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{{IndexadaIndexed}}[[category:KMZconTrack]]{{RutaForm2_englishRutaForme
|Actividad=Trekking
|País=Argentina, Chile
|CiudadesArgentina=El Bolsón
|CiudadesChile=CuricóSantiago
|BellezaEscenica=Impresionante
|Atractivos=Vistas panorámicas, Glaciar, Bosque, Flora atractiva, Fauna atractiva, Lago, Laguna, Río, Fiordos, Formación Geológica, Cascada, Parque Nacional
|DuraciónDuracion=más de 90 días
|Sendero=Tramos sin sendero
|Señalizacion=Insuficiente
|Infraestructura=Inexistente
|ComparteIdayRetorno=Cruce
|Latitud1=-38
|AltitudMedia=900
|Primer Autor=Jan Dudeck
|Imágen Principal=Greater_patagonian_trail.jpg
|ComentariosImagen=GPT16: [[Volcán Mocho]] on the background.
|KMLZ=GPT_Minimized_NOT_FOR_HIKING_AND_PACKRAFTING.kmz
|TipoDeMap=HYBRID
|ComentariosMapa=GPT SAMPLE Minimized (NOT FOR HIKING AND PACKRAFTING) {{colores|red|Trail.}}{{colores|blue|Packraft.}}{{colores|blue|Packraft.}}
}}
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==SummaryIntroduction== [[File:GPT01-P0115.jpg|thumb|500px|right|GPT06: The volcanos Descabezado Grande and Cerro Azul with the Laguna Caracol to their feet. Image: Jan Dudeck]][[File:GPT08-Arriero.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT09: Arriero at the base of the Vulcano Antuco. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT06-P0005.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT11: Araucaria trees in the Pehuenche homeland. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT13-P0028.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT18: Cross Country walking on volcanic ash at Cordon Caulle after recent eruption. File: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT28-Rio_Palena.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT28: Packrafting the Río Palena. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT_Glaciar_O'Higgins.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT38: Glaciar O'Higgins coming down from the Southern Icefield. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
The Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT) is a long-distance route network in the southern Andes that spans from the outskirts of Santiago all the way to southern Patagonia.
There are also various volcanoes and other summits along the route that can be ascended without rock climbing gear. I have also included optional tracks that get you literally into the last valley on the border between Chile and Argentina. These remote corners of the southern Andes are of particular interest to hikers that love to venture into remote back-country.
If you have questions that are not answered in this trail descriptions introduction quickened your appetite to explore this network of trails then don't stop reading here and don't pack your backpack yet. The GPT is quite different from what you may send me an emailmight expect. Also your feedbacks are very welcomeEspecially if you have thru-hiked the famous long-distance trails in the US (i. Please report any changes e. the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail or errors to correct the trail description and Continental Divide Trail) or if you walked on the trail fileEuropean pilgrimage trails (i.e. All GPS records and waypoints along the route network are very helpful to update and maintain Camino de Santiago) don't assume that the trail file. If GPT will be a similar experience and that you have change are already prepared for it. This region and extension proposals please send the proposal ideally with a GPS record to the authorthis route network is unequal in nature. Alternative routes Some best practices and habits that are attractive for hiking or packrafting will important on established trails in the US and Europe would be included as a trail option or result foolish in a change of Patagonia. Other skills and aptitudes are essential to truly appreciate the regular routeGreater Patagonian Trail.
In the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers Manual] I try to rectify potential incorrect assumptions and outline the essentials for hiking and packrafting on this trail network. You should also read the publications of other hikers and packrafters to learn from the diverse experiences on the Greater Patagonian Trail.
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==Information to the GPT=Trail Length and Trail Type Composition===The Greater Patagonian Trail is not a normal single line long distance trail but a wide discovery trail network with countless options and alternatives. Therefore the actual length that someone may walk and paddle depends highly on the selected sections, the chosen route and the method of travel (hiking only, packrafting wherever possible or a balanced combination of both). Also a further extension of the trail towards the southern tip of the continent is in preparation. For this reason there is no precise number for the trail length and only examples can be provided.
