Cambios

| This route is recommended for hikers, that wish to explore the volcanic terrain around the Laguna del Maule and the particular remote valley El Troncoso near the border to Argentina.  We have done a part of this route on horseback. Other parts constitute traditional trails used by local herdsman to drive cattle up the valley El Troncoso. One part is also published by "Sendero de Chile" as "[http://www.senderodechile.cl/senderos/potrero-lo-aguirre/ Potrero Lo Aguirre]".  This trail adds 27 km distance, 1200 m ascent and 1300 m descent compared to the regular route of section 2. This alternative incorporates more horse and hiking trails and less roads than the regular route. This alternative includes 22 km of roads (12 km of paved road and 10 km of dirt road) compared to 43 km dirt road of the regular route making this a potentially more attractive route. We were told that during the summer a small resupply shop opens near the trail at the Laguna del Maule about 45 km after the starting point of this alterantive. Make sure to not get an exit stamp into your passport when passing the border control post near the Laguna del Maule since you remain in Chile.