Piedra, costing 8,000 CLP per night.
From Casa Piedra onwards, we entered a different section of the national park, where the local ranger gave us no clear instructions on camping, nor did he seem concerned about it.
We camped on the shore of Lago Gutiarrez (-47.07580, -72.24877), and we weren’t the only ones—another group camped further down the shore.
Our final night was spent at the campsite [136.9/162], which was a nice spot.
A few hundred meters further at (-47.19807, -72.45737), there are three surprisingly nice and clean refugias, which could also be used.
WATER
Water is not an issue. The plateau at the start has several small lakes and streams, and for the rest of the section, the trail follows rivers and lakes for the most part.
Even at higher elevations, such as beyond the pass [110.8/1126], small streams were available for water resupply. A good example is at (-47.09787, -72.28568).
RESUPPLY
We resupplied in Puerto Ibáñez at a small minimarket near the lake, so we don’t have information on shopping options in Chile Chico.
In Cochrane, there are several stores. We were recommended Supermercado Rojita, located near the main square at (-47.25330, -72.57560).
Another well-stocked option was Supermercado Emporio Vecino Arno, which is conveniently located as you enter Cochrane at (-47.25089, -72.56108).
For food, we recommend Cumbres Pizzería Artesanal, located above Supermercado Rojita. It’s a small pizzeria, but the lady running it was very friendly, and this was easily the best pizza we had in Chile.
''' 2025 Feb 25 to Mar 7 / 9 hiking days, 1 zero days / NOBO / Hiking / Var R, Var S, RR, Opt 3D, Opt 3C, Opt 3, Opt 3A, Opt 2A, Opt N, Var T / Michael and Kasia '''