[[File:GPT_Manual.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT Hiker's Manual]]
[[File:GPT_Settler_(2).jpg|thumb|500px|GPT22: Discussing route options with settlers at the Río Puelo. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT10-Peuenche.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT09: Being guest at a Pehuenche family: Fresh milk, fresh cheese, fresh meat! Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT07-Laguna_del_Maule.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT07: Horse riding with Danilo and Jito (the founder and horse riding guide of [http://www.chile-horseriding.com/ www.chile-horseriding.com]) at the dormant Supervolcano Laguna del Maule. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT09-Laguna_de_las_Lajas.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT09: Circling the volcano Antuco. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT18-Lago_Pirihueco.jpg|thumb|500px|GPT18: Camping at the shore of Lago Pirihueco. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT28P-Ferry.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT28P: Patagonian fjords seen from the ferry on the way from Raul Marin Balmaceda to Puerto Chacabuco. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
The below overview shows two example based on the current regular hiking GPT is an informal route and network therefore you will not find any “official” information. In the current regular packraft route. The packraft example does not include following I list all possible packrafting but considers a packraft use only on relevant resources that help to understand the selected sections where this equipment is clearly more benefit than burden GPT and is therefore highly recommended to be carried and used (Sections GPT17P to GPT39). This example also excludes the not yet verified and very challenging exploration sectionsget prepared for an adventure on this trail system.
Chapter 3 goes deep into specific topics. You will require this expertise for specific tasks e.g. when setting up your GPS or when calculating distances and estimating travel times. The Appendix also contains valuable additional information that contribute to a profound understanding of the GPT and the region.
The Hikers’ Manual is not available on paper but only as a PDF document. It is designed to be read on a computer or on a smart¬phone while being online or offline. Therefore, it is issued in the screen-friendly 9:16 page format. When reading this document it is best to use full screen slide mode in landscape orientation. Normal vertical scrolling is less practical. Install a suitable app on your smartphone if needed.
The Greater Patagonian Trail is an informal trail network that grows and changes regularly. And creating and updating the documentation to this evolving trail network relies on voluntary work only. Therefore, this Hikers’ Manual is not expected to be completed in the foreseeable future and will remain a growing and evolving document. This unfinished nature has been made intentionally visible by displaying empty chapters with red “To be issued.” remarks and similar comments in red. This shows what topics are planned to be covered with future updates and where contributions and reviews are welcome.
Updates and additions to chapter 1 and chapter 3 are made first in the Hikers’ Manual and not simultaneously copied to the Wikiexplora main article. Therefore, the last published version of the Hikers’ Manual is the most current and comprehensive document available of the GPT. Note the publish date on the cover page in the bottom right corner and check occasionally for updates that are also advertised on the Facebook group.
===The Greater Patagonian Trail snakes mostly through the southern Andes but also diverts to the west into the Patagonian fjords and descents in to east where the vast plains and the Patagonian steppe begins. Therefore you can sample the full variety of Patagonia when walking the length of the Wikiexplora GPT.Section Articles===
The informal and unpredictable nature of the GPT makes it also relevant that hikers quickly exchange updates and advices while travelling on this evolving route network. This can be information to temporary unpassable trail sections, volcano alerts, river conditions or anything that makes you think in hindsight: “I should have known this before!”. In the Wikiexplora section articles, hikers can post such alerts and advices. Additionally, hikers can provide any other beneficial information and suggestion that is not yet included in the section description.
===The GPT Track Files===
The track files are provided on personal request by the author free of charge but not unconditionally. Read Chapter 1 of the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual] where you find the Code of Conduct on the GPT and the Terms and Conditions for Using the Hikers’ Manual and the Track Files. Review these conditions and read why they were put in place. Should you agree all Terms and Conditions, follow the instructions in Hikers’ Manual.
===The GPT Facebook Group===
To become member of the [http://bit.ly/GPTfacebook GPT Facebook Group] you need a Facebook account and request access: http://bit.ly/GPTfacebook
===Publications to the GPT by other Hikers and Packrafters=Southbound====The southern terminus of the GPT stands at the shore of Lago Viedma on the eastern edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. There are attractive and suitable trails and packraft routes south of Lago Viedma but there are three logistical challenges that currently impede a feasible and continuous southern extension of the GPT without significant road walking:
With this Hikers’ Manual and the article on Wikiexplora I aim to create a systematic introduction and comprehensive documentation of the GPT. I intentionally try not to overload these documents with personal stories from the trail.
There is another reason why my writing is rather technical. I’m an Engineer by trade, I work as an inspector and issue inspection reports on a regular base. For this I need to carefully choose my words to be factual and precise but also legally sound. Storytelling is neither needed nor welcome in my inspection reports. When numbers are available or when information can be structured into tables or charts than this is always preferred over well phrased verbal descriptions. You will notice these writing habits in the Hikers’ Manual and the Wikiexplora article.
Keeping my personal stories mostly out and maintaining this documentation rather technical benefits a systematic preparation but makes the Hikers’ Manual and the article on Wikiexplora a bit bland. But for most hikers, and this includes me, the personal experience of the land and with the people are the dominating motives for such an endeavour. To tap on more personal experiences during your preparation watch some videos and read some blogs that were issued by GPT hikers in recent years. In these publications you find the diverse individual perceptions of the GPT. Some blogs openly describe mishaps and lessons learned and hopefully help other in avoiding the same mistakes.
The Hikers' Manual provides in chapters 3.7 Distinct Contributors and 3.8 Publications to the GPT a collection of links to videos and blogs that I consider particularly useful.
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==The GPT Route Network==Security, Police and Borders====In the b
* horse trails that are frequently used by the local cowboys (in Chile arriero or puestero, in Argentina gaucho),
* poorly maintained and neglected trails that are washed out, trenched and blocked by fallen logs,
* minor roads and simple car tracks that are occasionally used by all-terrain vehicles,
* trail-less cross-country routes in barren open terrain,
* a few short stretches of bush bashing through thick growth
* and where no more adventurous route was found also public roads with moderate transit traffic.
* Additionally, packrafters can cross mountain lakes, float down generally calm rivers and paddle in the Patagonian fjords.
This diversity makes the GPT so authentic but also inconsistent and in parts challenging.
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==Section Information=={| class="wikitable"|- style="vertical-alignThe GPT Terrain:top;"! styleGreater Patagonia="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Section Name! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Number! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Best<br>Season! style="text-align: left;" | Hiking-<br>Only-<br>Option! style="text-align: left;" " colspan="2" | Packraft-Option! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Additional Hiking Options! style="text-align: left;" " rowspan="2" | Villages and towns '''on the trail''' or ''near the finish'' for resupply|-! style="text-align: left;" | Direction<br>Options! style="text-align: left;" width="85" | Packraft<br>Usage! style="text-align: left;" | Direction<br>Options|-style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Descabezado| GPT01| Dec-Apr| South ↓| Side trips only| South ↓| Summit Descabezado, Hidden Lakes| ''On the way to the start: Santiago de Chile, Curicó, Molina <br> After section finish: San Clemente, Talca''|-style="vertical-align:top;"| Laguna Dial| GPT02| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| May be used| Any ↑↓| Laguna del Maule and El Troncoso, Laguna las Truchas| ''San Fabian, San Carlos, Chillán''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Chillan| GPT03| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Experts only| Any ↑↓| Summit Chillan Viejo, Laguna las Truchas, Rio Nuble and Las Aguilas, Eastern Side of Laguna de Las Lajas | ''Antuco, Los Angeles''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Antuco| GPT04| Nov-May| Any ↑↓| Experts only| Any ↑↓| Summit Antuco, Around Antuco, Eastern Side of Laguna de Las Lajas| ''Ralco, Santa Bárbara, Los Angeles''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Laguna El Barco| GPT05| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Side trips only| Any ↑↓| -| ''Ralco, Santa Bárbara, Los Angeles''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Guallali| GPT06| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Not used| Any ↑↓| Summit Moncol| ''Lonquimay''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Laguna Marinanqui| GPT07| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Side trips only| Any ↑↓| Laguna Escondida and Laguna Verde| '''Liucura on the trail''', ''Lonquimay''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Sollipulli| GPT08| Oct-May| Any ↑↓| May be used| Any ↑↓| Summit Sollipulli, Icalma| '''Icalma and Reigolil on the trail''', ''Curarrehue, Pucon'' |- style="vertical-align:top;"| Curarrehue| GPT09| Oct-May| Any ↑↓| Not used| Any ↑↓| Fundo Huililco | '''Curarrehue on the trail''', ''Pucon''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Quetrupillan| GPT10| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Side trips only| Any ↑↓| Summit Quetrupillan, Valle Termal| ''Liquiñe, Coñaripe, Pucon'' |- style="vertical-align:top;"| Liquiñe (Hiking)| GPT11H| Oct-May| Any ↑↓| May be used| Any ↑↓| -| '''Liquiñe and Puerto Fuy on the trail'''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Neltume (Packraft)| GPT11P| Oct-May| -| Required| South↓| -| '''Neltume and Puerto Fuy on the trail'''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Lago Pirihueico| GPT12| Nov-May| South↓| Beneficial| South↓| -| '''Chabranco on the trail''', ''Llifén, Futrono''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Puyehue| GPT13| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Beneficial| South↓| Summit Puyehue, Hot Spring| ''Entre Lagos, Osorno''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Volcán Antillanca| GPT14| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Not used | Any ↑↓| "La Plaza"| ''El Poncho, Puerto Rico, Panguipulli''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Lago Todos Los Santos| GPT15| Oct-May| South↓| Experts only| South↓| -| '''Ralún and Cochamó on the trail''', ''Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| Cochamó| GPT16| Oct-May| Any ↑↓| Beneficial| Any ↑↓| -| '''Llanada Grande on the trail''', ''Lago Puelo, El Bolson''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| PN Lago Puelo| GPT17| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Beneficial| South↓| -| '''Villa Rivadavia on the trail'''|- style="vertical-align:top;"| PN Los Alerces| GPT18| Dec-Apr| Any ↑↓| Beneficial| South↓| -| '''Villa Futalaufquen on the trail'''|-|}
The '''KMZ file''' format GPT offers much more than this. The Greater Patagonian Trail is optimal for '''display and editing on rather like a computer with Google Earth'''. In example tracks gourmet menu of different courses that allow you to experience the different tastes and waypoints can be organized in a folder structure what facilitates handling a large number textures of individual tracks and waypointsPatagonia. Unfortunately a KMZ file cannot be uploaded directly to a Garmin GPS but needs to be converted first into GPX file (in example It connects the semi-desert of Precordillera with the free Garmin "Basecamp" software). See also Patagonian Icefields and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyhole_Markup_Language wikipedia article] for further information to barren volcanos with the KMZ/KML file formatdamp green rain forest.
The '''GPX file''' format is optimal for '''uploading Greater Patagonian Trail crosses most of Patagonia and the trail file(s) adjacent regions to a handheld GPS devise'''the north. This applies For this reason I named the trail “Greater Patagonian Trail” when I started publishing in particular to Garmin equipment2014. Also when using a handheld GPS devise it is of advantage to minimize I coined the number of individual tracks. The Garmin devise that I use (GPSMap 62) is unable term "Greater Patagonia" to display more than 200 individual track. Therefore numerous individual tracks that are combine Patagonia in line were joined to minimize its traditional limits with the number adjacent regions like "Greater London" includes the city of tracks in the GPX files. See also the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPS_Exchange_Format wikipedia article] for further information to London and the GPX file formatsurroundings.
In contrast the trail files , when reaching Patagonia, get ready for frequent and enduring rain. Also, don't expect to walk high up in the mountains in the packraft options iheartland of Patagonia as there is simply no continuously high mountain range.eIn Patagonia high mountains are rather like islands that are surrounded by dense temperate rainforest in the west and a semi-desert-like Pampa in the east. "GPT01These island-18like mountains are separated by wide valleys that were carved by giant glaciers during past glacial periods.kmz" contains all routes including all hiking routes. There might be good reasons i.e. strong wind or bad weather The wide valleys are now partly filled with lakes that make a hiker with a packraft opting for drain their water in powerful rivers into the hiking alternative to avoid in example a lake crossing under unfavourable conditionsPatagonian fjords. So '''if you carry Therefore, “real Patagonia” is best traveled by packraft because a packraft''' download the trail files for the '''Hiking-Only-Options AND Packraft-Options''' because gets you on these trail files show you all optionslakes, rivers and fjords.
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[[File:GPT09-Familia_Carrileo1.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT09: The summer outpost ("puesto") of the Pehuenche family Carrileo near Guallalí. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
[[File:GPT09-Familia_Carrileo2.jpg|thumb|right|500px|GPT09: Being guest of the family Carrileo. Image: Jan Dudeck]]
Therefore, I do not recommend attempting a thru-hike of the GPT. This focus would require rushing and taking less attractive short cuts, in example deviating from GPT to walk on main roads instead of following the trails. It inhibits slowing down to fully appreciate the land and share time with the people along the route. And more importantly, someone who tries to thru->hike the GPT in one season is forced to hike some sections off season. This results in unreasonable risks by attempting to cross torrential rivers and climbing to high elevations when fierce blizzards can kill. And remember, when walking these trails, you are just a guest on the land of others. Just the idea of racing through strangers’ backyards is regarded a rude in these remote regions.
And what might be the biggest disappointment for some thru-hikers on the GPT: There is no trail community and thru-hikers do not receive any special admiration because nobody along the trail distinguishes between thru-hikers, section-hikers, day-hikers, or tourists in general.
'''For respectful explorers the GPT is much more than a long-distance trail.''' It’s a wide network of routes with many hiking options and packrafting in a diverse landscape. A unique blend of people lives along the trails making the hike more of a cultural experience. If approached with respect and interest, then these welcoming people will share much more than just the right-of-way regardless where you are coming from and where you are walking to. On this trail your willingness and capability to immerse yourself in this culture will be more relevant than the weight of your backpack.
If you find Triple Crown Thru-Hikers more credible to speak about thru-hiking the GPT than read in the Hikers' Manual how Lauren Reed (Neon) and Christine Thürmer (German Tourist) experienced the GPT in comparison with the renowned US long distance trails. Lauren was the first hiker to walk the entire length of the GPT in two seasons together with Bethany Hughes (Fidgit).
Someone who wants to explore the entire length of GPT should split this adventure into various seasons. This also facilitates hiking lightly where a packraft would just be a burden and to packraft were the extra weight really pays off. Having more than one season also gives the extra time to take some of the more demanding but rewarding options.
Attempting to thru-hike the GPT is like trying to memorise every word of a book that is still in the making with the first drafts informally shared for peer reviews. It’s pretty pointless and assigns this evolving route network far too much authority. But this unfinished nature of the GPT makes it possible to investigate new routes and become co-authors of the GPT. This is a unique difference to established long-distance trails. You are not limited to just follow a given trail, but you can contribute to the GPT by adding your part to this unfinished story.
Michael Deckebach summarized this conclusion after his 5-months adventure on the GPT with the following words: "The Greater Patagonian Trail is awesome, but (...) not designed for “purists” who get satisfaction from completing every inch of trail or touching every white blaze. Can it be done? Probably, but why try and fit a square peg into a round hole?”.
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[[File:GPT Evaluation PGPT_Fjord_Packrafting.pngjpg|thumb|1050px500px|left|Greater Patagonian TrailGPT28: Section Evaluation (Packrafting including Exploration Options)]][[File:GPT Trail Type PReaching the sea after paddling down the Río Palena.png|thumb|1050px|left|Greater Patagonian TrailImage: Trail Type Composition (Packrafting including Exploration Options)Jan Dudeck]]<br style="clear:both" />
==Questions and Feedbacks==
If you read this article to this point then you should definitely download the [http://bit.ly/GPTguide Hikers’ Manual from Dropbox] now. Should you have questions that are not answered in the Hikers’ Manual than you may write the author an email. Also feedbacks are welcome.
Email of author: gpt.jan.dudeck@gmail.com
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{{Trekkings Chile}}
[[category:Greater Patagonian Trail]]
[[category:Parche Greater Patagonian Trail]]